You remember the commercials Volkswagen aired when the Rabbit first launched, showing them breeding like rabbits? They weren't kidding — within a few months of bringing our Candy White '07 Rabbit home from the dealership, the cars were everywhere. Which is why we had to differentiate Project Turbunnium from the thousands of other white Rabbits prowling the streets. Thanks to Volkswagen's Thunder Bunny™ body kit, we're satisfied that we don't see ourselves coming and going. But it's a familiar story for any of us who mod our cars: Now that the body kit is on, other parts of our Rabbit are starting to look shabby.Smoked R32 TaillightsNothing looked shabbier, in our case, than the stock red taillights. We're sure that their bright red housings were what the people wanted, but we couldn't get past the fact that they made the rear of the Rabbit look like any other economous anonybox on the road. There were several choices that could be had for upgrades — everything from complete LED replacements to Euro-spec amber units are on the market — but we chose to go with a factory upgrade in the form of the smoked lights from the US-spec MKV R32.Why did we go with those? First, they're OE replacements, so we were sure that they'd bolt in and seal up without problems. Second, we've had nitpicky cops look for the "DOT" certification stamp on the lamp lenses when they were trying to find a reason to write a ticket — and since these lamps were designed for North America, they're stamped with the government's seal of approval.
Installation can be completed in ten minutes with a flatblade screwdriver and a 10mm wrench:Hatch lights:• Open the tailgate and remove the trim panels on each side that cover the nuts holding the backup lights into the hatch.• Depress the locktab holding the wiring plug into the taillights and disconnect it. You can let the plug hang.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that hold the light to the tailgate and gently press it outward to remove it.• Installing the new lights is a simple matter of reversing the process. Be sure not to overtighten the nuts holding the lights on, as they're simply threaded into plastic.Tail lights:• Pull back the carpet in the corner of the cargo hold to reveal the two nuts holding the taillight to the body. If you've never poked around back there before, there will be some small perforations on the carpeting that you'll need to tear to gain access.• Using a small flatblade screwdriver, release the tabs that hold the wiring harness to the taillights by turning the blade until the catch releases.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that are holding the taillights against the body and gently remove them. It's very easy to accidentally scratch the paint when pushing the threaded studs out, so be careful.• Installing the new lights follows exactly the same process as the removal. When reinstalling the electrical connector, you'll need to push on the plug with a good amount of force until it's fully seated, at which point the plastic catch will snap shut. We thought that we'd break the plug off before it finally snapped closed, so a good bit of muscle is required.
MORE INFORMATION:
VW R32 Smoked Taillights1K0 052 200 N - Rückleuchten / rear lamp set, Golf V SAELinks:Volkswagen Accessories Catalog (PDF)Volkswagen DriverGearMore Pictures:VWvortex Galleries: Project Turbunnium Part III - R32 TaillightsJCaps Billet Aluminum CapsA frequent comment we heard from people looking under the hood of Project Turbunnium at Waterfest was, "What the hell?" After all, in its current state, our engine bay still houses a bone-stock 2.5-liter I-5, down to the factory engine cover. Then peoples' eyes would drift down to the black anodized caps on the coolant reservoir, oil filler, and washer bottle, and they'd understand why we were showcasing the engine bay.Jay Ayers made a set of custom strut tower caps to replace the cracked plastic pieces on his MKIV R32, and the forum response was so positive that he turned his hobby into a business. A mechanical engineer by trade, Jay's "JCaps" are available for a variety of VW and Audi models, and can be had in multiple finishes. After seeing the black anodized caps that he has available, we decided they were the perfect way to eliminate the ugly plastic coolant, washer, and oil caps on our Rabbit.Installing the caps was a simple matter of popping the hood and unscrewing the old pieces — it was, literally, less than a minute to install all three. The only special tool needed is an allen wrench to turn in the set screw on the coolant bottle cap cover, and even that's supplied with it.
Aside from the JCaps' good looks, we're most impressed by the quality paid to details. Jay talks about the thought that went into our Rabbit's caps with all the gratification of a proud papa. The cover for the coolant bottle, which presses on top of the factory blue cap, is machined within a few thousandths of an inch of the factory part. If the original cap is too hot, Jay tells us, it would expand to the point that his aluminum trim cap wouldn't fit over it. The washer bottle cap takes more than eight different tools for the CNC mill to create a shape that "snaps" over the original plastic bottle's neck, and its nylon lanyard has factory-style indexing tabs to keep it from turning in place. Volkswagen kept switching vendors for OEM oil filler caps, so Jay sources a replacement piece from German vendor Febi that replaces them all, and then fits that with one of his custom-machined aluminum caps.
