BMW tuner HAMANN of Laupheim took an adventurous look at the modification of the most potent Bavarian luxury coupé and turned the beautiful vehicle into an uncompromising sports car. The crowning for the M6 is the new HAMANN wide body-kit „EDITION RACE“, which ensures that nobody will cast doubts on the power of this splendorous high-performance automobile.

HAMANN offers its clients three different engine tuning options. The high revving 5-litre V10 with 507 bhp and 520 Nm is limited to 250km/h as standard. By removing the engine limiter, the racy Bavarian can reach a top speed of 300km/h, depending on the wheel and tyre combination. The second option is made up of a combination of removing the engine limiter and optimising the engine characteristics by reprogramming the standard engine computer. HAMANN manages to tease an additional 30bhp/26kW and 15 Nm out of the V10 engine. The “HM/M +60" sport kit provides even better performance. The kit is made up of high-performance headers, metallic sports catalytic converters, a sports rear silencer, a sports air filter, an engine map optimisation and the removal of engine restrictions. As the name of the sports kit already suggests, the engine then provides around an additional 60bhp/44kW and can provide an extra 54 Nm of torque, meaning that a notably faster top speed of up to 320km/h can be reached.

Wide body kit “EDITION RACE”

Besides the „normal“ but nevertheless impressive fibreglass body-kit, which covers all sides including front, back, flanks as well as roof and trunk lid (the spoilers for last two mentioned are also available from carbon kevlar) HAMANN offers something even more spectacular.

Who thinks, a stronger car should leave a stronger mark in the rear mirrors of other road users, can ask HAMANN for the wide body-modification „EDITION RACE“, which extends the vehicle’s body. The kit consists of an EDITION RACE front spoiler (including upper beam headlights), ER side sills as well as ER front fenders and ER fender extensions to be mounted at the rear. Thanks to this body-kit, the M6 comes close to the DTM race car-looks and lets the vehicle appear more muscular. For fans of motorsports the EDITION RACE-kit is definitely the first choice.

Four stainless steel exhausts, each with a diameter of 90mm are part of the HAMANN 4-pipe sports silencer. With a tone that gives you goose bumps, it tells you all about the potency of this coupé. Simply a must have!

A lowering kit with progressive chassis springs takes care of the lowering of the chassis. The HAMANN M6 then sits 30mm nearer to the tarmac at the front and 25mm at the back. Of course, you want to be able to brake effectively at 320km/h too. HAMANN equips the M6 with racing brakes on the front axle. It is made up of 2 slitted and ventilated brake discs, 380mm in diameter and 34mm thick, 2 HAMANN brake piston housings in red – other colours are of course available, special brake pads, HAMANN steel flex brake lines and adapter, in other words the complete braking hardware set. The race track calls!

Crowning of the HAMANN wheel range: design „EDITION RACE“

HAMANN offers several metal alloy wheels for the M6. Besides the designs „Anniversary I“ (19 and 20”), „PG3“ (19 and 20”) and „Anniversary II“ (20”), HAMANN also offers the wheel „Edition Race“ in 20” and 21”. HAMANN offers this three-piece, super-light forged wheel with an attractive crossed-spoke design, titanium screw fittings and highly-polished rim flange with a black wheel hub.
Of course HAMANN also offers shim sets as well as lockable wheel nuts, thus providing additional security for the wheels.

