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•  All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab
  Making its public debut at next month's IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.
  
  The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
  
  The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
•  BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
  For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW's EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy - the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle - resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from 1990 through 2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.
  
  Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.
  
  BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the result of a 'clean-sheet' development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car's emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.
•  Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours On The Avenue
  The Pebble Beach / Monterey Weekend began with the third annual Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue. The event took place in Carmel, CA just miles away from the location of the famed Pebble Beach Concours, happening just several days later. Though there is a flurry of other events that occur during this glorious time, the Concours On The Avenue brings its own flavor, featuring a wide range of vehicles and one of the few events to showcase American cars built in the post-war era.
  
  Last year, Porsche and Ferrari were featured on the first day with the second day showcasing many attainable vintage cars and production automobiles built between 1949 and 1971. Due to the slow economy, the Concours on the Avenue was condensed from two-days into one.
•  Hudson Railton
  Detroit based department store magnate, J.L. Hudson and Roy D. Chapin formed the Hudson Motor Car Company in 1909. During their early years of existence, they enjoyed much success with their low-priced car that sold for less than $1,000.
  
  As the 1930s came into sight and the Great Depression began taking its hold on the automotive company, the fortunes began to change. This was even true for British based manufacturers. The founder of the Invicta Company soon found his factory empty as demand declined drastically. He decided to satisfy the interests in American cars by 'Anglicizing' them with British coachwork. He recruited well known land speed record car designer Reed Railton as a consultant and to lend his credence to the Hudson chassis conversion project. By 1937, Railtons were fitted with a 4.2-liter Terraplane 8-cylinder offering 113 horsepower.
•  Increased specification, improved efficiency and enhanced handling
  The Lotus Exige Cup has developed a cult following and a dedicated fan base since the first Lotus Exige Cup 240 was unveiled in 2006. Over the last 4 model years several hundred Exige Cup Cars have been sold, either specifically for race and track use or for a pure road going driving experience. The latest Exige Cup 260, with 260 PS, takes the 38 kg weight savings introduced in the last years model, combines them with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements and revisions introduced on the 2010 Exige in March 2009 and tops them off with new components and technologies to produce the most focused and pure Exige yet.
  
  Roger Becker, Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus said, 'The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is the epitome of the Lotus brand philosophy of performance through lightweight. Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, once said 'Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere' and the Exige Cup 260 totally proves this, being one of the most exhilarating, focussed and pure sportscars on the road today.'
•  More News and Photos on the Ferrari 458
  In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italia's interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.
  
  In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in highperformance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari's F1 experience.
•  Concentrated Driving Pleasure: The MINI Coupé Concept.
  MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26 August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of the brand's great tradition.
  
  The MINI Coupé Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand's designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis.
  
  Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (17–27 September 2009), MINI is unveiling an unusually attractive vision of how the model family may well develop in future. The source of inspiration is once again the fundamental motive so characteristic of every MINI: driving pleasure. The MINI Coupé Concept therefore represents the ideal of a car destined in every respect to offer a thrilling experience and make every journey a truly unique thrill.
•  Gemballa Mistrale
  The new, fascinating GEMBALLA luxury limousine based on Porsche Panamera models Right at the market introduction of the Porsche Panamera, GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG for the first time publishes images of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and presents fascinating features. The design of the GEMBALLA luxury limousine is even more dynamic, more striking and significantly more exclusive than its serial counterpart. For perfect surface quality and custom-fit processing of the newly designed aerodynamics components, GEMBALLA mainly uses the ultra-light and high-strength material carbon. Part of the dynamic front look is a far more sporty front skirt. Larger air inlets guarantee the optimal supply with fresh air for future performance increases. An integrated carbon lip and an elegantly formed bonnet with slotted ventilation ducts complete the lifting-force reducing front.
  
  A striking eye-catcher of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and visual allusion to the classic 911-design are the extended front and rear fenders. A newly designed rear apron with integrated diffuser provides enough space for four end pipes of the sport exhaust system and seamlessly fits into the overall package.
  
  But not only design and aerodynamics are refined by GEMALLA. Also the performance of the four-door automobile is significantly improved. A newly programmed air suspension module with extended setting range lowers the centre of gravity up to 40 millimetres. For especially ambitious customers, GEMBALLA offers a height-adjustable coilover suspension. In connection with the ultra-light 22-inch forged rims both versions render best vehicle control and also optimal road contact. For excellent deceleration values and perfect pedal control, GEMBALLA adds a high-performance brake system. 6-piston brake callipers with 420 millimetre brake discs at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380 millimetre brake discs at the back axle replace the serial components.
•  The Kurtis Aguila Racer
  The word 'Aguila' is Spanish meaning 'eagle'. This Kurtis Aguila was designed by Frank Kurtis. It was a dual purpose car that was legal for the new proposed SCCA 'Formula 366' Monoposto class and by fitting removable fenders, as a Sports Racer. It was the idea of Texas-based former bike racer Herb Stelter who had the idea of converting an Indy car chassis into a competitive sports car.
  
