| BMW X6 Invents a New Niche
BMW's new X6 pre-production concept car pushes the design innovation pedal to the metal. The X6 is making its press debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and will hit showrooms in 2008. It's the silhouette that causes a double-take. Huge wheels and a SUV-like body capped with a sportscar roofline. BMW's goal with the X6 was to marry the brawn and offroad qualities of an SUV with the sportiness and sleek lines of a coupe. They call it a Sports Activity Coupe. A Porsche's Cayenne may drive like a hot rod, but it doesn't pretend to be a coupe: The Cayenne really looks like an SUV. The X6 looks like nothing on the road today. "It says I've got the muscles to take on any road, any time. But at the same time, it's dressed up," says BMW Group Design Chief Chris Bangle. "It's like a powerful athlete wearing fine clothes — you can still see the muscles rippling under his shirt." Now the question is, will buyers prefer an SUV in athletic gear or one dressed to kill.
Big wheels keep up to the marque by buying flash
AS ECONOMIC barometers go, there could hardly be any more dashing a $580,000 status symbol on wheels and at least 80 Australians have already placed their order for Ferrari's slick new model, the F430 Scuderia. The latest street incarnation of the world's most famous motor racing emblem is an eight-cylinder, 503-horsepower, high-performance vehicle its Italian makers would seem wholly justified in touting as a "unique supercar perfect for passionate and sporty customers". Then there's the Porsche 911 turbo, retailing at $370,000. More than 100 Australians put themselves behind the wheel of one last year, and others are queuing to take delivery of the next generation GT2 priced at $425,000. Property developer Zac Brankovic, 38, who has been driving Porsches for about five years, shelled out $260,000 for his Porsche Carrera S convertible.
Tesla Motors closes $40M bridge financing
Electric-car manufacturer Tesla Motors Inc. said Tuesday it received $40 million in bridge financing which was co-led by company chairman Elon Musk. San Carlos-based Tesla said the other leader of the round was Chicago-based Valor Equity Partners. Tesla said the money will be used for the continued development of a four-door, five passenger sports sedan planned for introduction in 2010, the establishment of company-owned sales and service infrastructure, and the continued production of the Tesla Roadster. The first production Tesla Roadster was delivered to Musk on Feb. 1, the company said, and series production is scheduled to commence March 17. The entire production run of the 2008 Tesla Roadster is sold out and the company is currently taking orders for the 2009 model year.
Racing notebook: Manzanita, Canyon Speedway
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be competing fulltime on the ARCA RE/MAX series in 2008 for Roush Fenway Racing, but first there's a matter of pride at Manzanita Speedway. Stenhouse, 20, of Olive Branch, Miss., was the star of last February's inaugural Copper on Dirt at Manzanita Speedway, pulling off a double victory in the USAC Silver Crown and sprint-car features. It started him on his way toward winning the USAC Rookie of the Year award. He'll be back at Manzanita Friday and Saturday, attempting to defend his title in the Silver Crown race. Two-time defending series champion Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Calif., headlines the challengers. .
Jonny is Jenkins' top 10
Neil Jenkins is backing Jonny Wilkinson to go on and beat his kicking record during this season's RBS Six Nations tournament. The Newcastle Falcons fly-half is closing in on the Welshman's landmark figure of 1090 points for his country and the British Lions. Despite England coach Brian Ashton insisting Wilkinson is no longer 'untouchable,' with Waps' Danny Cipriani and Sale's Charlie Hodgson waiting in the wings, Jenkins expects Wilkinson to get the nod for England's championship opener against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday. The 28-year-old superstar needs just 62 points to rewrite Test rugby history and Welsh kicking coach Jenkins fully expects his record to be beaten. Best "The guy is outstanding," Jenkins said.
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