At the same time as the past season is officially declared over and many guests are gathered at the Le Mans circuit for the 2009 prize giving ceremony, the complete 2010 calendar is finally disclosed. Five races for this seventh season, including some novelties.

First of all, the opening race of the season will be held on the Castellet circuit and will last 8 hours. After the success of the night race on the Portimão circuit in 2009, the experience will be repeated and reinforced with two nocturnal races: once again in Algarve, and in Hungary. The 1000 Km of Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, firmly rooted in the Le Mans Series tradition, conserve their format and date.

March 7-8 Official Tests –Paul Ricard Circuit
April 9-10-11 8H of the Castellet –Paul Ricard Circuit
May 7-8-9 1000 Km of Spa-Francorchamps
July 15-16-17 1000 Km of Algarve (Night race)
August 21-22 1000 Km of Hungaroring (Night race)
September 10-11-12 Autosport 1000 Km of Silverstone

In a nutshell…

The 8 Hours of the Castellet (9/10/11 April)
The first race of the 2010 Le Mans Series season will be held on the Castellet circuit, in the south of France, on 9, 10 and 11 April. This circuit, both ultra modern and firmly rooted in the history of motor sports which has just reopened its doors to the public, has welcomed the Official Tests of the Series since 2004 and will do so again in 2010 on 7 and 8 March.

For an exceptional race, an exceptional format! The opening of the season will not be done with the usual 1000 Km schema (or 6 hours), but will last 8 hours with a late morning start and an arrival at sunset around 7pm.

Note that this race will award the same number of points as a 6 hour race, only races 50% longer than the usual 1000 Km distance count double.

The 1000 Km of Spa Francorchamps (7/8/9 May)
This race is now a traditional meeting for all Endurance racing enthusiasts. Always held in May, it is the last race before the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Belgian track, winding and hilly is a big challenge for the drivers but also for the machines and remains one of the favourite circuits of all motor sports lovers.

In front of the many enthusiastic spectators, the line-up for the start is often the biggest of the season. This year, the tradition of the Belgian race will no doubt be respected.

The 1000 Km of Algarve (15/16/17 July)
The first edition on Portuguese soil in 2009 was a success: summer ambiance, high tech circuit, a present public … everything combined to make this meeting one the series musts! The Le Mans Series competitors will return to the Portimão circuit for this night race after having had time to recover from the 24 hour race.

The 1000 Km of Hungaroring (21/22 August)
Another novelty for Le Mans Series: Hungary. The race, which will be held over two days, will be the season’s second night race.

The Hungaroring circuit, 19 Km from Budapest, is nicknamed the “Turnstile”. Measuring 4,381 Km, it is very narrow and winding. Built along a natural valley and flanking the hillsides, its natural implantation allows an 80% visibility of the circuit for practically all the spectators, wherever they may be. It will be a first for the teams who will discover during this nocturnal race, life… “by night” in Hungary!

The Autosport 1000 Km of Silverstone (10/11/12 September)
Another Le Mans Series classic: the 1000 Km of Silverstone. Traditionally established as final race of the season, the 2010 edition will respect the rule. Held over 3 days, the British race is always one of all challenges for the teams and drivers, such as Jean-Christophe Boullion in 2009, admired by all for his incredible comeback trying to win against all odds until the very last moment. The British soil witnesses these heroes’ assaults. Very Shakespearian, isn’t it?

Soutfield, MI. — Ward’s 10 Best Engines, North America’s only award program honoring engine excellence, have been announced for 2010. The list symbolizes the auto industry’s swift movement toward downsized engines to attract consumers who now are making fuel efficiency a top priority.

Highlights: Two turbodiesels (one each from BMW AG and Volkswagen AG) and two hybrid-electric vehicles (from Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.) made this year’s list by achieving fuel economy of nearly 40 mpg (5.8 L/100 km) in the VW Jetta SportWagen TDI and up to 55 mpg (4.2 L/100 km) in the Toyota Prius in real-world driving.

This year’s winners and the applications tested:
2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)
3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (BMW 335d)
2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)
3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)
2.4L Ecotec DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Equinox)
4.6L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
2.5L Turbocharged DOHC H-4 (Subaru Legacy 2.5GT)
1.8L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Toyota Prius)
2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI) also standard in Audi A3 2.0 TDI

“This year’s list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance,” Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. “Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency.”

To be eligible for the competition, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2010, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.
Throughout October and November, six editors of Ward’s Automotive Group tested 34 vehicles from 13 auto makers in their normal driving cycles in metro Detroit. They scored each engine based on horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data. Each engine was evaluated because it was all-new, offered significant technology upgrades or was a returning winner from last year.

