Honda Fit pases Toyota Corolla

In Japan.

But, it may be a sign of things to come elsewhere.

The Honda Fit has passed the Toyota Corolla as the best-seller in Japan, with Fit sales increasing by more than 100% in November over the previous year level. To this point, the Corolla had been the top-seller in Japan for over a year. But, its sales dropped 10% last month.

Despite that, the Fit was the only Honda that cracked the top ten in Japanese domestic sales, with 8 of the other top spots taken by Toyota and one by Nissan.

In the United States version, the Fit is a 109 hp 1.5 liter minicar that starts at $13,950, which includes side curtain airbags and a “sport” model for $15,270.

Hummer H3 Black Edition

The iconic HUMMER offering for Europe will be enhanced with the introduction of a new, exclusive, all-black HUMMER H3 which combines stunning style and excellent value with extras worth € 5.000,- fitted as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year. As with all HUMMERs sold through the official European importer the vehicles come with a four-year, 100,000 km warranty and European Roadside Assistance programme.

The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a lustrous black exterior and plush black leather interior with a full collection of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels.

Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature the large electric sliding sunroof which has proved a popular option. Among the array of standard interior fittings is a fully integrated Kenwood HUMMER Navigation system.


The value to the customer of the extras fitted as standard is approximately € 6.150,- including VAT. Yet the H3 Black Edition will carry a price tag only € 1.250,- higher than a Adventure edition on which it is based – resulting in a customer saving of € 4.900,-. (Calculation based on German pricing. Consumer price may vary in case of different VAT rules).

The HUMMER H3 Black Edition is designed to do much more than make fifty lucky customers across Europe feel very happy. It is another example of the HUMMER spirit that promotes the iconic design, but also makes it clear that, with H3 prices starting at € 49.950,-, the HUMMER H3 is much greater value than many think.

The H3 Black Edition is one of a series of exciting initiatives created by Kroymans HUMMER Europe, the European importer of HUMMER vehicles. The organization, situated at Breukelen in the Netherlands, has been combined with a strong new European dealer network with more than 40 outlets, reflecting the rapid growth of the HUMMER brand in Europe as well as in America. The new central organization provides yet more benefits for HUMMER customers

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser V8

The new Land Cruiser V8, Toyota’s top of the range model, is to make soon its debut on the European market. This eighth generation retains all the world-beating off-road capability of its predecessors but adds more refinement, comfort and superior driving quality.

Land Cruiser chief engineer, Sadayoshi Koyari, explains the development theme of this new generation as follow: “For more than 50 years now three key words have been the basis of each generation of Land Cruiser: strength, durability and reliability. Therefore, rather than opting for revolutionary change, we decided to carry on the sense of trust in the Land Cruiser as the basic concept. With the latest generation we had to recognise the loyalty of Land Cruiser customers by providing a vehicle that will not betray their trust.”

Built on a completely redesigned platform with a body-on-frame design, the length of the new model has been increased to 4950mm while the wheelbase has been kept to 2850 mm. The height varies between 1865mm and 1910mm depending on the suspension featured on the model, the width of the model is reaching 1970mm.



The new Land Cruiser will be available with a brand new 4.5 D-4D V8 diesel engine, combined with a new 6 speed automatic transmission, which develops an impressive 650 Nm from 1600 to 2800 rpm and 286 hp at 3600 rpm. This diesel engine has a fuel consumption of 10,2 L/100km, a 4% improvement versus the outgoing 4.2 TD L6 engine, based on the European combined cycle.

The model will be also available with an improved 4.7 VVT-i V8 petrol engine, combined with a 5 speed automatic transmission, which develops 445 Nm at 3400 rpm and 288 hp at 5400 rpm. This petrol engine has a fuel consumption of 14.4 L/100km, a 12% improvement, based on the European combined cycle. Both engines are fully compliant with Euro IV emissions regulations.

Advanced new technologies to make new Land Cruiser V8 a genuine, go-anywhere off-road vehicle include:


The world first Crawl Control system, available in combination with the petrol engine, which automatically controls the engine and the brakes to maintain a very low speed, avoiding spinning and locking. The driver only needs to steer the vehicle when driving in extreme off-road situations.
The world first 4-Wheel Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension (4W AHC & AVS)*, which links all four wheels’ suspension system for the first time and also provides a new spring rate control system.
The European first Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which actively operates the front and rear stabiliser bars based on a pair of hydraulic control cylinders.
A newly developed centre Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD).
The new model will feature a wide range of advanced safety features like the newly developed Multi Terrain Anti-lock Brake System, the Vehicle Stability Control, the Electronic Brake-force Distribution and 14 Airbags.

