Ferrari 599XX: New 'Galleria' with Stunning High-Res Photos

All you Ferrari fans -and not only- are just going to love our fresh new gallery with photos of the Prancing Horse's extreme track racer, the 599XX. And trust us when we say that this is one of those rare times when pictures speak for themselves. For those with a weak memory, the Italian maker of dream cars presented the 599XX for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the €1.1million prototype model is a no-nonsense hardcore racer that comes with many advanced features.

For instance, the numerous improvements on the 599XX's bodywork help produce 280 kg or 717lbs of downforce at 200km/h (124mph) and 630kg or 1,390 lbs at 300km/h (187mph)

Other tweaks include an "ActiflowT" system that increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car's trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights.

Under its red hood, the 599XX features a extensively reworked version of the 599's Enzo-derived V12 engine that is not only more powerful delivering an output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm, but thanks to a series of modifications, it's also lighter than the stock engine. Additionally, Ferrari's engineers also updated the robotized manual gearbox reducing shift times from 100ms to 60 ms.

Beyond that, the 599XX comes with a new racing carbon ceramic braking system, a second generation SCM suspension system that further improves handling, enhanced electronic systems and a set of slick tires in sizes 29/67 R19 up front and 31/71 R19 at the rear.

Aston Martin Shows Off Finished One-77 at Concorso D'Eleganza

Aston Martin whisked the covers off the finally-final concept version of its limited run One-77 V12 supercar at this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este. And while a trip to sunny Italy would have been more than welcome for anyone here at Auto Cars 2011, unfortunately we're secluded in our office on top of our laptops. But anyway, until Aston Martin decides to share the complete One-77 with the rest of the world, you can enjoy a full set of live photos that include images of the interior over at 'Omniauto' by clicking the link below. Also, for more details on the surprisingly dashing One-77, click here.

Photo & Link: Omniauto

Ferrari Posts €54 Million Trading Profit in the First Quarter of 2009

Even though Ferrari was not completely unaffected by the financial crisis, the Prancing Horse ended the first quarter of 2009 with a trading profit of €54 million (versus €59 million for Q1 2008) which is the highest profit recorded in any of the various Fiat Group sectors. For Q1 2009, the Italian supercar maker reported €441 million in revenues, down 3.3% over the corresponding period for 2008 due to lower sales volume.

In particular, during the first three months of the year, Ferrari delivered 1,571 cars to the network, a 5% decrease over Q1 2008, while sales to end-customers totaled 1,480 units, down 10% from a year ago.

Chrysler and Fiat Reach an Agreement with Canadian Auto Workers

A tentative agreement between Chrysler LLC, the Fiat Group and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) on a new labor contract intended to cut costs by CD$240 million per year was reached late Friday night. Though far from complete, the new deal with CAW helps Chrysler LLC move closer to a partnership with Fiat and avoid bankruptcy. Under the new tentative agreement, Chrysler LLC would leave hourly base pay intact but cut a series of benefits.

Aside from the cost-saving provisions that were part of the contract negotiated with General Motors Canada in early March, CAW had to make additional 'sacrifices' including the elimination of semi-private hospital coverage, an increase in the waiting period for sickness and accident benefits, the eradication of employee car purchase and tuition rebate programs and a $3,500 vacation buyout.

"We are extremely grateful to the CAW leadership and to its hard-working members for their openness in this challenging environment to create a new strategy that will lead this company on a path to success," said in a statement Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President of Chrysler LLC.

Al Iacobell, Chrysler's Chief Bargainer and Vice President – Employee Relations, said "The forthright discussions and final decisions made by the CAW not only benefit the Canadian represented employees, but help to ensure the Company's future competitiveness. The tentative agreement also helps move the Company one step closer to a partnership with Fiat SpA."

