Prepare the beach balls: Cloutier will try out for Red Wings

The news that 33-year-old Dan Cloutier(notes) will be attending Detroit Red Wings training camp on a tryout is glorious for two reasons: As an opportunity to resurrect the Cloutier/beach ball Photoshop, one of the single greatest hockey memes since the invention of the Internet ...

... and also to witness the reaction from Wings fans as one of the most maligned players in recent NHL history -- how many others players had their own disaster preparedness kit? -- will potentially wear the Winged Wheel this season. From Babcock's Death Stare:

Personally, I don't think I've ever made fun of a goalie more than Dan Cloutier, as our friend at Dan Cloutier for Vezina will probably attest to after I post this. It's not that I hate the guy per say, I'm sure at one point I did, but he does suck. I always felt he was the weakest link on some average to strong Canuck teams. During the glory days of the Naslund/Bertuzzi tandem, Cloutier held them back with his soft goals, poor mental game, and well below average goaltending ability.

But from a managing standpoint I absolutely hate it.

(Kyle from Death Stare also has a great conspiracy theory: "That the NHL might have sent out a memo telling teams to invite a player to camp as a joke." See: Jason Allison in Toronto, Manny Legace(notes) in Atlanta and Kyle McLaren(notes) with the Rangers.)

The Chief from Abel To Yzerman has much more on this in a post that has the word "vomit" in the headline. It's been an odd summer for Wings fans after their team fell short in its Stanley Cup defense: Seeing Marian Hossa(notes) jump to the Blackhawks, watching some key supporting players leave, stomaching the signing of Todd Bertuzzi, questioning the signing of Jason Williams and then having Dan Cloutier bring his beach ball to camp.

But Cloutier isn't making this team unless Jimmy Howard(notes) implodes; and even then, it can only make Chris Osgood(notes) play better to know that Dan Cloutier is the alternative, right?

In Jersey, they have a saying: "In Lou We Trust." As long as it's the brilliant Ken Holland making these decisions in Detroit, you put your faith in them as being the right ones. For example: Maybe, in bringing Cloutier to camp, he's just looking for an enforcer.

Game Point: McEnroe and Connors make return to U.S. Open

Game Point is Busted Racquet's daily roundup of the facts, figures and links from the 2009 U.S. Open.

Is it too cliché to say that you cannot be serious?

A quarter-century after their last match at the U.S. Open, former rivals John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors were back on the court together in New York City for an impromptu hitting session at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Even better, they played using the old school wooden racquets.

It was an unexpected treat for the few fans who were able to witness just the second hitting session for the one-time bad boys in the last few years.

The usual crowd of about 200 fans that gathers near the exit of the practice courts, looking for players and autographs, started buzzing when it became clear there was something more than routine going on out there.

Indeed, this was a rare treat. McEnroe said it was only the second time they had hit in the last several years. They were only hitting - no big competition going on here - but it was still a treat to hear McEnroe grunt when he uncoiled for that big serve, then see Connors scoot inside the line to return it with his patented two-handed backhand.

On ESPN later that day, McEnroe spoke of how much he enjoyed rallying with his old rival:

"Jimmy just hits the ball so clean it's unbelievable. It stirs some nice memories --- mostly good, but there's a couple ones that roughed me up a bit."

The two played against each other four times (all semifinals) at the U.S. Open. Connors won the first meeting in 1978 and McEnroe took the next three in 1979, 1980 and 1984. The winner went on to take the title in each of those years.

Game Day Live Blog: Week One kickoff is go

I'm as interested today in solving a few select mysteries as I am in the big blockbuster affairs: Will Syracuse and Washington be appreciably better with their new coaches? Is Greg Paulus a functional Division I quarterback after four years wasting time in random gyms? Is Notre Dame's blue chip-laden offense finally ready for its close-up? Is Greg McElroy a competent coordinator for the burgeoning Alabama death machine? Today, some answers.

What: Game day live blog. All games in play and all comments welcome.
When: First kick at noon Eastern; chat kicks roughly simultaneously. The blog will run throughout the day, through at least the primetime tilts; midnight oil for the really late kicks is a game time decision.
Who: You and all your rowdy friends. Come loud and proud.
How: Hit "Watch Now," enter comments into the available box and do your part to accelerate the slow, agonizing death of conventional journalism.
Why: Because dropping strategic bombs filled with snark and satire on earnest adolescents never gets old. Football!!

One-touchdown favorite Minnesota trailed Syracuse with less than a minute to play in the fourth quarter. Three-touchdown favorite Ohio State allowed three second half touchdown drives to Navy and faced a two-point conversion from the Midshipmen to tie with a little over two minutes to play. Iowa, such a colossal favorite over I-AA Northern Iowa that there wasn't even a line, trailed most of the game and faced a game-winning UNI field goal attempt with seconds to play. During the timeout between the Navy's touchdown to make the score 29-27 and the two-point attempt to tie, there was a strong possibility all three Big Ten favorites would lose.

Instead, they go 3-0: Minnesota embarked on one of its only sustained drives of the game to tie and then kick the game-winner in overtime after a gift interception from 'Cuse QB Greg Paulus; Ohio State picked off Navy's inscrutable two-point pass and took it back for two of its own; and Iowa blocked not one, but two Northern Iowa field goals to win. Combined margin of victory: Eight points. Avoiding humiliating defeats that would fuel the torches of your conference's seemingly endless parade of critics? Priceless.

And in fact, the Big Ten hasn't lost yet this season: With Indiana's late escape against Eastern Kentucky on Thursday night and predictable romps by Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State and Northwestern over opening day cupcakes, the conference is 8-0 with Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin still to come. I guess that means it's shaping up as a banner weekend.

Why must Greg Paulus hurt the ones who love him?

Minnesota 23, Syracuse 20. After all the indignities and standing misery of the Greg Robinson era, I'm not sure even longtime Orange fans thought it was possible for their football team to inflict an entirely new kind of pain on them. Know ye the cruelties of optimism, Syracuse.

On one hand, the vast majority of the day felt like a triumph. It would have been really easy for 'Cuse to revert to habit and do what everyone watching did when the first snap of the game sailed over Greg Paulus' head, bounced into the arms of a Gopher defender and wound up in the end zone two plays later for a 7-0 Minnesota lead: Hang its head, text they're friends "Here we go again" and start counting the losses on the rest of the schedule. Even Robinson's rock-bottom outfits rarely found themselves down before the shot clock ran out, and morale could have sunk even lower when the Gophers went up 14-3 a couple minutes later.