MORE INFORMATION:
JCaps Billet Aluminum CapsCoolant Cap, Type B — Black Anodized — $60.99Oil Cap, Type A — Black Anodized — $64.99Washer Bottle Cap — Black Anodized — $69.99Links:JCaps OnlineForum Thread: Jcaps NEW BLKANO LineMore Pictures:VWvortex Galleries: JCaps Billet Aluminum CapsSoftwareSince our Rabbit is a 2007, we're saddled with the 150-horsepower engine and its diesel–like 5800 rpm redline. While we have bigger upgrades in the future for the car, for the time being we got in touch with Chris Collier and Jeff Atwood, co-owners of C2 Motorsports, to see what kind of life their 2.5-liter software could be breathe into the otherwise-stock drivetrain.
There are three different flavors of the C2 software available, so you can choose the minimum fuel you'd like to feed your tank: 87-, 91-, or 93-octane. The 87-octane software produces the lion's share of gains with a claimed bump of 8 peak horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque, while the higher-octane calibrations are there for those who want to wring every percent of potential without cracking into the engine. We opted for C2's 91-octane program, so both the timing and fuel maps have been rearranged slightly to take advantage of the high-octane fuel's ability to run more aggressive curves without detonating.C2's Jeff Atwood talked us through the changes that we'd notice with their software, all of which fix annoyances we've had with the Rabbit since day one. The redline has been raised to 6800 rpm, which the 2.5 will rev to without hesitation — or danger, since the 2.5 uses valvetrain parts from the higher-revving 1.8 Turbo. "I looked the valve springs up in ETKA," says Atwood, "and they're from the 20-valve." The drive-by-wire lag has been removed, and the decel "hang", which kept the throttle open for several seconds while coasting, has also been eliminated. The top speed limiter has been removed, but unless our Rabbit gets hooked to the tow loop of a Veyron, we're never going to have a chance to explore that. We're also promised that the software doesn't trigger any stray check-engine lights, and that it can be recalibrated for cold air intakes so that those notorious code-throwers don't make the CEL wink on, either.Installing the software at C2's Waterfest booth was a fifteen-minute job, after which the Rabbit, with its temperature display showing a sizzling 103 degrees, settled into a quiet idle. It was past five o'clock on Sunday, so we were ready to head out onto the turnpike and find our way back to the hotel, giving us lots of opportunities to try honking on our freshly flashloaded VW.The first thing noticeable about the C2 software is that the throttle tip-in remains natural and progressive, instead of yanking the throttle wide open to simulate big horsepower gains. Puttering through the parking lot on our way back to the highway, the engine behaves exactly the same as it did when it was stock. Bringing the clutch up to its friction point didn't make any unexpected stumbles or chuggles, and rolling the car out didn't require ditching the past 15,000 miles of learning.The first surprise came when shifting from first to second — engine RPMs drop like a brick when the throttle is released, without any of the hang between shifts that the original programming exhibited. We've never been jazzed about the Rabbit's artificially padded throttle behavior, and C2's software makes the Rabbit respond as if there were a cable between the pedal and the throttle body. Quick jabs of the gas pedal, which the original software would grind down into small hiccups at the throttle body, actually translate into small revs — we have a feeling that the limiting factor in the Rabbit's throttle response is now the heavy stock flywheel.On the nearest freeway on-ramp, the Rabbit pulls smoothly (if not eagerly) to 6800 rpm — yes, it is strange to see the tach needle buried deep past redline without hitting the limiter — and the newfound RPMs mean that 60 mph can now be reached without having to grab third gear. Fuel economy seems mostly unchanged, with the Rabbit returning the same 26 mpg during the drive home from Waterfest that it averaged on the drive out.The big question, then, is if we're making the advertised 8 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque, and that's one we can't answer just yet — in the week since our car was flashed, we haven't had the chance to get the car back on the same Dynapack that was used to make our baseline passes of 146 whp. But we do plan on hooking the Rabbit up soon, and when we do, the results will be posted here.