On the behalf of CAW, President Ken Lewenza issued this statement: "CAW members supported their union right through this process, rather than allowing themselves to be intimidated by crude threats. That has allowed us to bargain the very best agreement possible, imposing the minimum possible sacrifice on our members and their families, despite the incredibly tough times."

Aussie Homage to the Holden Torana GTR-X: A Lost Opportunity

Take a close look at this car; ain't it a beauty? Even though it was conceived precisely four decades ago, the wedge-shaped Holden Torana GTR-X is classic example of how less can be much more when it comes to design -take note Mr Jason Castriota. Believe it or not, the Torana GTR-X was actually designed by GM's Australian division to enter production in 1970. The concept was to create a low volume sports car using inexpensive tooling and parts straight off the shelf.

In particular, when Holden gave the green light for the development of the Torana GTX-R in mid-1969, the Australian automaker's engineers decided to base the sports coupe on the running gear of the production Torana GTR XU-1, a compact-sized model which had its origins in the British Vauxhall Vivas of the mid 1960s.

The two seater was fitted with the standard's Torana XU1's 186 cubic inch or 3.0-liter straight six that generated an output of 160HP at 5,200rpm and 285Nm or 210 lbs-ft of torque at 3,300rpm. Power was channeled to the rear wheels through a four speed manual transmission. Weighing in at just 1,043 kg or around 2,300 pounds, the GTR-X reportedly posted a top speed of 210km/h or 130mph during testing.

Despite its humble underpinnings, the Torana GTR-X boasted a striking and uncluttered exterior design with an elongated front end that hosted a pair of pop-up lights and a low wedge-shaped grille. The 'wedge' theme continued at the rear-end that featured an elevated tail light assembly. The body was made out of fibreglass.

The Aussie coupe's interior styling matches the simplicity of the exterior design with the most prominent features being the machined aluminium instrument panel and the high-backed sports seats.

As you can see from the brochure below, Holden was very serious about putting the Torana GTR-X into production as the company built several prototype models and even went as far as making a promotional film on the car only to pull the plug at the last minute amidst concerns on the financial viability of the project. All we can say is what a shame...

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Official Brochure of Holden Torana GTR-X

New Audi A4 2.0 TDI "e" Achieves 51.1mpg or 4.6.lt/100km

Starting from early June, European buyers will have the choice of a new frugal, diesel-powered model, the Audi A4 2.0 TDI "e" which sips 4.6lt of fuel per 100km or 51.1mpg US in the EU combined cycle. To achieve this figure, Audi has adopted a series of measures that include a start-stop system, revised 6-speed manual gearbox with a higher final-drive ratio, low-resistance tires ( 205/60 R 16) and additional aerodynamic-drag optimizations such as an underbody trim panel, the partially enclosed radiator grille, and the reduction in ride height of 20mm or 0.79 in.

Furthermore, the Ingolstadt automaker modified the standard 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine's ECU and added a regenerative braking system that converts surplus kinetic energy to electrical energy during a vehicle's braking phases and then temporarily stores it in the electrical system's battery.

Audi claims that the 136HP A4 2.0 TDI 'e' sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.5 seconds while topping out at 215 km/h or 134mph. Prices for the sedan version have been set €30,800 while the Avant version that has a slightly higher average consumption of 4.9 lt/100 km (48mpg U.S.) costs €32,800.

Family Feud: Nissan GT-R Smacks Nissan Primera, ends up on a Tree

The power, the looks, the brains - um, in this case better cross the last one out... According to Romanian media reports, the driver of this Nissan GT-R was merrily "testing" the Japanese sports coupe's ability to go over 150km/h (around 100mph) on a central road in the capital city of Bucharest when all of sudden, a mundane Nissan Primera appeared out of nowhere...

After rear-ending the poor guy in the family car the driver of GT-R lost control of the vehicle which smashed into a tree knocking it down. Believe it or not, according to the report, apart from some minor scratches, no one was seriously injured in the accident.

Via: Libertatea , Photos: Simona Ghita