Instead, they ran off 20 straight points before the end of the first half and forced Minnesota into five punts and three turnovers going into the fourth quarter. For some context, Syracuse never averaged 20 points for a season under Robinson, and almost never held opposing offenses two entire quarters without a touchdown. At halftime, the Carrier Dome was legitimately rocking; even well into the fourth quarter, they looked destined to go over .500 for the first time since starting 3-2 in September 2006 -- right up until prodigal quarterback Greg Paulus decided to stick a whole new variety of dagger in their balloon.

As near as he was to walking out of the Carrier Dome the conquering hero, Paulus was playing with fire all afternoon: He regularly scrambled around and reversed field in the backfield like he was still in high school, threw across his body on the run and should have had at least three ill-timed passes picked off in regulation. It shouldn't have been a surprise, then, that all three caught up with him on the defining, devastating play of the afternoon, the wildly ill-advised overtime pass into a pack of Gophers in the end zone that effectively ended the game -- from there, Minnesota's game-winning kick was a mere formality.

Eventually, 'Cuse fans will probably feel okay about this game, maybe better than Minnesota fans who had to wonder where their offense disappeared to for two-and-a-half quarters --- the Orange may have been outgained by almost 100 yards for the game, but the first step in emerging from the depths is losing close instead of losing big. It's safe to say Marrone made good on his promise to make the team more competitive right away. Paulus played fairly well for a guy who hasn't worn a helmet or pads in a game in almost five years. But I still wouldn't want to be him after sending that whole beleaguered building through a trap door at the last possible moment.

Notre Dame's offensive outburst is no surprise. Michigan's was.

Michigan 31, Western Michigan 7, Notre Dame 35, Nevada 0. It wasn't hard to see Notre Dame's offense coming: ND's offense is stacked with blue chips in their second or third year in the system at every position, and one of the most veteran offensive lines in the country; every indication on paper was that these Irish would evolve into something very similar to the consistently productive, star-laden lineup in Charlie Weis' first two seasons. I even predicted the Irish would score on their first possession, and so they did, and on their second, and on their third -- five of their first six drives went for touchdowns, covering 67, 72, 79, 80 and 99 yards.

For Michigan ... well, for Michigan, there were no indications of anything -- even with every member of a bad offensive line and almost every skill player en tow, an alleged quarterback shuffle between two true freshmen and a nonviable junior paperweight shrouded the entire operation in mystery. Intangibly, there was the quasi-scandal of the past week and the lingering sting of two straight opening-day home upsets.

So no fans tonight are breathing sweeter sighs of relief than Michigan's, and no coach improved his position in one day as much as Rich Rodriguez. The freshmen couldn't have played their roles more effectively: Tate Forcier threw three touchdown passes in the first half -- two of them relatively long throws to Junior Hemingway -- with no interceptions , and Denard Robinson did his "Next Pat White" thing with a 43-yard touchdown run. Michigan had touchdown drives of 52, 38, 68 and 80, all in the first half, for 31 points. Last year's Wolverines only scored 31 points in an entire game once, in a loss to Purdue, and that was with a punt return for touchdown.

The caveats in both cases are the suspect defenses from Nevada and Western Michigan, especially the latter, which came in with 10 new starters. But there are no negatives for programs that needed the kind of big, convincing wins they used to consider as routine, or where the hype for next week's game in Ann Arbor is concerned: The Irish scraped their projected ceiling coming in, and Michigan busted a hole in theirs. And speaking of ceilings and roofs, he expectations for next week's winner will be through them both.

Your Flop of the Day (so far): Illinois is not turning a corner

Missouri 37, Illinois 9. There were three keys to Illinois reversing last year's tailspin and returning to the '07 form that took them to the Rose Bowl: a) Winning the turnover margin; b) Finding a consistent running threat to complement Juice Williams; and c) Finding a way to keep Arrelious Benn involved in the offense at all times.

So 0-for-3 then: The Illini finished –2 in giveaways, the leading rusher finished with 39 yards on a long of 11 and Benn left the game with an ankle injury. For good measure, starters Jason Ford and Jarred Fayson limped off the field, as well; at least Fayson returned, but he couldn't keep the Illini from sinking to their lowest point total in 18 games. Ron Zook's new record through four years and one game: 18-31. Juice is 15-19 as a starting quarterback.

To Missouri: Your superfreak freshman quarterback was everything his recruiting stars said he would be, with no appreciable drop-off from Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin et al; I might have guessed both by the end of the year, but not right out of the gate, against what was supposed to be a quality team. Maybe Missouri quarterback really has become a glamour position that makes a star of everyone who steps into it; we'll find out when Blaine Gabbert comes across a stiffer defense that Illinois' (Oklahoma State made a pretty good case in that department), but the preseason assumptions about the Tigers' standing in the Big 12 North are pretty much null and void already.

Audi TT RS to debut at the Geneva Auto Show

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder powerhouse: the Audi TT RS will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Auto Show. Its turbocharged 2.5-litre engine produces well above 300PS. It also delivers explosive acceleration, driving delight, and unrivalled sound.

A legend is reborn. After all powerful five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. And the turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine in the TT RS is the new torchbearer of this dynamic tradition. It enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. For example, it needs nowhere near five seconds to reach 62mph; overtaking is child’s play; and 155mph is the limited top speed only on paper.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, a sophisticated chassis, and stupendous brakes keep a tight rein on the power. All in all, the compact TT RS – with its lightweight and largely aluminium body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle – is a driving machine to be reckoned with.

Additional information will be available during the Audi Press Conference at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3, 2009 (Hall 1, Booth 1060).

Source: Audi

Rinspeed presents the iChange, car that alters its shape

The Swiss auto powerhouse Rinspeed presents the ‘iChange,’ the world’s first car whose body adapts to the number of passengers on board.
For Rinspeed boss Rinderknecht the vehicle is more than just a clever concept car. “The „iChange“ is a symbol for the fundamental changes the auto industry undergoes worldwide. And it is clear that only those companies will survive that have innovative answers for the demands of a new automotive era.” The visionary Rinderknecht is convinced that the days of gas-guzzling behemoths are coming to an end: “The „iChange“ is a signal for the coming global changes to individual mobility. We need to be ready to meet these challenges with new ideas.”

In seconds a streamlined one-seater sports car transforms into a comfortable car with ample room for three. The trick: At the push of a button the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car magically pops up. “We have designed and built an extremely flexible vehicle. In it we have brought the themes of versatility and continually changing energy demands to their logical conclusions.” The result is a streamlined, lightweight zero-emission car with dramatically reduced energy consumption.