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Friday, August 1, 2008
Event Coverage: Waterfest 14
Englishtown, NJ, July 19 and 20 — We’re back from Waterfest 14 and gradually recovering from some nasty dehydration. Not a drop of rain was shed, which is quite unlike any Waterfest in memory, but show-goers suffered temperatures that topped out at 97 degrees on Saturday and 93 on Sunday. Despite the sweltering heat, the show area was still packed. According to Waterfest organizers, total attendance for the weekend was about 21,000, about even with last year’s tally. Waterfest is one of few shows that hosts a variety of activities, including an autocross course and a burnout competition. Saturday’s schedule offers a popular exhibition area with a get-together-like atmosphere for those who want to show off their cars without the stress of trophy-hunting. Of course, the biggest draw is Sunday’s show car event, and the predominantly East Coast crowd is notoriously competitive.
As always, the recent models in the VW family will take the spotlight; the show area was dominated by MKIVs and MKVs showcasing well-executed variations on similar themes. We noticed quite a few trends amongst this crowd and were pleased to see that simple aesthetic changes are still the most effective.
Refinished headliners are one of the simplest ways to change the look of the interior; when the pillars are wrapped to match, it helps draw attention even from outside the car. We noticed the abundance of plaid pillars while walking the show lot and spotted examples on nearly every model. If plaid’s popularity is inspired by cross-generational Interlagos envy, well, we completely understand.
Audi wheels have been a popular upgrade for VWs since the heyday of the MKIs and MKIIs, when the few Audi 4000s cursed with FWD could serve some purpose by donating their stock Ronal R8s. It's always been a relatively simple change that provides an elite yet OEM look. We can’t remember, though, the last time an Audi roller reached the ubiquity of A8 Turbines and A8L Monoblocks. These are two classy, timeless designs that, fortunately, suit Volkswagens particularly well. Original and polished faces are the most common ways to wear these wheels, but we spotted a Deep Blue Pearl MKIV R32 boasting Turbines with glossy black spokes and color-matched inserts.Candy and neon wheels are another popular way to draw attention to an otherwise understated car. Solid gloss finishes appeared on a number of participants, with orange and lime green competing for top billing. We especially liked a black MKV Jetta sporting avocado wheels and a front grille badge, complemented by a pink intercooler. Purple BBS meshies and a matching grille stripe added an interesting twist to a white MKV GTI.
Although flat black paint has enjoyed a revival in popularity, we were pleased to see that amongst the VW crowd, this trend manifests itself in a more colorful interpretation. There were several examples of velvety matte finish cars in attendance, including a dark blue MKIV, a wintergreen MKIV Golf with color-coded wheels, and an aqua-gray widebody Audi A4. A particularly cohesive example of this trend was Jason and Kate Kress’ military-themed MKIII VR6 turbo Golf, which we found on display in the Kinetic booth. Keep an eye out for a full feature, coming this fall.We were rather surprised by the extent to which the older classes have dwindled; most notably, there was little evidence of the MKI renaissance that took place over the last few years. Conversation with show-goers seemed to indicate that although there was a strong population of vintage watercooled owners in attendance, they enjoy the event more as spectators rather than competitors. We hope this decline is temporary, but the upside is that the older cars that showed were well-sorted examples. We particularly liked a light blue Caddy on ATS cups and a brown Jetta coupe with a 1.8T conversion. Early Passats made a small but strong showing, including a B3 syncro wagon on Omni GLH wheels and a gray B3 GLX sedan with a polished wood steering wheel and a bit of machine work on the engine. We also liked a sleeper-style B4 GLX with a nitrous system.
As usual, Volkswagen’s Garage drew quite a crowd, aided immensely by a few world-class show cars. As we promised a couple of weeks ago, the famed GTI W12 made an appearance in all its Pearl White glory. The car was built for Worthersee and has become a favorite of magazines and television shows worldwide due to its sheer power and completely unique body. It was quite a treat to experience its Stateside debut at Waterfest, and the crowd was appreciative of its presence. On several occasions throughout the weekend, the W12 was fired up to thrill the crowd with its exhaust note; quite the auditory experience considering the 650 hp crammed into the hatch.A few other stars kept the GTI W12 in good company. Max, the beautifully-restored black ’64 Beetle that is the centerpiece of VW’s current ad campaign, was there with all his charming wit and wisdom. The black R GTI show car, built for SEMA, was on display alongside a turbo MKV R32 and a Jetta TDI Cup car. VW showed that they know what the people want; they hosted the kickoff of Kreuzerfest at VWGoA's new headquarters in Herndon, VA, and VW staffers participated in the cruise with a few of their display cars.
