VIDEO: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics “Spied” in Abu Dhabi

As previously reported, BMW has officially green-lighted a production version of the Vision ED plug-in hybrid sports car. So, it was only a matter of time before new information on the eco-friendly model would surface online. First we saw some pictures hit the Teamspeed forum, followed by this here video, but we’re not entirely convinced that both are part of a lucky scoop.

The quality of the photos lead us to think that we’re dealing with a viral and the fact that no one on BMW’s police-escorted crew noticed that their photo shoot is being recorded in an empty race track in Abu Dhabi doesn’t seem likely. Nevertheless, this is more proof that the Bavarian maker is ramping for an official presentation, probably due at a major international auto show this year, with a production model following in 2013.

The Abu Dhabi video is available below, along with two more clips, one showing how the Vision ED’s – allegedly named i8 in some reports – hybrid powertrain works and a new commercial featuring the same car.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: E90post

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Report: Fiat Group May Raise its Chrysler Stake from 20% to 51%

Italian carmaker Fiat may increase its stake in the Chrysler LLC group from 20 per cent it owns today to 51 per cent before an initial public offering (IPO) by the U.S. automaker, the firm's chief executive officer, Sergio Marchionne, told reporters at the Milan stock exchange today after the first listing of Fiat Industrial, which includes the group's non-automotive related assets.

“I think it is possible, don’t know whether it is likely, but it is possible that we go over the 50 percent if Chrysler decides to go to the market in 2011,” said Mr. Marchionne. "There will be an advantage if that happens."

The Fiat Group, which acquired a 20 per cent stake in Chrysler in 2009 saving the company from bankruptcy, has the option to buy another 15 per cent this year when the Detroit automaker begins manufacturing a small engine in the U.S. and meets sales targets outside of North America, as well as an additional 16 per cent after Chrysler repays U.S. and Canadian government loans.

Analysts believe that it would probably cost less money for Fiat to increase its Chrysler stake now than if it were to do it after the listing. “It looks cheaper for Fiat to get 51 percent of Chrysler before the IPO,” said Philippe Houchois, a London-based analyst at UBS AG. Mr. Houchois told Businessweek that Fiat could save anywhere between $1 billion to $2.7 billion if the Italian company exercises the option before a Chrysler listing. “It’s a positive scenario for Fiat shares.”

Mr. Marchionne also pointed out that there is currently no plan to merge Fiat and Chrysler. “A legal merger is not going to change our life,” he said.

Source: Businessweek

VIDEO: Dallas Performance’s 1,302HP Corvette C6 Hits the Dyno

After some recent fails, let’s see a dyno test with a happy ending. This is a 2005 C6 Corvette built by Dallas Performance, which recorded a whopping 1,302 hp and 1,662 Nm (1,226 lb-ft) of torque on the rear wheels, according to the performance charts.

To achieve this, the tuning firm upgraded the V8 powerhouse with twin turbos, Performance Induction LS3 heads, RC120 injectors and single plane intake. The power is transferred to the rear wheels through a TR-6060 transmission and a C6 Z06 differential. The clip is available after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube, Via: GTspirit

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