Baltimore — During the weekend, Vaughn Gittin Jr. was in sizzling Sin City for Formula Drift Round 5 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Going into the event, Gittin Jr. was first in points overall and his No. 1 goal was to maintain his lead. He not only left the Las Vegas event still leading the points chase for the Formula Drift Championship, but he took the third place spot atop the podium in the second-ever Falken Tire sweep.

It was a scorcher all weekend, but the extreme temperatures were not going to stop Gittin Jr. or his Monster Energy/ Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang from tackling the custom-built, high-speed entry course. After throwing down two impressive runs during Friday qualifying, he ended up snagging the fifth place spot.

Saturday’s main event brought out thousands of fans, eager to check out their favorite drivers and to catch all the up-close drifting action. Gittin Jr. was just as excited to chat with the fans, sign some autographs, slap some high-fives, and pass out some limited-edition Mustang 5.0 hats.

For the top 32 elimination round, Vaughn was paired with Drift Alliance Ace Brian Wilkerson. Gittin Jr. led first, holding a solid line and maintaining angle, while Wilkerson hustled to keep up with the Mustang. When it was Gittin Jr.’s turn to give chase, he stuck to his competitor’s door throughout the course and did not let up once. The judges awarded him the win.

Gittin Jr. was matched with another Drift Alliance teammate, Ryan Tuerck, in his battle during the sweet 16. Gittin Jr. led first and Tuerck tried to follow him in towards the wall, but instead took a much wider line causing him to tap the tire wall. Gittin Jr. gave chase next and mimicked Tuerck’s every move while following close behind. The judges conclusion yielded Gittin Jr. the advantage and the win.

In the great eight, Gittin Jr. was paired with Charles Ng, who earlier took out Rhys Millen in the top 16 round. Gittin Jr. led first with a crazy fast initiation and a ton of angle, while Ng pushed to keep up. Ng managed to catch the Mustang by the last turn, but straightened up in the process. Ng led next only to have Gittin Jr. piling on the pressure throughout the course. Gittin Jr. took the win and moved to the semi-finals.

Source: http://www.fordracing.com/news/detail/index.asp?article=38273

Silverstone, England — Team Aon delivered a near perfect race weekend, having dominated proceedings with three victories from three races at Silverstone in today’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Having secured pole-position on Saturday the team secured double podium finishes in race one and two, as well as victory in the final race of the day. Tom Onslow-Cole also secured the fastest lap in all three races of the day earning himself a bonus point for each to add to his points haul.

Both Team Aon Ford’s made a clean get away from the front row of the grid in the first race of the day, with Tom Onslow-Cole leading the early stages of the race from pole position. On lap 12, Onslow-Cole encountered a gearbox issue that dropped him back, allowing Tom Chilton to inherit the win. Onslow-Cole’s problem dropped him back into the clutches of championship leader Jason Plato, however the 23 year-old managed to defend his position despite the close attentions of the Chevrolet to make it a Team Aon one-two.

The two Team Aon cars lined up at the front of the grid once again for Race Two, with Tom Chilton this time starting from pole thanks to his Race One victory. With the two Team Aon cars out in front the decision was made to ensure both Ford’s remained in championship contention and so on lap 17 when Onslow-Cole slowed to allow his team-mate to take maximum points. However the close attention of Rob Collard’s BMW and some robust overtaking attempts meant that Onslow-Cole actually dropped back to third, behind the racy BMW, denying the Littlehampton based squad their second one-two of the day.

The third race of the day saw the customary reverse grid, meaning Tom Chilton started from sixth following his Race Two victory, with Onslow-Cole in fourth as a result of his third placed finish. Both Ford car’s once again made clean starts, whilst chaos reigned around them. First there was contact between Martin Depper’s BMW and MacDowall’s Chevrolet, when the two came together immediately after the start, the second Chevrolet was also in trouble at turn one, when Championship leader Plato came together with his arch-rival Matt Neal.

Source: http://www.fordracing.com/news/detail/index.asp?article=38266

Australia : BMW Australia proudly announces arrival of the high-performance BMW Z4 sDrive35is, being the fourth, range-topping engine variant in the BMW roadster range.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is features a modified straight-six, Twin Turbo engine, coupled with BMW’s seven speed Sport Automatic transmission with double clutch operation. A unique M Sports Package including adaptive M Suspension, completes the high performance offering.

BMW Group Australia managing director, Stavros Yallouridis, said the new hero roadster would extend demand for the BMW Z4 which has dominated the segment since its introduction in May 2009.