By the end of the weekend, we were scorched and found ourselves wishing it had rained; overall, though, we deemed the show a success. We’d like to thank all who came out to support Waterfest 14, especially our readers who stopped by the VWvortex/Fourtitude booth to check out our display cars and say hello. We're already counting down to next year.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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As always, the recent models in the VW family will take the spotlight; the show area was dominated by MKIVs and MKVs showcasing well-executed variations on similar themes. We noticed quite a few trends amongst this crowd and were pleased to see that simple aesthetic changes are still the most effective.
Refinished headliners are one of the simplest ways to change the look of the interior; when the pillars are wrapped to match, it helps draw attention even from outside the car. We noticed the abundance of plaid pillars while walking the show lot and spotted examples on nearly every model. If plaid’s popularity is inspired by cross-generational Interlagos envy, well, we completely understand.
Audi wheels have been a popular upgrade for VWs since the heyday of the MKIs and MKIIs, when the few Audi 4000s cursed with FWD could serve some purpose by donating their stock Ronal R8s. It's always been a relatively simple change that provides an elite yet OEM look. We can’t remember, though, the last time an Audi roller reached the ubiquity of A8 Turbines and A8L Monoblocks. These are two classy, timeless designs that, fortunately, suit Volkswagens particularly well. Original and polished faces are the most common ways to wear these wheels, but we spotted a Deep Blue Pearl MKIV R32 boasting Turbines with glossy black spokes and color-matched inserts.Candy and neon wheels are another popular way to draw attention to an otherwise understated car. Solid gloss finishes appeared on a number of participants, with orange and lime green competing for top billing. We especially liked a black MKV Jetta sporting avocado wheels and a front grille badge, complemented by a pink intercooler. Purple BBS meshies and a matching grille stripe added an interesting twist to a white MKV GTI.
Although flat black paint has enjoyed a revival in popularity, we were pleased to see that amongst the VW crowd, this trend manifests itself in a more colorful interpretation. There were several examples of velvety matte finish cars in attendance, including a dark blue MKIV, a wintergreen MKIV Golf with color-coded wheels, and an aqua-gray widebody Audi A4. A particularly cohesive example of this trend was Jason and Kate Kress’ military-themed MKIII VR6 turbo Golf, which we found on display in the Kinetic booth. Keep an eye out for a full feature, coming this fall.We were rather surprised by the extent to which the older classes have dwindled; most notably, there was little evidence of the MKI renaissance that took place over the last few years. Conversation with show-goers seemed to indicate that although there was a strong population of vintage watercooled owners in attendance, they enjoy the event more as spectators rather than competitors. We hope this decline is temporary, but the upside is that the older cars that showed were well-sorted examples. We particularly liked a light blue Caddy on ATS cups and a brown Jetta coupe with a 1.8T conversion. Early Passats made a small but strong showing, including a B3 syncro wagon on Omni GLH wheels and a gray B3 GLX sedan with a polished wood steering wheel and a bit of machine work on the engine. We also liked a sleeper-style B4 GLX with a nitrous system.
As usual, Volkswagen’s Garage drew quite a crowd, aided immensely by a few world-class show cars. As we promised a couple of weeks ago, the famed GTI W12 made an appearance in all its Pearl White glory. The car was built for Worthersee and has become a favorite of magazines and television shows worldwide due to its sheer power and completely unique body. It was quite a treat to experience its Stateside debut at Waterfest, and the crowd was appreciative of its presence. On several occasions throughout the weekend, the W12 was fired up to thrill the crowd with its exhaust note; quite the auditory experience considering the 650 hp crammed into the hatch.A few other stars kept the GTI W12 in good company. Max, the beautifully-restored black ’64 Beetle that is the centerpiece of VW’s current ad campaign, was there with all his charming wit and wisdom. The black R GTI show car, built for SEMA, was on display alongside a turbo MKV R32 and a Jetta TDI Cup car. VW showed that they know what the people want; they hosted the kickoff of Kreuzerfest at VWGoA's new headquarters in Herndon, VA, and VW staffers participated in the cruise with a few of their display cars.