The new Land Cruiser V8 will be unveiled in Europe at the St-Petersburg Motor Show (Russia) on October 24th. Sales of the model are starting today in Japan while the European sales start will be as of December 2007.

New Agila arrives at showrooms in April

Low emissions and an affordable price tag mean Vauxhall’s New Agila is set to be hot in the city when it arrives in showrooms in April. Available to order from early next year, the compact but flexible newcomer benefits from tax-busting CO2 figures of just 120g/km on both the entry-level petrol and diesel engines, meaning it will fall into VED Band B – the cost of a tax disc being just £35 a year!

Adding to its affordability, Agila will cost from only £7,595 when it arrives. Three trim levels will be on offer, all with impressive levels of standard equipment, plus the added advantage of the car’s incredibly versatile interior layout.

Small enough to be manoeuvrable into tight parking spaces, but with five doors and five full-size seats with three-point belts as standard, Agila benefits from enough luggage space to rival cars in the class above, providing plenty of room for the busiest of lifestyles.

The clever design allows for plenty of storage space inside and the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious feel. It also allows a high seating position, making it easy to get in and out of the Agila and ensure good visibility even in heavy urban traffic.




For those occasions when owners need to carry furniture rather than friends, the rear seat backs can be folded down to create a completely flat load floor on all but the entry-level model. In total the new Agila has a luggage capacity of 1050 litres – among the best in this sector.

To complement the dynamic looks and all-new chassis, the Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox will be available for the first time. Petrol units include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit developing 65PS and an 85PS 1.2, the latter of which will be available with optional automatic transmission. Vauxhall’s award-winning 1.3CDTi diesel will also be on offer, delivering excellent performance from its 75PS while sipping fuel.

Top Gear: Bugatti Veyron Against Eurofighter

Top Gear Lewis Hamilton's Lap

FIA: Renault guilty, but no penalty

Without explaining its reasons – yet – the FIA World Motor Sport Council today found Renault guilty of obtaining secret information from McLaren-Mercedes. The case centered on information purloined by a McLaren employee as he left that company to join his new employer, Renault. Renault has self-reported itself to both the FIA and McLaren when it discovered that the employee had brought floppy discs with McLaren information when he joined Renault.

The FIA announced that the reasoning behind the decision would be made available on Friday, and the transcript of proceedings published after that.

Though Renault was judge guilty of “brining the sport into disrepute,” no penalty was imposed by the Council. Inside word has it that the decision against imposing a penalty was based on the conclusion that Renault had not used the information.

A similar rationale had been used when McLaren initially appeared before the Council last year, charged with spying on Ferrari. The later penalty imposed by the FIA occurred only after it became apparent that McLaren had, in fact, used the stolen information.


Source:International Herald Tribune

Raikkonen wants to stay with Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen says that he wants to spend the remainder of his career with Ferrari.

“Ferrari will be my last team, I’m not interested in going anywhere else. It suits me. I have two years on my contract and it may not be the last." That’s what Raikkonen told the British newspaper, the Daily Mail, according to a report on the BBC. Raikkonen, of course, won the World Driver’s Championship last year, in a Ferrari.

Raikkonen won out over McLaren’s upcoming star, Lewis Hamilton. Raikkonen attributed that, in part, to Hamilton’s inexperience in Formula One. “Hamilton made a mistake in China and then had something wrong with the gearbox, or whatever, in Brazil,” according to Raikkonen. Nonetheless, the Ferrari driver was clearly proud of his, and the Ferrari team’s accomplishment: "We won it fair and square. He [Hamilton] would say it wasn’t pressure that got to him, but it wasn’t an easy thing for him to do. Everyone is under pressure."

Since the end of the season, the focus of the media has been elsewhere. That suits Raikkonen just fine: “I wouldn’t say winning has changed my life but it is good to get what I have always dreamed of. If there is focus on Lewis getting prizes and Michael Schumacher testing with us, or where Fernando Alonso is going, I’m happy. I have a nice quiet life. I’ve got the trophy they probably all wanted. I’d rather take the world title than any other prize."