The basic idea behind the ‘iChange:’: The energy demand of a vehicle depends mostly on its weight, the type of engine it uses, and its aerodynamic properties. The engineering-services company Esoro that traditionally builds Rinspeed concept cars has built an extremely lightweight car weighing in at only 1’050 kilograms. To power the car, the Swiss specialists chose an electric motor. The idea of the pop-up rear end was conceived to account for the sizeable effect aerodynamics play in fuel consumption.


While other cars always have to ferry around their puffed-up exteriors that can accommodate up to seven passengers even if they’re just transporting a single soul, the „iChange“ features an adaptive body. The sole driver is conveyed in a teardrop-shaped car that offers optimal aerodynamic properties and thus minimized energy consumption. If more than one person need to be transported the expanding rear provides room for two passengers. As a result of the increased weight and no longer optimal aerodynamics the energy consumption increases - but only for the time passengers are actually on board.

The energy for the electric motor comes from lithium-ion batteries that are available in two different stack configurations for short- and long-distance driving. The electric motor of the „iChange“ produces 150kW, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 220 km/h. The sprint from rest to 100 km/h takes just slightly over four seconds. This impressive performance is made possible with the help of a six-speed pre-selector gearbox from the Subaru WRX car. The central research department of Siemens AG (Corporate Technology, CT) supplied the integration technology for engine/generator, electronics and battery connection interface. Siemens has long been one of the world leaders for energy systems and eco technology with pioneering concepts for electric drive systems. Its products cover the entire electric value-added chain from generation to distribution to consumption. The gearbox and drivetrain are lubricated with eco-friendly lubricants from Motorex. Custom-made lightweight 17” and 18” forged wheels with aerodynamic shrouds are supplied by light-alloy wheel specialists AEZ. Pirelli P Zero tires in size 215/40-17 in front and size 245/40-18 in back provide optimal grip. The front lights derive from the Opel Insignia, the rear lamps come from the Opel Astra Twin Top.


An initial walk-around reveals that the concept car has no doors. The entire electrically powered roof section of the car measuring just 1.03 meters in height tilts forward to allow passengers to board. Also gone are such mundane things as a key. Its role is filled by an Apple iPhone, which also controls the most important vehicle functions. The „iChange“ is drastically different than ordinary cars in every detail: At the heart of the concept car lies the groundbreaking next-generation Harman/Kardon infotainment system. The system uses an innovative Intel processor technology that guarantees minimized power consumption. The same is true for the Harman/Kardon high-efficiency audio system. This revolutionary technology meets highest demands on sound quality, weighs much less than ordinary systems and at the same time uses only a fraction of energy. This opens the door to a new dimension of energy efficiency. The route guidance of the navigation system is also especially eco-friendly: The system calculates the most energy-saving route and displays the directions in realistic 3D view. When it comes to the subject of heating systems, the "iChange" is as versatile as its car body. Because the electric motor produces too little waste heat, the concept vehicle depends on a high-performance auxiliary heater. The Esslingen-based Eberspächer Group – one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle heating systems - designed two tailor-made ecological heating systems especially for this project: an electric heater as well as an ethanol 85 heater. This optimally accentuates the advantages of the two technologies: The entirely emission free electric PTC heater proves itself at short distances. Over long distances, the battery-independent alternative fuel-powered heater ensures a significantly longer operating range of the vehicle. As a result, even the heater of the "iChange" variably adjusts to the respective requirements.


The pure wool used in the interior was further refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using state-of-the-art processes. The wool is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards. It provides an extremely extravagant ambiance in the ‘iChange,’ looks stunning and is delicate to the touch. The competence partner Strähle + Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. Its surface character and materiality combine to create a symbiosis of shell, firmness and frothy air. Unconventional techniques create unusual surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats cushions are adorned with the prototype’s name. Xmobil provided further customization services. While textiles can be found in the „iChange“ in their original form in other areas, they are newly interpreted on seats and cargo floor using various refinement techniques such as braiding and gathering and a combination of both. Leather strips alternate with technical textiles. The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into three-dimensional shapes. This transfers the adaptive concept of the „iChange“ to the interior as well. The diamond-coated anti-slip floor is supplied by abrasives specialist KGS.

The Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy (Bundesamt für Energie) supports the „iChange“ project as a groundbreaking research and development project. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the fan to keep temperatures in the „iChange“ comfortably low on hot summer days. The large Sharp solar panels also provide additional eco-friendly charging of the batteries.

With the „ iChange“ Rinderknecht, a passionate C. F. Bucherer watch wearer, and his partners once more want to provide food for thought for the automotive industry. The Swiss car visionary: “If we want to maintain our individual mobility in the future we have to rethink the car in its entirety, without taboos. Most of all, we have to take its ecological aspects into consideration.” And in the end everyone has to personally answer the same question: Am I ready and willing to change myself, do and can ‘I change?

Source: Rinspeed

Alfa Mito DNAis in your jeans

Conceived to celebrate the unique genealogy passed from the breathtaking Alfa 8C Competizione supercar to the head-turning Alfa MiTo, the Italian sporting car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, paired up with TV’s fashion expert, Louise Roe, to challenge two up-and-coming fashion designers to create a line of women’s jeans that would be as cool and desirable as the Alfa MiTo and, and at the same time, raise money for charity.

The result is a one-off series of limited edition skinny fit jeans – available via www.mitojeans.co.uk - that echo the genealogy concept by deconstructing first generation jeans to create new, high fashion jeans complete with a high quality leather waistband and Alfa Romeo red stitching.


London-based fashion designers Bjork and McElligott, who have already created outfits for a number of celebrities, also introduced other distinct and attractive styling touches including embroidered rear pockets – one featuring the serpent from Alfa Romeo’s iconic badge on the right plus their own logo on the left pocket – to create recognisable and distinct jeans.

Significantly most Alfa MiTos feature a DNA button that alters the responsiveness of the accelerator, brakes and traction to suit different driving conditions – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather.

Sophie McElligott said: “The DNA button gave us an extra framework to operate within. The Alfa MiTo’s parentage from the Alfa 8C and the concept that DNA is in your genes made the project’s beneficiary an easy choice.”

The designers chose the charity Jeans for Genes to profit from the sale of the high class jeans and found two boutique retail outlets in London through the charity’s patron, Donna Ida.

Priced at £75 a pair the designer jeans are expected to raise vital funds for Jeans for Genes.

Source: Alfa Romeo

New Volvo C70 to be launched in Frankfurt

At its launch in early 2006, the Volvo C70 broke new ground as the world's first four seater convertible with a retractable hard top. More than three years on, the new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible is set to break new ground with a refreshed design to give the car a new look, roof up or down. The new C70 retains the three-piece retractable roof, spacious seating for four adults and class-leading convertible safety standards as the outgoing model.
"We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars.