  Stelter paid $12,000 for the Kurtis Aguila, serial number 62-S-1. This would be the final racing car built by Frank Kurtis.
  
  Stelter commissioned his mechanic, Dale Burt, to install a 327 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine with overhead valves. The engine was mated to a T-10 Borg-Warner manual gearbox and a Kurtis solid rear axle with a Halibrand 'Quick-Change' type rear.
•  World Debut in Frankfurt: the New Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
  Stronger, wider, faster – the new version of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup offers its many customers the world over even greater value than ever before. The successor to the best-selling racing car of all time built in a production series of more than 1,400 units is based for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS, with the weight of the racing model reduced significantly versus the lightweight road-going version.
  
  This is the first GT3 Cup to feature the 44-millimetre (1.73') wider body at the rear, providing sufficient space for even larger wheels. Wider wheel arches also at the front clearly show that the front wheels are likewise new.
  
  Engine capacity is up by 0.2 litres over the former model, engine output is 30 bhp more than before. The most important facts and figures: 3.8-litre six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit developing 450 bhp (331 kW), sequential six-speed manual gearbox, weight 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), racing version of the 911 GT3 RS.
•  1959 Pontiac Bonneville
  In a year of many flamboyant designs, one of 1959's biggest hits was the dramatically restyled Pontiac. The iconic Pontiac split grille design, 'Wide-Track stance and legendary 389 V-8 were all introduced in 1959. Motor Trend Magazine awarded this trendsetting Pontiac its 'Car of the Year' trophy.
  
  The 1959 Pontiac line include three series: the value-priced Catalina, the mid-level Star Chief, and the top-drawer Bonneville. This example is the fabulous Bonneville Convertible, resplendent in its Sunset Glow exterior and tri-tone leather interior. Options include front bucket seats, power steering, power brakes, 'Wonderbar' signal-seeking radio and four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Of the 382,940 Pontiacs built for 1959, exactly 11,426 were Bonneville drop-tops.
•  The 1953 Hudson Hornet
  The Hudson Hornet had tremendous success in NASCAR from 1951 to 1953. The 308 cubic-inch straight-six which was the 'largest displacement six-cylinder engine in the world' was the unit responsible for carrying the Hornet these victories. This particular car has the factory '7X' engine modifications with dual single-barrel carburetors atop a dual-intake manifold producing 210 horsepower. The hood featured a 'ram air' scoop that ducted cold air to the carburetors. The car has been restored by the owner and includes a Hydramatic transmission, leather interior, windshield and side window visors.
•  Worldwide Auctioneers to present one of the finest and largest offerings of pre-war classics available anywhere in North America at The Auburn Auction.
  Worldwide Auctioneers' line up of consignments for its second annual The Auburn Auction will embrace a wonderful selection of over forty venerable pre-war classics, appropriately set to go under the hammer in the town which is celebrated as 'The Classic Car Capital of the WorldTM'. 'Most of the great cars have exchanged hands here in Auburn over the years and we are excited to present such an august selection of fine old motorcars in this most apt of settings,' said Rod Egan, Managing Partner & Chief Auctioneer. 'What, for example, could be more fitting than the unique 1927 Duesenberg Model Y Phaeton, a singularly important motorcar designed, built, and sold new in Indiana, now proudly offered by Worldwide Auctioneers in Auburn, the home of Duesenberg itself?'
•  2010 Ford Edge
  The 2010 Edge Sport continues to be aimed at customers who want a sportier look and a personalized vehicle.
  
  The Edge Sport, when equipped with the available 22-inch wheel/tire handling package elevates the already agile Edge to a new level of handling and control. It feels at home on a road course or twisty mountain road, but still delivers a ride agreeable for even a daily driver. High-performance P265/40-R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires are mounted on massive 22-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels delivering a jaw-dropping stance. Performance-tuned shocks, springs and steering components deliver stunning handling.
  
  The Sport model also shows its personality with an eight-piece factory-installed body kit that includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color instead of the dark lower finish on other Edge models. The front air dam comes with integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert. Edge Sport is available in four exterior colors: Black, Red Candy, Ingot Silver and a limited-run Sport Blue.
•  The new Maserati GranCabrio to premiere in Frankfurt
  The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker's history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The introduction of the GranCabrio – the Trident's third prong – completes Maserati's product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.
  