The awards will be presented at a Jan. 13 ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show. A full story on the Ward’s 10 Best Engines is now available on Wardsauto.com.

Ward’s Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry’s information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward’s AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward’s Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward’s Automotive Group, the world’s leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI – based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward’s Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward’s Automotive Reports, the monthly magazine Ward’s Dealer Business, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.

• Global market share increases to 12 percent
• Automotive Division reports significantly higher net cash flow
• Net liquidity in the Automotive Division exceeds €12 billion

In the first half of 2009, the Volkswagen Group extended its global competitive position and strengthened its financial base. In the first six months of the year, Europe’s largest automobile manufacturer delivered 3.1 million (H1 2008: 3.3 million) vehicles worldwide. Although the overall market contracted by around 18 percent, Group deliveries decreased by only 4.4 percent. Consequently, its share of the global passenger car market rose to 12.0 percent (9.9 percent). Sales revenue declined by 9.4 percent to €51.2 billion (€56.5 billion) in the first six months due to volume-related factors. Operating profit amounted to €1.2 billion (€3.4 billion), of which €928 million is attributable to the seasonally strong second quarter. The Group generated profit after tax of €494 million (€2.6 billion).

The Automotive Division’s net cash flow in the first six months rose substantially to €4.3 billion (€2.3 billion). Volkswagen also increased net liquidity in the Automotive Division by €4.3 billion compared with the end of 2008 to €12.3 billion as of June 30, 2009.

Winterkorn: “We are excellently positioned with our multibrand Group model”
“The course of the year so far shows that we are excellently positioned, thanks to our multibrand Group model. Even in a particularly difficult phase in the international automotive markets we were able to gain share in key markets. This has further improved our position on our way to the top,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft’s Board of Management, on Thursday at the presentation of the half-yearly financial report. “Thanks to our sound business model, we increased our financial strength despite the adverse environment. This is also evident from our strong net liquidity position,” added CFO Hans Dieter Pötsch. “Preserving our financial flexibility is a top priority. At the same time, we are investing prudently in renewing and expanding our forward-looking product portfolio,” said Pötsch.

Investing in new models and locations despite the challenging environment
Despite the challenging environment, the Volkswagen Group has continued to invest in key projects for the future. Investments in property, plant and equipment in the Automotive Division rose by 14 percent to €2.5 billion (€2.2 billion). The expenditures related in particular to new production facilities, models to be launched in 2009 and 2010, and the ecological orientation of the model range. The ratio of investments in property, plant and equipment to sales revenue (capex) was 5.6 percent (4.3 percent). “Our technological capabilities are huge, and we will selectively expand them despite the ongoing crisis,” said Winterkorn.

Brands and business fields
The Group’s new model initiative is continuing to pay off: recently launched Group vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf VI, Audi Q5, Škoda Superb and SEAT Ibiza recorded encouraging sales figures. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Škoda and SEAT brands outperformed the market as a whole. However, the growth of the individual brands and business fields was still hit hard by the global financial and economic crisis. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand recorded a lower operating profit of €216 million (€1,295 million) for the period January to June.

The Audi premium brand recorded a 13.6 percent decline in unit sales. However, with an operating profit of a substantial €823 million (€1,299 million), it impressively demonstrates that it has no difficulty competing in the current tough economic climate. The figures for the Lamborghini brand included in the key figures for Audi also declined year-on-year because of the weak market.

At the Škoda brand, a decrease in unit sales of almost 26 percent and unfavorable exchange rate conditions cut operating profit to €135 million (€381 million).

SEAT recorded a 25 percent decline in unit sales and an operating loss of €159 million (operating profit of €2 million) because of the further deterioration of the Spanish passenger car market.

The Bentley brand was unable to escape the slump in unit sales in the luxury segment, leading to an operating loss of €114 million (operating profit of €85 million).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles profited from the sale of the Brazilian heavy truck business in the first quarter and generated an operating profit of €463 million (€215 million) in the first half of 2009.

Scania recorded an operating profit of €48 million.

With an operating profit of €321 million (€523 million), Volkswagen Financial Services again made a significant contribution to the Volkswagen Group’s earnings.

Volkswagen’s goal is to further improve its competitive position
Volkswagen is not expecting any sustained improvement in the macroeconomic situation in the remaining months of 2009. The outlook remains uncertain and the global economic environment is challenging. Global economic growth in 2009 will be negative. The world’s automotive markets are being especially hard hit by this trend and will decline substantially compared with the previous year.

