Mazda RX-8 RS Facelift Photos Released (JA)

The facelifted Mazda RX-8 will be on show at the Detroit Auto Show (starting this Sunday) but this Friday the sportier Mazda RX-8 RS, also facelifted, will make its appearance at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Ahead of that show Mazda has released two images.

Mazda released no accompanying text so official specs will remain under wraps until the press conference in Tokyo tomorrow. What we can say is that the facelift comprises of new, sharper and sportier front fascia. The air-intakes have grown on each side of the five-point grille, and the foglights which are incororated there are smaller and no longer round.

At the bottom of the new bumper we see a splitter with small flaps which increase stability and the airflow to the wheels and brakes. Also the RX-8 RS sits on 19 inch wheels and features a rear spoiler, neither of which is likely to make it to the regular RX-8 facelift.

The revised RX-8 is mainly meant for the US and Japan, but Europe may still see the new RX-8 in showrooms.

Rolls-Royce Celebrates Record 2007 Result

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars saw sales in 2007 increase by 25 per cent, compared to 2006, with retails of 1010 cars. This is the first time that annual sales have reached four figures and the fourth successive sales increase since the company was launched in 2003.

There was strong demand for all Phantom models, with the four door versions (Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase) remaining the best sellers and accounting for 75 per cent of the total. However, it was the exceptional demand for the new Phantom Drophead Coupé, launched in the summer, which drove the volume increase. Production capacity at Goodwood was maximized by working extended shifts.

“Everybody at Rolls-Royce is delighted with this tremendous result which marks our fifth anniversary in the best possible way,” said Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive. “It confirms Rolls-Royce as the most desirable brand in the super luxury market and is a credit to the passion and dedication of our teams at Goodwood and around the world. The customer reaction to the Drophead Coupé has been astonishing, exceeding all our expectations.”

North America remained the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce in 2007, accounting for 40 per cent of sales and showing growth of 22 per cent. Exceptional performances were seen in the United Arab Emirates and in China which grew by around 70 and 50 per cent respectively.

The Rolls-Royce dealer network expanded to 80 in 2007, with new showrooms including St Petersburg, Kiev and Dresden. The top selling dealers worldwide in 2007 were, respectively, Beverly Hills, London, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo and Dubai. Abu Dhabi saw the highest annual increase, with sales more than doubling.

Looking ahead in 2008, Rolls-Royce has announced its intention to launch a two-door coupé model, based on the Phantom, in the summer. Further into the future a new Rolls-Royce model series, to sit alongside the Phantom models, will be launched in 2010, currently named RR4.

Team Lexus IS-F to Enter GT2 Le Mans Series

This Friday at the Tokyo Auto Salon Lexus will pull the covers off their latest IS race car. The IS 350 GT2 is powered by a 470+ hp V6 engine and will compete in the American GT2 LeMans Series and not in the German DTM series as many had hoped here in Europe.

The Lexus IS 350 GT2 will make its first appearance at the Twelve Hours of Sebring in Sebring, Fl this March 15-18. Competition will be stiff with the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Panoz Esperante, Ferrari F430 GT, Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and BMW M3.

“Developing and racing two brand-new cars in a new category will be a major challenge, but one that we relish,” said Team Lexus owner/driver Chuck Goldsborough back in 2005. Originally Lexus was planning on entering the GT2 ALMS class back in 2006.

2008 Nissan GT-R GT500 Ready for Tokyo Auto Salon

The GT500 specification Nissan GT-R racing car, will make its public debut at the upcoming "Tokyo Auto Salon with NAPAC" (January 11-13, 2008 at Makuhari Messe), followed by the "Osaka Auto Messe 2008" (February 9-11, 2008 at Intecks Osaka), the country's two largest annual custom car shows.

The new works livery - which will be featured across Nissan motorsports activities during the 2008 season - will be unveiled on the race car. Nissan will vie for the SUPER GT Championship, one of the world's most demanding GT race series, with the new machine built on the same multi-performance super car concept of the Nissan GT-R road car.

The new livery resulted from close collaboration between Nissan's design team and NISMO, its motorsports affiliate company, and incorporates feedback from members of the "Club NISMO" fan club.