  The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It's a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated - manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs.
•  1912 Mercedes
  The car was discovered in Australia after languishing in the elements for many years. It had the remains of a sports racing body and the remains of 9.5-liter, 4-cylinder, overhead cam, WWI, Hall-Scott Aero engine which appears to have been fitted some time during its career.
  
  The car has undergone a meticulous and sympathetic 6-year restoration in England during which a 1914 G.P. Mercedes style body was fitted. Other unique features are positive camber back axle with twin ring and pinion gears, the front axle with fabric wrapped V-shaped wooden inserts, and a V-shaped radiator. Both were early Mercedes attempts at aerodynamics.
  
  The car has competed in various vintage races in England for the past two years. It recently returned to the US and is making its concours debut at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
•  Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance
  The 30th Anniversary of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance unfolded in the shadow of iconic Meadow Brook Hall and the serene campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Since its inception in 1979 the event has evolved into a spectacular weekend affair including a motoring tour, welcome reception, classic car auction, gala, and the uniquely judged automotive competition of truly significant automobiles.
  
  The theme of this year's Concours d'Elegance was 'The Best of Detroit,' a category that included leaders in design, engineering, and power. In honor of the Meadow Brook's 30th Anniversary, cars from the inaugural event were showcased, some of which were still in the same ownership 30 years ago. Additional features to this year's event included dragsters, Gassers, Rolls-Royce Phantoms, and Packards. Other headliners included a 1911 Hupmobile, a 1954 Fiat 8V Supersonic, and a 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, which made its North American debut at the concours.
  
  Over the past 30 years, the Meadow Brook Concours has come to be hailed as one of the most prestigious car events of its kind in the world. It is an event that celebrates automotive history, heritage, quality of restoration and enthusiasm for the old car hobby.
•  Miller Crosley
  The Miller Crosley No. 172HM was completed in February 1956, at Don Miller's shop at the rear of his Inglewood California home. As originally produced, Don had used a Triumph Bonneville engine he had garnered from Richie Siefried. Don raced this car at Palm Springs in 1956, blowing a piston on Saturday. After much overnight heroics in the fab department, Don had it on the grid Sunday. Starting last in a field of 24 G and H cars he worked up to finish on 'Doc Youngs' bumper or 2nd in class and 5th overall. The Triumph had vibrated so badly in this tiny chassis that Don began to have second thoughts. The next outing confirmed his opinion when at Paramount Ranch, despite finishing 3rd, the car shook terrible. By the next race Don had converted the car to Crosley power. Don, using a Crosley engine, came in 2nd at Pomona later that year, but by Labor Day at Santa Barbara, the little car had been sold to Jack Brown who would race it through 1961 with marginal results. Jock Puckett had driven against this car with the MPX Crosley in 1960 and 1961. Like Joe, Jack Brown lived in Manhattan Beach. In 1987, five years after Jack Brown had passed away, Joe acquired the car and the team began a 3.5 year restoration which ended on July 19, 1991.
•  The MG J2
  The MG J2 set the fashion for British sports cars for many years. It was introduced in 1932 and many sports cars of the thirties copied the body style with its cut away doors, cycle type mudguard, fold flat windscreen, and slab gas tank with spare wheel on the back. It remained the basic MG style until 1955, when the TF was replaced by the aerodynamics of the MGA.
  
  The J-Series was available either as a J1, an open four-seater or closed coupe, or the J2, a small two-seater open sports car. The significant change made to the J2 during its production was the switch to swept wings and running boards in 1933. This J2, which was sold new in July 1933, was assembled five cars from the end of cycle wing production.
  
  The J2 has a four-cylinder, single overhead cam engine with a cross flow head and dual SU downdraft carburetors. Its 847cc engine produces 36 horsepower and was rated as an 80 mph car by the Autocar magazine in 1932. The gearbox is a four-speed designed by Wolsley. The car has cable-operated brakes.
  
  There were just over 2,000 J2s produced during the 1932-1934 production run. The cost new in 1932 was 199.10 Pounds Sterling, which was twice the price of the cheapest British car on the market at that time, a Morris.
•  BONHAMS TWELFTH ANNUAL AUCTION AT QUAIL LODGE
  Once again the beautiful and sunny setting of Carmel Valley, California, drew collectors from around the world to Bonhams' flagship Quail Lodge motorcar auction last Friday the 14th.
  
  As expected, the most hotly contested cars came from the Sidney & Jenny Craig Collection, which was 100% sold and included spirited battles for the ex-Al Capone 1930 Cadillac V-16 armored Sedan, the ex-President Franklin D. Roosevelt Lincoln Model K, and the ex-William Boyd a.k.a. Hopalong Cassidy 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Convertible Victoria, which achieved $1,437,000.
•  Porsche rolls out the definitive track ready, street legal 911
  Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.
  