The Volkswagen Group will be unable to escape this downward trend but, as in the first six months of the year, it will perform better than the market as a whole and further increase its market share during the crisis. “The business outlook clearly remains uncertain, and we must continue to expect risks. However, we have not only the necessary scale, but also tremendous technical, ecological and economic potential. This is paying off in the crisis. And it’s why we remain committed to our goals. In 2009 alone, for example, the Group brands will launch 60 new models, product enhancements and successors in the market,” said Winterkorn.

As already announced, the Volkswagen Group’s sales revenue will be below that of the previous year due to declining unit sales. Rising refinancing costs and the deterioration of the mix will serve as an additional drag on earnings. In such a situation, Volkswagen continues to expect that it will not be able to reach the level of earnings it achieved in previous years, although the Group will close 2009 with a profit.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. yesterday announced the official opening of Lamborghini São Paulo as part of its global dealership network expansion and development program. The new showroom, the first official franchised Lamborghini dealership in South America, will be managed by Via Italia Group, one of Brazil’s most experienced luxury sports car sales companies.

Lamborghini chose São Paulo for its status as one of the most modern and luxurious cities in South America and a large global financial center. Located on the famous Avenida Europa in the heart of downtown, Lamborghini São Paulo now has a stand-alone showroom and a dedicated team of sales and service staff. The after-sales facility, technical service and original parts departments will have a dedicated warehouse in nearby Vila Leopoldina.

“Entering South America continues Lamborghini’s ongoing strategy to further develop the brand’s comprehensive worldwide dealer network,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “Via Italia Group was chosen for its expertise in the luxury sports car market, extraordinary sales performance and its reputation for exemplary customer service.”

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in São Paulo, Via Italia Group is an established name in the luxury business and has been responsible for the import, distribution and after-sales of super sports and GT racing cars in the Brazilian territory. Lamborghini São Paulo will be led by General Manager Ricardo Briz who has nearly two decades of experience managing successful high-end car franchises.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Lamborghini and honored to be the brand’s first dealer partner in South America,” said Briz. “We have high expectations for the new franchise and hope to grow into one of Lamborghini’s most successful dealers worldwide.”

Wolfsburg – Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft will take a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG in a first step towards an integrated automotive group with Porsche. This was agreed between Volkswagen and Porsche SE during negotiations on the contracts of implementation relating to the merger of the two companies. The Comprehensive Agreement announced in August referred to an initial participation in Porsche AG amounting to 42 percent. The timetable for the creation of the integrated automotive group remains unchanged: Volkswagen will acquire a participation in the operating business of Porsche by the end of 2009. The merger of Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE is still scheduled to take place during the course of 2011.

The adjustment of the envisaged initial participation reflects the successful progress of negotiations between Volkswagen and Porsche concerning the details of the merger which have been taking place since the Comprehensive Agreement was approved. These negotiations indicate that the projects identified for a closer cooperation have been making swifter progress than initially anticipated. This positive development for both companies, which is an expression of the compelling industrial logic behind the merger, is now to be underscored by a larger participation in Porsche AG. Volkswagen is thus securing a higher share of the increase in the value of Porsche expected from the joint projects at an early stage. At the same time, Volkswagen remains committed to the phased integration of the two companies and is preserving the independence and the interests of Porsche.

Based on the enterprise value calculated for Porsche AG, Volkswagen is expected to pay approximately EUR 3.9 billion for the participation in the company. An increase in Volkswagen’s preferred share capital is planned for the first half of 2010 in order to refinance the participation and maintain Volkswagen’s good credit rating. Shareholders will be requested to adopt a resolution authorizing such an increase at an Extraordinary General Meeting on December 3.

AUDI AG is strengthening its training activities for service employees to further boost the quality of service in Audi repair centers worldwide. The premium carmaker today opened the new Service Training Center in Neckarsulm – the sixth of its kind in Germany. Employees of the roughly 1,700 German Audi Service Centers will be trained at the Center, along with trainers who will prepare there for international assignments. With 80 different training courses and 14 qualification tracks, Audi plans this year to develop its service employees into experts who can provide top service to customers around the world.

“Audi wants to be the world’s leading brand in the area of customer satisfaction. We must therefore set ourselves apart by providing top service and outstanding customer interaction, especially when it comes to service,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi Board Member for Marketing and Sales. Given the constantly growing complexity of the Audi model range, extensive technical training provides the basis.

But there’s more to providing top service. “We are preparing our employees for the technologies of the future,” Schwarzenbauer said. “We’re training them in innovative, especially fast repair procedures, so they can help our customers more efficiently. But above all, we place a high priority on superior communication skills for all employees.”