Source:BBC

Lexus sold 6000 LS600h; three times more than expected

When Lexus launched the luxury LS600h they expected to sell around 2000 units all around the world, mainly because the hybrid model is quite expensive: you need to pay more than $100.000 for a fully equipped car.

But just from the beginning, the Japanese maker had 1650 orders for the LS600h, and since the car was in July until now they sold 6093 units. The company says that a big part of this huge success is due to the marketing campaign very well organized.

The LS 600h combines a 5.0-liter V8 gas engine with combined massive, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. It delivers a peak, combined output of more than 430 horsepower.

ferrari best

Smart Fortwo to be launch in USA in January 2008

The shortest, most compact automobile currently in production will soon be launched in the world’s largest automobile market, when the "smart fortwo" debuts in the United States in January, 2008. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG will introduce this latest vehicle to the US market at a press briefing in Washington, DC on December 4th.

The smart fortwo is the right car at the right time for Americans, who are facing volatile fuel prices, increased urban congestion and a mindset of environmental responsibility. It offers a high level of comfort, agility, safety and ecology, and the vehicle concept is extremely practical. American enthusiasm and demand for the smart fortwo is already strong, as more than 30,000 people from all 50 states have placed a $99 deposit to secure a vehicle.

Interest has come from a wide variety of consumers, including urban dwellers looking for something functional and easy to park; baby boomers in need of a second or third car for commuting or additional family members and first-time buyers looking for something affordable. 74 selected dealerships will sell the fortwo in major cities across the country.

Audi to unveil three new TT models by 2010

Audi will expand the TT line-up with three new models by 2010. There will be a Cayman-rivalling TTS in 2008, a BMW M3-chasing TTRS, and an all new twin turbo TT diesel coming in 2009.

The first to be unveiled will be the TTS. Coming in the summer of 2008, the TTS will be powered by the new four-cylinder turbo model running a version of the Audi S3’s four-cylinder turbo engine.

It’ll be available with either a six speed manual gearbox or an ‘S-tronic’ DSG automatic transmission, and as either a coupe or a roadster. All versions will get Quattro four-wheel drive.

The second to b unveiled will be the diesel version of the TT: the TT TDi. Set to be unveiled in 2009 in will be powered by a twin-turbo version of the 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine and will compete with the BMW 123d coupe.

The TT TDi will deliver 202bhp and almost 300lb ft of torque. It will also be capable of a 40mpg average fuel economy, and less than 150g/km of CO2. Also the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in under 6.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of 150 mph.

And finally the hottest TT in all the times will be the TTRS, a model powered by 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine producing a generous 343bhp. The TTRS will come to compete with the BMW M3.

The TTRS’ will have wider tracks than the standard car, run 20in alloy wheels and will borrow the RS4’s carbon ceramic brake discs too.

Porsche recalls 911 GT3 models

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is having the control console for the TC-Off and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) buttons replaced on 128 units of the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS delivered to customers worldwide. This involves cars built between 28 September and 9 November 2007.

As a result of a defective control console, the Traction Control function regulating drive forces on the rear axle or the PASM system providing the sports control of damper forces may malfunction and fail to operate. No cases leading to complaints have become known so far.

The vehicles involved are required to undergo an inspection in the workshop lasting approximately 30 minutes. The campaign is naturally free-of-charge for the customers involved, who will be informed shortly.

2008 Ford Focus production starts

Production of the new generation of Ford Focus models got underway today at the Ford plant in Saarlouis. The first car in the new series was driven off the production line by Joachim Rippel, Saarland Minister for Economic Affairs.

Previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, the new Ford Focus will go on sale across Europe from early 2008.

The new Ford Focus has not only been given a completely new look, but it has also been significantly improved in terms of interior design and craftsmanship.


The new Focus will also be the first model of the new Ford ECOnetic line of ultra-low CO2 emission vehicles, and promises to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions for conventional powertrain technology at just 115g/km.

With more than five million examples produced in Europe since it was launched in 1998, the Ford Focus is the first and - to date - the only car in the world to be acclaimed "Car of the Year" both in Europe and in North America in the same year.

