The latest trend driving auto sales growth is focusing on women from a diverse set of ethnicities. In studies done by R. L. Polk & Co., African-American, Asian and Hispanic women are making headway when it comes to making vehicle purchases for their families.

Polk’s findings show that vehicles purchased by these groups have increased 4.7 percent – 40.7% in 2006 to 45.4% in 2010. The studies the company conducted look at a five-year period (2006-2010) and their findings show that African American women have led the way since 2006. In fact, they are nearly on par with their male counterparts, constituting an average of 47.5% of the African-American community auto purchases.

Another interesting fact that the findings revealed was the auto purchases made by Asian women since 2008. Between 2006 and 2010, these women count for more than 14 percent of the Asian auto buys from their male peers. This puts them ahead of African American women, as they control 49 percent of the Asian light vehicle market. Coming in third is Hispanic women, with a current 41.6% share. Women who are not classified as non-African American, non-Asian or non-Hispanic Women gained two percentage points to bring them to a 36.9 percent share.

So what kinds of cars are these women buying? Find out the top five brands after the jump.

[Source: Polk]

Continue Reading…

One of the leading teams in the American Le Mans Series has published a tactful but strongly worded essay taking the ALMS to task for failing to secure a proper live television deal for the 2011 season, when the race series has previously been able to secure such a contract.

For this season, ALMS shifted to a largely digital broadcast format, with races being shown live on ESPN3.com, and then aired later on ABC. Due to a scheduling conflict, ABC was unable to air the 12 Hours of Sebring broadcast on the West Coast, a significant market for motorsports.

On its official website, Risi Competizione posted a lengthy, but eloquent essay, taking the ALMS to task for what it argues is a retrograde movement in securing coverage for its race series. Risi also notes that the high cost of sports car racing, and the need for significant sponsorship exposure makes the broadcast deal look unprofessional.

While ALMS boss Scott Atherton posted a defense of the new media deal 4 days before Risi’s own blog, Risi seems to have been feeling unfulfilled by the arrangement, and their public criticism of the ALMS management is surprising.

We asked a spokesman from Chevrolet to comment on whether Corvette Racing shares the same sentiments. In an email, he stated “No, I don’t think we share that exact same opinion. Though yes, we’re sensitive to the concerns of fans and we of course want the best broadcast coverage possible for fans.”

We highly suggest checking out both Risi’s post (linked below) and the ALMS official statement. Both of these primary documents must be read to gain a solid grounding in the issues, but we would love to hear what you think. As motorsports fans ourselves, it’s safe to say we are fairly invested in this story.

[Source: Risi Competizione]

Having just launched its new flagship Aventador supercar, Lamborghini has reportedly already begun extensive work on the Gallardo successor.

Tipped to be named the Cabrera, the new ‘entry level’ Lambo will continue the tradition of V10 power and AWD of Lambo’s most successful model ever.

Power is expected to reach the 600-hp mark, with a serious focus on light weight components – although it’s not yet clear if the car will include a full carbon fiber chassis tub like the Sesto Elemento concept car (above).

With that power rating look for the car’s official title to be Lamborghini Cabrera LP600-4 when it arrives some time in 2012.

[L'automobile]

As a part of a strategy to grow its presence with a younger demographic, Lexus will continue to showcase wildly modified versions of its CT200h hybrid hatchback, debuting the latest tuner creation at the New York Auto Show.

Build by the team at Fox Marketing, the car promises a widebody kit and some sort of forced induction setup that’s sure to deliver far more than the factory 134-hp Prius powerplant.

In February Lexus showcased a custom Five Axis tuned version of the CT200h. In a dark shade of black, we’re expecting something shockingly bright from Fox Marketing.

Look for full details and live photos from AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show coverage starting April 20th.

GALLERY: Five Axis Project CT

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Lexus CT200h Review here

Buick has just released a teaser image of a new concept vehicle that it will showcase at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show on April 18th.

The Envision Concept is an SUV developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), fusing Buick’s current design with local Chinese aesthetics.

The vehicle is also a plug-in hybrid and include other technology features that Buick says will be implemented in future vehicles.

American electric car maker Tesla Motors has filed a lawsuit against the BBC over an episode of its popular Top Gear show that Tesla says is libelous and contains, “malicious falsehood.”