New front view
The front of the new C70 takes inspiration from the S60 Concept that was unveiled in early 2009, thereby making the C70 more closely aligned with the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo range.

The refresh extends beyond plastic components as the front wings have been redesigned to give the nose a more distinct wedge-shape. There are new headlamps which now have a more pronounced upward orientation, whilst more detail has been added around the fog lamps and the lower grille.

From the front, the bonnet and grille form an open, inviting "V" shape, whilst the enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intakes reinforce a strong on-the-road stance.

To offer even more road presence a dramatic Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced.

New rear design
The rear of the car continues the front's new bold design. High-tech LED lamps, as found on the XC60, are the most noticeable addition to the rear and the entire lamp unit is now clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.

Into the car
The interior has also been given a refresh to create a more comfortable and luxury feel. The instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with improved finish. The surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the quality feel.

To further enhance comfort levels, the seats have been upholstered in a new, softer hide offering all occupants a greater level of comfort.

Engine range
Advanced engine and exhaust filtration means Volvo's engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The preliminary fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to models with a manual gearbox running in the combined driving cycle.

The new Volvo C70 in detail
The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a coupe into an open convertible in just 30 seconds. At the press of a button, the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.

It has also been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market with regard to both preventative and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique to convertible cars and the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements.

Protection in roll-over accidents
The Volvo C70 features sturdy metal roll bars that extend up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over. These bars, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System – ROPS – are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a glass rear window, the bars force through the glass if the roof is in place and so have been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee protection.

Door-mounted inflatable curtain
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the doors as there is no roof rail to fit it to. The curtain has an extra-stiff design so the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head effectively even if the window is open. The curtain also deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

Side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners for all seats
In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to protect both the chest and hips. The IC interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to offer the best possible protection for front seat occupants in the event of an accident. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

Further pricing and specification details
Full details, including prices and specification, of the new Volvo C70, will be released closer to the on-sale date. First C70s are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.

Bozic wins final sprint to take Stage 6 at Vuelta

XATIVA, Spain -- Slovenian Borut Bozic landed the best stage victory of his career by winning the 176.8-kilometer sixth leg of the Vuelta a Espana on Friday.

The Vacansoleil rider crossed the finish line well clear of American Tyler Farrar and former Vuelta winner Daniele Bennati of Italy.

The sprinters are dominating the overall standings with German Andre Greipel in first place, six seconds ahead of Belgian Tom Boonen and nine seconds in front of Bennati in third.

"This is a major breakthrough," Bozic told reporters. "The key to winning was being well positioned behind Farrar and Boonen and then accelerating away 250 meters from the line.

"Nobody expected me to start my move so far from the finish, and I was able to take the biggest victory of my career."

The 29-year-old Bozic said cycling in Slovenia was a minority sport, which made it tough to carve out his career path.

"I've only ever raced in smaller teams and that means you have to fight harder and win more in order to succeed," he said.

"Today's result though should make a few people sit up and take notice."

Saturday's 30-kilometer time trial in Valencia is likely to see the race favorites strengthen their positions.

"It's not very long and it's pretty flat, so there won't be big differences," said Spain's Alejandro Valverde.

"Afterwards we won't know who'll win overall, but it's the first indication who the real contenders are and who's just come along for the ride.

"Of the favorites, I'm expecting [Australian] Cadel Evans and [Italian] Ivan Basso to do the best, it's their kind of time trial," added Valverde.

The Vuelta finishes on Sept. 20 in Madrid.

Italy, Australia on fire at mountain bike worlds

The 2009 UCI mountain bike world championships got underway yesterday in Canberra, Australia, marking its first return since 1996 when the resort town of Cairns hosted the event.

With huge crowds on hand, the championships opened with the team relay. The relay consists of four national team members in the men's, women's, under-23 men and a junior man. Team Italy captured the gold medal in a fiercely fought race over Canada, while France, long a mountain bike power, was third. The U.S. squad finished 12th.

Day two of the championships saw the first day of individual racing, and it started off with the junior women's event. First place went to the French rider Pauline Prevot, with Switzerland's Michelle Hediger in second. South Africa's Candice Neethling continued her family's tradition of excellence in the dirt with a third in the three-lap race. Many were not at all surprised about Prevot's win as she was second in the road worlds. The top U.S. rider was Jill Behlen in 16th, while Essence Barton was 18th.

Junior men's racing also was contested when the superb riding of Italian Gerhard Kerschbaumer, who also took part in Italy's win in the relay race, won the gold. Switzerland, which has produced many of the world's top mountain bikers since the early days of the sport, grabbed the silver medal 15 seconds behind. The top North American in the race was Canada's Mitch Bailey.

Women's U-23 racing was also held. The already-European champion Aleksandra Dawidowicz won with a time of 1:24.32. Sweden's Alexandra Engen was second while Julie Bresset won the bronze. The top-ranked U.S. rider was Chloe Forsman in 15th place.

In the U-23 men's race, the field felt the sting of powerful World Cup rider Burry Stander of South Africa, a nation that has embraced mountain biking in a big way. Alexis Vullermoz of France was second and Thomas Litcher (SUI) was in third.

In the men's and women's four cross event, a pair of Aussie riders claimed golds. Jared Graves, who took part in the debut BMX event at the Beijing Olympics, won for the men while OZ gravity rider Caroline Buchanan took the women's crown, all to a huge standing ovation. A pair of U.S. women placed silver and bronze with Jill Kintner and Melissa Buhl going a fine 2-3 for the Yanks.

Downhill training was also held prior to tommorow's downhill championships. The Aussies, who boast one of the best downhill teams in the world, saw great, fast training times from Mick Hannah, and the former UCI world champion, Sam Hill. Among other favorites for men will be the UK's Steve Peat and South Africa's Greg Minnar. In women's training the UK's Tracey Moseley had the fastest qualification time, while Canada's Claire Buchar was second in training. Canada will host the next UCI World Mountain Bike Championships in Mont Ste. Anne, QUE.

Still to come: the downhill and cross-country races.

Cancellara wins time trial, regains gold at Vuelta

Time-trial specialist Fabian Cancellara of Saxo Bank won the seventh stage race against the clock at the Vuelta a Espana on Saturday.

Cancellara, who rode to victory at the Olympic time trial in Beijing last summer, completed the 30-kilometer course around Valencia in 36:41. Garmin's David Millar was second, and Team Columbia's Bert Grabsch, the reigning world time-trial champ, came in third.

The victory pushed Cancellara back to the top of the overall standings, where he spent the first four days of the race after taking the opening time-trial stage in Assen, Netherlands. Yesterday's overall leader Andre Greipel of Columbia tumbled down the standings after placing 67th on the day, 2:37 behind Cancellara. He sits 27th overall.

