Restored 1960 Morris Mini to be Raffled at UK Classic Motor Show

A fully restored 1960 Morris Mini with 56,600 miles on the clock will be raffled at the British Classic Motor Show to be held at Birmingham's NEC from 13th to 15th November 2009. The red Morris Minor was restored to its former glory live on stage at last year's classic motorshow by Edd China from TV's Wheeler Dealers programme. The car will be given away in a text-to-win competition where participants are asked to answer a rather lame question of the sort "Which anniversary is the classic Mini celebrating in 2009". For the record, the answer is 'Mini Golden'...

Novitec Spices up the Alfa Romeo MiTo

The German tuner of Italian hardware, Novitec, has developed a comprehensive modification package for the new Alfa Romeo MiTo sport hatchback with power and styling treatments. Novitec offers upgrades for three MiTo engines, the most powerful being the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit that gains a 31HP and 30Nm bump for an overall output of 186HP and 260Nm of torque. The result is a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time in 7,4 seconds, or 0,6 seconds faster than the standard 155HP production model.

For the diesel models, Novitec's ECU kit boosts the 1.3-liter JTD's output from 90HP to 110HP while the 1.6-liter JTD delivers 144HP, up from 120HP. The tuner claims that peak torque is increased in both cases by around 50Nm. Tuned engines can also be upgraded with a sport rear muffler with one, two or four tailpipes.

Novitec also offers two suspension modification solutions, the first being a simple lowering kit that brings the MiTo 40mm closer to the road and the second, a stainless-steel coil-over suspension with adjustable ride height and adjustable dampers. The later gives the Alfa a tauter ride while allowing the driver to lower the car's ride height between 35mm and 65mm.

The shell of the Italian hatch has been adorned with a new bodykit that includes a three-piece front apron, side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and a roof spoiler. A new set of 18-inch alloys available in silver or black finish fitted with 215/35 R18 Pirelli rubber finish off the look of the vehicle.

Via: Autoblog.nl

Milotec Releases LED kit for Skoda Fabia and Roomster

While LED daytime running light have found their way in many upscale models, few makers offer them even as extras on mainstream cars like the Skoda Fabia hatch and its crossover sibling, the Roomster. But this is where aftermarket tuners like Skoda specialist Milotec come in. In addition to the aero parts and alloy wheel upgrades, Milotec is enhancing its product lineup for the Fabia and Roomster with the introduction of a new LED daytime running light kit. Prices -not including installation- are set at €265 for the standard kit and €289 of the tinted LEDs.

Nissan 370Z Nurburgring Edition: Limited Production Model Launched in Europe

When you hear a name like 'Nurburgring Edition', you expect something special, right? Well, judging from Nissan's press release, this doesn't seem to be the case with the new 370Z Nurburgring Edition that has been launched in Germany. Supposedly inspired from the bright-yellow 370Zs that participated at the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring in May, the limited edition model will be produced in a limited run of 80 copies. Unique features are limited to a 'Premium Ultimate Yellow' paint finish, special decals, a more sonorous Cobra exhaust system, a numbered plaque and 19-inch OZ alloy wheels shod in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires (255/40 R19 at the front, 285/35 R19 at the back).

There are no mechanical upgrades with the special edition 370Z retaining the standard model's 331HP 3.7-liter V6 engine. Prices in Germany have been set at €50,400 (that's about $71,700 at today's exchange rates). Buyers of the special edition 370Z also get a €150 gift card (approx. $215 US) for use at the Nurburgring race track either to perform a few laps on the Nordschleife or to buy memorabilia items.

Nissan's German division has yet to release any photos of the 370Z Nurburgring Edition - the pictures are from the standard model.

GM Finds a Buyer for HUMMER, Deal Could Save 3,000 Jobs

Fresh from filing for bankruptcy protection on Monday, General Motors announced on Tuesday morning that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a buyer for its Hummer division. Although GM did not disclose the name of the buyer nor the financial terms of the agreement, the automaker said that the sale is expected to close by the end of third quarter of 2009. GM said that the deal will secire more than 3,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at Hummer dealerships around the U.S.

"I'm confident that HUMMER will thrive globally under its new ownership. And for GM, this sale continues to accelerate the reinvention of GM into a leaner, more focused, and more cost-competitive automaker," said Troy Clarke, President of GM North America.

GM said that as part of the proposed deal, Hummer will continue to contract vehicle manufacturing and business services from GM during a defined transitional time period. Under the proposed agreement, GM's Shreveport Assembly plant would continue to contract assemble the H3 and H3T through at least 2010.

"GM has developed HUMMER into a globally recognized off-road brand," said James Taylor, Hummer chief executive officer. "The proposed agreement will enable us to continue that growth and maximize the brand's potential through new, innovative off-road vehicles with improved efficiency and alternative fuel powertrains. Today's announcement is great news for Hummer's current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe."

Audi: New 1.6 TDI Engines for A3 and A3 Sportback

Audi has announced a pair of new common-rail diesel engines that will join the A3 and A3 Sportback lineups. The most powerful variant of the 1.6-liter TDi produces 105HP and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque, and is combined with Audi's new start and stop, and energy recovery systems. With this engine the A3 sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 194 km/h (121mph) while consuming on average 4.1 liters of diesel per 100km (57.37 US mpg). This equates to 109 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

There's also a 90HP version of the 1.6-liter TDi that propels the A3 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 180km/h (112 mph). This model, which does not feature the start/stop system or energy recovery, has a higher average consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (52.27 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 118 grams per kilometer .

The A3 1.6 TDI is available for order in Europe with the basic price for the 90HP version set at €22,550 and for the 105HP model at €23,550. Those who opt for the 5-door Sportback model will be charged an extra €900.

GM Says Holden is Safe from Bankruptcy Proceedings, will be an Important Part of 'New GM'

It appears that -at least for the time being- Holden has escaped unscathed from the bankruptcy of its parent company, General Motors. As stated by the American automaker, Holden will continue normal operations in Australia and New Zealand as the company is not directly affected by GM's bankruptcy process in the US. "We don't anticipate this decision will have any direct impact on Holden's workforce, dealers, or suppliers," said Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss.

"Holden is a subsidiary of GM but we are a corporate entity in our own right – an independent company under Australian law. Beyond that, GM has indicated that Holden will be an important part of the New GM," Reuss said.

According to Holden's chief, the automaker will continue to maintain its focus on the planned product programs and activities. "That means technology improvements to our best selling Commodore range, launching the all-new Holden Cruze this month, and the introduction of our locally-built fuel efficient, four cylinder small car next year," he added.

VIDEO: MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair Specials

MINI has released video footage of its special edition '50 Camden' and '50 Mayfair' models that were created in celebration of the brand's 50th anniversary. Both cars made their first public appearance at the firm's birthday party that was held in Silverstone at the end of May. Available in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D guises, the MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair feature special color schemes along with unique design cues. Production will be limited to one year with deliveries set to start in September. Hit the jump to watch the videos or click here for more details.