Wolfsburg, 8 March, 2010 – Volkswagen’s TSI engines have been awarded the environmental commendation certified by TÜV Nord, following in the footsteps of the dual-clutch transmission DSG. The Life Cycle Assessment on which the commendation is based confirms that the TSI engines have significantly improved environmental characteristics compared with the predecessor models throughout their life cycle thanks to their smaller engine size and lower fuel consumption – while at the same time evidencing higher driving dynamics.inline_mediumwraptextright28346473/news/epcp_1003_volkswagen_tsi_engine_lower_emissions_higher_driving_dynamicseurp_1003_01x_o+volkswagen_tsi_engine_lower_emissions_higher_driving_dynamics+render.jpgTrue

A substitute bill (S.B. 106) to ban the use of most aftermarket exhaust systems has been introduced in the Utah State Legislature by Senator Patricia Jones (pjones@utahsenate.org) and passed by the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote by all members. Under the substitute bill, all vehicles must be equipped with an exhaust system that is “installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified; or meets specifications equivalent to the muffler installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified.”

We Urge You to Contact All Utah State Senators (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to S.B. 106

It's the start of a new era. Jaguar is now owned by the Indian company Tata and a brand-new, radically different iteration of the Jaguar XJ has been launched. It's also the end of an old era, where Jags always looked like they were supposed to, and that cosy gentlemen's club interior of wood and leather was as familiar and welcoming as a family home, albeit a well-to-do one. But we don't have to bid farewell to it just yet. There's plenty of life left in these old cats. There are XJs out there in good condition with sticker prices at virtually half of their new MSRP. A more civilized world of driving awaits.inline_mediumwraptextright26708468/news/epcp_1003_2003_2009_jaguar_xjepcp_1003_01_o+2003_2009_jaguar_xj+front.jpgTrue

ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (8 February, 2010) – Spyker Cars N.V. announces today that Spyker has entered into a USD 25 million convertible loan agreement with an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc.inline_mediumwraptextright32259570/news/epcp_1002_spyker_secures_financing_of_saab_dealepcp_1004_01_o+spyker_secures_financing_of_saab_deal+saabs.jpgTrue

• World debut in Geneva for new top model in the 911 range
• Power output rises to a stunning 530 hp and peak torque to 700 Nm
• 0-62mph acceleration in 3.3 secs; 24.8 mpg Combined fuel economy
• Turbo S has illustrious lineage of previous models in 2004 and in 1998

ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (1 February, 2010) – In advance of the General Meeting of Spyker shareholders, to be held on 12 February 2010, and which was convened on 28 January 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. ("Spyker") provides further strategic and financial details regarding its acquisition of Saab Automobile AB ("Saab").inline_mediumwraptextright27960091/news/epcp_1002_spyker_saab_acquisition_detailsepcp_1002_01_o+spyker_saab_acquisition_details+saab_900.jpgTrue

January 21, 2010 (MILWAUKEE) – OPTIMA® Batteries, the title sponsor and creator of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, presented by RideTech and K&N Filters, has partnered with Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII) and SPEED™ to produce a one-hour television special. The show reveal will be an exclusive competition designed to exhibit and test the performance, durability and styling of up to 50 of the finest street machines in the world.

• GM and Spyker Cars announce a binding agreement over the transfer of ownership of Saab
• Terms are agreed and the deal is expected to close in February
• Saab’s future as an independent company is secured
• Saab will exit the orderly wind-down process
• Spyker shareholders will restructure at closure of the deal
• Swedish Government issues guarantee in favour of EIBinline_mediumwraptextright32134752/news/epcp_1001_general_motors_spyker_agreement_on_saab_dealepcp_1001_01_o+general_motors_spyker_agreement_on_saab+vehicles.jpgTrue

Slideways defined
This is me on the skidpad in my Alpine White E30 M3. A complete list of modifications would take up too much space, but one thing of note is that this car runs a VAC Motorsports Stage 3 2.5-liter four-cylinder S14 engine built to see 11,000 rpm. All I have to do is switch from 292/284 cams to 322s. It's one of the fastest street-legal E30s in America still running a naturally aspirated S14 engine-over 300 hp and a blast to drive.
Yani Avrahami
Westminster, MDinline_mediumwraptextright26399828/news/epcp_1002_alpina_white_bmw_e30_m3epcp_1002_01_o+monthly_readers_letters+bmw_e30_m3.jpgTrue

ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (20 December, 2009) – Following the announcement on Friday that the intended sales terms of Saab Automobile AB between Spyker and General Motors (GM) could not be finalized, the Spyker leadership has submitted a renewed offer in the hopes of securing a future for Saab, its employees and the brand – despite the announcement that the winding down of Saab would begin.inline_mediumwraptextright26364668/news/epcp_0912_spyker_cars_renews_final_saab_bidepcp_0912_01_o+spyker_cars_renews_final_saab_bid+spyker_logo.jpgTrue

Gaydon, Warwickshire. 18 December 2009. Aston Martin’s two top-of-the-range sports cars; the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black makeover to create a highly desirable special edition.

inline_mediumwraptextright27573892/news/epcp_0912_aston_martin_carbon_black_special_editionsepcp_0912_01_z+aston_martin_carbon_black+side_view.jpgTrue

The BMW Group presents yet another milestone along the way to achieving CO2 free mobility. The BMW Concept ActiveE provides a taste of a purely electrically-powered BMW. Focused on the requirements of practical use, the study is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and embodies the outstanding agility and characteristic driving pleasure of the 1 Series for the first time as part of an emissions-free drive concept.