The three-week Vuelta moves into the mountains on Sunday with the 204-kilometer eighth stage from Alzira to Alto de Aitana.

American playing for El Salvador in Cup qualifier

PROVO, Utah (AP) --- El Salvador midfielder Arturo Alvarez will know his opponents well in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against the United States.

Many of them were teammates with Alvarez on U.S. national youth teams. Born and raised in Houston, Alvarez is an American who switched his soccer citizenship when El Salvador-his parents' native country-invited him to join the national team.

Although he had played on under-20 U.S. national teams, an invitation to the U.S. senior team did not appear to be coming anytime soon. The 24-year-old decided to take advantage of FIFA's softened restrictions on players switching from one country to another.

"It was an opportunity that came up. I saw it as a good one," said Alvarez, who plays for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer and is away from the club for Saturday and another qualifier next Wednesday against Costa Rica in San Salvador.

Coach Carlos de los Cobos added Alvarez to the roster, hoping to continue El Salvador's quick turnaround from foundering only a few years ago to still having a slim chance this late in qualifying. Los Cuscatlecos last played in the World Cup in 1982.

The Salvadorans have been practicing this week at BYU, about 30 miles south of where the game will be played Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Alvarez said he grew up following El Salvador soccer because his father was still a big fan after moving to the United States. He said once he got the invitation to join the El Salvador national team, it was an easy decision: He was becoming part of his father's favorite team and getting a chance at top-level international competition.

The only drawback is he will be playing as a visitor in his home country on Saturday night.

"I've played against those guys many a times. I've played with them as well, but obviously now times have changed," Alvarez said. "I'm part of the El Salvador team. Hopefully we can go in and get a good result against the U.S."

Several former teammates will be in the U.S. lineup on Saturday.

U.S. star Landon Donovan remembered when Alvarez first reached the MLS as a rookie with the Earthquakes in 2003.

"He always had a lot of potential. I think he's done a really good job of becoming a real professional now. He's done very well," Donovan said. "I'm excited for him, but I won't be wishing him too much luck on Saturday."

Alvarez was not with the team when the United States and El Salvador played in March, when the Americans rallied from a 2-0 deficit and salvaged a 2-2 tie.

Alvarez made his debut for El Salvador last month in a 1-0 loss to Trinidad and Tobago. After years of playing in international youth games, he was on a club that was trying to reach the World Cup next summer in South Africa.

"It was an amazing feeling. It was my first qualifying game ever. It was great," Alvarez said. "I was a little nervous at first, but once I got in there I realized it was just another soccer game."

El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago are tied for last in the North and Central American and the Caribbean group, both with a record of 1-3-2 for five points. The top three teams in the group qualify and the fourth-place team will have a chance to make it in a playoff against the No. 5 team from South America.

It's still possible for El Salvador, but time is quickly running out to make a move in the standings. After the Americans and next week against Costa Rica, El Salvador closes out qualifying next month against Mexico and Honduras.

Inside Soccer: Hungary, Gabon chase World Cup spots

Qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup resume in full force this weekend following a summer's slowdown of activity to allow most players to focus on preseason club training and competitions.

A number of intriguing matchups will take place through Sept. 9 as qualifying for the tournament enters its final critical months.

Here's a review of key games through Wednesday:

UEFA - Of the 46 matches scheduled for European teams, the most intriguing take place in Group 1. Hungary, a once dominant soccer nation that finished runner-up in 1938 and 1954, has not competed in a World Cup since 1986. The team holds the record for most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup final (27) in 1954 during its peak years.

Hungary sits in second place in Group 1, three points behind leader Denmark and four points ahead of Portugal and Sweden, the two teams they will play before next Wednesday.

Third place Portugal sits in a precarious position with only nine points and with three of its four remaining games against Denmark and Hungary (twice). Portugal's fate could clearly be defined by this time next week. Two losses would eliminate them from any chance of qualifying for the finals and would mean one of the world's top players, Christiano Ronaldo, would miss the tournament.

In Group 2, Greece and Switzerland are tied atop the table with 13 points, but Greece is ahead on goal differential. The two will play Saturday in Switzerland. Greece, the 2004 European Championship winners, has not played in the World Cup finals since 1994.

Group 6 leader England could clinch a spot in the World Cup finals with a win Wednesday over Croatia, which trail in second place by eight points with both teams still to play three games. England has not lost in 2010 qualifying.

In Group 7, leader Serbia will host France Wednesday and will try to expand its five point lead over the 2006 finals runner-up. A loss would force France, the 1998 champion and 2006 runner-up, to win its remaining three games to have a chance to win the group.

CONMEBOL -- South American teams will play 10 games by Wednesday, with the most attention focused on Argentina vs. Brazil on Saturday.

Argentina sits in fourth place with four games remaining. Two wins, including over qualifying leader Brazil, should guarantee them no lower than their current position and the last automatic qualifying spot for the finals. But Argentina must also face second place Paraguay away on Wednesday.

Since Argentine legend Diego Maradona took over as head coach in November, Argentina has two wins and two losses in 2010 qualifying, including 6-1 to second to last place Bolivia.

To inspire passion in his players, Maradona has moved the match against Brazil from Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the normal site for home World Cup matches, to Central Stadium in Rosario, the home town of the team's most dynamic player, Lionel Messi.

Unlike in Monumental Stadium, Rosario's fans sit up against to the pitch, increasing the environment's intensity.

Second-place Chile is the surprise of South American qualifying and with two of its four remaining games against lower half teams Colombia and Venezuela, the team should reach its first finals since 1998. They will travel to play Brazil on Wednesday.

CONCACAF -- The United States stands the best chance of the top three teams in the region of helping themselves in the two games all teams will play through Sept. 9. The Americans host fifth place El Salvador Saturday and travel to last place Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.

The Americans have never lost to El Salvador in World Cup qualifying and that should not change on Saturday. The U.S. beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in a final round qualifier in January at home. At least one win is critical; two wins would provide a comfort zone for its last two qualifiers against first place Costa Rica and second place Honduras.

Mexico, a point behind the United States in fourth place, will play away at Costa Rica on Saturday and then will host Honduras Wednesday. The Mexicans need to win one of those games to have a chance for an automatic qualifying spot (top three).

CAF - Halfway through the final qualifying round for African nations, two situations offer some surprise. Gabon, which has never advanced to a World Cup final, leads Group A by two points and Algeria, which last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1986, leads Group C by three points.