In total the Ford Focus has won over 80 awards in Europe alone. It has significantly influenced the automotive world and at the same time triggered a successful new direction for Ford in Europe.

Gallery 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

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Review of 2008 Cadillac CTS

Review of 2008 Cadillac CTS
It starts off with freshened exterior styling that seems less "scientific" and more "artistic." Overall body dimensions are similar to the original CTS, but there are an additional 2 inches of track width to give the sedan a more powerful stance. This impression of substance is highlighted by aggressively styled fender flares and a new grille that takes cues from the Cadillac Sixteen concept car.



Inside, the entry-level Cadillac's cabin is constructed of higher-quality materials. Buyers have a choice of attractive carbon-fiber or real wood accents, and these frame an aluminum-trimmed center stack and console. Bright metallic accents also stylishly adorn the gauges, primary controls and dash vents. It's a classy look that avoids looking busy and overdone. Backseat passengers enjoy more than an inch of additional rear legroom, thanks to slimmer front seats.


If the passengers in the 2008 Cadillac CTS are happier, the driver will border on giddy, owing to the extensively retuned suspension and new powertrains. Cadillac chassis engineers spent a great deal of development time on Germany's famed Nürburgring road course, and it shows on even the well-controlled standard setup. Two additional sport suspension choices further dial up the fun.

2007 Ferrari 612 gallery

2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 2dr Cpe

Specs
All new 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti specifications include engine specs, transmission, drivetrain, bodystyle, color choices, standard features and options, and more. These vehicle specs will arm you with the knowledge you will need to shop for or compare cars.
EPA Ratings





* City 10/hwy 17 (5.7L engine/6-speed sequential manual trans)
* City 11/hwy 17 (5.7L engine/6-speed manual trans)

Exterior

* Auto headlamps w/washers
* Front/rear fog lights
* Light tinted windows
* Pwr heated mirrors w/tilt-down feature
* Rain-sensing wipers
* Rear lip spoiler
* Rear window defogger

Interior

* Alloy trim on gear knob
* Aluminum gear shift knob
* Aluminum instrument panel insert
* AM/FM stereo w/CD-inc: trunk mounted 6-disk CD-changer, amplifier, (9) speakers
* Automatic two-zone climate control
* Aux pwr outlet
* Cigar lighter w/ashtray
* Driver/passenger door pocket bins
* Floor console
* Front leather 8-way pwr bucket seats w/memory, adjustable head restraints
* Front/rear center armrest
* Front/rear floor mats
* Full leather headliner
* Ignition immobilizer
* In-dash clock
* Instrumentation-inc: tachometer, oil pressure, engine temp, trip odometer, ambient temp gauge, low tire pressure warning
* Leather trim on doors & dashboard
* Leather-trimmed pwr tilt/telescopic steering wheel
* Lighting-inc: delayed/fade courtesy lights, reading lights, cargo area light
* Lighting-inc: dome light, front reading lights, cargo light
* Passenger-side visor vanity mirror
* Pwr locks
* Pwr remote trunk/hatch release
* Pwr windows w/driver one-touch down
* Rear bucket seats w/adjustable head restraints
* Rear window defogger
* Remote keyless entry
* Security system
* Trip computer
* Window grid antenna

Mechanical

* 18" front/19" rear alloy wheels
* 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
* 5.7L DOHC MPFI 48-valve V12 engine
* 6-Speed manual transmission
* Auto leveling rear suspension
* Electronic stability control
* Front/rear stabilizer bar
* Front/rear vented disc brakes
* Independent front/rear wishbone suspension w/coil springs
* Limited-slip rear differential
* P245/45ZR18 front tires
* P285/40ZR19 rear tires
* Pwr rack-&-pinion steering
* Rear wheel drive
* Traction control

Note

* **STANDARDS ARE PRELIMINARY**



Safety

* 3-point seat belts w/pretensioners
* 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
* Driver & front passenger front airbags
* Driver & front passenger side-impact airbags
* Electronic traction control
* Side-impact beams

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 GTA

Alfa Romeo is seriously considering giving a hard time to the biggest German manufacturers. A V8 powered 159 GTA is currently under testings and will be unveiled next year at the Geneva Motor Show. When it will go on sale in early 2009 it will compete with the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG.