  The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.
•  The Nash-Healey
  The Nash-Healey was a two-seat sports car produced for the American market between 1951 and 1954. Sometimes erroneously described as the first American sports car built since the Great Depression, it was in fact the product of an Anglo-American partnership between the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and British engineer and automaker Donald Healey.
  
  Nash Motors supplied the Ambassador's long, heavy & bulky inline six-cylinder OHV engine. Healey fitted a lighter, higher-compression aluminum cylinder head in place of the cast-iron stock item and also, on the smaller engine, installed the twin 1.75-inch SU carburetors that were popular on British sports cars.
  
  Many judge the 1953-54 Farina-styled Nash-Healey's more critically than the 1951 models. Nevertheless, the 1953 'LeMans' model was awarded first prize in March of that year in Italy. In light of meager sales for the preceding years, Nash delayed introduction of the 1954 models until June 3 and discontinued the convertible, leaving just a slightly reworked 'Le Mans' coupe, distinguished by a three-piece rear window instead of the previous one-piece glass.
  
  Nash cut the price by more than $1,200 to $5,128, but production finally ceased in August, 1954. A total of 507 production Nash-Healey's were built in the four-year model run.
• BONHAMS TWELFTH ANNUAL AUCTION AT QUAIL LODGE
  Once again the beautiful and sunny setting of Carmel Valley, California, drew collectors from around the world to Bonhams' flagship Quail Lodge motorcar auction last Friday the 14th.
  
  As expected, the most hotly contested cars came from the Sidney & Jenny Craig Collection, which was 100% sold and
•  Gooding & Company Announces More than $50 Million in Sales at 2009 Pebble Beach Auction
  Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, sold 129 total lots over both Saturday and Sunday auction events, collectively earning more than $50 Million* in sales. Continuing its successful presence at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and as the leading auction house in Monterey, Gooding & Company attracted thousands of collectors and enthusiasts from around the world last week.
  
  Sunday's totals were north of the competition with $29+ million for 55 lots sold out of 70 offered. Nine exceptional cars sold for more than $1 Million each. The evening's top five sales were the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider at $5,115,000, the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Drop Head Coupe at $4,180,000, the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Roadster at $3,300,000, the 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series I at $1,540,000 and the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 380 Sport Roadster at $1,078,000.
•  La Dolce Vita Automobili
  The La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse was formed to bring energy, passion, and people into a relaxing and fun atmosphere in a setting that captures the excitement of the Monterey Week. This was the inaugural year for the event and was held at the Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey, California. It is an event organized by car owners for car enthusiasts. The collection of automobiles spread out over the greenery included such Italian exotics as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Pantera and Fiat. There were special displays honoring the 75th anniversary of the innovative Citroen Traction Avant cars, Alfa past and present, Maserati GranTouring elegance and the stylish and progressive Lancia designs.
•  Ninth Annual Monterey Auction Event A Success
  Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles, one of the nation's premier collector car auctions, specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs reports record breaking attendance, LIVE online auction action and a successful ninth annual Monterey auction event.
  
  The Monterey 2009 event was once again held at the downtown Monterey Marriott Hotel August 13-15, 2009. With its traditional 'rolling preview,' the new online webcast, and phone bidding audiences everywhere where mesmerized with Russo and Steele's energetic and interactive auction experience.
  
  An exciting auction that resulted in a two evening sale; the preliminary total for the event is over $5 million in sales and a 55%+ sales rate. Post sales are currently working, with full results posted by the end of next week. Russo and Steele catered to the current conservative market trend by increasing the number of high quality automobiles in the $100,000 to the $500,000 market value. This allowed the auction company to provide its clientele with the exquisite automobiles that they were currently in the market to buy. These results prove the market is still strong when selling impeccable collector automobiles with provenance.
•  PHIL HILL'S SON DRIVES 1952 JAGUAR C-TYPE
  The legendary Phil Hill's son, Derek, drove the historic 1952 Jaguar C-Type, s/n XKC-007 to an auction world record last night, selling for $2,530,000 at RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey event in California.
  
  XKC-007 was one of the first C-Types delivered to North America. In 1952, a young Phil Hill – then just 25 – drove the car at Elkhart Lake to claim the C-Type's first North American victory, before going on to achieve further success at Torrey Pines that same year.
  