Key points:The BMW Concept ActiveE represents a consistent continuation of the research and development activities of the BMW Group relating to electromobility as part of project i. A concept which realises CO2 free mobility in BMW style is presented.inline_mediumwraptextright27547669/news/epcp_0912_bmw_active_concept_carepcp_0912_01_o+bmw_active_concept_car+front_view.jpgTrue

Tokyo/Wolfsburg, December 9, 2009 - Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Suzuki Motor Corporation have reached a common understanding to establish a close long-term strategic partnership. A framework agreement has been signed by representatives of both companies today.inline_mediumwraptextright26755700/news/epcp_0912_volkswagen_suzuki_establish_comprehensive_partnershipepcp_0912_01_o+volkswagen_suzuki_establish_comprehensive_partnership+logos.JPG.jpgTrue

DETROIT -- General Motors confirmed today that the proposed sale of its Saab subsidiary to Koenigsegg Group AB was terminated at the discretion of the buyer.inline_mediumwraptextright31478715/news/epcp_0911_koenigsegg_group_ab_terminates_saab_purchaseepcp_0911_01_z+koenigsegg_group_ab_cancels_saab_purchase+logo.jpgTrue

Porsche is inviting enthusiasts to test their knowledge of the marque and identify specific Porsche 911 sports cars purely by their distinctive engine sounds.inline_mediumwraptextright31309170/news/epcp_0911_porsche_911_evolution_competitionepcp_0911_01_z+porsche_911_evolution_competition+different_porsches.jpgTrue

(11 November 2009. Crewe, England) Bentley Motors has launched a new collection of accessories highlighting the British company’s design and craftsmanship skills. Whether purely functional or created to further accentuate and personalize the appearance of a customer’s car, each accessory reflects the attention to detail at which Crewe’s stylists and engineers excel.inline_mediumwraptextright27098389/news/epcp_0911_designed_bentley_exclusively_accessoriesepcp_0911_01_z+bentley+car_cover.jpgTrue

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.inline_mediumwraptextright27084241/news/epcp_0911_2010_volvo_s60epcp_0911_02_z+2010_volvo_s60+front_passenger_side.jpgTrue

Renault Revives Gordini
The little blue bombshells with two white stripes are back. The famous Gordini name was a symbol of French success that thrilled several generations of motorists who were thirsty for sporty sensations at the wheel of a fun car. The French blue, white stripes and front panel inset with four round headlights all contributed to an eternal identity that is an important part of Renault's sporting heritage.inline_mediumwraptextright27084313/news/epcp_0911_renault_gordini_labelepcp_1001_01_z+renault_gordini_label+main_shot.jpgTrue

Volkswagen will field five Race Touaregs as the team bids to defend one of the most challenging international motorsport events, the Dakar Rally.inline_mediumwraptextright27047197/news/epcp_0911_volkswagen_race_touareg_dakar_rallyepcp_0911_01_o+volkwagen_race_touareg_dakar_rally+hill_descent.jpgTrue

The Cafe Racer Phenomenon (Those were the days … series)

By Alastair Walker
The Cafe Racer is one of the most enduring styles of motorcycle ever created, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the 50s. This new book is a look back at the glory days of the Cafe Racer, from Friday night dices on London's North Circular road, through the street specials craze of the Seventies, to the modern day revival.

The Cafe Racer Phenomenon, a new book in Veloce Publishing's Those were the days … series features a huge, global Cafe Racer community directory alongside a unique mix of personal memories, previously unpublished photos, iconic machines and chassis builders in profile. Wonderfully evocative reading for any ton-up rider of past or present.inline_mediumwraptextright31211991/news/epcp_1001_cafe_racer_phenomenonepcp_1001_02_o+cafe_racer_phenomenon+wide_shot.jpgTrue

British supercar manufacturer and challenger for the production car world land speed record, Keating, will have its 260.1mph TKR supercar on display at this year’s MPH Show featuring Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court on 5 November.inline_mediumwraptextright31197294/news/epcp_0911_keating_tkr_fastest_carepcp_0911_01x_z+keating_tkr_fastest_car+front_passenger_side.jpgTrue

Porsche is introducing a new, lightweight version of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster roadster at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December, the distinctive styling and technical specification of which represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car – light, powerful, open-roofed, and very efficient.inline_mediumwraptextright26988991/firstlook/epcp_0911_2010_porsche_boxster_spyderepcp_0911_03_z+2010_porsche_boxster_spyder+rear_driver_side.jpgTrue

The current economic state has created plenty of tough situations, but that doesn't mean there isn't an upside. Great cars are going for great prices. Great for the buyer, that is. Here's one such example. And with a bigger budget, it's possible to make it even more powerful than the current V8-packing M3.inline_mediumwraptextright26990947/news/epcp_0911_bmw_m3_e46epcp_0911_01_z+bmw_m3_e46+front.jpgTrue

This new book from Veloce Publishing is the first in a new World Sportscar Giants series and covers the origin and subsequent history of the 3-litre Ferrari sportscars, which the famed Italian firm designed and built to contest the various versions of the World Sportscar Championship between 1969 and 1973.inline_mediumwraptextright31165644/news/epcp_0911_ferrari_312p_312pb_bookepcp_0911_02x_z+ferrari_312p_312pb_book+cover.jpgTrue

Okayama, November 1 2009. Aston Martin Racing claimed a sensational victory in the second round of the Asian Le Mans Series in Okayama, Japan.inline_mediumwraptextright25793555/news/epcp_0911_aston_martin_racing_wins_japanepcp_0911_01_z+aston_racing+1st_place.jpgTrue