Audi now has six training sites distributed throughout Germany, making them easily accessible for the employees of all Audi Service Centers. In 2009, service employees are to receive basic and advanced training during a total of 38,000 training days in 80 training modules. In Neckarsulm, Audi employees will now receive theoretical and practical training in a 5,400 m² facility. Trainees will acquire expertise in the bulk of the 14 Germany-wide qualification tracks, in workshop areas that feature the latest equipment and are outfitted in the new Audi corporate design. A new theme is customer communication for technicians. In complex cases, customers are to have the option of discussing their technical matters directly with an expert, who can find a more targeted approach to the solution than is possible when conferring through an intermediary service consultant. The goal is to save time – and to increase customer satisfaction.

This training is supported through selective training courses developed by Audi, covering areas such as investigating noises. Here, Audi technicians learn to use dialog with customers to quickly locate any “crackling” or “knocking” noises the customer describes. Training in “Clever Repair,” which replaces expensive replacement of a body part through more moderate dent removal – saving time and money – is also intended to immediately boost customer satisfaction. Audi is meanwhile consistently expanding technical training with a view to the brand’s technologies of the future: electric and hybrid drive systems, and lightweight design.

About 1,700 Service Centers throughout Germany send their employees to Audi’s training courses. Another essential service of the Training Center lies in the qualification of the trainers, who will transfer their knowledge to the roughly 100 export markets of the brand with the four-ring logo. The training days are supplemented with continuous self-study programs for Audi technicians, which are supported with specific computer programs and iTV shows – reports conveying information about products and repair procedures, which AUDI AG has been producing for more than four years and broadcasting to all markets via satellite.

Ever ask yourself what kind of countermeasures cops have for your finely tuned machine as you drive down whichever highway you may find yourself on? Tuned has asked itself just that and for those of you living in the states, you are safe, we promise.

As for those of you living in Italy or Germany, you may want to read further…

In 2004, Lamborghini S.p.A donated two brand new Gallardos equipped to the brink with scanners, strobes and a full “Polizia” paint job. This meant that the Polizia Stradale could monitor areas known for their speeders or early morning joyriders at their own discretion with two very superior vehicles.  As a matter of fact, Lamborghini even updated the fleet with the 2008 models and have made further improvements for this special highway unit.

Now as for the Germans, Tuned has been relayed information that would suggest that they have been provided with an E63 AMG for high speed pursuits on the limited areas of the Autobahn, where it is highly illegal to break the speed limit by even a single digit.

What is ironic about all this is that both Mercedes and Lamborghinis were clocked at the 2008 Essen Motor show at over 215 mph, an incredible mark for fully equipped police cars.

So now we have figured out who is the fastest and that you don’t want to mess with either the Italians or Germans right? Wrong…things get worse.

Sources tell us that the Germans are in deep negotiations with Brabus to create a one off version of their Brabus Rocket for exclusive police use. Top speed estimated at 227 mph… Better pull out the Bugatti out of the garage if you plan on evading this one!

For those of your who never saw the original Brabus Police concept, it is a 770 Twin Turbo CLS-based monster! Here are some pictures for all of you to enjoy.

The world’s largest Audi Centre – West London Audi – is officially being launched with a huge party for the capital’s top glitterati. Among the guests will be Bryan Ferry, Gordon Ramsay, Dominic Cooper, Jamie and Louise Rednapp, Phil Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Rupert Penry Jones, James Cordon, Ronan Keating, Beverley Knight, Davina McCall, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Jackie Stewart.

The imposing new building, which represents a major investment of £45 million by Audi UK, consolidates the brand’s position as one of the global leaders in prestige car manufacturing.

Six years in the planning and execution, the stunning new 190,000 sq ft Audi Centre is prominently located adjacent to the elevated section of the M4. Its seven storeys incorporate three showroom floors capable of displaying as many as 116 cars, and two basement levels housing a 32-bay workshop and extensive parking facilities. The top two storeys are given over to the Audi quattro Rooms – a business and creative complex which operates as a conference centre.

The highly distinctive curved structure conceived by architects Wilkinson Eyre, famous for the design of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, provides an impressive showcase for the fast expanding 33 model Audi range.

The basement levels are an engineering marvel – they are built below the water table level (and the River Thames) and extend on all sides right up to the boundary lines of the premises.

“In its scope, size and complexity, West London Audi is like nothing we’ve built before. It is 100 times more complicated than a normal retail centre,” says Jeremy Hicks, director of Audi UK. “The sheer scale of this project is very emblematic of the increasing significance of Audi not only in the UK but globally.”

