Dutch sports car maker Spyker Cars expects to become a more significant player in the exotic automobile market in the near future, with claims that sales will increase seven-fold over the next two years. In an interview with Business Week, Spyker sales manager Peter van Rooy commented that in 2012 the Dutch automaker expects to sell 250 C8 Ailerons. (The C8 is the newest model in the Spyker lineup, and essentially replaces the C8 Spyder and C8 Lavallette, which are being phased out.) While not a large number on its own, it’s up drastically from the 36 cars delivered lat year. In fact, since the brand was established in 2002, it has sold just 214 vehicles in total. The new C8 Aileron costs roughly $240,000.

There are three main reasons for the drastic increase in projected sales, the first being the car. Unlike the last model, Spyker sees the new model as more refined and modern. “It won’t be bought as an owner’s sixth or seventh collector’s item. People will probably be putting more miles on this one.” Secondly, Spyker intends to sell its vehicles through Saab dealerships after taking control of the Swedish luxury automaker earlier this year. Finally, Saab intends to offer its first-even automatic transmission, which it believes will help sell vehicles in the U.S.

If Spyker’s targets are correct, the automaker expects to see a profit in 2012.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

In a recent interview MINI design boss Adrian van Hooydonk admitted that the BMW sub-brand is looking at expanding with new models in the future. “Because Mini is on the threshold of turning into a proper brand, we will be looking at a pallet of models for the future,” he told AutoCar.

But that’s not to say we’ll see a new lineup of funky and fun-to-drive models any time soon. On the contrary, while MINI is looking to build itself into a completely separate entity from BMW, the recent decision to share the third-generation new MINI platform with the upcoming 1 Series means that there’s no rush. The reduced costs associated with sharing this new platform have bought MINI time, allowing the British brand to focus on what it wants to do, rather than what it needs to do to hit certain sales and volume targets.

Van Hooydonk even commented that as long as the brand stays true to its core values, “We can’t do all sizes of car under the Mini badge.” This is perhaps an admission that there’s truth to the rumor of a 7-seater MINI.

Currently MINI is preparing to launch a new Coupe and Roadster model, with word that the Beachcomber Concept will see production beyond that.

[Source: AutoCar]

Volkswagen is recalling its Routan minivan, but not to worry, they barely sold any of them in the first place. The recall affects 15,902 vans from 2008-09 and follows a recall by Chrysler of the mechanically similar Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Like the Chrysler vans on which the Routan is based, the problem involves an improperly installed wiring harness which could become worn by the sliding rear doors and eventually cause a short circuit or fire.

Owners are asked to contact their dealer for a fix or call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987.

BMW has just released a selection of teaser images of what appears to be a new special edition M3 model, destined to be a U.S.-only vehicle. That’s exciting news, as the last time BMW dropped a U.S.-spec special edition it was the potent 335is. And it’s not like we don’t deserve it either, after BMW stiffed us on the M3 GTS.

The photos don’t really tell us much, other than it’s an M car and that is has a dual-clutch transmission.

Recently BMW did introduce the M Competition Package, so here’s hoping for a new M3 with a few extra ponies from the 4.0-liter V8.

GALLERY: BMW M3 Special Edition Teased

From the looks of things, there’s definitely a dual-clutch cog box at play, though it’s unclear if that will be the only option. Now the only question is whether the company will tweak the V8 found in the M3 or whether it will leave it alone and instead make other upgrades, and there’s also the question of which bodystyle(s) the car will be available with, as the M3 is currently available in coupe, sedan, and convertible form. Keep your ears pinned back for more information later in the week. Until then, let your imagination run wild.

Count your blessings (and the extra cash in your wallet) if you’re planning on buying car insurance in the very near future. Start shopping around, because in the next few weeks, insurance rates are going to be the lowest they’ve been in more than two years.

Let’s look at the numbers. In April, the lowest average annual rate for car insurance dropped from $1,812 to $1,798 in May. Back in May of 2009, the average rate was $1,871.

“This is great news for the growing number of savvy drivers shopping and comparing car insurance quotes,” says Rob Klapper, CEO, insurance.com. “They know there is always a chance to save big because rates constantly change for various reasons – from events in the driver’s personal life, like buying a home or having a birthday, to fluctuations in the insurance market.”

But drivers should remember to look at the other side of the coin as well. According to Klapper, a disconcerting fact is the type of coverage being chosen is a factor that’s driving rates lower.

“We’re seeing more and more drivers choosing minimum coverage or liability-only coverage when they shop and compare quotes,” says Klapper. “It makes sense, since many people are on tight budgets in this down economy and car insurance is one of the easiest places to save money. But, inevitably, this trend only adds to a growing group of underinsured drivers on the road.”

Drivers don’t always look at the big picture – they often see the lower dollar amounts and base their decision on that factor alone. You should always think to what could happen if you were to ever get into a serious accident, which can result in medical expenses that exceed an underinsured driver’s policy limits. What’s left on the bill at the end of the day, you’ve got to pony up the difference – and it can get pricey. And let’s not even get started on what could happen if you were found at fault in regards to an accident and your insurance couldn’t back you up. Insurance.com always recommends drivers buy coverage that matches your financial risk.

[Source: Cars For Girls]

Whenever one of the original 21 Scaglietti designed Testa Rossas comes up for sale, it’s usually very big news. Last year at the third annual Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction; held at the Ferrari factory in Maranello and hosted by RM in conjunction with Sotherby’s, the car shown in this blog, a 1957 Testa Rossa (chassis 0714TR), sold for a record 9,020,000 Euros (approximately $12.4 million). This amid one of the worst economic slumps in recent memory.