  'With over 85% of the 239 cars sold, including the very exciting 1952 Jaguar C-Type, and a current sales total exceeding $34 million, we are pleased with the weekend's results which reflect our consistently strong sell-through performance year to date,' said Ian Kelleher, President & Chief Operating Officer of RM Auctions.
• GOODING & COMPANY ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $50 MILLION IN SALES AT 2009 PEBBLE BEACH AUCTION
  Gooding Sold 129 Exceptional Lots with Two $4+ Million Cars and Achieved Three World Records in 2 Days
  
  Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, sold 129 total lots over both Saturday and Sunday auction events, collectively earning more than $5
• Ninth Annual Monterey Auction Event A Success
  Record Attendance and Increased Sales Percentage
  
  Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles, one of the nation's premier collector car auctions, specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs reports record breaking attendance, LIVE online auction action and
•  2010 Devon GTX
  Conceived by a visionary industrial artist, brought to life by some of the worlds leading automotive engineers and designers, and proven on some of the most demanding race tracks in America, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX stands ready to stake claim as the next great American supercar.
  
  The 2010 Devon GTX was introduced today on the famed judging stand at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. The limited edition supercar is the first product from Los Angeles-based industrial design house Devon Motorworks (devonmotorworks.com). It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010.
  
  We are so proud to utilize the hallowed Concours stand as the venue to premiere the first offering from our studio, said Devon Motorworks founder and CEO Scott Devon. Each year this event serves as a living homage to the great automobiles of our past, many of which served as our inspiration for the Devon GTX. By being mindful of classic design, and blending our own view of modern transportation, its our sincere hope that we will earn a permanent spot in the landscape of automotive history. The Devon GTX is on one hand a race-inspired performance car, offering a 650-horsepower engine and a complimentary transmission and induction/exhaust system that will make it the most powerful naturally aspirated production powertrain system on the market today. On the other hand, the vehicles muscular shape represents a new expression of modern industrial design, blending both classic and futuristic cues to warn of the awesome power that exists within its shape.
•  2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
  Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly presenting a new top model at the pinnacle of its broad range of production sports cars: The new Porsche 911 Turbo combines far-reaching innovations in technology with fine tuning and supreme refinement in design. All key features of this high-performance sports car have been significantly improved, the new 911 Turbo combining a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency and lower weight with more power, even higher speed, and enhanced driving dynamics.
  
  Particularly in terms of fuel economy and dynamic performance, the new top-of-the-range 911 from Zuffenhausen now stands out even more than before from its competitors in the market. Porsche's new top model will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 17 - 27 September.
  
  The heart and highlight of the seventh generation of the Turbo is the new power unit displacing 3.8 litres and delivering maximum output of 500 bhp (368 kW). The first entirely new engine in the 35-year-history of the Turbo comes with features such as Direct Fuel Injection and Porsche's exclusive turbocharger with variable turbine geometry on a gasoline power unit. And as an option, the new six-cylinder may be combined for the first time with Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Double-Clutch Gearbox).
•  Bentley Mulsanne Makes World Debut at Pebble Beach Concours
  Today, Bentley Motors unveiled the Mulsanne, the companys all-new flagship grand tourer, at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in Monterey, California. The Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentleys crowning achievement in 1930, the 8-litre. And it was W.O.s own sensitively conserved company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach. This early motoring masterpiece represented the last big Bentley that was designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers - until now.
  
  Nearly 80 years later, while paying respect to this illustrious past, the new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern statement of luxury driving and grand touring. Conceived, styled and engineered entirely at Bentleys headquarters in Crewe, England, the Mulsanne, with its completely new and unique platform, goes into production next year in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the Crewe factory.
•  Bugatti 16.4 Veyron Sang Bleu
  Continuing this years 100th anniversary celebrations Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has chosen the prestigious Pebble Beach weekend to present a further highlight to pay tribute to this legendary brand : The company proudly unveils the Bugatti Sang Bleu - an exclusive, one-off Grand Sport, honouring the marques precious heritage.
  
  The Sang Bleu has ventured into new areas. Instead of applying two paint colours or paint and material to highlight the two tone design the Sang Bleu exclusively concentrates on materials - carbon fibre and aluminum - an innovative combination never realised before. This unique approach opens a new dimension of Art Forme Technique , the companys core values.
  
  The colour combination commissioned for the Pebble Beach car is blue carbon fibre with polished aluminum. The visual carbon fibre is tinted in royal blue to emphasize the refined volumes and surfaces of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. The rear airscoops are tinted in the same nightblue offering a dramatic view from above and thus fluidly integrate into the overall design philosophy of this unique model.
•  World Debut of the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder
  Spyker Cars, manufacturer of exclusive, hand-crafted sports cars since 2000, today introduced the first prototype of the Spyder version of its all-new second-generation sports car, the Spyker C8 Aileron. The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder was unveiled at the Spyker lounge on Peter Hay Hill on Saturday, and subsequently displayed on the concept lawn at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.
  
