IMSA Creates Carbon-Fiber Bodyit for new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

For some people, not even a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is exotic enough for their taste. That's where specialized tuners like IMSA come into the picture. The German tuning firm developed a new carbon-fiber bodykit for the facelifted Gallardo which consists of an aerodynamically optimized front apron, larger fenders for all four wheel arches, side skirts and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. As is the case with such tuning proposals, the aerokit can be enhanced with a new set of alloy wheels.

Toyota Reduces North American Production but Maintains Jobs

The worst automotive slump in decades is taking its toll on Toyota that announced additional measures for its North American manufacturing plants. These include new production cuts, the freezing and in some cases, the reduction of salaries and a new voluntary exit program. For the time being, Toyota will not layoff any North American workers. "We've taken responsible, step-by-step actions to address this issue in recent months, and we hope the new measures will help us adjust while protecting jobs," said Jim Wiseman, vice president of external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA).

In previous moves, TEMA:

• scheduled periodic non-production days as needed, but protected jobs by providing training and plant improvement activities;
  
• established a hiring freeze;
  
• eliminated overtime;
  
• suspended capital spending.
  

But the ongoing downturn necessitates additional steps:

• some additional non-production days in April, varying from plant to plant;
  
• strong possibility of reduced work/pay weeks, known as
  "work sharing," at some plants. Production team members at affected plants would work and be paid 72 hours instead of 80 during the
  two-week pay period;
  
• executive and salaried bonuses eliminated;
  
• executive pay cuts;
  
• production team member bonuses reduced;
  
• voluntary exit program for team members who wish to pursue other opportunities;
  
• no wage increases for the foreseeable future.

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BMW PAS Previewed with 5-Series Gran-Turismo Concept

Is it a crossover? Is it a hatch? Is it an estate? Is it a fastback? Well, the list could go on and on, but since we don't have time to play games, it's BMW's latest concept car called the 5-Series Gran Turismo and it has been revealed prior to next month's Geneva Motor Show. If you find the X6 Sports Activity Coupe confusing, then you'll most likely be completely blacked out with the 5-Series-based Gran Turismo that previews the so-called Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS).

The 5-Series GT's exterior styling is an amalgam of elements found in bimmer's production and concept cars like the 7-Series, the X6 and the CS Sports Sedan concept. Inside, the pre-production study shows off BMW's latest design language combined with dramatic color choices for the seats and dashboard.

For more details, we'll have to wait for BMW to issue an official press release, something that will most likely happen tomorrow morning.

Via: Bimmerpost