Possible wheel-tyre-combinations:
- front 9,0 J x 20 / rear 10,5 J x 20 with 255/35 ZR 20 / 285/30 ZR 20
- front 9,0 J x 20 / rear 11,5 J x 20 with 255/30 ZR 20 / 325/25 ZR 20
- front 9,0 J x 21 / rear 10,5 J x 21 with 255/30 ZR 21 / 295/25 ZR 21

Various HAMANN accessories and fitment details enhance the coupé's interior significantly. There are exclusive HAMANN floor mats complete with company logo, a noble aluminium hand brake, sporty aluminium pedals and an eight-piece interior set made of carbon (available in every colour), which serve to underline the sporty appearance. As an alternative to the standard steering wheel, HAMANN offers two versions of an anti-slip, three-spoke leather sports steering wheel complete with airbag. The second version has, like the first, a black leather covering, but with additional applications of carbon kevlar. Naturally, HAMANN can also modify every M6 according to the individual requirements of the client. This means, for example, that intricate leather fittings are available in different colours. Or perhaps even an extensive multimedia setup with DVD, TV or Playstation.

Further information on the extensive HAMANN tuning range is available on the company’s website at www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.de

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(from BMW Press Release) Behind-the Scenes Tour of BMW in Munich and Breath-taking drive on Autobahn included in Fantasy Package
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 3, 2006... Christmas is coming early this year, as BMW and Neiman Marcus partner to create the ultimate driving fantasy. BMW is offering, exclusively through the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible. The luxury convertible comes with a custom Ruby Black exterior finish accented with an interior with Piano Black trim elements, power sports seats wrapped in our custom Gold Brown shade of supple BMW Individual Merino leather, and M-radial spoke alloy wheel. The car also comes fully equipped with an incredible 11-speaker Surround Sound stereo and six-disc CD changer. Only 50 of these custom-made automobiles, including the once-in-a-lifetime driving experience, will be available for purchase in this year's Christmas Book for $139,000.

As if the car itself wasn't enough, BMW is offering these fortunate fifty Neiman Marcus customers the pinnacle of the "ultimate driving experience." Each gift opportunity features an exclusive European adventure in which the purchaser takes delivery of their new M6 Convertible directly from the factory and drives on to tour the Bavarian countryside. And for the serious BMW-enthusiast, each customer will have the opportunity to meet with the automaker's famous car designers, and be given a private tour of the BMW factory in Munich. Also included in the package are two round-trip business class tickets on Lufthansa® to Munich, Germany, gourmet meals, and luxurious accommodations for four nights. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery. The trip is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Bold and uncompromising, the BMW Individual M6 Convertible stands alone. The unmistakable roar of its 5.0-liter, V-10 engine delivering 500 horsepower at your command and the precision handling, M Variable Differential Lock, and Electronic Damping Control make every trip extraordinary. Its on-board computer, GPS navigation, and Voice Command System merge driver and auto into one intelligent entity. At the heart of this incredible machine is a Formula 1 inspired, V-10 engine with 10 individual throttle butterflies capable of revving up to 8,250 rpm thanks to its sophisticated design and knock control systems. Coupled to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Transmission with Drivelogic®, it can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 exhilarating seconds.

A photo and description of the Limited Edition M6 Convertible appears on page 97 of the 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The opportunity to learn more and order this magnificent machine and experience begins at 12 noon EDT on Wednesday, October 18th when you call 1-866-303-2696. Interested buyers are encouraged to program their speed dial now. After all, who wouldn't want to be first in line for this year's hottest Christmas gift?

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(from Audi Press Release) The World’s Most Powerful Diesel Passenger Car

Audi has stood at the forefront of diesel technology for the last three decades. The Ingolstadt brand now presents a further world first – the first V12 diesel engine in a passenger car. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI is powered by a twelve-cylinder diesel engine containing a wealth of pioneering technology. With an outstanding 500 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, the six-litre engine of the high-performance SUV provides the driving performance of a sports car.

Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and achieving an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI is catapulted into the echelons of top-class sports cars. New horizons have been set in the diesel market thanks to this outstanding power. None of our competitors can offer a comparable engine.

The big performance SUV from Audi accelerates with impressive ease. Superior power reserves in any situation are provided by the world’s first 2,000 bar Bosch Common Rail system. The ultra-modern piezo-injection system offers impressive acoustics at the highest levels of driving comfort.

