Arrivederci Gallardo!

After ten years and 14,022 cars, the Lamborghini Gallardo has come to the end of the road. The Gallardo was the first Lamborghini to really break the mold so to speak. Prior to the car's production, the company would average around 250 or so cars a year, The Gallardo brought a whole new way of thinking at the company in terms of volume by jumping to 2000+ per year. Since Lamborghini was founded in 1963, nearly half of all the cars produced are Gallardos.

Like all Lamborghini's, the Gallardo name was derived from bullfighting. The Gallardo bloodline was known for its exceptional courage and undaunted nature. ans was bred during the 18th century. When the Gallardo was introduced in 2003, it also brought many new advancements for Lamborghini. Including an all new aluminum space frame, the first ever Lamborghini to have full time all wheel drive, and a robotized electronic shifting system (e-gear). The Gallardo also set records with 32 different variants of the car over it's 10 year run. My particular favorite was the Superleggera. It was also the first Lamborghini to have a special service record with 2 cars built for the Italian State Police.

The 2013 Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms, 70 less than the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4. With a stunning power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp it delivers breathtaking performance: from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in just 10.4 seconds.

Now, the final car produced? It is a Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso
Mars (red) and it is destined for a private collector.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

By: Austin On 09:08

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Ford produces 9 millionth Mustang

It's hard to believe that since 1964 Ford has produced 9 million Mustangs. Having hung on long enough to become Ford's longest running car nameplate. The Mustang has always been popular, except maybe when the Mustang II came out in the 70s. But we'll fogive Ford for that mistake. A milestone like this makes you sit back and think about how the new CAFE standards will affect a car like the Mustang. We're still waiting for our 08 Bullitt.

Source: Ford Motor Company

PRESS RELEASE:

Ford Motor Company announced today it has built its 9 millionth Mustang. The GT Convertible Mustang is heading west to be delivered to a dealership in Iowa.

The Ford Mustang, approaching its 45th anniversary on April 17th, 2009, is one of the most widely recognized vehicles in the world. Today, one of every two sports cars sold in America is a Ford Mustang. The Mustang is also Ford Motor Company's longest-running nameplate. Mustang was introduced on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair.

Mustang sales hit an astounding 419,000 in its first 12 months on the market, and topped the 1-million mark in the first two years, shattering the sales records of any single model in the history of the automobile. Mustang leads the nearly $1-billion aftermarket parts and accessories industry as the most personalized vehicle of all time, and has been recognized by SEMA as the most accessory-friendly new vehicle.

The 2009 Mustang offers a Glass Roof option and a new Warriors in Pink Package, available this summer.

By: Austin On 19:16

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Pick your poison. 2009 Camaro Color Chart

Now first off, these are not official from GM. A diligent reader of autoblog.com, who just happens to work in the body shop of a Chevy dealer found these. So a Thank You goes out to this anonymous reader. Known only as Chris.

What we have is a list of 8 "possible" colors and the names of two others, sans the color chip. Those colors are Switchblade Silver Metallic and Aqua blue Metallic. We did notice that there is also a lack of white or green shades for the Camaro. I don't know about green, but it would look good in white. So we'll take this for what it is, and hope to hear something from Chevrolet soon. Here is the list.

*Victory Red

*Yellow

*Red Jewel Metallic

*Imperial Blue Metallic

*Ink Slate Metallic

*Mocha Bronze Metallic

*Black

*Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic

*Switchblade Silver Metallic

*Aqua Blue Metallic

We'll take ours in Mocha Bronze Metallic wit silver stripes.

Source: autoblog.com

By: Austin On 17:49

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Final Chrysler Crossfire Leaves Factory

With the close of 2007 upon us, we come also to the production of the final Chrysler Crossfire.

During its five year lifespan, the American coupe/roadster built in Germany sold 80,000 units. 2006 US sales accounted for only 8,216. Down over 50% from 14,665 units in 2005. The Crossfire was offspring of the now ended partnership between Chrysler and Mercedes, and shared its platform with the original Mercedes Benz SLK roadster.

The Crossfire is the first of four models that Chrysler is giving the axe under its new ownership, and since production of the car and many of its components are so closely tied to Mercedes, it's only natural that it's the first to go. Next to be cut are the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible.





Source: Motor Authority.

By: Austin On 14:15

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BMW running at 100% capacity, suppliers up in arms

Everything at BMW is running full steam ahead. All 23 of their production facilities worldwide are running at 100% capacity. It's come to the point that BMW has actually criticized their suppliers for having a better bottom line than BMW. BMW currently is pushing a 10% profit margin.

In an effort to become more cost effective. BMW is now starting to produce components in house. Rather than rely on suppliers. Current facilities in Leipzig and Regensburg are undergoing expansion. An entirely new Leipzig stamping facility will be built in 2009.