  Spyker Cars announced the development of a convertible C8 Aileron Spyder in March at the Geneva Auto Show, during the introduction of the production version of the Spyker C8 Aileron. The car presented today is the first prototype for the open-top model, scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.
  
  'Spyker Cars has taken the next step in our short but intense history with the launch of our second-generation sports car,' said Victor R. Muller, Spyker Cars' founder and Chief Executive Officer. 'We are currently presenting the first Spyker C8 Ailerons to customers, dealers and press around the world, and the response has been very enthusiastic.'
•  Pebble Beach Concours : Best of Show
  At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, it was time for the announcement of the most elegant car at this years Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In past years, three candidates for Best of Show honors have been brought up to the end of the ramp, with only one being invited onto the stage. This year, only two cars were brought to the end of the stage. One was a pre-War car, the other a post war car. Post War cars rarely are awarded Best of Show honors at Concours d'Elegance events; it is believed (we are still trying to find out if this is indeed true) that Best of Show is only chosen from pre-War cars at the Pebble Beach Concours. Even though the runner up was a magnificent car, the pre-War Horch 853 was the clear winner.
  
  In 2004, a Horch 853 Roadster was crowned Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours. Five years later, a car with a similar body style, color, and presence was crowned Best of Show.
  
  'The Horch has wonderful lines, a great proven chassis and all the beauty that make it the whole package,' said owner Mr. Lee, who also won best of show at Pebble Beach in 2006. 'Pebble Beach is the greatest car show in the world and winning here is indescribable. It's been a wonderful day for us here and I have the best team to thank for making it happen.'
•  Auto-Union Type D
  The Silver Arrows—successful, streamlined Grand Prix racers of the late-1930's built by premier German manufacturers and finished in a shimmering shade of their home country's racing color. Of these legendary racers built by Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz, the Auto Union D-Type has perhaps become the most storied. With a postwar past shrouded in mystery and controversy, the D-Type has become a captivating symbol of early racing heritage. As the Bonhams & Butterfields auction house prepares to offer D-Type chassis 19 on August 14, 2009, the legendary Auto Union is set to show the world the unfathomable cost of a legendary history.
  
  Ferdinand Porsche had been working for Auto Union prior to the D-Type's development. In a careless attempt at cost cutting, his contract had dropped by Auto Union after 1937. Everything worked out fine for Porsche, who was immediately and happily offered another job by Mercedes-Benz, but Auto Union had lost its best engineer. Nevertheless, Auto Union was able to develop the competitive D-Type for Grand Prix racing in just 18 months.
•  The Bugatti Type 57C
  The Bugatti Type 57 is considered to be Bugatti's most successful road going creation which debuted in 1934 and remained in production until the start of WWII, with a total of 739 examples being produced. The design was inspired by Jean Bugatti, who had his father's sense of engineering, created several standard body designs which were available through the factory. This included a four-door Gabilier coach, two-door Ventoux, 1939 57C four-door coach, Atalante on the 57C and 57S chassis, and the Atlantic Coupe which was also available on the 57C and S.
  
  The Type 57 was a new design. Little was borrowed from its predecessor, except for the bore and stroke of the Type 49 engine. The Type 57S was offered beginning in 1935. The Series 2 Type 57 soon followed which brought with it rubber engine mounts, cam and engine timing improvements, heavier chassis and revised dashboard. In 1937, the Type 57C became available. This was a supercharged version which added improved horsepower output over its siblings. The 3.3-liter engine with the supercharger was capable of producing over 215 horsepower.
•  Hispano Suiza H6B
  In 1919, at the Paris Motor Show, Hispano-Suiza introduced the H6 powered by a 6.6-liter overhead cam aluminum six-cylinder engine offering 135 horsepower and a top speed of 85 mph. One of the more advanced features found on the H6 were the power-assisted brakes, the first in the industry, driven with a special shaft from the transmission. Upon deceleration, the cars momentum drove the brake servo to provide additional power. There were around 2,350 examples of the H6 produced through 1933.
•  Mercury Monterey XM-800 Concept
  This 1954 Mercury Monterey XM800 was first shown to the public at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show. It was built for Ford by Creative Industries of Detroit, Michigan and was designed by the Mercury pre-production studio with John Najjar serving as the studio manager. Elwood Engle worked on the project as well, serving as a consultant assigned by George Walker's design firm.
  