By the end of the weekend, we were scorched and found ourselves wishing it had rained; overall, though, we deemed the show a success. We’d like to thank all who came out to support Waterfest 14, especially our readers who stopped by the VWvortex/Fourtitude booth to check out our display cars and say hello. We're already counting down to next year.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
AUTObiography: Iwantmyvdub's 1995 VW Corrado
Want your car featured in a VWvortex AUTObiography? Tell us what it means to be a Volkswagen enthusiast, and show us how you and your car demonstrate those ideals! Send the completed form with pictures to cherise@vwvortex.com. Next up is VWvortex reader: IwantmyvdubHow long have you owned this car? Since May 2006.Is there anything unique about the history of this car? There are only about 80 total ‘95 Corrados in North America, and the only reason the previous owner sold it to me is because his son smoked in the car, so he decided not to give it to him.What was your objective with this car? To never dread a long drive somewhere.What tuning style best describes this car? OEM-/sort of Euro.
Who helped you build this car? Richard@dubsport and my buddy Tim and my gramps.What makes your car special? You rarely see these, especially in decent shape. So many people are interested in the car. I've had everyone from 60-year-old Porsche owners to 20-year-old girls in Cavaliers ask me questions about it.What is your favorite part/feature/function? Motorized spoiler, obviously, and I love how low it sits (sometimes, anyways... I can’t stop messing with my coils).Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car? My old E30, lots of ideas from tons of people on the ‘rado forum.What don't you like about this car? I can’t stop spending money on it.What would you change if you could? I would get a second car so I had more time to work on this.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project? 7, it’s far from perfect.
What would you do to the car if money were no object? 3-piece wheels, lots more power, AWD, Bugatti W16 quad turbo swap.Who has been your biggest critic of this project? Gramps.What do your family and friends say about this car? It’s a waste of money, but if they had it they would probably do the same.What is your favorite place to drive this car? Anywhere with smooth, twisty roads.What is your ideal day with this car? Sunroof and windows open, partly cloudy so I don’t have to wear sunglasses, and plenty of other VWs with me. And my girlfriend in the passenger seat.Who gets to drive this car? Me and anyone who asks nicely.
If your car had a motto, what would it be? I'm not happy until you're not happy.If you had to name your car, what would you name it? Corrado fits the bill, I can’t mess with that.What was your previous project? A poo brown ‘87 325is, rubbing all over the place.What is your next project? Hopefully an E30 M3, but I doubt I'd get rid of this.What one word best describes your car? Confusing.
Owner Information:Name: Christopher West (Iwantmyvdub on the Vortex)Occupation: Chef/snowboard coachClub affiliations: Airriders and Eurodrivers of AlbertaVehicle Information:Year: 1995Make: VWModel: CorradoMileage: About 170 kmsOriginal color: Moonlight Blue PearlCurrent color: StockEngine: VR6, soon to be VR6TEngine modifications: Stock with a Kinetic kit waiting to go inExhaust modifications: Least of my worries at the momentTransmission modifications: StockSuspension modifications: FK coilovers, new mounts all aroundBrake modifications: MKIV rear calipers, all OEM replacement stuffWheels and tires: 16x7.5 Azev Type A, et15 front et12 rear after spacersExterior/body modifications: Badgeless grille, smoked Euro headlightsInterior modifications: As if I'd mess with the power Recaro interiorAudio/Video/I.C.E.: See aboveThanks/props: Grandpa and Grandma, Jamie, Tim, Richard and anyone who’s ever helped me with problems on the ‘tex
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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Who helped you build this car? Richard@dubsport and my buddy Tim and my gramps.What makes your car special? You rarely see these, especially in decent shape. So many people are interested in the car. I've had everyone from 60-year-old Porsche owners to 20-year-old girls in Cavaliers ask me questions about it.What is your favorite part/feature/function? Motorized spoiler, obviously, and I love how low it sits (sometimes, anyways... I can’t stop messing with my coils).Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car? My old E30, lots of ideas from tons of people on the ‘rado forum.What don't you like about this car? I can’t stop spending money on it.What would you change if you could? I would get a second car so I had more time to work on this.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project? 7, it’s far from perfect.