Built as a successor for the 156 GTA, the 159 GTA (Gran Turismo Allegerita) will feature rear spoiler, unlike its predecessor, large low-profile tyres, slightly flared wheelarches, and side skirts.

But how will Alfa-Romeo build a 400 hp car, as until now they didn’t had this kind of powertrain? It is very easy actually: with a little help from Maserati-Ferrari.

So, under the hood there will be a 4.3 litre V8 engine built as an evolution of the 4.244 cc GranSport unit. The engine delivers around 440 bhp at 7000 rpm with 505 Nm of torque. And it only weights 183 kg. The very good news about this engine is that with minimum of modifications it can deliver more of 500 hp. But Alfa Romeo we keep the target under 420 hp, as the M3 delivers 414 hp.

The V8 engine will be mated with a wheel-drive system and, probably, sequencial gear. That is why the future Alfa Romeo 159 GTA has all the right characteristics to challenge without fear its aggressive German competitors: not only 400 horsepower, but also high handling quality and reliability!

The V8 engine will be mounted transversely similar to the old Lancia Thema 8.32. Compared to the standard 159 it will loose 130 kg. Part of the weight reduction are going to be high-performance parts such as Brembo CCM (Composite Ceramic Material) brakes, used only in high performance cars such as the Ferrari F430.

The 2009 159 GTA will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 4 seconds and its top speed will be limited to 155 mph.


Competitors


2008 BMW M3



The first M3 produced 192 hp from its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine during its 1988-1991 model year run. A legend was born and Americans embraced the high-rpm, naturally-aspirated M concept. The next generation arrived in 1995 with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter) 240-hp inline-six powerplant. In 1997 the first M3 Sedan joined the family and the first M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter. The most-recent version, available as either a coupe or convertible from 2001-2006, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing 333 hp from its 3.2 liters. This vehicle was BMW’s first use of SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) for the US market.
The move to eight cylinders in the fourth generation BMW M3 provides a powerplant offering the seemingly disparate characteristics of more power, increased efficiency and reduced weight when compared with the previous six-cylinder M3 engine. Displacing 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 liters), the new light-alloy engine produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available consistently through 6,500 rpm. This power output represents a 15-percent increase over the six-cylinder from the last generation M3 and it comes with an eight-percent fuel-economy improvement when compared to its predecessor. Compression ratio is dialed in to 12.0:1 and redline is set at 8,400 rpm.

Mercedes C63 AMG




One of the most waited cars this year, the new C63 AMG ensures exciting motor racing at the highest level. Powered by an AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine, the C63 AMG has a maximum power of 457 hp and a maximum peak torque 600 Nm and makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Merely the appearance of the C 63 AMG is impressive enough, with its wide, road-hugging stance. The new bonnet with its prominent power domes conceals the independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which develops a fulminating 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres. In this respect the C 63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the DTM series. This high output also benefits the power-to-weight ratio, which is a very favourable 3.6 kg/hp.
The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine need fear no comparison either. The maximum of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm is unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 500 newton metres on tap – ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

Audi S4



The future Audi S4 will be unveiled next year, probably in the same time with the 159 GTA at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 340 hp.
Compared to the standard A4 unveiled this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show it will feature S-style bumpers, a small bootlid spoiler as well as quad exhaust pipes.

Embarrassing Ferrari Crash!!

1st Sports Cars Show - Thessaloniki Greece

McLaren won the Racing Car of the Year Award

After a busy year, in which they were accused of stealing Ferrari’s secrets, after being disqualified from the Formula One’s Constructor Championship, that they could easily have won, after their driver Lewis Hamilton lost the Driver Championship by 2 points, finally McLaren can be happy. They have a better car than Ferrari. A car that won eight of Formula One’s 17 races, a car – MP4-22 – that won the Racing Car of the Year award at the Autosport Awards ceremony held in London.

Paddy Lowe, the engineering director of McLaren’s car, declared after he received the prize that all the team is proud to take that prize. He also said: “It was a very, very fantastic year. I really enjoyed it and, despite the politics, the team did a fantastic job.”

Lamborghini will increase production but won’t bring a third model

Rupert Stadler said that Lamborghini will increase its production to 3000 cars worldwide, but without releasing a third model line. So there won’t be any Lamborghini SUV or a Miura.