Exceptional comfort

The new six-speed tiptronic gearbox, which features extensive reinforcements, shifts quickly and comfortably. It transfers the enormous power to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI has an average fuel consumption of just 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

All diesel engines from Audi are highly dynamic thanks to their high performance and high torque characteristics. Audi has often proved its sporty character in series production, most recently through the six and eight-cylinder 3.0 TDI and 4.2 TDI engines. Audi also rewrote the record books earlier this year on the racetrack. Following its debut in Sebring, Florida, the premium R10 prototype sports car won every long-distance race it entered.

These included the Le Mans 24 Hours road race, probably the most difficult race in the world for both man and machine.

The V12 race engine in the R10 squeezed 650 bhp from its 5.5-litre engine capacity, reaching a top speed of 330 km/h. The power and endurance of the R10 was an immediate hit with fans and experts alike. However, what completely surprised them was the sound of the engine: unlike most racing engines, the powerful Audi diesel engine runs whisper-quiet.

Transferring race car technology into series production is an Audi tradition. The FSI engine in the predecessor to the R10, the R8, notched up five victories in Le Mans with its petrol direct injection. Audi has already transferred FSI performance to the production line. The most recent examples of this are the high-revving V8 in the RS 4 and the V10 FSI in the S6 and S8.

Pioneering technical performance

The new series-production V12 TDI, assembled in our plant in Györ, Hungary, reaches a still outstanding level of “only” 500 bhp. When designing the engine, it was kept in mind that the six-litre engine would be a derivative of the current family of Audi V-engines, which up to now were limited to six, eight and ten cylinders. The basic findings from the race car were of course transferred to the series-production engine. The V12 TDI aggregate has a cylinder clearance of 90 mm, which is standard for engines of this type. Nonetheless, the engine has a cylinder angle of 60° instead of 90°, leading to an elimination of inertia in this type of V12 design. Driving comfort is thus ensured in every situation.

The total engine capacity of 5,934 cm3 is derived from a bore measurement of 83 mm and a stroke of 91.4 mm, exactly the same as that of the 3.0 TDI. The large diesel engine is extremely compact. Measuring 684 mm in length, it is only 166 mm longer than the V8 TDI. These dimensions are the primary requirement for integrating the V12 into the Audi Q7.

The crankcase of the V12 TDI is constructed from cast-iron with vermicular graphite. This high-tech material, known as GJV-450, has already been used in the V6 and V8 models.

Produced in a patented casting procedure, GJV-450 is around 40 % more rigid and 100 % more fatigue-resistant than grey cast iron. This allowed the developers to reduce the wall thickness. The weight potential compared to conventional grey cast iron is around 15 %.

The crankshaft, forged from a chrome and molybdenum steel alloy, is held by an extremely rigid main bearing bracket made from cast iron reinforced by nodular graphite. The forged piston rods are cracked, whilst the forged pistons are made from aluminium.

Both cylinder heads are composed of three main elements. The lower section is made from a highly durable and light aluminium alloy where the intake and escape channels are integrated. The upper section guides the flow of engine oil, whilst both camshafts are stored within a reinforcing ladder frame.

The valves are actuated using low-friction roller cam followers with a compression ratio of 16:1. The engine characteristic swirl variations of combustion air were taken from the V6 and V8 TDI engines. The optimum swirl with respect to emissions and simultaneous high performance can therefore be set.

Ultra-modern injection technology

Like most Audi V-engines, the maintenance-free chain drive is located on the back of the engine in a space-saving arrangement. A new layout is used in the new V12 TDI. The chain wheel of the crankshaft locks into the gearwheel. From here two simplex chains drive the camshaft. Two further chains drive the oil pump and both high-pressure pumps in the common rail injection system.

Both new double stamped high-pressure pumps are part of the new common rail injection system developed by the specialists at Bosch. Both pumps amass up to 2,000 bar of pressure in the rails; only 1,600 bar was usually achieved up to now.