The signature wide "brush stroke" design motif, synonymous with the current Fairlady Z race car, was carried forward into the new GT-R racing car as Nissan's racing fans worldwide could immediately associate with the design. The livery design swipes forward from the rear in bold red and black - the red symbolizes the passion for racing, while the black signifies the high performance of the new Nissan GT-R.

Further details of the GT500 Nissan GT-R including technical specifications will be announced on January 31st, as well as Nissan's full range of global motorsports activities for the coming season.

Aston Martin Racing Reveals Vantage GT2 Illustration

Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new GT2 racing car.

Known as the Vantage GT2, the new car is based on the V8 engined Aston Martin Vantage road car. The new car will mean Aston Martin is the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category: GT1 – DBR9; GT2 – Vantage GT2; GT3 – DBRS9; GT4 – Vantage N24.

For the first time, Aston Martin Racing is designing this car to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow). In 2007, Aston Martin Racing successfully converted a standard DBRS9 to run on E85.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.”

Aston Martin chairman, David Richards, will be announcing Aston Martin Racing’s 2008 plans at the Autosport International show on Thursday 10 January at 10.45 am.

Limited Edition Led Zeppelin Jeep Patriot for UK

Co-branded joint ventures between pop-icons and car makers are nothing new. In recent years, we've seen the pairing of Mercedes with the Rolling Stones, Slash of Guns N Roses fame with VW and Honda with Black Eye Peas and Fall Out Boy.

In what is being touted as the Holy Grail of rock reunions, Legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin, have agreed to do a one-time performance in London's O2 Arena on November 26^th. Speculated as the biggest demand for one show in history, the marketing and sponsorship frenzy is not surprising, especially, when legendary guitarist, Jimmy page, and lead singer, Robert Plant, have admitted that money was a major factor influencing the decision to perform a reunion show in earlier years.

Enter the Limited Edition Led Zeppelin Jeep Patriot. With only seven examples to be produced, the Patriots are available this week only. In other words, since the 20,000 tickets are obviously sold out, the only possible way to still see the show, is to buy this car for a massively marked up £34,860 which includes two VIP tickets, champagne reception and access to the after-show party. How badly, do you want to go to this show?

Somehow, I don't think they'll have any trouble selling them. However, just in case you're interested in the car, the Patriot model is a 2.0 CRD Sport edition, with Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Two-Tone leather, privacy glass, 6-speed manual gearbox, Remote Central Locking, 4x Electric windows and a premium sound system in addition to a specially created graphics on the side of the car.

Not since Berlin 1980 has the entire band performed together just months prior to the unfortunate death of drummer John Bonham. Despite limited number of performances in the 80's and 90's which did not include bassist, John Paul Jones, all three member's will be present plus John Bonham's son, Jason, filling in on drums.

Saleen AF S281 Dedicated to US Army Troops

Saleen Automotive, America's automotive manufacturer will salute the American military with the production of twenty-four limited edition AF (American Flag) supercharged S281 cars. This is part of the American themed promotion, Saleen will also implement a nationwide holiday incentive program for all active military personnel.

The supercharged AF S281 celebrates our American heritage with a patriotic color pallet (8 red, 8 white, 8 blue vehicles), unique graphics package, a 465 hp supercharged engine, tuned suspension and 20 inch wheels and tires starting at $49,995.

"We wanted to take time during the holiday season to honor the men and women that serve our country at home and abroad," said Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. "Our armed forces represent the best of the American spirit and we want to honor that spirit in our vehicles."

The program was developed when Saleen began receiving emails from soldiers returning from Iraq stating that they had purchased a Saleen to reward themselves. In keeping with Saleen's strong American heritage, the American Flag vehicles will be dedicated to the men and women who fight for our country everyday.

The twenty-four limited edition supercharged AF S281 vehicles will begin hitting select Saleen certified dealerships nationwide the week of December 25.

In addition to the vehicle, Saleen is offering all active military personnel a holiday incentive. The program kicked off on Dec. 1 and continues through to Jan. 31, 2008. It consists of a $500 military "bonus bucks" cash rebate to be applied to any new and unused 2006 or 2007 Saleen car or truck currently in a Saleen certified dealer's inventory. It also includes a one day voucher to the Skip Barber Performance Driving School. This program is only available to active military personnel with a valid military ID and drivers license.

"We know that our gesture is no match for the sacrifice they make on our behalf, but we want to be sure that they know we appreciate and honor them," said Paul Wilbur, President CEO of Saleen.