The objective is to built 300 units a year, that will be 500 units more than this year. But to do so, Rupert Stadler does not consider the creation of new models. The company is only interested in selling the Gallardo and the Murcielago.

Rupert Stadler said: "We only sell 2500 units a year in the world. We first need to exhaust the current potential before considering a third model. We do not have a precise figure to reach but I think that 3000 units annual is a realizable figure. Lamborghini is on the good way."

When asked about the competition between Audi and Lamborghini, Stadler affirms that the R8’s customers are different from that of Lamborghini. The production of the R8 will not exceed 4500 units a year, while the Gallardo is only sold in 1800 units a year. The Murcielago is sold in 600 units a year.

Rossi: This is what I've been waiting for.

Valentino Rossi admits the switch to Bridgestone tyres has brought no miracle transformation in performance, but he has gained much more consistency - and says the change was just what he'd been waiting for.


The Fiat Yamaha star, who has spent his entire premier-class career on Michelins, finished his second day on the Japanese rubber just 0.141secs behind Dani Pedrosa, as all the top five set their best lap time with a qualifying tyre.

"Today we made longer runs than yesterday and our times were still consistent, which means we are working in the right direction. We still are still missing something in terms of performance, but for sure we are making improvements in terms of constancy," confirmed the former five times MotoGPworld champion.

"Bridgestonehas brought quite soft tyres here to Jerez, because they expected lower temperatures, so I am sure that with some harder material we could do even better. The pace is not bad at all and it is similar to the one I had in the race here at the beginning of the past season.

"I could probably have done even better today with the material I had, but I kept some “margin” to improve tomorrow. Tomorrow we will test some more qualifying tyres and we will also make a long run. Today we tested 2007 tyres, but tomorrow I will have some brand new tyres in order to find more grip.

"Of course we need to work on the bike, too; the bike's power delivery puts a lot of pressure on the tyres, so we need to make it "sweeter"," he continued. "Generally speaking this is what I was waiting for: new motivation and a lot of fun, and in fact I am having a lot of fun with the new tyres.

"I am looking forward to starting the next season because it will be exciting and interesting, but before that I want to finish this test in the best way and then start again in January in order to arrive at Qatar in the best possible shape," Rossi concluded.

Jerez MotoGP test times

The test saw Valentino Rossi's debut on Bridgestone tyres and marked the first public appearance for the new Ducati Desmosedici GP8.

World champion Casey Stoner, fastest on day one, injured his shoulder on Wednesday and didn't ride on the final day - when Dani Pedrosa was fastest on the 2007 Honda RC212V.

Suzuki was the only factory not present in Spain, having instead chosen to develop its GSV-R at Phillip Island in Australia.

The winter test ban starts on December 1 and lasts until January 20.


1. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 38.562 secs
2. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 38.848 secs
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 39.464 secs
4. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot (M) 1min 39.747 secs
5. Shinya Nakano JPN Honda Gresini (B) 1min 40.121 secs
6. Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 40.184 secs
7. Alex de Angelis RSM Honda Gresini (B) 1min 40.185 secs
8. James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 40.213 secs
9. Randy de Puniet FRA Honda LCR (M) 1min 40.398 secs
10. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 40.984 secs
11. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 41.538 secs
12. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 41.619 secs
13. Tady Okada JPN Honda Test Rider (M) 1min 41.715 secs
14. Nicola Canepa ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 41.793 secs
15. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 42.343 secs
16. Vittoriano Guareschi ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 42.850 secs
17. Shinichi Ito JPN Ducati/Bridgestone Test Rider (B) 1min 43.001 secs

Lewis stuns on Top Gear debut.

Britain's new F1 favourite showed all his ability behind the wheel of TV show's 'reasonably priced car'.

Anticipation was high ahead of Lewis Hamilton's appearance on BBC television's Top Gear programme at the weekend, and Britain's latest Formula Onesensation did not disappoint.

Despite being confined to the popular show's Suzuki Liana 'reasonably priced car' - the pensioned-off model being resurrected so that Hamilton could challenge lap times posted by other F1drivers on a level playing field - the 22-year old did not disappoint.

Wilson lands McLaren test.

Stefan Wilson has been handed the chance to test one of Formula One's most potent weapons after just one year in single-seater racing.