  The car was put up for sale on eBay in September of 2008 and was purchased by the current owner. The new owner undertook the monumental task of disassembling and refinishing the entire car. The work was done to great detail, resurrecting one of the great concepts from the 1950s. Upon completion, the car was put on display at the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.
•  AN EMOTIONAL VICTORY FOR DE FERRAN, PAGENAUD
  Gil de Ferran and Simon Pagenaud went flag-to-flag Saturday to win the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, their fourth consecutive overall victory in the American Le Mans Series. Team owner de Ferran qualified on the overall pole position, and the pairing won at Mid-Ohio for the first time in their careers.
  
  The victorious team boss crossed the finish line in the de Ferran XM Acura ARX-02a 8.358 seconds ahead of Patrón Highcroft Racing's David Brabham and the Acura that he drove with LMP1 championship co-leader Scott Sharp.
  
  The emotions of the weekend were just as challenging for de Ferran as the race itself. Team fueler Keith Jones was badly injured in a pitlane fire at Mid-Ohio last year. Winning for the first time at the circuit and on the weekend where he announced he will retire as a driver at the end of the season were tough to overcome.
•  Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
  A sweat-soaked firesuit served as his royal garb and a water bottle his scepter. Nonetheless, Scott Dixon was crowned the IndyCar Series king Aug. 9 in Victory Circle at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
  
  Dixon won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by Westfield Insurance in commanding fashion for his record 20th IndyCar Series victory. Speedways, bullrings, road/street circuits, the 30-year-old New Zealander has conquered them all - along with two series titles and an Indianapolis 500 victory.
  
  'Obviously it's a fantastic milestone for myself and obviously for the team,' said Dixon, who registered his fourth win of the season. 'I've achieved all of those wins with Target. Without them, it wouldn't have been possible.
•  New Hope Automobile Show
  Now in its 52nd year, the New Hope Automobile Show has long been one of the best car shows local to the eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey areas. For the last several years, the show has been held at the New Hope-Solebury High School in New Hope, PA. Even with fewer cars and shrinking levels of attendance, the show has maintained a tradition of gathering some of the finest cars around. The vast majority of attending vehicles are from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but the quality of machinery far exceeds the standards of a grassroots local show.
  
  Now, that's not to say that New Hope isn't a grassroots local show. Organizers are from the nearby area, and, with a wide range of vendors selling household items and services often far outside the realms of the automobile, the event has become as much a community get-together as a prestigious car show. But the long history of New Hope's annual event has given it the chance to develop further than most other regional shows.
•  The Chevy Corvette C6.R at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
  Corvette Racing's first test with its two new GT2 Corvette C6.R marked the end of a demanding yet rewarding process that at the same time serves as a beginning at the Acura Sports Car Challenge.
  
  The No. 4 Corvette was the first one built with the process starting in December and completing in April. The sister Corvette was only recently completed and ran 200 laps at Gingerman Raceway in western Michigan, where the official debut photo shoot took place. To date there are only two cars in existence.
  
  'In the limited testing we've done so far, we've been very impressed with the car's durability, reliability and performance,' said program manager Doug Fehan. 'We'll continue to focus on those three factors in the upcoming races. We view the rest of this year as a development cycle, and we believe that our experience as a team in preparation, race strategy, and pit stop execution should allow us to be competitive even if there is a slight performance disparity.'
  
  'We're not running for a championship this year, so the testing we'd prefer to do in private we do in the public eye,' added team manager Gary Pratt. 'We're looking at the next five races as preparation for 2010. Our goal is to learn as much as we can. In a perfect world we'd have the rest of this year to test and then come out with new cars at the start of next season, but we felt we just needed to get out there and race for the Corvette customers and fans. We think we'll be competitive, but there are many good cars and teams in GT2. We know it will be a challenge, and we're looking forward to it.' -ALMS
•  Ferrari 330 P3/4
  The Ferrari 330 P3/4 was one of the legendary contenders in the ferocious battle between Ford and Ferrari in the mid to late 1960's. Also called the 412 P, the Ferrari received its 330 P3/4 designation for sharing key components with both Ferrari's 330 P3 and 330 P4. Those latter two cars were instrumental in Ferrari's 1960's racing efforts, and were raced by the Ferrari works team. The 330 P3/4 was sold to private teams such as NART for competition purposes.
  
  The 330 P3/4 can easily trace its heritage back to the first of its series, the 330 P. The 330 P was the first Ferrari to be pinned against a Ford GT40. When Ferrari and Ford first fought at Le Mans in 1964, the 330 P filled the podium while no Fords finished. Ferrari's 1-2-3 finish only encouraged Ford to put more time and money into developing its GT40, though, and the American giant prepared for a triumphant return.
•  Corvette Racing to Introduce Corvette C6.R in GT2 Class at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
  Corvette Racing will open a new chapter with the competition debut of the next-generation Corvette C6.R at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 6-8. In anticipation of a single GT class in 2010, Corvette Racing will test and develop the latest Corvette C6.R in the GT2 category in the final five rounds of the 2009 American Le Mans Series. With the upcoming move to a unified GT category, the twin Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars will compete against rivals representing Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Viper, Panoz, and Ford.
  