The statements made by BMW's deputy chairman of the supervisory board, Manfred Scoch to the suppliers. Many are displeased with how BMW thinks they are treating them. All of this dissatisfaction has led the suppliers to feel that BMW has shifted its focus from quality and innovative technology to the bottom line.

Source: Automotive News

By: Austin On 08:36

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The Italians are coming! Alfa Romeo building U.S. Assembly Plant

This is about as official as you can get. Alfa Romeo will give it another go at the North American market. it has been nearly 20 years since Alfa pulled out due to poor sales and poor reliability ratings. Though all of that has changed. Alfa has been building some rather splendid automobiles in Europe for many years now. Though their quality can be questionable at times.

With the decline in the U.S. Dollar, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that Alfa will open a factory in the United States. This will be imperative to Alfa turning a profit in the U.S. Which will only happen after the first three to four years, once they are here.

In 1909 Fiat inaugurated a plant in Poughkeepsie, New York which it closed 1919.

Source: Automotive News.

By: Austin On 13:03

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Hold your horses: Mustang production scaled back for 2008, fans push for more special editions

No one can deny the Mustang's popularity. Especially when it is the only real pony car on the market til the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro hit showrooms. Though one this is for sure. The V8 Mustang just isn't as in high demand as it was.

Since 2004 the 4.6 liter V8 has accounted for 52% of the sales mix. In the past it has usually been right around a 70% V6 to 30% V8 mix. 2005 saw a greater demand and Ford responded with increased output.

For 2008 Ford has announced that they will be cutting back production on the 2008 V8 powered Mustang. Ford cites higher fuel costs, and the fact that the performance oriented buyers have already purchased their Mustangs.

This brings us to another interesting article out of Automotive News. Since 2005 Ford has steadily produced a number of low volume, hopped up Mustangs to eager buyers. And according to Ford, has not has as many special edition stangs in the stable as they do now. Despite this, Mustang enthusiasts are still nagging for more cars. Mustang Chief Designer Doug Gaffka says "They want Mach1, they want Boss,".

For promises not to disappoint. So we may see even more special Mustangs being produced in the next few years.

The current stable is made up of:

• Shelby GT500 (coupe & convertible)


• Shelby GT500 KR (coupe only)


• Shelby GT (coupe & convertible)


• Bullitt(coupe only, 2008 production)


• GT California Special (coupe & convertible)


• Warriors in Pink (coupe & convertible. Portion of sales go to fund breast cancer research).
  

And this doesn't even include the special Mustangs produced by Saleen, Roush, Steeda and others.

It would be nice to see another Mach1 Mustang. Especially if equipped with a true shaker hood scoop though.

Source: Automotive News

By: Austin On 12:48

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Ford idles truck and SUV plants

Following the lead from General Motors, Ford today has ceased production at their F150 Dearborn, Mi factory(the famous Rouge factory) along with the Louisville, Ky factory that produces the Explorer. It is unclear as to how long the factories will remain closed.

Sales of both models have continued to fall this year. F150 sales are 12.4% below 2006 figures. The Explorer is at 23.5% vs. 2006. The closings give ford a combine 10,450 units per week lost for the F150 and Explorer.

Ford exec Mark Fields said in a related article in the Detroit News that the Ford Motor Company is expecting a rough 2008 as car sales in the U.S. continue to decline. Fields asked and answered his own question, saying, "Do I think it's going to be Armageddon? No." He continued by saying that Ford will take the coming year on a month-to-month basis in order to "manage the business appropriately."

Source: Automotive News, Detroit News.

By: Austin On 12:22

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Volkswagen hunting for North American factory

This has been in the rumormill for a few months now. Finally we have some inside news as to the possibility of a new VW factory in the United States. According to Automobilwoche, a German sister magazine to Automotive News. In an interview with VW production chief Jochem Heizmann, "Our scouts are looking full speed in Mexico and the United States."

Sounds pretty strong for a company that did not know if they were going to try another U.S. factory a few months ago. Insiders at VW are looking strongly at the southeastern U.S. for a plant location. VW current North American factory in Pueblo, Mexico is currently nearing on their full capacity of 450,500 units for this year. The plant currently produces the New Beetle and Jetta models. Pueblo was also the last factory still producing the original air cooled Beetle which ended production in 2003.

As part of Volkswagen's Strategy 2018. A new U.S. assembly plant would help to boost VW U.S. sales to 800,000 units a year. Up from 329,112 U.S. sales in 2006.

Volkswagen's last try at a U.S. based factory was from 1978-1988 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Source: Automotive News

By: Austin On 13:27

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