Now at the upcoming Sporting Classics of Monterey auction, to be held from August 12-14th at the Portola Hotel and Spa, yet another Testa Rossa is slated to cross the auction block. The car, 0738TR, was built in 1958 and delivered brand new, to Brazilian Jean-Louis Lacerda Soares. During the course of its history the car has been extensively raced – it was campaigned by Lacerda Soares under the Esquadari Largatixa banner  for a number of years and  for the past 14 seasons has garnered a number of wins and podium finishes at historic road racing events around the world. Painted in the national Brazilian colors of yellow and green it’s also a very eye catching example and the racing pedigree is likely to mean the car will bring top dollar at the auction. It will be interesting to see, that given the slow economic recovery, if this car will top the record set by 0714TR last year.

The Sporting Classics of Monterey is one of the most prestigious auctions of its kind anywhere in the world and the caliber of vehicles has to be seen to believed. Besides the T-R, other rare and desirable Ferraris up for grabs include a 1959 covered headlamp California Spyder (one of the original long wheelbase cars – delivered new to Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia – the only son of Umberto II, the last King of Italy); a 1959 410 Superamerica and a 1966 500 Superfast. Current estimates place all these cars selling in the $800,000 to $3-million plus range.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Ahead of the car’s official debut tomorrow, the folks at AutoExpress have released a selection of photos showing the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan. Rather than being based on the same architecture as the Golf, the 2011 Jetta gets an all-new platform.

In Europe the new compact sedan will come with either a selection of gasoline engines including a 104-horsepower 1.2-liter TSI, a 121-hp 1.4-liter TSI and a 200-hp 2.0-liter TSI. As for diesels, two options will also be on the table including a 104-horsepower 1.6 TDI and a 138-hp  2.0-liter TDI.

According to rumors and reports, when it does arrive in North America, the 2011 Jetta is expected to cost under $15,000 to start and will get a torsion beam rear suspension rather than the European fully-independent unit in a bid to save costs.

GALLERY: 2011 VW Jetta

[Source: AutoExpress]

Chevrolet has a lot of experience stuffing bigger engines into Corvettes, Camaros and other factory hot rods, but this may well be the first and last time the subcompact Spark gets the same treatment.

In order to give the Spark enough oomph to properly pace the FIA World Touring Car Championship field, the engineers at Chevrolet have found a way to bolt up the larger 140 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine out of the Cruze (which goes on sale in the United States this fall), replacing the smaller sub-100 horsepower engine options that normally live under the Spark’s hood.

The WTCC “Super Spark” is scheduled to make its first appearance during the World Touring Car event at Zolder, Belgium coming up this weekend (June 19-20). But for those of you lucky enough to have attended the 24 Hours of Le Mans this past weekend, you may have spotted the turbocharged Spark pace car on display along side Chevy’s WTCC Cruze and its awesome GT2 C6.R Corvettes. As we reported earlier today, the GT2 Corvettes ran strong during this year’s Le Mans, the #64 car leading the class as late as the 17th hour, but unfortunately both cars retired before the end of the race due to engine problems.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

[Source: autoblog]

Given that it’s long been the preferred supplier of vehicles to taxi fleets, Ford has offered a Compressed Natural Gas option on its Crown Victoria for years. More recently, it has expanded the availability of CNG and LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) options to its larger commercial vehicles, namely the E-Series vans (of which it has already shipped some 3000 conversions) Transit Connect and most recently, the F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab trucks.

At the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference on June 7, the company presented the details of its new fuel conversion option, which will be available on F-450 and F-550 trucks powered by the 6.8-liter V10 engine. Making the CNG/LPG option easier is the fact that the V10 already comes with hardened exhaust valves and seats that can withstand gaseous fuels.

Because around 97 percent of natural gas is domestically produced in the United States and there are available government tax credits for commercial fleet operators that convert their vehicles to run on alternative fuels, the F-450/550 gas conversion is likely to prove very popular.

Ford will provide calibration guidance to recommended CNG/LPG conversion specialists for the Super Duty chassis cabs, much in the same manner that programs are in place for the E-Series and small Transit Connect. By adhering to the guidelines and bulletins issued by Ford, the converted trucks will be able to maintain their full factory warranties.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

As most women can tell you, driving in high heels is not an easy feat. And where do you put your over-sized purse or laptop bag where it’s still easy to access, even when there’s someone in the passenger seat? These are the concerns that have been raised by those designing cars in an attempt to market to the female demographic while remaining gender-neutral.

In the male-dominated world of cars, manufacturers are slowly and quietly trying to attract women without blatantly calling to attention the female-friendly features. Considering that women make up 52% of all new cars sales in the U.S. and influence more than 85 percent of all car purchases, car designers have slowly stepped up to the. One such vehicle that has made the leap is the 2010 Chevy Equinox, which comes equipped with a center console that’s big enough to carry a laptop or a purse.

Some aspects being considered for change in order to appeal to women without dissuading men include an adjustable tailgate, and colors and material that appeal to both genders. But there are some that are just for the ladies, like a simple tilt of the accelerator and brake pedals that make it easier to drive in high heels.

Another way to bring women into the dealerships was to staff dealerships with more women in sales and technical advice personnel roles. The idea here is to make dealerships more female friendly and develop sales promotions that capture women’s attention.

There have been early – not to mention sexist – attempts at making a women-centric automobile. Back in the mid-1950s, Dodge decided to sell La Femme, the female version of the 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. Everything about it was pink, and it even came with a matching purse, umbrella and raincoat. And no surprise, fewer than 1,000 were sold.

[Source: The Star]