The piezo injectors, with their eight-hole jets, have also been radically updated.An optimal spray is created in the combustion chamber through the high pressure. This in turn allows the ignition process to take place quicker and more homogenously, leading to a much better sound. The efficient combustion also improves performance whilst reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

The current generation of inline injectors use the piezo effect. When an electric current is created, piezo crystals expand in milliseconds. This expansion is then directly transported (inline) by the V12 TDI injectors – containing over one hundred piezo plates – to the injection nozzle needles without the use of mechanisms in between.

The number of injection processes per power stroke can be widely varied using piezo technology, in the case of the V12 TDI up to five injections.

In addition to the main injection, pre and post-injections are possible. Pre-injections reduce the acoustic hardness of the combustion procedure. Post-injections serve to increase the temperature of the emissions, helping regeneration of both standard-fit particulate filters.

Both turbochargers can be found on the exterior of the V-engine, each supplied with a cylinder bank. Thanks to its adjustable guide vane geometry, the complete gas emission stream is always fed through the turbines. The chargers respond even at low levels of revolution and reach high levels of efficiency.

Both turbochargers amass a charge pressure of up to 2.6 bar and are a key aspect of the exceptional torque levels of 1,000 Nm that are supplied to the V12 TDI constantly between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With its 368 kW (500 bhp), the diesel reaches a specific performance of 62 kW (84.3 bhp) per litre of engine capacity.

Two large charge air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air. The V12 comes with a double-flow exhaust system with two particulate filters. The suction unit is built in a similar way – each cylinder bank contains an air filter behind which an air mass meter is stored. Two control units manage what happens within the engine according to the master-slave concept.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI will conform to the Euro 5 emissions class which will come into force in 2010 and demand a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. Aside from the precise analysis of the fuel injection system through the common rail system, the Audi engineers have focused especially on exhaust gas recirculation. At partial load, up to 50 % of emissions are recirculated through the air intake in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The large-dimension recirculation system is stored in the upper section of the V cylinder and includes a water cooler which reduces emission temperature significantly.

The design

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is impressive not only with regard to technology but also in terms of appearance. The most striking visual changes to the Audi Q7 are the underbody panels at the front and rear. The chrome-plated single-frame radiator grille evokes the tradition of the Audi S6 and S8. These two cars, with their

V10 FSI engines, are the top sports models in their class. The V12 TDI features a powerful braking system which is every bit its equal.

Diesel milestones from Audi

A further milestone in diesel technology has been reached with the advent of the new V12 TDI. The Ingolstadt brand has been the pioneer in the diesel domain for over three decades. The first TDI engine in motoring history was introduced in the Audi 100 in 1989. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine offered 88 kW (120 bhp) and 261 Nm of torque, and catapulted diesel motoring into whole new dimensions.

In 1994, an expanded version was produced with 103 kW (140 bhp). The engine was also available with the option of four-wheel drive – the first TDI quattro. At the same time, a new four-cylinder diesel engine was introduced in the Audi 100 and Audi 80, the now legendary 1.9 TDI with 66 kW (90 bhp).

Towards the end of 1995, the four-cylinder achieved new heights of 85 kW (115 bhp) through the use of pump-jet injection. Just over a year later at the beginning of 1997, the world’s first 2.5 V6 TDI made its debut. This engine came with four valves per cylinder and reached 110 kW (150 bhp). With a top speed of 220 km/h the Audi A8 became the quickest series-production diesel on the market. The first eight-cylinder TDI followed in 1999, a V8 with a displacement of 3.3 litres. The 3.0 TDI was introduced in the spring of 2004, the first V6 diesel engine with inline piezo injectors in the common rail system.

The 4.2-litre TDI currently spearheads the TDI range from Audi. It was first introduced last year in the A8. Every third A8 buyer in Germany decided opted for the V8. The V8 TDI will also become available for the Audi Q7 during the first half of 2007.

