Blackbird Rider Ferrari Edition Guitar

San Francisco - Inspired by the technology, style, and spirit of the famed Italian "supercar" manufacturer, 

Blackbird Guitars' brings you the limited-edition Ferrari-branded "Rider". The ultra-rare Ferrari Blackbird guitars were sold at Ferrari Stores worldwide and signed by F1 drivers Philipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen. Based on Blackbird Guitars' high-performance Rider travel guitar, it is the first instrument fit for the Ferrari namesake. Like Ferrari, it is a study in superlatives-among the most resonant, durable and lightest guitars in the world. The Rider travel guitar is compact enough to fit in the trunk of a sports car, but it plays and sounds like a much bigger instrument. It looks like nothing else on the market: sleek, black carbon fiber speaks to the high-tech materials and construction while the exclusive Maranello Red interior, accented red A string, and Ferrari Scuderia emblem highlights the passion of world-class Italian motoring.

Blackbird Guitars blends traditional guitar-making with design and construction inspired by Formula 1 race cars. The guitar features a one-piece, hollow neck, carbon fiber construction-and a unique sound port at the head directly influenced by F1 race car design. The high-performance Ferrari pedigree is more than just show-designer and Blackbird founder Joe Luttwak worked for the storied car manufacturer in Maranello, Italy. This experience laid the foundation for this thoroughbred of a guitar, inspired by Ferrari's unque commitment to technology, style, and performance. "Great acoustic guitar construction, like great race car construction, benefits from stiff and ultra light materials. Using carbon fiber, like Ferrari's Formula 1 race cars, for the guitar's uni-body design produces an instrument that sounds better and is much more durable than any travel guitar available today. Many ideas for Blackbird Guitar's models were inspired by my time at Ferrari, and it's wonderful to make a model that honors their unparalleled technology, ingenuity and success." 

All Blackbird Rider models are built for the road with a virtually indestructible carbon-fiber body that is less than two-thirds the size of a standard acoustic, but has nearly an equivalent tone-so players no longer need to compromise tone for portability. Each Blackbird Rider is beautifully hand-crafted, with the carbon fiber expertly constructed to balance tone, weight and strength.

The first run of the exlusive Ferrari guitar series is now sold out, but Blackbird Guitars is accepting special, custom orders on the Rider model. Blackbird Guitars are made in San Francisco by a small team of luthiers by the Bay. The world's best travel guitars, the Rider steel and Rider Nylon, now start at $1499. The Blackbird family also includes the larger Super OM.
To learn more visit www.blackbirdguitars.com

KIA MOTORS AMERICA'S U.S. CORPORATE CAMPUS NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS 2009 INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS LIST

Kia Motors America's (KMA) Corporate Headquarters and the state-of-the-art Kia Design Center America (KDCA), both located on KMA's 21.7 acre corporate campus in Irvine, Calif., have been named to the 2009 International Architecture Awards List, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.

The International Architecture Awards highlight and recognize the world’s foremost architectural solutions for the designs of new skyscrapers, corporate buildings, institutions, arts facilities, airports, private homes, industrial structures and urban planning projects.

"Our custom-built headquarters and dedicated design center were conceived to serve as a distinctive architectural gateway to the City of Irvine and reaffirms our commitment to the U.S. market," said John Yoon, vice president of human resources/administration and general counsel, KMA. "Being named to this influential list of world-renowned projects furthers Kia Motors' emphasis on design in all areas – from award winning vehicle designs to the architecture surrounding the development of them."

The KMA campus – a $130-million investment – was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. The 239,000-square-foot modern glass and steel main structure features a 36,000-square-foot reflecting pool visible to drivers on Interstate 5. KMA was one of the first companies in Irvine to voluntarily install an eco-friendly bioswale system in its parking lot to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff. The landscaping features drought-resistant plants, and reclaimed water is used for landscaping irrigation and toilets. Lighting design is by SOM – Architecture/Interiors, and Patrick B. Quigley & Associates (PBQA). The property is managed by RiverRock Real Estate Group, Inc.

Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site –www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

2011 Mazda 2 To Debut At 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

The city of Angeles will be the premier of Mazda highly anticipated debut of its award winning  MAZDA2 .  The decision to bring the MAZDA2 is extremely import to Mazda's bottom line.  This model competes against the likes of BMW's MINI and Mercedes Smart but at a price point that most can afford. With looks and style along with amazing driving dynamics, the MAZDZA2 is sure to be a hit state side.

Press Release

 The long-anticipated 2011 MAZDA2 will make its North American debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show next month. Designed and engineered by Mazda, and already an award-winner in countries all over the world, the MAZDA2 brings a level of style and driving dynamics to the North American subcompact segment that no other competitor can offer. The vehicle will be sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning in late 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091118/LA13216)

Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, president and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, will address the media at a press conference, scheduled to begin at 11:05 am, Wednesday, December 2. In addition to a stock MAZDA2, a selection of unique MAZDA2 vehicles will be on display to showcase the car's creative potential and versatility.

"Bringing MAZDA2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "With the seven-passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the subcompact MAZDA2 at the other, Mazda's lineup now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered. MAZDA2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom."

MAZDA2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries. Additionally, MAZDA2 was named "2008 World Car of the Year," besting all other new cars around the world.

GM to Show Volt, U.S. Cruze at LAIAS

Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet's expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

"With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free," said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. "Chevrolet's focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range."

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability - while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM satellite radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants - along with OnStar- also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale's at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

Ford Fusion Named 2010 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year

Ford has been hard at work restoring the company to profitability and in turn, has become competitive in every arena to bring itself back from the brink of oblivion.  The old says stands, "the harder I work, the luckier I am" says Mark Twain.  As far as Ford is concerned, not only winning market share, making profits and increasing stock shares, Ford is well on its way to being the most competitive of the domestic auto makers, and in some respect, out performing its Asian rivals. 

