Honda F1 SOLD! to a man named Slim

According to La Stampa, Honda F1 has a buyer: Mexican telecom billionaire Carlos Slim Helu. Reports claim he paid the single dollar Honda was asking. He trumped Force India F1 owner Vijay Mallya, who was suspected to want the Honda team only for its tech know-how, and Prodrive's Dave Richards.

When Honda announced its immediate departure from F1 on December 4, it gave the outfit 27 days to find a bona fide buyer who would make a credible 3-year commitment to run the team. If the team did find such a purchaser, Honda said it would assist with finances and technical support. Carlos Slim has the finances and the experience: he is reportedly the second richest man in the world, and his companies are already involved in motorsport.

If the transaction proves to be true, and assuming the team gets funded properly, it will mean a few good things for the 2009 F1 season: it will add another privateer team to the grid, it will let Ross Brawn continue creating the team he's been dying to lead since he was at Ferrari, and it will return the name "Senna" to the grid. Bruno, Ayrton Senna's nephew, is sponsored by Embratel, a subsidiary of Slim's Telmex company, and will certainly replace Rubens Barrichello as the one flying the Brazilian flag.

[Source: La Stampa via My Automovil]

2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group

Now it begins to make sense: The previous performance art video teasers for the 2010 Prius were made up largely of edited shots from this teaser, with the Blue Man Group restored to its place. This one doesn't make any more or less sense than the previous videos, and there isn't much more to see, but it does offer a couple of chuckles. We would love to see how far you get with that eyedropper, though. Follow the jump to check out the video and see what we mean.

Rolls-Royce does another special edition Phantom, this time in Sapphire

The bespoke department at Rolls-Royce has come up with another special edition Phantom to go along with the already released Phantom Pearl, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Tungsten. This one is the Phantom Sapphire, and unlike its rarefied stablemates, it gets built on the long wheelbase spaceframe.

The Milori Sapphire exterior wraps itself around two options of interior treatment: navy blue leather with seashell highlights, or seashell leather with navy blue highlights, and each is finished off with walnut burr veneer inlaid with a diamond-pattern. For those in the back enjoying themselves, a cool box below the rear seats will chill two bottles of bubbly in an aluminum billet receptacle. When it is time to imbibe, the parcel shelf hides hand-engraved crystal tumblers, and time is kept with a Rolls-Royce clock set with a diamond-shaped sapphire. And for the driver – who should never be left out of events like this – a Conway Stewart fountain pen set and solid silver key fobs that come in a lacquered, walnut veneer box. The price: No object. Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Sybarites]

Reiter Engineering builds Gallardo GT3 for the street

Turning road cars into race cars and then back into road cars seems to be Reiter Engineering's new specialty. The factory-supported Lamborghini race team, which also recently built a street-legal variant of their Murcielago R-GT that competes in the FIA GT1 and European Le Mans Series, is now offering a road version of their Gallardo GT3 racecar. Based off the standard Gallardo with the 5.0L V10, the "Strada" features carbon fiber bodywork including fenders that have been widened 60mm, a new front fascia with "shark" style air ducts, side skirts and a large carbon fiber wing at the rear. A single large center-mounted exhaust system reduces weight by nine kg and added an extra ten horsepower, while new three-piece alloy wheels are wrapped with ultra sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber. The interior stays relatively stock, although the stock seats have been replaced with leather-covered racing units. While we wouldn't say the result is subtle, it's definitely one of the cleaner designs we've seen.

[Source: Reiter Engineering]

Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 has been spotted in France wearing a scant amount of camouflage, and unless Peugeot is deceiving us, it looks just like the Prologue HyMotion4 Concept from the Paris Motor Show. Updating the sheetmetal of the 4007, this crossover Pug gets a much smoother grille treatment and a combination of lines and curves out back suitable for a display at MOMA. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it's expected to offer seating for five or seven and looks like it will hold up to consumers cross-shopping the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan. Four-cylinder turbocharged engines are predicted to be sized at 1.6-liters, burning either gas or oil and driving two wheels at launch, with a four-wheel-drive variant offered down the line. Thanks for the tip, Jackob!

[Source: Autokrata]

New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix

DDB London, the ad firm that gave VW the singing dog commercial – and took home an award for its work – is back in the ring with a spot for the new Golf. Taking a little bit of Matrix, a little bit of Bourne, and even a spin kick move from Transporter 3, a VW designer has to battle his way to the very end to prove a point. As usual, it's pretty nifty and worth a watch. And after that, if you're looking for something completely different, you should check out this VW ad that presents an entirely new take on Toy Story. Check 'em both out after the jump.

