Rumors
Malaysian-based Air Asia rumored to buyer over the BMW Sauber F1 team?
Another Formula 1 team is up for sale again. This time its is the BMW Sauber F1 team, and guess who is interested in taking over the team from the guys in Munich and Hinwil? Air Asia! Rumor has it that our neighbor’s low-cost carrier is interested in the deal and this is further fueled by the expected end-of-the-year expiry of the sponsorship contract between the company and the Williams Formula 1 team. So is there any substance behind this at all? Well, only time will tell.
More information revealed about the new Honda NSX
Looks like there is more information available regarding the Honda NSX. To recap, the Japanese auto maker previewed the NSX Concept back in 2007. Then it “so called” cancelled the NSX project (which was supposed to be powered by a 600HP 5.5 liter V10) all together in December 2008.
Then, news emerged that the NSX is back on track but with a changed direction. It would be powered by a hybrid system, made up by a 3.5 liter V6 and an electric motor. Called the “Super Hybrid Sports” car, it is expected to feature an all wheel drive system, along with a combined power output of 450HP.
Now, there is word that the new NSX will carry a price tag, as well as output and performance figures that will match the previous NSX (290HP for the 2002 NSX-R), according to John Watts, Acura’s (US-based, Honda-owned brand) senior manager of product development. He also said that the new NSX will feature a platform, that will be sourced from Honda’s parts bin. Watts did not mention anything about the NSX becoming a hybrid sports car. I really can’t wait for an official word from Honda to clarify the direction of the NSX.
Tata interested to purchase a 50.7% stake in Pininfarina?
Previously, we told you that Ferrari’s must have designer Pininfarina will no longer participate in any form of contract assembly business and that up to 50% of the company will be given to the banks. The most recent news from Italy, is that it intends to sell 50.7% of its stake.
And guess who is rumored to purchase that huge share of the company? Tata! The Indian auto maker, which already owns Jaguar and Land Rover, and has recently signed a partnership with Fiat, is apparently interested in the deal. Pininfarina will still continue with its B 0 electric car project. Lets see where this leads us.
Is this a Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake?
Apparently, the image you see above is a Porsche Cayman, with a shooting brake design concept. For the past one month or so, rumors have been circulating about this new model, that it will go into production, and Porsche has yet to issue a statement regarding it. First of all, would there be a market for this? Well, who knows. Looking at the image, it looks as though it can only carry two passengers and a reasonable amount of load, since the trunk is extended.
These days you have cars like the BMW 5 Series GT, that fit in a very niche market segment. Porsche just recently unveiled the Panamera sedan as well, which is Porsche’s first. Basically anything is possible, so we just have to wait and see. Probably we can see a concept version at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The image above was found on Flickr, and nothing is certain about its authenticity.
Mazda’s “Mini Roadster”: Rear wheel drive fun, on a budget
Words are being exchanged that Mazda will roll out a new “mini roadster”, that will be positioned under the auto maker’s famous MX-5, also known as the Mazda Roadster in the land of the rising Sun. Apparently, Mazda has already developed a concept, but was quiet about it since the economic climate isn’t all that promising.
It is unknown when the mini roadster will hit the market, but expect Mazda to do so when the economy gives more confidence. The mini roadster is expected to feature a rear wheel drive setup, and expect the auto maker to drop in small displacement engines, perhaps a 1.0 liter or a 1.3 liter. Pricing wise, it should carry a cheaper price tag, than the MX-5′s.
Michael Schumacher to earn 1 million Euros per race, and a further million for each win
Recent rumor that is being circulated around the Formula 1 paddock is about Michael Schumacher’s paycheck. Apparently, the 40-year old, seven times World Champion, who was once named as the wealthiest sportsman, will be paid as much as 1 million Euros per race, and an additional 1 million Euros for each win – for temporarily replacing Felipe Massa.
Furthermore, his advisory role to Ferrari’s Formula 1 team will be extended as well. The current contract for the designation is expected to expire by year end. A year advising Ferrari would allow him to take home 5 million Euros.
On another development, Red Bull, Scuderia Toro Rosso (Red Bull’s B-Squad) and Williams have all revealed that they are against allowing the champion to test this year’s F60 Ferrari racer, as part of his preparations for the European Grand Prix happening on August 21st.
Michael Schumacher also recently commented about his training. He revealed, “I’m currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race. I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well. I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority – that’s the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too.” “It’s on! I accepted the challenge. And as you all know, I really love challenges. It seems as if my fans would love them, too,” he added.
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Volkswagen to take over Porsche?
Der Spiegel, a German newspaper, has reported that Volkswagen is about to take over Porsche, the company that purchased more than 50% of Volkswagen’s shares, enabling it to take over the auto maker in January 2009.
Apparently, Volkswagen will purchase 49.9% of Porsche for €8 billion. Volkswagen will then increase its stake in the future. According to the paper, the sports car maker will be able to settle a huge portion of its debt, which is rumored to be figured at about €10 billion. Is this true? Well, only time will tell, as on July 23rd, a meeting is expected to be held to finalize the deal.
Another interesting fact to note is that, Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche and a father of the Volkswagen Beetle, has two of his grand children attached with both Volkswagen and Porsche. Ferdinand Piech is the chairman of Volkswagen and part-owner of Porsche, while his cousin and rival, Wolfgang Porsche holds the same position in Porsche, apart from being a member of Volkswagen’s supervisory board.
Rumor also has it that Porsche’s CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, is trying to leave the company, along with a €100 million pay cheque. It is best to regard this as a rumor at the moment, till an official word has been released by Volkswagen or Porsche.