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(from Brabus Press Release) Concurrent with the market introduction of the new Mercedes CL-Class BRABUS (www.brabus.com) already presents an extensive and exclusive tuning program.

Engine tuning with up to 730 hp / 537 kW, light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter and sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement parts are on the available-options list as are a sport suspension, a high-performance brake system and exclusive interior appointments. Just as unique is the BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years up to 100,000 kilometers (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of June 2003).

The top performance level from BRABUS for the CL 600 is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. To increase swept volume from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters the engine block is reworked and fitted with a special crankshaft with longer stroke, and with larger, forged pistons. The inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are machined for optimal gas flow further aided by four special camshafts.

The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the motor with larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust with low- back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics ensure perfect interaction of all new components, and contribute not only to maximizing power yield but also to meeting strict current emission limits.

The maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm represents a superlative for the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine as does the peak torque of 1,320 Nm at 2,100 rpm. In the vehicle peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

These extraordinary performance figures make the BRABUS SV12 S coupe not just one of the most powerful but also one of the fastest GT's in the world. 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h speak volumes. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. An optional BRABUS rear locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

Engine tuning is also available for the CL 500 model. The options start with the B8 tuning kit for an increased power output of 419 hp / 308 kW and culminate in the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm.

To add more sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the new C 216-series Mercedes coupe the BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit, manufactured from high-quality PUR-R-RIM in OEM quality.

The BRABUS front bumper was shaped in the wind tunnel. Its sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large central air dam optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes. Integrated fog lamps and high beams give the car a more charismatic appearance and improve active safety through better illumination of the roadway.

The BRABUS rocker panels were designed to optimize airflow along the vehicle's sides. As a useful additional feature these panels come with integrated entrance lights.

The bolt-on rear fascia is designed to perfectly integrate the fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sports exhaust into the rear appearance. The sport exhaust is also available without engine tuning. The rear fascia also features three LED lights recessed in the underside of the fascia. They are activated when the trunk lid is opened and facilitate loading and unloading the trunk in the dark. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept.

Just as important for a customized appearance and for sporty handling are custom-tailored wheels. The new CL can be fitted with BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels in various widths and designs with 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch diameters. The largest tire/wheel combination for the C 216 series are BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. For optimal tires BRABUS selected Pirelli and Yokohama high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 in front and 285/30 ZR 21 in the rear.

Specifically matched to this tire/wheel combination is the BRABUS lowering module for the standard ABC suspension. It lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters.

To keep the exceptional performance safely in check at all times the Mercedes can be fitted with a BRABUS high-performance brake system. The top-of-the-line version features 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers and 380 x 36-millimeter vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle decelerates with 355 x 28-millimeter discs and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers.

The interior of the new Mercedes coupe offers numerous opportunities for exclusive BRABUS treatments. The list of products ranges from door sills with BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

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Mercedes-Benz is presenting a broad cross-section of product firsts and technical innovations at this year's Paris Motor Show. Exclusive high-performance models such as the CL 63 AMG and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car are celebrating their world premiere here. The latest version of the CL-Class is making its public debut under the slogan "The Virtuoso Luxury Coupé". Highlights being exhibited on the premium brand's stand also include the completely redeveloped 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system, which is receiving its first outing in the S-Class. The advent of the S 320 CDI 4MATIC sees Mercedes-Benz offer all-wheel drive in combination with diesel power for the first time in the S-Class. Also on show are the standard-specification E-Class models which will be embarking on the remarkable Paris-Beijing endurance rally.

Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the range-topping version of the new luxury coupé, the CL 63 AMG. Under the bonnet is an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that was developed independently and delivers a maximum output of 386 kW/525 hp and 630 Ne-wton metres of peak torque for guaranteed scintillating performance. A glance at the high-tech specification of this exceptional two-door coupé emphatically underlines its exclusive status: in addition to the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMG high-perfor-mance braking system is also fitted as standard. PRE-SAFE®, the anticipatory occupant protection system, is included too and may be supplemented by the addition of both the innovative new PRE-SAFE® Brake and DISTRONIC PLUS as an option.