The strategically located landmark building is operated by the Sytner Group, a Sunday Times Best Company to Work For, which has 140 prestige franchise outlets across the UK. It will be staffed by 100 personnel and approximately 30,000 customers are expected through its doors in the next 12 months.

Gerard Nieuwenhuys, the Group’s UK Managing Director commented: “It is a great privilege to be chosen by Audi to operate this amazing flagship dealership. The West London Audi team are incredibly excited about the imminent opening and by the opportunity of delivering a world class service from what is without doubt a World Class facility.“

In the creation of the vast glass and metal external structure, Wilkinson Eyre has drawn inspiration from nature, art and science to create an exciting and technologically advanced sculptural form. The elegantly sweeping curves are reminiscent of a manta ray fish, and the aerodynamic wing shapes of a B2 Stealth Aircraft. The roof itself is a ‘standing seam’ structure made from aluminium sheets, each approximately 40m in length without any joints.

A dramatic aluminium installation by Gerry Judah, designer of the soaring Audi centennial sculpture at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, dominates inside. Weighing almost a ton and featuring the record-breaking Auto Union Streamliner, the specially commissioned piece is suspended between three floors within the atrium. It took three cranes and two days to install this stunning centrepiece.

The Audi quattro Rooms on levels four and five feature not only a heritage section, displaying many of the innovations from Audi’s 100-year history, but also meeting rooms, exhibition space and a screening room with the very latest 103” Bang & Olufsen screens. Audi selected architect Miguel Beleza to design the two floors to create imposing architectural features that define the venue. Furniture has been provided by Fritz Hansen – the Danish designer furniture company.

”Audi is an enormously successful company with many ambitious plans for its future. With both our existing model ranges and a host of new models for new segments, we aim to grow to a total of 44 ranges by 2015. By creating retail premises of this magnitude with this level of sophistication, we are ensuring that our extensive and contemporary line-up of cars gets the showcase it deserves,“ concluded Jeremy Hicks.

SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — Today Lamborghini America LLC announced a new Lamborghini Retail Finance Plan for its most exclusive vehicles on the market, the Murcielago LP640 Coupe and Roadster (model years 2009 and 2010). The super sports car company is partnering with Woodside Credit and Volkswagen Credit, Inc. to provide alternative financing programs through authorized U.S. Lamborghini dealers.

“The Lamborghini Retail Finance Plan allows enthusiasts to finance one of most exclusive cars on the road at a more competitive rate than ever before,” said Pietro Frigerio, Chief Operating Officer of Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Volkswagen Credit as well partner with Woodside Credit, an established financing organization in collector and specialty cars, in order to provide several financing options to our clients.”

The Murcielago LP 640 Coupe and Roadster are instantly recognizable Lamborghini models, with iconic scissor doors and an aggressive body. The 640 horsepower Coupe and Roadster can sprint from 0 to 62 in 3.4 seconds, and have top speeds of 211 and 205 miles per hour, respectively.

Qualified buyers with a credit score of 700 or higher will enjoy rates starting at 5.99 percent, a minimum down payment of 10 percent, low monthly payments and terms of up to 12 years. For those buyers with a credit score above 740 and making a higher down payment, the program offers a zero percent interest rate over a 60-month period.

source: Lamborghini America

Audi is at it again! – Are we getting an electric beast?

This is a must see and will brighten up any day of the week, including Monday! Check out some of the new viral videos that Audi has released for their Electricity Untamed campaign.

The company has denied rumors in the past about working on any electric projects that might lead us with a ‘green with envy’ sort of expression on our faces. BUT – Are we getting an electric R8, TT, and/or S series? Is Tesla getting a run for its money? – The suspense is killing me!

I don’t know, but I can tell you that they are certainly stirring up some major interest by launching this new campaign called Electricity Untamed! – Check out the site, it is very nicely designed and from what I can tell.. It looks to be built on Adobe Flex and Adobe Air.

BRAVO AUDI! – BRAAVVVVO!

Anyway we can get some more info on this topic? – You’ve got our info.

WAIT! – We’re not done, there is more.. You might notice a brief message stating ” Electricity will be untamed” on September 15th, which happens to be the first day of the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Is this all a coincidence, we don’t think so!

If Audi does have plans to unleash a series of power pushing electro-beasts, then we will sure as hell will be there to cover it. Don’t worry, I will be the first in line to hand over my hard earned cash for one of these beasts!

If we come across any other information, we’ll certainly let you know.

In the meantime, you have to watch these videos..

They are truly priceless! – Good job Audi, please keep them coming!