Renault tell Alonso: 3 years or no deal.

Is expected deal about to fall flat after persistent stalling over length of contract..?
Fernando Alonso's much-vaunted return to Renaultfor the 2008 Formula 1season could have hit yet another hitch over the length of his contract, with reports suggesting the team will settle for nothing less than three years.

Reports from both Alonso's homeland of Spain, and Renault F1boss Flavio Briatore's native country of Italy, are adamant what was believed to be as good as a done deal is anything but. Daily Spanish sports newspaper Marca claims although Briatore is happy to accept the double world champion's demands for a one-year agreement, the Régie's president Carlos Ghosn is insisting on three years – take it or leave it.

Alonso is keen on signing for one year only, as he has his eye on a subsequent move to Ferrarialongside Kimi Raikkonenin 2009, with some Italian sources convinced that is already a certainty. Wire service Agenzia Giornalistica Italia, however, quotes Ghosn as saying: “It's three years or nothing.”

Switzerland again, but this time with feeling

Neel Jani surges to a dominant feature race pole position at Sepang with an immense final effort.

Having eased to pole position for the sprint event, Neel Jani did it again when deciding grid positions for the A1 Grand Prixfeature race at Sepang, yet this time he did it with a gap of almost a second over his rivals.

His fourth pole position around the Malaysian circuit in four attempts, this one will probably go down as one of the finest qualifying efforts seen in A1 GP yet as Jani flexed his inspiration around Sepang's twists and turns.

Indeed, Jani was never topped throughout the day, going fastest in the first of the two mini-sessions to decide the grid positions for the feature race. Even then, that lap was good enough to cement another pole position for Switzerland, as their rivals got near but not close enough to overhauling them

Prodrive admit F1 dream has hit skids

World's leading private motorsport concern acknowledges aim to break into the top flight next year now little more than a pipe dream.
Following months of speculation, Prodrive has finally conceded its ambition to enter Formula 1in 2008 has failed to get off the starting grid, confirming there will remain just eleven teams in the sport next year.

According to Canadian sports website TSN, the Banbury-based outfit's chairman David Richards admitted to German publication Auto Motor und Sport that Prodrive's plans to break into the top flight as F1's twelfth team have been put indefinitely on hold, until a new Concorde Agreement is finalised and agreed upon. The current agreement is due to expire on 31 December, 2007.

“We asked the FIAto be able to start midway through the season,” Richards is quoted as having told the magazine, “and our request was rejected, so for 2008 there is not a realistic chance of there being a Prodrive F1team.”

Prodrive – already heavily involved in world rallying, touring cars and sportscars for more than two decades – was picked from almost two dozen applications to be F1's twelfth team back in April this year, with Richards making no secret of the fact he intended to take advantage of new rules allowing the use of customer cars, to avoid having to build everything from scratch. A new £200 million, 200-acre motorsportcomplex nicknamed ‘The Fulcrum' has been planned for the outfit's second base near Warwick.

Prodrive was expected to tie up a chassis and engine deal with McLarenuntil several teams – most prominently Williams and Spyker(now Force India) – challenged the eligibility of customer cars under the present Concorde Agreement, constraining Richards to put any further progression on hold until a new ruling is made.

“Our ambition is still to be in F1,” he asserted. “There was the risk of legal procedures because we wanted to use a customer car. As a result, our entire business plan was put into doubt, so we have chosen to re-group instead of simply race ahead blindly.

“We must wait for the new Concorde – only then can we fully assess our options.”

Leaked info to spell end of Renault in F1?

Third team implicated in F1's 2007 spy row saga rocked by latest revelations ahead of FIA hearing.

Renault's Formula 1 team has been dealt a hammer blow in the latest revelation in the sport's ongoing spy row, with leaked legal documents painting a bleak picture for the French squad ahead of its pivotal World Motor Sport Council hearing early next month - the outcome of which is likely to determine its future in the top flight.

Renault was first named as being implicated in the espionage saga a fortnight ago. It will consequently appear before the FIA in Monaco on 6 December to answer a charge of being in unauthorised possession of documents and confidential information belonging to McLaren. It is a similar offence to that of which McLaren was found guilty during the summer, when the Woking concern was proved to have illegally received 780 pages of secret Ferrari data – and for which the team received a $100 million fine, disqualification from the 2007 constructors' world championship and a high degree of scrutiny over its 2008 model.

According to British daily newspaper The Times, the latest assertions – allegedly leaked to PA Sport from McLaren's submission to the world council in a bid to ramp up the pressure on Renault – imply the Enstone-based outfit benefited significantly from the aforementioned data, which includes, the FIA has confirmed, the layout and critical dimensions of McLaren's F1 car, fuelling system, gear assembly, oil cooling system, hydraulic control system and a novel suspension component used by the 2006 and 2007 machines.