The CL 63 AMG represents the highlight of Mercedes-AMG's 2006 model initiative so far, which has encompassed ten brand new high-performance AMG models to date. At the heart of the eight-cylinder flagship model is the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine.

From its displacement of 6208 cc, the high-revving, naturally aspirated drive unit musters up 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and generates its peak torque of 630 Newton metres at 5200 rpm. This gives the AMG powerpack a higher power-to-swept-volume and torque ratio than any other naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine in the world. The CL 63 AMG is propelled from 0-100 in just 4.6 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

 

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(from GM Press Release) Chevrolet will demonstrate that “yellow is the new black” when it comes to style at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Thursday, August 31. As the “official vehicle” of the VMAs, Chevrolet will provide a customized fleet of 60 E85 compatible SUVs to transport talent to the Awards telecast at Radio City Music Hall and provide production support in and around New York City.

Chevrolet and MTV are partnering around the 2006 VMAs to help educate viewers on E85 ethanol technology in an effort to raise awareness about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing dependence on fossil fuels. The specialty fleet will be branded to promote the show as well as GM’s Flex Fuel technology, which is at the center of a “Live Green, Go Yellow” initiative. This marks the first time a manufacturer has provided a fleet of E85 vehicles that have been customized specific to a major awards show.

“Going green never looked so good,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards is a great opportunity for us to showcase our Flex Fuel, E85 ethanol-compatible vehicles, as well as spread the word about Chevrolet’s product portfolio that boasts nine out of 10 cars with over 30 mpg fuel economy.”

In addition to the Fleet of Chevy Flex Fuel vehicles, a one-of-a-kind “pimped out” 2007 Chevy Tahoe Concept will make its red carpet debut at the VMAs. The Concept vehicle, which was designed by award-winning automotive designer Chip Foose and Unique Performance Concepts, will transport a celebrity to the awards show.

Chevrolet has also designed a multiplatform program centered around the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards to include: the branded fleet, customized Tahoe Concept, in-program content (Chevy will present the pre-show “Top of the Rock” concert and provide the “Chevy Fly-Cam” with aerial shots of red carpet arrivals) and on-line/off-line advertising.

New creative was designed to pump up awareness about Chevrolet’s line-up of fuel-saving vehicles. Television ad spots themed in tandem with a recently-launched web site – reduceuruse.com – are tagged “How would you spend your time away from the pump?”

The web site invites consumers to upload consumer generated video of unique activities they would enjoy if they did not have to spend as much time at the gas station “fueling up.” Humorous postings to date include a man watering his garden while dressed in a Speedo, a giant bouncy ball clash and an electronic football enthusiast. Each video clip can be further shared on consumers’ MySpace pages, blogs and beyond. Reduceuruse.com is also an informational resource about Chevy vehicles and fuel efficiency, including the nine out of 10 Chevy cars that have an EPA estimated 30 or more highway MPG.

The “MTV Video Music Awards Chevy E85” vehicles will consist of 2007-model year Chevrolets, including the Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban. The lightly-customized fleet is highlighted by a custom billet grille, 2006 MTV Video Music Awards badging, Chevy Accessory Wheels equipped with Goodyear Eagle tires and chrome center caps, bright kit running boards (Tahoes only), and a special cover trailer hitch receiver (Tahoes and Suburbans only).

The interiors of the fleet vehicles exude quality, precision and comfort. Features (varying among models) include OnStar, XM Radio, CD/MP3-compatible audio systems, a Rearview camera system, Touch-screen navigation system, DVD rear-seat entertainment system with an 8-inch screen, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, industry-exclusive power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, heated first- and second-row seats and more. Under the hoods, a powerful factory-issued next generation Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivers segment-leading horsepower (320 hp/340 lb.-ft. torque) and the segment’s leading fuel economy combined with E85 ethanol compatibility.