Gabon's lead is a bit misleading. They've played only twice and have yet to face traditional powerhouse Cameroon. The two will face each other Saturday and Wednesday (one game was rescheduled from June following the death of Gabon president Omar Bongo). Cameroon has played in five of the last six World Cup finals and faces likely elimination with a loss in one of the two games.

Ghana sports a five point lead in first place in Group D and a win over last place Sudan on Sunday would create a likely advancement to the finals.

AFC - Four teams from Asia - Australia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea - have already qualified for the World Cup finals, but another Asian team can still advance to the finals in South Africa. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both finished in third place in their groups and the two teams will play each other starting Saturday in Bahrain. The second game will be played Sept. 9 in Saudi Arabia. The winner will play Oceania winner New Zealand later this year to fill one slot in the finals.

Johnson's U.S. role diminished - The U.S.'s preliminary roster for its World Cup qualifier Saturday against El Salvador will again exclude 25-year-old forward Eddie Johnson, once considered a young National Team star with much promise. Are Johnson’s chances of making the 2010 World Cup team fading?

Johnson last dressed for the Americans in a World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago in April but did not play. He was on the roster for two semifinal round World Cup qualifiers last September, but played only 23 minutes in a 3-0 win over Trinidad. Johnson started in matches against Poland, England, Spain and Argentina from March through June 2008 and last scored for the U.S. in a 4-1 loss to Argentina in June 2007.

The U.S. matches Saturday and Wednesday will likely determine the team's 2010 World Cup fate, so it behooves head coach Bob Bradley to roster his most reliable forwards. Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies earned Bradley’s confidence with strong performances at the Confederations Cup in June; Conor Casey of the Rapids leads MLS in scoring this season with 11 goals; Brian Ching has scored seven goals for Houston this year and scored a goal for the Americans in July against Honduras in the Gold Cup. Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake has 10 goals this season, but boasts just one cap and will not likely dress for the game.

Johnson is back with Fulham in the English Premier League after playing on loan last season with Cardiff City. He’s played in one of three Fulham games this season and along with Donovan is the only other pure striker candidate who has played in a World Cup (two games in 2006) for the U.S.

Bradley is likely waiting to see what kind of season Johnson puts together in Fulham before bringing him back to the Natoinal Team, which probably would not happen until next year. If the Americans qualify for 2010 after its next two games by Wednesday, Johnson would be wise to focus on his time with Fulham rather than suit up for two remaining U.S. qualifying games that have little relative significance.

Land Rover celebrates its 60th Anniversary at 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary as the featured marque at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-13. Land Rover, in conjunction with Gerry Juddah, will create an eye-catching automotive sculpture in front of Goodwood House which will uniquely showcase the vehicles' supreme breadth of capability.
The impressive structure will incorporate an original 1948 Land Rover, a selection of vehicles from the Company's model range, finished with the acclaimed LRX concept cross-coupe – a bold evolution of Land Rover design that signals the brand's shift into new areas of the market.

"Land Rover represents our British-inspired Festival theme perfectly with a true pioneering spirit and an enviable global reputation," said Lord March. "This year's Central Feature will celebrate a significant landmark anniversary for one of the world’s most revered car marques, and will be one of the biggest and most memorable displays to date."

Land Rover will also showcase the special edition Defender SVX, launched to mark the anniversary. The SVX – the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced – still bears a strong visual resemblance to its 1948 predecessor, but inside the SVX models boast satellite navigation, Recaro seats and iPod compatibility.

The Terrapod and mini-terrapod will also be available for those who want to test out the off-road capability of Land Rover's key products, and proceeds will go to the British Red Cross.

Source: Land Rover

A Rolls-Royce Welcome for Goodwood Barn Owls

A custom-made owl box was unveiled yesterday in the 42 acre grounds of the Rolls-Royce plant at Goodwood. It has been installed as part of the company’s commitment to encourage biodiversity within its grounds. The box, designed and crafted by staff at West Dean College, Chichester features an owl mascot.
The Barn Owl, now a specially protected species, has declined in numbers by more than two thirds in the last 100 years, which is attributed to the intensification of agriculture and the loss of rough grassy areas around fields. In Sussex the numbers have dropped in recent years to around 100 breeding pairs.
Dr Barrie Watson, President of the Sussex Ornithological Society, who advised Rolls-Royce on the best location for the new owl box said, “More environmentally friendly farming practices will provide more habitats for owls to hunt over. So it is important to provide secure nest sites for them, like the owl box at Rolls-Royce. I am delighted to see the company take this step.”

Anna Rabone, environment consultant at Rolls-Royce said, “The emphasis at Goodwood is on operating a technologically advanced facility, producing cars to the highest quality, yet making a positive contribution to the biodiversity of the natural landscape. The lake and the landscaping, including our eight acre living roof, where non-chemical techniques are used to control pests, are proving a haven for numerous bird species and other wildlife.”

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Lamborghini makes its official debut at 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Lamborghini will attend Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first time this year as an official partner. Represented by its four authorised UK dealers, Lamborghini’s display will include the newly launched lightweight V10 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, as well as the V12 Murciélago LP640 Coupé and Roadster, and V10 Gallardo Coupé and Spyder models.
Two cars will be included in Goodwood’s supercar class ‘going up the hill’: the Gallardo Superleggera will make its dynamic public debut at Goodwood, piloted by one of Lamborghini’s driving academy instructors Max Venturi. The Murciélago LP640 Coupé will be driven by young British driver Mike Conway, sponsored at Goodwood by Lloyds TSB Private Banking.

Lamborghini will also be retailing its range of official ArtiMarca merchandise from a boutique within its display.

“We recognise Goodwood as one of the most important, and enjoyable, events worldwide at which it’s possible to see such an extraordinary range of current and historic sports and race cars,” commented Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “We’re delighted to provide an opportunity for Goodwood visitors to experience our brand at first hand, and to display our range that includes more models than ever before in Lamborghini’s history.”

Lamborghini has four official dealerships in the UK, in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.


Source: Lamborghini UK

2007 Lamborghini Reventón unveiled at IAA Frankfurt

Lamborghini has unveiled the Lamborghini Reventón at Frankfurt Motor Show. With a price tag of €1 million euros plus taxes, all of the 20 cars to be produced are pre sold to customers worldwide, with one car coming to a customer in the UK. The car will be delivered to an unnamed customer of Lamborghini Birmingham, the official Lamborghini dealership located in Fort Dunlop, Birmingham.
Lamborghini Reventón

Clearly a Lamborghini, but nothing quite like it. A super car without equals: the Lamborghini Reventón is a road vehicle with an extreme specification and, at the same time, a limited edition masterpiece – a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics.

