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NEWS: Ford posts a $2.7B profit

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | January 29, 2010 | In ford news

For the first time in four years, Ford Motor Company has posted a profit for the year 2009, to the tune of $2.7B. Climbing its way back from a record loss of $14B in 2008, Ford's stunning recovery act is all the more remarkable given the pain that its rivals GM and especially Chrysler are still feeling. Furthermore, this week sees Toyota, a company whose techniques Ford CEO Alan Mullaly studied and applied as the number 2 at Boeing as well as at Ford, is reeling from a devastating outfall of a global recall caused by sticking gas ...

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VIDEO: Porsche heritage

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | January 28, 2010 | In porsche videos

Almost exactly a year ago, we brought you the news about Porsche's beautiful new museum, which absolutely needs to be on the "must see" list of every car enthusiast in the world. As part of its marketing efforts to invite visitors, Porsche has just released this evocative little video (below) that hints at why the marque is so special. In their own words:

We never forget where we come from. Our tradition and our history are part of our DNA. And we are aware that our heritage is both - an honor and an obligation.

This is why we have ...

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VW hints at a hot Jetta R

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | January 28, 2010 | In news vw

Sources inside VW have anonymously hinted that the company might offer a high-performance R version of the upcoming Jetta. Based very closely on the VW Compact Coupe concept pictured here, the Jetta will be built in Mexico, allowing VW to keep the price point low while attacking rivals.

If built, power will likely come from the highly-rated 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder engine currently doing duty in the Scirocco (please VW, reconsider and sell it here) and Golf R. To refresh your memories, said engine produces a healthy 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Other tidbits worth mentioning here ...

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NEWS: Spyker saves Saab from certain death

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | January 27, 2010 | In news saab

The saga of Saab has had enough ups and downs over the past few months to fill an entire magazine. Just last week, GM declared Saab dead and reported that it was winding down the factory in Sweden.

Well, not so fast: giving new meaning to the term "11th hour", GM has now confirmed the sale of Saab to small Dutch sports car maker Spyker, which had already tried - and failed - to acquire Saab. The $400M deal sees Saab paying GM $74M, $50M when the deal is closed and another $24M on 15 June, 2010. Additionally, GM will retain a ...

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New BMW 335iS to split M3 and 335Ci

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | January 20, 2010 | In bmw news

With all the niches that BMW has been creating of late, it was not about to leave the 100+ horsepower gap between the M3 and the next most powerful 3-Series, the 335i/Ci alone.

Indeed, reports indicate that along with the newly face-lifted 335i coupe/convertible, the coupe which you see in these pictures, BMW will introduce a 335iS with 340hp and 322 lb-ft of torque to fit nicely within that gap. Compare the purported figures with that for the M3 and 335i/Ci:

M3
Power: 400 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft

335i/Ci
Power: 300 hp
Torque: 300 lb-ft

Want ...

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