Press Release

The Ford Fusion - America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan - today was named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers," said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. "The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America."

The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.

"The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. "Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup."

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition - including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan - in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.

"The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded," said MacKenzie. "The Fusion's combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges."

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines - all paired with six-speed transmissions - that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.

EcoBoost Engine Attracts Younger Buyers to Ford; Drives Higher Conquest Sales

EcoBoost ((TM)) engine technology is driving younger, more affluent customers to Ford (NYSE: F) showrooms. And many of these buyers are hot to trade in their competitive-make vehicles to get their hands on one equipped with the fuel-efficient direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine.
"EcoBoost technology is helping bring in a new customer to Ford dealer showrooms," said Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. "This customer is younger, more affluent, and more often trades in competitive products."
Living proof is the all-new Ford Taurus SHO, with EcoBoost as standard. The average SHO buyer is 54 years old - 10-plus years younger than the base-model Taurus customer - and second youngest in its segment. The median household income of the SHO buyer is $20,000 more than the base Taurus customer. And as for conquests, nearly 55 percent of buyers are trading in Toyota Avalons, Nissan Altimas and Chevy Monte Carlos, among other competitive products, to drive away in a Taurus SHO. That's the second-highest conquest rate in the segment.
Moreover, added Marentic, Taurus SHO customers want more and are willing to spend more to get it. "We're seeing transaction rate improvements as EcoBoost buyers tend to package more options in their purchase, and the vehicles are selling with less incentives," she said.
Taurus SHO has the highest average transaction price in the segment, with customers paying $10,000 or more above base-model price to enjoy not only the fuel efficiency and performance of the EcoBoost engine, but other premium package amenities such as all-wheel drive, Ford SYNC(®), 19-inch wheels and a reverse sensing system.
Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost - along with Taurus SHO - is helping attract more 35- to 55-year-old males, a demographic the company has been working hard to bring back to the Ford fold. "Our sedans with EcoBoost are improving traffic with this demographic that has eluded Ford in recent years," confirmed Marentic. This group of shoppers, in fact, represents nearly 35 percent of Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost buyers, which is more than 5 percentage points higher than the MKS equipped with the 3.7-liter engine. For Taurus SHO, it's above 40 percent, more than double the 35- to 55-year-old males that purchase a base-model Taurus.
Other customers making the jump to Ford vehicles are hitting the Flex with EcoBoost equally hard; three out of four buyers are trading in a competitive product, including the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse.
Sales of Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost-equipped vehicles have already exceeded company projections, with October sales twice as high as September.
Ford will complement the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with the launch of new 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder variants next year, which will be offered on several global Ford products, including midsize and large vehicles.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company www.ford.com

GM Green Lights Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Taking advantage of the lack of a proper sports wagon stateside, Cadillac has green light the production of its "take no  prisoners" uber sportswagon.  BMW doesn't make available its M5 Touring, neither Audi RS6 or Mercedes E63 AMG Estate in the U.S.  This leaves the door wide open for Cadillac to trump the Sport Touring arena.   Cadillac seems focus on offering luxury sport variants  beginning from  the CTS-V models in coupe and now wagon form, to the up coming 3 Series fighter due in 2011.  If the trickle down theory holds out, we will see a repeat of the same formula, albeit,  in smaller packages.

Alfa Romeo New 169 Sports Sedan

 There are big plans for Alfa's new 169 Executive sedan and if the highly successful Quattroporte is an indication of where the company is going, then the "four-door coupe" field is about to get even more challenged.  Alfa is planning to enter the U.S. market sometime around 2010-11 timeline.

 This gives Alfa enough time to sort through its offerings and platforms, before the new arrival of the 169/ Chrysler 300 sibling debut.  The new 169 will go up against the likes of Mercedes CLS and Audi A5 Sportback in that these models follow a coupe silloute in styling profile, but will be a direct rival to BMW's imfamous 5 Series.  Alfa will rely heavy on the thing it does best, styling.  Alfa has always set the standard in design with Italian flair and lead in their rightful segments (the stunning 8C Competizone,  Brera, MiTo)

Source:  Alfa 169  Auto Express 

Bob Lutz Suggest 335-HP Buick Regal GS/Performance Wagon Variants

While unveiling the 2011 Buick Regal Sports Sedan in Hollywood last week, Bob Lutz stated to Steve Siler of Car and Driver, that a manual transmission model and all-wheel drive/ 335-hp range topper would complement the four-cylinder models that was announced.

The Regal name was chosen due to its heritage as one of the more sporting Buick models of the past so revisiting the GS or GSX models would be a natural fit.   Using the Insignia Tourer as the bases for the OPC, (the model in Europe uses 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 along with a six-speed manual, and AWD transmissions)Stateside, this could just increase Buick's sport offering in an arena where  Subaru and Ford offer a sports wagon.   For the compete interview, view Car & Driver for more information on the possible new models.

Toyota Reportedly Planning Prius Wagon or SUV With Lithium Battery Pack

Japan's leading news paper, Yomiuri, reports Toyota Motor Corp's is planning on producing a wagon and SUV around the end of 2010. The Prius is the only vehicle sold in the U.S. on its existing platform.    The Hybrid X Concept debuted in 2007 Geneva could be the bases for the wagon, while the  Venza could be  the basis for the up coming SUV.  No word on whether a Prius wagon/SUV will use a rechargable,  plug-in system or if it will carry conventional hybrid system recharged by the regenerative braking system.