Aller Hoffnungen und vermeintlich guten Nachrcihten der letzten Woche, die Rettung der EX-GM-Tochter Opel ist noch lange nicht in trockenen Tüchern. Auf Opel kommen horrende Lizenzgebühren, Pensionslasten und Zwischenfinanzierung zu. Rundum steht die Rettung damit auf sehr wackeligen Füßen. Es gibt zahlreiche offene Fragen – der Teufel steckt im Detail. Der Hersteller muss wohl Milliardenlasten schultern. Die Opposition fordert Nachbesserungen, schreibt heute die „FTD“.

Mehr: http://www.ftd.de/unternehmen/autoindustrie/:Rettung-des-Autobauers-Auf-Opel-rollen-Milliardenlasten-zu/523082.html

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Mazda hat sich beim brandneuen, leistungsstarken Mazda3 MPS, der in diesem Jahr
auf dem Internationalen Automobil-Salon in Genf Premiere feierte, für das Super
LSD Sperrdifferenzial von GKN Driveline entschieden.

Der Mazda3 MPS mit Frontantrieb wird durch einen 260 PS starken (191 kW bei
5500 UpM) Benzinmotor mit Turbolader und Direkteinspritzung angetrieben. Um
optimale Traktions- und Fahrdynamikeigenschaften zu erreichen, fiel die Wahl
der Mazda-Ingenieure auf das Super LSD von GKN Driveline, um das immense
Motordrehmoment optimal an die Vorderräder zu verteilen.

Das Super LSD von GKN Driveline ist eine innovative, kompakte und
kosteneffektive technische Lösung eines Sperrdifferenzials, um optimale
dynamische Fahrleistung zu gewährleisten. Es ist sowohl auf den Einbau in
Frontantriebsgetrieben, als auch in Hinterachsgetrieben von
Heckantriebsfahrzeugen anstelle eines offenen Standarddifferenzials ausgelegt.
mehr »

Die Blogger-Kollegen von CrunchGear testeten bei der NY Auto Show das neuen Aut-Parkystem von Ford, das sogenannte „Ford Active Park“-System“. Auch wenn der Test in einer vorab definierten Umgebung stattfindet, ist der Test doch recht realitätsnah (siehe Video unten) mehr »

Die New York AutoShow steht vor der Türe – Grund genug nach Big Apple zu reisen und paar neue Autos zu testen. Die Kollegen von Crunchgear haben genau dies gemacht. Und sind bei ihrer Testfahrt ausgesprochen angetan vom neuen „Kleinsten“ aus der Ford-Family.

Test Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta

Audi continues to underscore the importance of the US market to its future fortunes with two world debuts at the Detroit Auto Show. In addition to the R8 V10 that we saw last month, we got our first look at the Sportback concept. The Sportback is a preview of the A7 sedan due to arrive in the next year or so. As expected, this is Audi’s take on the four door coupe/sedan idiom. Compared to the Porsche Panamera, this is one actually works. It takes the look we’ve come to expect from Audi and updates it with slightly sharper lines and a reshaped grille, along with even more LED lighting.

The Sportback name refers to the fastback roofline and Audi boss Rupert Stadler made it clear that the new look will become a common trait in the Audi lineup, beginning with a new A5 Sportback coming later this year. Under the hood, the Sportback gets a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6 with 225 hp/406 lb-ft paired up with a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gea box. The whole thing is topped off with automatic start stop to give a combined 39 mpg (US). Based on these specs we can’t wait for the A7 to arrive.

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The term „diesel performance“ is an oxymoron to the majority of the public, but if the Volkswagen Bluesport makes it to production, these two diametrically-opposed words could have new meaning.

Later today at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the Bluesport concept, a two-door roadster packing a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbodiesel four putting out 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With around 2,600 pounds to motivate the Bluesport, VW estimates a run from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 140 and, just as importantly, 35 mpg on the European cycle. UPDATE: According to official numbers from VW, we’re actually talking an amazing 57 mpg in Eco mode.

The power from the mid-mounted diesel will be sent to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox mounted closer to the front of the car and resulting in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. The overall length is just over 13 feet, with a wheelbase of 96 inches, a front track 58.5 inches and a rear track of 60 inches. Two storage areas – one frunk and another mounted behind the engine – result in 182 liters of cargo area.

It’s a compelling package that we’re looking forward to scooping out in person. Check back this afternoon for more.

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Lamborghini debuted the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder in L.A., and the rumored LP670-4 SV is still a ways off, so the Italian supercar manufacturer decided to show off some of their non-automotive offerings in Detroit. Specifically, Lambo brought examples of its Ad Personam personalization program. A white 560 Spyder was flanked by a satin blue LP640-4 and LP560-4 coupe that were both simply mesmerizing. We’re huge fans of these new satin paints, because aside from lending an air of understated luxury to the Lambo’s lascivious lines, they’re remarkably easy to photograph. They reflect light beautifully, while providing translucent reflections that minimize glare and extraneous objects from the car’s surface. Lamborghini refers to it as a matte-luster paint finish, we’ll just call it matte-sex.

Both of the personalized cars here in Detroit are painted in Lamborghini’s new matte blue, although there’s no truth to the rumor that anyone showing a birth certificate that says their name is Matt Blue will get a free Lambo. Besides the new blue hue, Lamborghini announced that three more colors are now permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis (matte-luster black), Bianco Canopus (matte white), and Marrone Apus (matte brown). But don’t let that limit you. Lamborghini will do just about anything the customer can dream up. And if you can’t get what you want from the factory, you can always go the aftermarket route and get yourself an Ed Hardy special. There’s a full press release after the jump and galleries of live and media pics are available by clicking any image below.

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We’ve had plenty of time to get familiar with Bentley’s products over the past few years, and even though a Speed version of the GTC bordered on a foregone conclusion, we were still very happy to see it gracing the automaker’s stand this afternoon. Perhaps we’re just getting caught up in Michigan’s gray winter weather, but any reminder of sunny, warm days at speed are more than welcome.

Like other Speed-spec Continentals, the GTC Speed gives only subtle clues to its 600-horsepower W12. Up front, there’s an updated front end with a more sinister (and slightly more upright) front grille, along with a more assertive air dam.

Even static on Bentley’s hardwood, it’s easy to see that the GTC Speed benefits from a lowered ride height that gives away the car’s tighter suspension, as do its wider wheels and tires (which also help conceal gigantic carbon-ceramic brakes if they are so specified).

Sixty mph arrives in just 4.5 seconds, and if there’s a more graceful way to muss your coif at 195 mph, we have yet to find it. For those seeking out the mythical double ton on the speedometer, however, you’ll have to close the roof. Check out the high-res gallery below and be sure to follow the jump for Bentley’s full press release.

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