“The Z4 is already recognised as a design icon and a triumph of engineering, leading its market segment in terms of global sales,” said Mr Yallouridis.

“Now in the form of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, Australian performance enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate BMW roadster experience,” he said.

Source: http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/insights/newsandevents/latest-news/bmw-z4-sdrive35is-arrives-in-australia.html

Australia : BMW Group Australia today announced the addition of two new diesel variants to its critically-acclaimed BMW 5 Series range.

The new BMW 520d Sedan and BMW 535d Sedan bolster a portfolio of BMW diesel vehicles already available in Australia, renowned for powerful engine outputs, combined with extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Mr Stavros Yallouridis said the popularity of BMW diesel models is growing rapidly in Australia.

“BMW diesel engines are winning international accolades and challenging many preconceptions about diesel technology as a whole,” said Mr Yallouridis.

“The combination of enormous torque, blistering power and extraordinary fuel economy from our latest diesel engines is winning many fans in Australia,” he said.

The ultra-efficient 520d features a four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing a power output of 135kW and 380 Nm of torque. Despite boasting fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100km, and C02 emissions of 137 g/km, the BMW 520d is still capable of accelerating to100km/ hr in just 8.1 seconds.

The 520d is is loaded with additional features compared to its predecessor, including 8-speed automatic transmission, 17″ alloy wheels, electric power steering, Head Up Display, Interior trim in black high-gloss, through loading system, Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear and active bonnet to reduce risk of injury in case of accident with a pedestrian. BMW EfficientDynamics technologies available on the 520d include low rolling-resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration, and air vent control.

Source: http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/insights/newsandevents/latest-news/bmw-australia-confirms-new-5-series-diesel-models.html

Developed by BMW M GmbH, the package comprises components that have been specifically adapted to match the suspension, aerodynamics, and exterior and interior design of the BMW 5 Series range. The M sports suspension, M aerodynamics package and 18-inch M light alloys featuring a double spoke design contribute towards enhanced driving dynamics and an exceptionally powerful appearance. Moreover, optionally available features include 19-inch M light alloys (standard on the BMW 550i fitted with M Sport Package) as well as an M rear spoiler.

Sports leather seats give the interior a particularly sporting ambience (Comfort Seats are standard on the 550i and available as an option on all other models). Further interior features included in the M Sport Package comprise, an M leather steering wheel, BMW Individual headliner Anthracite, door sill finishers with M badging and M Aluminium Hexagon interior trim (high-gloss dark brown Ash Grain wood trim standard on the 550i).

Source: http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/insights/newsandevents/latest-news/m-sport-package-5-series.html

China : Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Toyota (China)) and the Spiritual Civilization Construction Committee Office, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District Road Safety Committee co-organized ” experience in the line, safe in the heart “2010 Toyota (Beijing) Traffic Safety Experience fireworks in Beijing Chaoyang Park Plaza, had begun. Liu Ying, deputy inspector, Chaoyang district committee men, Chaoyang District Road Safety Committee, Renzhang Cheng, and the chief representative of Toyota Motor Corporation of China Etsuo Hattori attended the opening ceremony of the event. August 28 to August 29, the two-day event.

With China becoming the world’s No. 1 auto market, rapid increase of vehicles to provide convenience for people’s lives, but also a major reason for the surge in traffic accidents, and the realization of “people • cars harmonious, civilized traffic,” to reduce traffic accidents also has become an important vehicle of social development issues.

To further improve the quality of citizen’s civil traffic since the beginning of the Central Civilization Office with the relevant departments jointly launched the “civilized Traffic Action Plan”, also issued a walk on the road driving the initiative of civil and courteous. As a car manufacturer, Toyota, responded positively to the call actively engaged in social activities like road safety activities. The activities through the hiring of professional coaches in Japan, rich and varied experience to set the project to allow more experience by raising awareness of road safety, particularly the elderly and children, enhance the protection of vulnerable groups such as awareness and understanding of the dangers of drinking and driving, thereby reducing traffic accidents.

Source: http://www.toyota.com.cn/information/show_news.php

September 30, production version of the Chevrolet Orlando home utility vehicles at the Paris Motor Show world debut, will also become the center of attention the show car. Orlando home utility vehicle is Chevrolet brand in the current Paris Motor Show to launch the four models in the world starting a.