With just 20 produced, each 1 Million Euro (without taxes) Lamborghini Reventón is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Reventón so unrivalled: under the completely autonomous design, the Reventón possesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder Lamborghini.

Lamborghini prides itself on being the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super sports cars without compromise. Sensuality and provocation characterise every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. “However, the Reventón is the most extreme of all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre took the technical base of the Murciélago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code,” affirms Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Born in Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventón has been entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. The design drawn up in Lamborghini’s Centro Stile (Style Centre) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Research and Development Department. Thus, the Reventón is not only “haute couture” but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst being entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

The name Reventón has been chosen according to Lamborghini tradition. Reventón was a fighting bull, owned by the Don Rodriguez family. It is included in the list of the most famous bulls ever and is known for killing the famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murciélago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Reventón the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of carbon fibre and precision

Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murciélago LP640, the exterior design of the Reventón is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central ‘arrow’ and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Characterised by coherent functions

Naturally, both doors on the Reventón open upwards – since the legendary Countach this has also been a symbol of the V12 Lamborghini product line. With their asymmetric configuration, the large air intakes below the doors provide an example of the extreme coherence with which a Lamborghini fulfils its function: on the driver's side it is large to increase the flow of oil to the radiator. On the passenger’s side of the vehicle, the air intake is flat because in this case, it only has to ensure the flow below the floor. The aerodynamically optimised flat floor structure terminates at the rear with a diffuser featuring an accentuated shape. This guarantees excellent road grip and stability even at 340 km per hour.

In spite of the extreme and innovative language of its shape, the Reventón not only maintains all the strong features of the Murciélago LP640, but also offers further amelioration in terms of aerodynamics, the important engine cooling system, the air intake system and brakes. The airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and the rear spoiler (also adjustable) have been modified.
Owners of the 20 examples will be able to test the performance of his or her Lamborghini in person.

Perfected to the ultimate detail

The engine hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offers a glimpse of the beating heart of the twelve cylinders of the super car. The glass also features the marked arrow angle that characterises the design from the front to the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini designers’ love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tank lid: a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminium block.

The combination lights transform the incisiveness of the design into light: the front features the most modern light-emitting diodes alongside Bi-Xenon headlights. Seven LEDs ensure continuous daylight while there are a further nine diodes for the indicator and hazard lights. Another technical innovation is found in the rear light LEDs. Because of the high temperature in the rear low part of the car, special heatproof LEDs are used for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.

A new body colour

Naturally, such a refined language of shape also demands an extraordinary colour. For the 20 examples of the Reventón, the designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have created a totally new hue: Reventón, a mid opaque green/grey without the usual shine. However, thanks to the metallic particles, in the daylight this colour tone features surprising depth.

Opaque and brilliant colours for the wheel rims

This play of opaque and lustre is also featured on the wheel rims, especially created for the Reventón. Opaque carbon fins are screwed onto the black aluminium spokes, not only creating a visual effect with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, but a turbine effect also ensures optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake disks.

TFT display similar to an airplane

The same innovative force applied to the exterior design characterises the cockpit of the Reventón. Designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminium and leather that comply with the top quality standards, the interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays with innovative display modes. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose from two vehicle information display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminium block, protected by a carbon fibre casing.

The G-Force-Meter is also completely new: this display shows the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of an indicator on a graduated 3D grid depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. A similar instrument can be found in the airplanes. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyse dynamic forces.

Customisable instruments

The instrument on the left of the speedometer associates the number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear. Finally, every Reventón is equipped with a robotised e.gear controlled by two small levers under the steering wheel.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and engine speed indicator are configured in an equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colours. The G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the centre in this display mode.

Electronic system developed entirely by Lamborghini

All this is possible thanks to the fact that the entire electronic platform of the Reventón, together with all the control devices, has been autonomously developed by the Lamborghini experts.

The same process for integrating the electronic displays in the car was applied to the Lamborghini Engineering Department.

From the conception of the very first radical ideas, the entire Reventón has been developed in Sant’Agata Bolognese thanks to tight teams of remarkably creative experts. An extremely refined and efficient process was employed: CAD design and development, creation of the prototype in the Prototype Department, all carried out under the constant supervision of the Research and Development Department’s technicians and testers.

Atelier of creativity and high efficiency

Inaugurated in 2004, the Centro Stile is dedicated to design and characterised by a high degree of efficiency: an “atelier” of creators, designers and prototype constructors, who encapsulate the Lamborghini culture and spirit by using their remarkable skills to create aesthetic innovation.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 square two-storey building. The large pavilion houses two test floors and related production and analysis equipment, while other rooms are set aside for the most advanced computerised workstations for designers and a style-model construction workshop. The Centro Stile is also closely linked to the nearby Engineering Department: the direct line between the Lamborghini development departments guarantees that ideas rapidly become reality.

Creativity and production under the same roof

The Lamborghini Reventón is a practical illustration of the streamlined functionality and efficiency characterising the Centro Stile: it took less than a year to progress from the first ideas to the finished car. The complete design process from the first sketches on paper, to three dimensional computer models with 1:10 or 1:4 scale, right up to the real size prototype is organised around streamlined, fast, efficient work groups. Thanks to the Centro Stile, for the first time in its history, Lamborghini is now able to create its own style philosophy in-house without having to rely on any external collaboration.

The 20 units will be manufactured in Sant’Agata, using a production process characterised by artisan perfection and rigorous quality standards.

A masterpiece with tested technology

The technology found in the Murciélago LP640 has not been modified. The engine in the LP640 forwards is the classic twelve-cylinder engine with 6.5 litre displacement. Only for this car, Lamborghini guarantees, an astounding 650 HP (478 kW) at 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The huge torque, equal to maximum 660 Nm, ensures a powerful switch from any number of revolutions: even the slightest pressure on the accelerator is spontaneously transformed into thrust. The robotised e.gear changes gear faster than even the most expert driver. In addition, the permanent Viscous Traction four-wheel drive system ensures that every force is constantly translated into movement.

As in the original Murciélago LP640, the Reventón accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a maximum speed over 340 km/h.

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventón, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Performance data

Top speed 340 km/h (211.3 mph)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.4 s (before: 3.8 s)

Source: Lamborghini UK

Automobili Lamborghini announces record sales figures

Automobili Lamborghini SpA has announced record sales figures for 2007, building and selling 2,406 cars worldwide: a 15% increase over the 2,087 cars delivered in 2006. A particularly strong sales increase of nearly 40% was recorded in the UK, with deliveries of 211 vehicles. North America, Lamborghini’s largest market, accounted for more than 1000 cars. Lamborghini’s home market of Italy saw a growth of 38% with 134 units sold, whilst total European sales accounted for 959 units, with a growth of more than 22% over the previous year.
“2007 was an exceptional year. This success is the direct result of increased brand awareness and brand image, as well as the increase in our dealer network and overall product strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini SpA.