The issue surrounds a test Top Gear did of the Tesla Roadster in which Tesla claims the show faked aspects, including having the Tesla car run out of power and need a recharge. Tesla claims neither of its cars dropped below 20 percent battery life during the shoot and also refutes a statement by presenter Jeremy Clarkson that one of the cars suffered from issues with the brakes.

Tesla has also taken issue with claims in the episode that the car has a range of just 50 miles, rather than the 211 mile range Tesla claims.

While the original episode aired in 2008, Tesla is suing in response to unedited re-turns of the show, as well as copies sold on DVD. Of note, Tesla appears to be suing more for the principle than the money, with the suit for less than £100,000.

In a statement the Silicon Valley-based EV maker commented that, “Tesla simply wants Top Gear to stop rebroadcasting this malicious episode and to correct the record, but they’ve repeatedly ignored Tesla’s requests.”

The BBC has confirmed receipt of the suit and a spokeswoman for the show said that, “The BBC stands by the programme and will be vigorously defending this claim.”

[Source: Guardian]

While Ford‘s Shelby GT500 might be seen as the top performance version of the Mustang, the new Boss 302 looks to surpass it. Sure it’s down over 100-hp, but the naturally aspirated 444-hp machine is a more able partner on the race track. And now, thanks to some independent testing, it’s also proving its worth on the drag strip.

Slapping on a set of drag radials, an unnamed individual too took shiny new Boss 302 to the drag strip and pulled of an incredible 11.72 second time at 117.2 mph. That’s a solid half second faster than some of the stock runs and while the drag tires might be considered cheating (un hungh) this is a Mustang after all.

Don’t believe us though, check out the video after the jump:

[Source: MustangsDaily]

Continue Reading…

As rumored, Porsche has revealed a new Panamera Turbo S model as the new highest-performance sedan in the sports car maker’s range. With a 10 percent increase in power (50-hp) the Turbo S now delivers 550-hp from its twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 engine with torque increasing from 516 lb-ft to 553 lb-ft. Plus, in the Sport and Sport Plus modes or during full throttle in the regular driving mode there’s a solid 590 lb-ft on tap. That added power comes from a retuned ECU, plus lighter titanium-aluminum turbine compressor wheels, that also aid responsiveness.

With launch control, Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.

Setting the Turbo S apart on the road is an even wider rear track with new 20-inch Turbo II wheels, plus special Porsche Exclusive side skirts and a rear spoiler. Inside, all models come with a two-tone leather finish with a new black and cream combo offered exclusively on the Turbo S.

Along with the wider track and added power, performance comes in many forms with standard features including Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) which splits torque between the rear wheels and speed sensitive steering. Plus, there a standard sports exhaust system to let the world hear those turbos go.

Rumored to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Turbo S may also appear at the New York Auto Show next month.

Pricing is a steep $173,200.

GALLERY: Porsche Panamera Turbo S

While every Ferrari is a bit special, some Ferrari’s are a bit more special than others, and one of those extra special ones will be honored at this years Concorso Italiano in August.

This event has in the past celebrated the 288 GTO, which resulted in the largest ever gathering of this model, and last year they honored the F40 (an event we covered). Now it’s the turn of the F50 to take the honors at the greens of the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

The F50 is one of the rarest of even the rare Ferrari’s since only 349 were made and hence their prices are only going up with time. It is a beautiful design wrapped on a modified Ferrari Formula-One racers underpinnings. We are big fans of this model ourselves.

So if you’re in the Monterrey Peninsula on August 19, 2011 and like eying up Italian exotica, drop by to check out this event. We will be there with our cameras in hand and our check books at home.

The new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is an unusual vehicle, to say the least. It is convertible based on a SUV/Crossover platform, which could make it the ideal vehicle for a beach babe, or an automotive enthusiasts worst nightmare.

Whatever it is, our cousins in the north don’t want it. We spoke to a representative from Nissan Canada, who confirmed to us that they will not be offering the Murano CrossCabriolet in the country.

Nissan Canada says they want to sit back and gauge how the vehicle does in the U.S. before they commit to bringing it in their market. Interesting to see a company not having faith in one of its products for a reasonably well-to-do market, even if that market is covered under a blanket of snow for half the year.

Of note, Nissan did the same with the NISMO Z, waiting over a year before bringing it across the border.

So will this Murano CrossCabriolet be an American only special remains to be seen. Maybe we are very fortunate to have a special vehicle all to ourselves. On the other hand, maybe not. Prices for the Murano CrossCabriolet start at $46,390.