While elder brother Justin would no doubt love another chance to impress the Woking outfit, there will be no prouder onlooker as Stefan Wilson tests with McLarenas part of his 2007 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award selection.

Although not among the title-winners in the six-man shortlist, car racing debutant Wilson impressed sufficiently in a two-day 'selection shoot-out' at Snettertonlast month to earn the judges' nomination to follow in the footsteps of his brother's former F1rivals Jenson Button and David Coulthard. Justin will know what his sibling went through during the selection process, having been a one-time nomination himself.

Having finished second to Tim Bridgeman in the Formula Palmer Audi championship, Wilson tackled on-track assessments in Porsche Carrera Cup, Mercedes DTM and World Series by Renaultmachinery, as well as facing up to questions from the selection panel, before being chosen ahead of British Formula Ford champion Callum McLeod, Formula Renault champion Duncan Tappy, FFord Festival and FPA Shoot-out winner Nick Tandyand racewinners Henry Arundel and Dean Smith. As usual, however, the 18-year old had to wait several weeks before being announced as the winner at Sunday night's Autosport Awards

Lewis: I want to be the best ever.

Hamilton aims high for the future

As he prepares to hit the track alongside Michael Schumacherfor the first time during Formula 1testing at Jerez this week, Lewis Hamiltonhas admitted that he hopes to emulate the German and become the most successful driver in F1history.

Hamilton missed out on the title in his debut season by just one point to Kimi Raikkonen, despite leading the Finn by 17 points with two races remaining, and will go into 2008 amongst the favourites to secure the championship crown.

Eager to get over the disappointment of the final two races of the season - when an off in China and mechanical problems in Brazil ended his title hopes - Hamilton said he was fully focused on improving as a driver for 2008 and was focused on emulating the likes of seven-time champion Schumacher and his boyhood hero Ayrton Senna in the record books.

I'm over that disappointment," he told the News of the World. "I've learnt from the mistakes and am fully focused on next season. I get better every year and I don't see why next season will be any different.

"I am going to be fitter, stronger and more experienced, ready to take that next step up and be champion. I have time on my side to win many titles. If I get the opportunity to break Michael's record then I will go for it.

"Michael was a phenomenal driver but for me, Ayrton Senna was the greatest ever. If I could get one world championship that would be great; if I could three, the same number as Ayrton did, that would be a dream. But I want to be the best driver there has ever been."

Hamilton added that he still couldn't believe how things have changed over the past twelve months, with him going from virtual unknown to global superstar over the course of the year.

"I'm still coming to terms with all that's happened this year," he said. "It's been a roller-coaster of emotions. I still see myself as a normal guy, but my focus has to be on my job in F1.

"I'm going to put in maximum effort over the winter to come back even better next season."

2008 Yaris, Prius, RAV4 and 2009 Camry pricing announced

Toyota announced mid-year price adjustments to manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 model year Toyota Yaris, Prius, RAV4, and 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid.

The 2008 Yaris Liftback and Sedan receive an average price increase of $50, or 0.4 percent. The new base MSRP for the Yaris Liftback ranges from $11,350 for the base grade with five-speed manual transmission to $13,925 for the Yaris Liftback S model with four-speed automatic transmission. The base MSRP for Yaris Sedan ranges from $12,225 for the base grade with five-speed manual transmission to $14,450 for the S model with four-speed automatic transmission.


The 2008 Prius receives an average price increase of $150, or 0.7 percent. The base MSRP for the Prius ranges from $21,100 for the Standard model to $23,370 for the Touring model.

RAV4 4x2 models carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,250 for the base grade four-cylinder to $25,420 for the Limited V6. The base MSRP for the RAV4 4x4 ranges from $22,650 for the base grade with a four-cylinder to $26,820 for the Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.

The new pricing for 2008 Toyota Yaris, Prius and RAV4 will be effective on December 17, 2007.

Camry, the best-selling passenger car in America, redefines global standards for comfort and performance. The new base MSRP for the 2009 Camry sedan ranges from $18,720 for the base grade with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $28,270 for the premium XLE grade with a V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2009 Camry sedan combined base MSRP increases by $150, or 0.7 percent. 2009 Camry Hybrid will have a new base MSRP of $25,350. The Camry Hybrid combined base MSRP increases by $150, or 0.6 percent.

The 2009 Camry arrives in dealerships on January 21, 2008