The fleet will run on E85 ethanol. Sprague Energy will supply E85 to the New York City Department of Sanitation where GM will refuel for the VMAs. E85 is not currently available to the public in New York, and later this month GM and the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition plan to announce new station openings supporting E85 and GM Flex Fuel vehicles.

The “MTV Video Music Awards Chevy E85” vehicles will be available for sale after the awards show at Chevrolet dealerships in the New York area. A commemorative plaque will accompany each sale.

The Tahoe Concept showcases classic Foose details, including a black powder-coated billet grille with the legendary Chevy bowtie at the center. Foose lowered its stance and gave it a two-tone paint scheme of silver birch (upper portion) and black (lower portion) with a thin Tangier orange stripe along the top of the door cladding that wraps around the vehicle. Exterior touches include Foose badging, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, chrome side molding, and more. Inside, a stainless instrument panel shines, while the Foose logo is stitched into the headrests and stamped onto the doorsill plates.

Chip Foose, star of the TV series “Overhaulin,” who has numerous awards to his credit including the 2005 Riddler Award at Detroit’s Autorama, was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame in 2003, and in 1997 became the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame. His storied career began under his father’s design tutelage and by age 12, Foose already had five years experience and had also painted his first car. With his father and Project Design he helped design and build street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for films such as Blade Runner, Robo Cop and Gone in 60 Seconds.

The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards will be held on August 31, 2006 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The show will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV’s global network of 50 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV’s 43 Web sites around the world.

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(Press release by Volkswagen)
EOS HIGHWAY 1 DEBUTS AT PEBBLE BEACH

Volkswagen’s California Design Center builds an ideal coastal cruiser

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif—The Eos Highway 1 design study will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during the weekend of August 18-20. It will be showcased on the Concept Lawn in front of the Lodge at Pebble Beach, an ideal setting to emphasize Eos Highway 1’s seductive blend of elegance and sporty dynamics.

“The Eos Highway 1 was imagined as the perfect vehicle for the car enthusiast’s driving lifestyle,” said Derek Jenkins, Chief Designer at Volkswagen’s Santa Monica, California Design Center. “The ease of transforming the Eos from coupe to convertible not only makes it enjoyable for all kinds of weather, it’s like having two cars in one, both a comfortable cruiser and a performance coupe. We wanted to reflect that dual nature in the modifications we made in the creation of the design study. The special leather upholstery and piano black lacquer trim are key components of the luxurious interior, but the 20-inch wheel and tire package, lowered suspension, thick flat-bottom sport steering wheel and rear lip spoiler all communicate a different aspect of the car’s character—performance, the kind that lets a driver really enjoy the challenges of roads like Highway 1.”

Eos Highway 1 sits about an inch lower than the stock version due to a coil-over suspension system from H&R Special Springs, a manufacturer of high-quality suspension components. In addition to the more aggressive stance, this setup delivers tauter, performance-oriented handling. Jenkins wanted to strengthen the concept car’s sportier stance, and fitted 20 x 8-inch Mille Miglia multi-spoke alloys and then wrapped them in low and wide 245/30 Continental performance tires. A final exterior touch is a discrete trunk lid spoiler that adds an aerodynamic flourish and hint of the car’s performance potential.

The Eos Highway 1’s drive train features the 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 combined with the innovative DSG double-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, yet another example of the car’s dual nature. The DSG system not only offers the driver the advantage of choosing between full automatic operation or full manual selection, DSG also changes gears more quickly and smoothly than a conventional transmission, while improving fuel economy. The handsomely equipped production Eos 3.2 L, with standard DSG, goes on sale October 2, 2006 at $36,850.

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This is how a stylishly successful allrounder was created that makes a great impression on any course and addresses all of the

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