World of Wheels

Striking all-LED headlamps for new Audi R18 sports prototype draw inspiration from historic brand logo.

Uniquely shaped LED daytime running lights will be found on the Audi R18, the all-new sports prototype created to campaign in the Le Mans 24 Hours marathon in 2011
Their design isn't simply a flight of fancy by Audi light designers – each light forms the shape of a "1", which is intended to inspire associations with one of the first iterations of the Audi brand logo dating back to 1922.
The daytime running lights form part of the Audi R18's new all-LED headlamp units, which not only provide an exceptional breadth and intensity of illumination but also operate considerably more efficiently than conventional units, reducing the draw on the alternator and consequently cutting fuel usage even further.

New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Features Numerous Upgrades.

At the recent "Night of Champions" party held at the Porsche R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season, the 2011 version of the world's most successful GT racecar celebrated its international premiere.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR enters the new motorsport season with extensive modifications.
The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp at 7,800 rpm, five horsepower more than its predecessor.

The M range of BMW's has been extending to the 1 Series Coupe that goes from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe heralds the introduction of a high performance sports car into a compact design that extends the BMW M portfolio and paves the way for a wider audience to appreciate M car ownership.
An M car has to have sublime driving characteristics first and foremost, but it must look stunning too, and the BMW 1 Series M Coupe does not deviate from this formula.
The sporty character of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is expressed by a dramatic exterior design, with widened wheel arches, exclusive 19-inch Y-spoke M alloy wheels, and dual chrome tailpipes.

Honda Ending Element Production

Honda is ending production of its iconoclastic Element CUV introduced nine years ago.
First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners.
After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup such as the versatile and comfortable CR-V crossover utility vehicle.

Shell and Penske Corporation announced a multi-year cross-business alliance to begin with the 2011 racing season.

Shell Oil Company (Shell) and Penske Corporation have unveiled their 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and IZOD IndyCar Series car line-up along with important driver details for the 2011 season.
Officials from both companies met recently with members of the media at the Penske-Wynn Ferrari dealership at the Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nev., to unveil both the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge that Kurt Busch will pilot throughout the 2011 season and the No. 3 Shell V-Power-Pennzoil Ultra Dallara/Honda that three-time Indianapolis 500Æ champion Helio Castroneves will pilot at the Indianapolis 500 in May 2011.

Audi has revealed the GT4 concept car based on the TT that can be easily adapted for racing.

Audi has presented a concept of a GT4 car based on the Audi TT.
The TT, developed by the Technical Development and the Production divisions plus quattro GmbH, is intended to extend Audi's new modular customer sport program from 2012 forward.
With the production-based TT GT4, Audi wants to offer potential customers a base option for affordable motorsport.

First Fiat 500 Special Edition 500s Sell Out in 12 Hours

Chrysler Canada has announced the Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models which became available to the public Nov. 23 at one minute after midnight were completely sold out in 12 hours.
Five hundred of these limited edition vehicles were offered for sale, each with a unique numbered badge.
Canadians secured one of these vehicles with a $500 deposit.
"I don't think Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Leafs and the Canadiens would sell out this fast," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. "Frankly, this just underscores the interest Canadians have in a youthful, stylish and highly fuel-efficient car. The 2008 European car of the year, the Fiat 500, is just that."