What would you do to the car if money were no object? 3-piece wheels, lots more power, AWD, Bugatti W16 quad turbo swap.Who has been your biggest critic of this project? Gramps.What do your family and friends say about this car? It’s a waste of money, but if they had it they would probably do the same.What is your favorite place to drive this car? Anywhere with smooth, twisty roads.What is your ideal day with this car? Sunroof and windows open, partly cloudy so I don’t have to wear sunglasses, and plenty of other VWs with me. And my girlfriend in the passenger seat.Who gets to drive this car? Me and anyone who asks nicely.
If your car had a motto, what would it be? I'm not happy until you're not happy.If you had to name your car, what would you name it? Corrado fits the bill, I can’t mess with that.What was your previous project? A poo brown ‘87 325is, rubbing all over the place.What is your next project? Hopefully an E30 M3, but I doubt I'd get rid of this.What one word best describes your car? Confusing.
Owner Information:Name: Christopher West (Iwantmyvdub on the Vortex)Occupation: Chef/snowboard coachClub affiliations: Airriders and Eurodrivers of AlbertaVehicle Information:Year: 1995Make: VWModel: CorradoMileage: About 170 kmsOriginal color: Moonlight Blue PearlCurrent color: StockEngine: VR6, soon to be VR6TEngine modifications: Stock with a Kinetic kit waiting to go inExhaust modifications: Least of my worries at the momentTransmission modifications: StockSuspension modifications: FK coilovers, new mounts all aroundBrake modifications: MKIV rear calipers, all OEM replacement stuffWheels and tires: 16x7.5 Azev Type A, et15 front et12 rear after spacersExterior/body modifications: Badgeless grille, smoked Euro headlightsInterior modifications: As if I'd mess with the power Recaro interiorAudio/Video/I.C.E.: See aboveThanks/props: Grandpa and Grandma, Jamie, Tim, Richard and anyone who’s ever helped me with problems on the ‘tex
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Lamborghini Makes Another Iconic Appearance in the Latest Batman Movie "The Dark Knight"
SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE BOLOGNESE, Italy , – When he isn’t protecting Gotham City from various villains, as his alter ego Batman in his Batmobile, billionaire Bruce Wayne’s vehicle of choice is one of Lamborghini’s most extreme super sports car ever built, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640.The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe is not Bruce Wayne’s first Lamborghini. The association with the marque began in 2005 when Propaganda Global Entertainment Marketing, Lamborghini’s worldwide entertainment marketing firm, brokered the deal for the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster to make its on screen debut in "Batman Begins."The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe appearing in “The Dark Knight” is powered by a 640 horsepower 12 cylinder engine and is capable of more than 211 mph.“The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 is the natural choice for Bruce Wayne’s other car,” stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini is proud to be associated with one of the greatest movie franchises in history, especially co starring with the Batmobile.”About The Dark KnightThe follow up to the action hit “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger (“Brokeback Mountain”) stars as arch villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from “Batman Begins” are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Lucius Fox.Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Christopher Nolan film, “The Dark Knight.” Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan are the producers, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E.Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull serving as executive producers. “The Dark Knight” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane. www.thedarkknight.com In Theat Theatres res and IMAX“The Dark Knight” has been rated PG 13 for “intense sequences of violence and some menace.”