Since the beginning of 2005, Automobili Lamborghini has strategically increased its global reach from 65 to 107 dealers worldwide. In the UK, there are now four authorised Lamborghini dealers, in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.

“The Lamborghini brand continues to grow exponentially in the UK, with sports and prestige buyers increasingly attracted to the marque for a number of reasons,” commented Dominic Lancaster, general manager of Lamborghini London. “Lamborghini is very much an exclusive, luxury brand and, as such, continues its success even in light of other domestic economic pressures that may affect consumer spending generally. Lamborghini’s exclusivity appeals to a wide range of individuals, from successful entrepreneurs, professionals, successful individuals in the City, as well as purist sports car drivers who are attracted by the extraordinary Lamborghini performance.”

The Lamborghini range is comprised of five models: the V12 Murciélago LP640 Coupe; the Murciélago LP640 Roadster; the V10 Gallardo Coupe; the convertible Gallardo Spyder; and the lightweight Gallardo Superleggera launched in Spring 2007.

“A certain proportion of Lamborghini customers have been particularly drawn to the marque with the launch in 2007 of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera,” said Lamborghini Birmingham’s sales manager Martin Andrews. “This is a particularly extreme, lightweight Lamborghini, providing specific appeal to those who want not only the best performing road car in its class, but outstanding performance if they also drive on track. We have seen an increasing number of discerning drivers choose the Superleggera not only as their first choice of road car, but as the ultimate car for the circuit too.”

“The expansion of the dealer network has undoubtedly contributed to increased sales in Britain. We have increased the Lamborghini car parc in Scotland by more than 400% in the last year,” confirmed Lamborghini Edinburgh’s general manager Richard Stewart. “The expanded dealer network has provided the growing number of drivers attracted to models such as the Superleggera, as well as the acclaimed Gallardo Spyder and, of course, the V12 models, with increased accessibility to the marque.”

Lamborghini launched the Gallardo Superleggera at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, with a limited worldwide production of 400 cars. Weighing 100kg less than the ‘standard’ coupe, the Superleggera goes from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. With permanent four-wheel drive, e-gear (paddle shift) as standard and a host of other options including tubular frame and harness for the most extreme drivers, the car is acclaimed by road and track users alike. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera accounted for approximately 14% of Lamborghini models sold in the UK during 2007.

Lamborghini’s latest product announcement was the extreme-designed Lamborghini Reventón, shown for the first time at the autumn 2007 Frankfurt Show. Priced at €1million euros plus tax, all of the 20 cars to be made were pre-sold, even ahead of their official unveiling. One car will come to a customer in the UK.

Source: Lamborghini

Lamborghini makes another appearance in latest Batman

When he isn’t protecting Gotham City from various villains, as his alter ego Batman in his Batmobile, billionaire Bruce Wayne’s vehicle of choice is one of Lamborghini’s most extreme super sports car ever built, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640.
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe is not Bruce Wayne’s first Lamborghini. The association with the marque began in 2005 when Propaganda Global Entertainment Marketing, Lamborghini’s worldwide entertainment marketing firm, brokered the deal for the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster to make its on­screen debut in "Batman Begins."

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe appearing in “The Dark Knight” is powered by a 640 horsepower 12­cylinder engine and is capable of more than 211 mph.

“The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 is the natural choice for Bruce Wayne’s other car,” stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini is proud to be associated with one of the greatest movie franchises in history, especially co­starring with the Batmobile.”

Source: Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 wins CAR Magazine’s performance car of the year

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 has been named the ultimate Performance Car of The Year 2008 in CAR magazine’s annual test.
In the November issue of CAR, on sale now, the judges put the competitors through their paces on both road and track. The Gallardo LP 560-4 beat contenders in its supercar group including the Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin DBS and Mercedes-Benz CLK Black. It then went on to win the overall competition against finalists from seven other categories, including challengers such as the Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Evo 360 and MINI John Cooper Works.

“The CAR test is unique among such awards in that it focuses more on emotion than science. The magazine bases its decision on the way cars stir the soul rather than simply how fast they are or how well they handle. All the finalists are good performers but only one outshone the others to deliver on everything it promises,“ said CAR editor Phil McNamara.

“The Gallardo LP 560-4 is a special car to see, to drive and, we bet, to own and that’s why it’s our Performance Car of The Year,” was CAR magazine’s final judgement.“

The Gallardo LP 560-4 was unveiled earlier this year as Lamborghini’s replacement for its original Gallardo, of which approximately 7100 models have been delivered since its first launch in 2003.

CAR magazine is one of Britain’s most authoritative and entertaining monthly automotive magazines, as well as Britain’s first.

Source: Lamborghini

Blancpain announces its union with Lamborghini

For the first time in history, Blancpain and Lamborghini, creators of exceptional models and inspirers of mechanical passions, are uniting their expertise to give rise to the world’s first ever Lamborghini automobile championship, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.


Blancpain, the world’s oldest watch brand, is delighted to announce its union with the iconic luxury carmaker, Lamborghini. This alliance is distinguished by the twin themes of speed and mechanical prestige. Presided over by the respective President and CEOs of Blancpain and Lamborghini, Messrs Marc A. Hayek and Stephan Winkelmann, the partnership was sealed in a ceremony that took place on October 25th 2008 at the last DTM Grand Prix of the season on the Hockenheim race track in Germany.

This union celebrates the technical performances and exclusive aesthetics of two manufacturers at the peak of their art combining tradition and innovation. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is a dream come true for motor sports enthusiasts, setting the stage for the very latest gleaming Gallardo LP560-4 speed machines to compete in the world’s fastest and most demanding mono-brand championship.

From Mai 2009 onwards, 30 high-powered cars carrying the Blancpain-Lamborghini colours will compete on Europe’s finest racing tracks. With 570 HP, 540 N/m and peak speeds of over 300 km/h, driving such a vehicle is more than a race against the clock: it is an outright challenge to time itself! And when Lamborghini sets out to push the boundaries of speed, it naturally teams up with a watch brand characterised by a time-honoured pioneering spirit and peerless mechanical expertise. An intensely dynamic union that is gearing up to roar out of the starting blocks!

Source: Blancpain

Lamborghini establishes new branch in China

As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009. Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.
The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: “China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing ‘savoir-vivre’ in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini’s future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale.”

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% ( 28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia.

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli’s career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years’ assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market.

Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty. parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

Source: Lamborghini