  Based on the Corvette ZR1 supercar, the next-generation Corvette C6.R has even stronger links to the production version of America's performance icon than its predecessors. The GT2 rules require the use of many production-based components, expanding the opportunities for the two-way transfer of technology between the race track and the showroom. The updated Corvette C6.R utilizes the ZR1's body design, aerodynamic package, aluminum frame and chassis structure, steering system, windshield, and other components. The race team has prepared the cars for the rigors of endurance racing with safety and performance modifications as permitted by the GT2 rules.
•  RM Auctions Posts Strong Results at Meadow Brook Auction
  RM Auctions kicked off a busy month of auction action in Rochester, Michigan over the weekend, posting in excess of $5.4 million in total sales with an impressive 79% of lots sold at its 15th annual Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event on August 1st.
  
  Held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, the single-day event presented some 102 magnificent collector cars for auction, along with a select range of memorabilia. Well-attended by discerning collectors from across North America, the auction set the scene for the Concours 'Best of Detroit' celebrations the following day by shining a spotlight on Michigan's rich automotive history with numerous auction cars making their way back to their Motor City birthplace for the event.
•  Road Test: Hyundai Genesis 3.8
  A quick glance at the $40,100 as-tested price tag and premium styling hints at understated Japanese luxury, but peering at the anonymous grille reveals no familiar Acura or Infiniti emblems. Actually, there isn't any emblem on the front of the car. The only clues that this isn't the latest Lexus offering are the winged badges on the wheels and trunk lid, reminiscent of the prestigious Aston Martin and Bentley logos, with the unfamiliar name GENESIS scribed within.
  
  The Genesis, introduced for the 2009 model year, is Hyundai's flagship offering. The platform is offered in both coupe and sedan forms, though the Genesis Coupe is a wholly different vehicle from the 4-door Genesis we tested. The Genesis Coupe uses racier styling and different engine and transmission choices. Its mission to offer a Hyundai equivalent to pricey models from established labels is the same as that of the 4-door Genesis, but the Genesis Coupe competes more directly with the Nissan 370Z and even the fresh battery of muscle cars from Detroit. The Genesis referenced in this article is the 4-door version, aimed at the Lexus GS, BMW 5-series, and other premium rear-wheel-drive models.
  
  Before you dismiss a high-end Hyundai as an oxymoron, remember that the Azera, Hyundai's top of the line model prior to the Genesis, is still being made. A notch higher than the already comfortable and well-equipped Azera, the new Hyundai Genesis is moving boldly into the luxury car arena with new features and higher prices. The Genesis is not just a family car loaded with standard features—it's a genuine premium car riding on an exclusive platform.
• RM AUCTIONS KICKS OFF BUSY AUGUST CALENDAR AND POSTS STRONG RESULTS AT MEADOW BROOK AUCTION
  · RM Auctions 15th annual ‘Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook' event achieves 79% sell-through
  · Top seller – 1935 Auburn 851SC Boattail Speedster brings $462,000
  · Part proceeds of the sale of 2005 Ford GT, which sold for $187,000, to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
  
  RM Auc
•  Meadow Brook Concours - Best of Show American
  Best of Show honors in the American Car category at the Meadow Brook Concours went to a Dietrich bodied Packard Twelve Sport Sedan owned by Ray Scherr. The Packard Twelve is considered to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. The long and flowing front hood hid a 445 cubic-inch side-valve twelve cylinder engine that was refined, powerful, smooth, and quiet. Most of the Packard production Twelve's received factory bodies. Only a handful received custom coachwork by such greats as LeBaron and Dietrich.
•  Meadow Brook Concours - Best of Show European
  Each year, the Meadow Brook Concours awards two Best of Show honors to two outstanding automobiles. One is given to an American built car, the other to a European car. For three decades, the car selection committee has been making the task of selecting 'the best of the best' extremely difficult for the judges, and this year was no different. The caliber of cars were truly exceptional, with 250 to select from, the job was monumental.
  
  In the European category, the coveted honors went to the 1939 Delahaye Type 165 owned by the Peter Mullin Automotive Foundation. It was designed especially for display at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. It has coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi and power is from a 4.5-liter 12-cylinder engine. It is a gorgeous automobile, has a great history, and had one of the larger engines in the 'European Luxury & Sport' category. It was a worthy recipient for 'Best of Show – European' honors.