“It is clear that McLaren's confidential design information was knowingly, deliberately and widely disseminated and discussed within the Renault F1 design and engineering team,” read a statement from McLaren's solicitors, Baker McKenzie, “thereby providing them with a clear benefit and unfair

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines thrilling design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, limited-production Special Edition models will be available with either the V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. The SE models combine an exclusive aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.



Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length: 179.7 in.
Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
Width: 72.2 in.
Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,274 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,483 lbs.


Major Standard Features

140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
Air conditioning
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
Front seat side curtain air bags
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Cruise control
Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
Fog lamps
Keyless entry
Power windows, locks and mirrors
Tilt steering wheel
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

263-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission
18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Center display with outside temperature and compass
Electronic traction control
Larger ventilated rear disc brakes




Optional Sun and Sound Package (GS and GT):


650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Center display with outside temperature and compass (standard on GT)
Glovebox with damper
Illuminated ignition key cylinder
Power glass sun roof
Steering wheel audio controls
Rear cargo shelf
Rear window wiper
Windshield shade band


Optional GT Premium Sport Package (GT Only):


650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
Aluminum pedals
Aluminum scuff plates
Automatic climate control system
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Heated front seats
Heated mirrors
Leather front seating surfaces
Power drivers seat
Power glass sun roof
Steering wheel audio controls
Sword Silver lipless 18-in. alloy wheels




SE Models:


18" wheels, Sword Silver finish
Active Stability Control (V-6 version only)
Aluminum scuff plate
Front chin spoiler
Graphics package
Large rear wing
Leather seating
Unique interior color combination

2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT Revealed In Arizona

• 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT production is scheduled for 100 total units
• Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson" red stripes and other touches included
• Cars will be sold through Arizona Ford dealers
• A portion of proceeds from sales to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., November 21, 2007 - Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, have collaborated to create collector car history with a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT. The companies today unveiled the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT based on the Ford Mustang at the Arizona International Auto Show.

With an MSRP beginning at US$38,980.00, a total of 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles, will be sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers beginning today. The purchase price of each car will include a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."

Ford is a strong supporter of Barrett-Jackson and has sponsored its Family Value Day that kicks off the automotive lifestyle week in Scottsdale. Family Value Day was designed to attract a new generation of car enthusiasts by offering discounted tickets for adults and admitting children under the age of 12 for free.

"Barrett-Jackson's unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America's love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."

Over the past 37 years, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from an auction primarily attended by dedicated collectors and dealers into a retail automotive lifestyle event that is broadcast live worldwide. Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s have been among the most popular cars to cross the auction block.

"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we've worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll's Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."

From the black 18-inch wheels to the Shelby Cobra roadster hood scoop, the car is mean. The engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. Overall ride height was dropped and a front strut-tower brace added.

"The Shelby GT was designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience," said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. "In addition to the 'go faster goodies,' each will receive special badges and equipment, as well as a photo of one of these cars signed by Carroll."

Unique features of the Barrett-Jackson edition will include:

• Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes
• Barrett Jackson Edition Door Sill Plates
• Black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate
• Special Gas Cap Insert
• Autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan and Steve Davis

"As someone who has been personally involved with Shelby cars for the past three decades, I'm very proud to be part of this limited edition car," noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "Rarity and documentation are two of the keys to collectability, which is why only 100 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs are scheduled to be built. Each car will come with complete documentation and be included in the factory authorized registry."

The Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT will be displayed at the Arizona International Auto Show from November 22-25.

Scion tC by Ron English at SEMA 2007

When Scion released their 'blank canvas' tC Spec Package it was just a matter of time untill this would happen. Don't get us wrong we're all for tuning and personilizing your car, after all we're not living in an Orwellian world, but there is such a concept as too much of a good thing. Ron English has gone above and beyond with his Scion tC, which is on display at SEMA this week. The car is painted in a custom purple paint and has electroluminescent lighting animated yin-yang-ish artwork by Ron English splattered all over the car. To top things off, the car sits on 19 inch custom (and hopefully one-off) billet wheels by Coddington. The windows are covered in a Rabbit Holes hologram depicting some kind of alien, three-eyed bunny.

EXTERIOR

• 19" custom billet wheels by Coddington Wheels
• 245/35/19 fk452 tires by Falken Tire
• 1 3/4" lowering springs by Eibach Springs
• Custom House of Colors purple pearl paint by Franks Autobody
• Custom hologram images by Rabbit Holes
• Custom electroluminescent lighting animating Ron English's ying-yang artwork by Lit Media Group
• Smoked lighting by Franks Autobody

INTERIOR

• Custom two-tone leather interior with Ron English artwork embroidered in the head rests by Bill Dunn Upholstery

Interior accent painting by Franks Autobody

Custom car design and coordination by Robert Wilson