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www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Lamborghini Extends UK Network with Fifth Dealership Appointment
Automobili Lamborghini SpA will expand its UK dealer network with a fifth dealership to open in Reading, Berkshire. Jardine Motors Group has been appointed to operate the new Lamborghini Reading dealership, to be located at Bennet Road, just off junction 11 of the M4. Lamborghini Reading will commence operations in July 2008 from temporary facilities, with a brand new showroom and service centre created to Lamborghini’s exacting requirements opening on site in 2009. The new Reading dealership joins Lamborghini’s existing outlets in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. “We appointed Jardine Motors Group as a UK operations partner in recognition of the group’s expertise and professionalism in performance and luxury retailing,” commented Automobili Lamborghini’s President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “The opening of the Reading location strategically serves the Thames Valley corridor and the south west, ensuring we care for both our existing clients in the area as well as address our growing aspirational market in the region,” continued Winkelmann. “The UK is extremely important to Lamborghini as one of our five most significant world wide markets; it is essential we meet clients’ expectations through our geographical representation, as well as by appointing partners such as Jardine that are committed to investing in, and upholding, the principles of Lamborghini’s brand and retailing strategy. Choosing to drive a Lamborghini is not just about our exceptional super sports car product, but a lifestyle decision which starts with the dealership experience.” Lamborghini has increased its worldwide dealer network from 65 outlets at the beginning of 2005 to 117 with the appointment of Lamborghini Reading. “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the Lamborghini franchise,” said Alun Jones, Chief Executive of Jardine Motors Group, which operates under trading names Lancaster and Scotthall amongst others. “Lamborghini joins Jardine’s substantial worldwide portfolio of prestige and performance marques, and we look forward to an exciting future in terms of both the Lamborghini product and the contribution we can make to customers’ experience of the Lamborghini brand.”Automobili Lamborghini recorded another record year in 2007, with a 15.3% increase in deliveries to 2406 cars worldwide. Lamborghini launched its Gallardo LP560 4 in Spring this year, which replaces the original Gallardo launched in 2003. Including a new engine, transmission and suspension, the significantly enhanced car provides 40 hp more power than the previous coupé, faster acceleration from 0 62 mph of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The new Gallardo LP560 4 will be available to order from Lamborghini Reading and the UK dealer network: with a significant number of cars sold since the car’s launch, orders are now being taken for 2009 delivery dates. Lamborghini Reading is located at Bennet Road, Reading, RG 2 0QX, telephone 0118 965 8678. www.lamborghini reading.co.uk
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www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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Volkswagen Receives Approvals to Acquire Majority Voting Stake in Scania
Wolfsburg, GERMANY – The Volkswagen Group has received the antitrust approvals necessary to acquire a majority voting stake in Swedish truck manufacturer Scania AB. The majority voting stake is expected to be acquired on July 22, 2008. In addition to the approval by the European Commission, a large number of antitrust proceedings were required in other countries worldwide.In March this year, Volkswagen reached an agreement with Investor AB and the Wallenberg foundations regarding the acquisition of their entire shareholdings in Scania. Volkswagen will therefore increase its share of voting rights in Scania from 37.98 percent to 68.60 percent. Its equity interest will rise to 37.73 percent (from 20.89 percent). The purchase price amounts to approximately EUR 2.8 billion. The Volkswagen Group will fully consolidate Scania in the second half of the year."We are delighted that Scania will now become the Group's ninth strong brand under the roof of Europe's largest automobile manufacturer," said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. Scania now has a clear shareholder structure, he added. "As with all of our Group brands, Scania will retain its own corporate headquarters, its own culture and its own profile," said Winterkorn.
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www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Lamborghini Delivers the Nation's First Gallardo LP560-4 to Celebrated Italian Car Collector
NEW YORK, NY -- Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC delivered the first Gallardo LP560-4 to Benny Caiola, Jr., noted Italian car enthusiast and collector, this week at his home outside of New York City. The all-new 560 horsepower LP560-4, which replaces the previous Gallardo model, features a powerful new engine, permanent four-wheel drive system and an 18 percent reduction in fuel consumption and C02 emissions.Mr. Caiola secured the right to the first LP560-4 through a generous bid at the East Side House Settlement charity auction during the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Caiola's impressive garage, boasting dozens of exotic and collector cars, has housed many of Lamborghini's iconic and timeless models including the Countach, Diablo, Espada, Jalpa and the legendary Miura."Lamborghini was the first to garner my passion for automobiles," Caiola explained. "I've loved Lamborghinis my entire life and have owned nearly every model."The Gallardo LP560-4 arrives at all 31 United States showrooms in late summer of 2008. The Gallardo, with more than 7,100 units sold worldwide, is Lamborghini's most successful model of all time. As of today, there is a six month waiting list for the new Gallardo LP560-4 signaling that the success of the Gallardo model will continue for years to come.About LamborghiniFounded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant'Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy and manufactures some of the world's most sought after super sports cars. With 34 dealerships in North America and 114 worldwide, Automobili Lamborghini has created a succession of dynamic and elegant super sports cars including the Miura, Islero, Urraco, 350GT, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago LP640, Murcielago LP640 Roadster, Gallardo Coupe, Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Superleggera, Reventon and the recently launched 2009 Gallardo LP560-4. For more information on Automobili Lamborghini, please visit the website at http://www.lamborghini.com/.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
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