[Source: Guardian]

Despite downturn, Toyota re-commits to F1

Toyota has reiterated its commitment to F1, in spite of its first annual operating loss since 1938. Said Toyota CEO Katsuake Watanabe of Toyota's F1 budget, still the largest in F1 at $445 million, "To keep it up at the current level is extremely difficult." Yet even with the loss, the global economic mess, the belt-tightening on the corporate side, and the fact that Toyota hasn't won a race in seven years, a Toyota spokesperson said, "We don't have anything to add to the statement we made on 5 December [committing to F1 after Honda's pullout -- Ed.] because the financial results don't change anything for us in the ­formula one team. Our situation has not changed." The FIA has suggested that next year's cost cutting measures will save teams 33% over their 2008 budgets. On top of that, Toyota is conducting its own cost cutting study to see what it can do over and above that. We have a feeling 2009 won't see Toyota on top of the big spenders list again.

[Source: The Guardian | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't sell well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially if you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't?

Lamborghini running strong with record sales and profit in 2008

The current economic conditions may be wreaking havoc on the Detroit Three, along iwth Toyota and Honda, but Lamborghini is apparently impervious to the global financial crisis. The House of the Raging Bull posted record sales and profit records for the fourth straight year and has followed through on its promise to introduce a new model every year during that time period. The company has no intentions of reducing funding for R&D, and plans to expand its global presence and dealer network throughout the next year. Here at Autoblog, we're all for Lamborghini's continued success, especially if they continue to let us drive their new models.

[Source: Lamborghini]

PRESS RELEASE:

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will deliver another record year's results in 2008. Official sales figures will be communicated on the occasion of Lamborghini´s appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009.

Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present downturn in economic activities in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the company is in a favourable strategic position due to its identity as a luxury brand of longstanding tradition. One of its core brand values is exclusivity, which is maintained through tight management of volumes and a strict policy of maintaining a strong forward order bank. This exclusivity is of essential relevance to both dealers and customers and is pivotal for the appeal of the brand.

Lamborghini has the most attractive product line-up in the company´s 45 year history. With at least one new product launched every year, and the continued development of the dealer network to maximise market penetration, Automobili Lamborghini has produced a year on year record performance in terms of turnover, profit and volumes for the last four years, together with a rare double digit profit margin. The company´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries.

Long before 2009, the company took decisive steps to address potential market volatility. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it provides the opportunity to create training and qualification programmes during work hours. There will be no layoffs, but an extension of the Christmas holiday for eight days has been confirmed.

Lamborghini will not divert from its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, and there will be ongoing expansion of its brand presence on a world-wide scale, with more new products and further expansion of its dealer network. The company will continue its strategy of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this are the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe for which deliveries commenced summer 2008, and the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder unveiled in November 2008 with market launch in spring 2009. Lamborghini continues its stated objectives of becoming the most profitable supersportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer and the most attractive brand in its market.

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

[Source: BMW]

PRESS RELEASE

BMW ANNOUNCES JANUARY 2009 PRICE ADJUSTMENT
12/22/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 22, 2008...BMW of North America, LLC announced today an average price increase of 0.7 percent for BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. effective January 1, 2009. This action is driven by the ongoing structural and economical changes in the market place. It will ensure revenue generation for the company's U.S. operations and help to protect the quality of business.

Pricing for the new Advanced Diesel vehicles remain unchanged. The all new 335d and X5 xDrive35d were launched recently and have begun arriving at BMW Centers this month.

In addition, BMW announced pricing for the new 2009 7 Series that debuted recently at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The base price for the 750i is $81,125 and the 750Li is 85,025 (including $825 for destination and handling). Both models began production in November and will arrive at BMW Centers in the spring.

See attached for new BMW pricing for model year 2009 vehicles.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Hyundai Elantra Touring priced from $18,495

Sold as the i30 elsewhere in the world, the new Hyundai Elanta Touring five-door compact will arrive soon on our shores with a base price of $18,495, which includes a $695 delivery charge. That price will put a base model Elantra Touring in your garage with a five-speed manual transmission topped with a B&M shifter. Like all Hyundais, the list of standard equipment that comes with the Elantra Touring is long and includes items like air conditioning, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, a cooled glove box and 172-Watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary input jacks. It also comes with Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment, which is nice to see at this price point. In fact, the only option is a Premium-Sport package that adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires. A maxxed out Elantra Touring with a four-speed automatic and the Premium-Sport package will go for $20,795, which is not a bad price to pay for a fun and practical five-door compact that can swallow 65.3 cubic feet of stuff with its rear seats folded and return 31 mpg on highway. Whether or not buyers in a bruised and battered economy will agree remains to be seen.

[Source: Hyundai]

edo competition and Audigier combine for limited edition designer Lambo

What happens when you combine a flamboyant Italian supercar with celebrity fashion designer Christian Audigier? You get... this. German tuner edo competition has teamed up with the clothing icon for a limited run of Murcielagos that feature custom design themes chosen by each customer. This ensures that each car is a one-off while simulaneously proving -- yet again -- that taste and income are mutually exclusive.

On the positive side, the Lambo's been fitted with a completely new exhaust system along with more aggressive camshafts, upgraded cylinder heads, and a high-flow air filter that bumps output above the 700-hp mark. A new single disc clutch helps transmit the power to all four wheels, although edo also offers a conversion to rear wheel drive that shaves off nearly 90 pounds. Pricing gets a cue from the designer clothing industry, coming in at just over $690,000, nearly double the MSRP of a standard LP640.

PRESS RELEASE:

In cooperation with internationally acclaimed designer Christian Audigier, edo competition has pulled out all the stops to create the fastest Lamborghini ever made.

The limited edition edo LP 710, of which only five will be produced, is a vehicle engineered to the highest standards, combined with Christian Audigier's unusual themes and unparalleled sense of color.

For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of international celebrities, there's no way around Christian Audigier. With his luxury clothing label he is setting new standards in the fashion world, exemplified by the sparkling skull and pirate themes adorning his designer pieces. However, Christian Audigier's creativity is not limited to fashion; it also translates to the world of automotive design, as evidenced by this latest cooperative effort.

Thanks to his inexhaustible imaginativeness, the matte black outer skin of the edo LP 710 has been completely restyled. However, it doesn't end there! The redesigned interior is an impressive sight as well. Carrying the creative theme inside, the seats, door panels and center console have been upgraded using his exquisite designs.

Carrying out the elaborate airbrush work to bring Christian Audigier's ideas to life is none other than Marcus Pfeil, of Pfeildesign in Austria. It's only fitting that the work being carried out on these unique vehicles is done exclusively by an artist with a worldwide reputation in the custom painting scene.

All five Haute-Couture Lamborghinis are custom made for each customer. The themes typical of Audigier's design underline the edo LP 710's proud pedigree. Every wish of the client can be accommodated during production. Customers have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles by choosing from a wide range of themes, lending an individual touch to Christian Audigier's work. Thus it is ensured that prospective owners do not just get the world's fastest Lamborghini, but also a completely unique design. In addition, each vehicle will be personally signed by the US-based star designer!

The base car, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, is completely disassembled. The modifications to the engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, exhaust system and interior are made to measure at edo competition within a three month time frame.

Along with the purchase of the vehicle, the customer gets the opportunity to drive his Lamborghini LP 710 at the limit, either at the high speed oval in Papenburg, Germany or at Nardo, Italy. Upon request, our test driver and pro racer Patrick Simon will coach the proud owner at the race track. Undoubtedly a memorable experience at speeds of over 360 km/h (224 mph)!

Specifications:
Engine: 6.5 liter V12
Output: 710 hp and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph): 3.2 seconds
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph): under 10 seconds!
Top speed: >360 km/h (>224 mph)
Net price: 495.000 EUR

Power increase
The increase in power was achieved through the use of new exhaust headers, new high flow catalytic converters, new mufflers, a new exhaust tip, new performance camshafts, modified cylinder heads and new high flow air filters.
The engine controls are reprogrammed to make ideal use of the individual modifications.

Aerodynamics
This powerful package is brought to perfection with optimized aerodynamics which enhances the stability of the mighty bull and bestows the car with an even more dynamic elegance. A newly developed and beautifully shaped rear wing with an adjustable lip completes the aerodynamics package.

Wheels/tires
A high-speed wheel and tire combination: 19 inch light alloy wheel set with special Continental high-speed tires: 225/35 ZR 19 Continental V-max in the front and 325/30 ZR 19 Continental V-max in the rear.

High performance exhaust system
A marvelous sound emanates from the edo competition stainless steel high performance exhaust system which includes a new exhaust tip. A new butterfly-valve control system – remote-controlled on request – is available, too. The more aggressive rear view is a great side-effect.

Drivetrain/clutch
edo competition has developed a new single disc clutch. Additionally the 4-wheel drive arrangement is turned into a 2-wheel drive setup. The LP 710 /2 is delivered with rear wheel drive. Weight savings of 40 kg (88 lb) and more agile handling are the result of this conversion.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.