Chevrolet Orlando is a well-built for modern family home models, its design concept from the 2008 Paris Motor Show Chevrolet Orlando concept car released. Seven of the large space, flexible interior design, unique style of cross-border style, Orlando meets the sense of practicality and design the perfect combination. This Chevrolet compact MPV of the exterior design is bold, the lower roof design and cross-border financing in one form, while retaining the Chevrolet’s global signature design elements - gold bow tie logo and shield double grille. The powerful sense of wheels designed to matching 16-inch, 17 inch, or 18 - inch tires, and with low aerodynamic roof pavilions, appears unique atmosphere.

As president and general manager of Chevrolet Europe, Wayne Brannon said, in Europe, the new Orlando home utility vehicles in the Chevrolet product line will play an important role. “We firmly believe that Orlando is not only for domestic purpose vehicle segment of the consumers more value, better bring some creative design concepts, such as the consumer would like, with integration of functional and ideas. ??, Orlando Chevrolet brand will also be a new force to expand its market share in Europe. I believe this car will be on a global scale for the Chevrolet brand to attract more consumers.

Source: http://media.gmchina.com/content/media/cn/zh/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/cn/zh/2010/August/0830

Shanghai - as SAIC - General Motors Museum’s greatest treasures, General Motors three EN-V electric network concept car unveiled today the first group SAIC - General Motors Pavilion, the Expo where visitors staged Automatic driving a fantastic show.

EN-V electric network concept “magic”, “arrogant” and “laugh” to their audience in the unmanned, radio series and auto traffic junction teams function to find parking spaces. Three cars in the GM engineers hands off the steering wheel of the state, in a closed area the flexibility to pass through a variety of corners and straight lines. After the engineer left the vehicle, through the smart phone operating system, not only easy to EN-V automatically stop at the designated parking spaces on the EN-V also notice to the owner from the parking lot in front of open ready to start.

Benefit from the dynamic stability of the system brought about by the flexibility of technology and excellent handling, EN-V in the face of obstacles or external driving conditions change quickly to respond. EN-V is also a fine display in front of the audience was standing steering capabilities so that the whole process of driving the show fun.

EN-V electric concept car fully integrated network of wireless communication systems, global positioning (GPS) technology, cars on the vehicle (V2V) communication technology and automotive sensors, enabling the realization of the above vehicle networking related technologies. In today’s show live, General Motors engineers also have live demonstrations of the EN-V in the process of moving, drivers how to achieve by a vehicle Shangwang features real-time connectivity information, and through the car video conferencing system in the road in the send and receive email, meeting video conferencing and social networking with their stay in touch.

GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin E. Wale (Kevin Wale) said: “EN-V represents the forward-looking GM in vehicle technology R & D in the field of a major innovation. Electrification and vehicles through the perfect integration of networking technology, EN-V redefined Automotive DNA, zero for future urban transport congestion, zero accidents, zero emissions and zero fuel consumption of the good vision to provide a practical technology solutions. “

During the Expo, EN-V electric network concept car every day SAIC - General Motors staged performances by the museum. In today’s activities, SAIC - General Motors Hall collected the day of the 10 lucky visitors also participated in the EN-V electric concept car the test ride networking activities, first-hand experience of the Shanghai Automotive Group - General Motors Pavilion “through 2030″ journey.

Source: http://media.gmchina.com/content/media/cn/zh/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/cn/zh/2010/August/0818-3

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – Today Joey Hand and Tommy Milner qualified the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 GTs fourth and eighth in the highly competitive GT field for tomorrow’s American Le Mans Series race at Road America. Hand was the quickest of the teammates, driving the No. 90 M3 GT to the fourth spot with a 2:07.222 minute lap around the 4.0-mile, 14-turn circuit. Milner was just one-half second behind in the No. 92 M3 GT with a lap of 2:07.716.

The qualifying session was interrupted by a red flag just before the mid-point, significantly reducing the 20-minute session. When the green flag waved again, both M3s ran their two quickest laps of the weekend, but ran out of time to make further improvements.

The BMW M3 GT is the only competitor in the ultra-competitive GT class to have reached the podium in all six races this season, and the Team stands tied for the lead in Manufacturer and Team points.

Source: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/experience/newsfeed/post/2010/08/21/BMW-Rahal-Letterman-Racing-Team-Road-America-Qualifying-Report.aspx

Chicago, Illinois – PGA Tour player Luke Donald made a special appearance today at Wrigley Field – home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team – to build excitement for the 2010 BMW Championship, which will kick off Thursday, September 9 at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. Donald threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Chicago Cubs game and participated in the 7th-inning singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

The BMW Championship features 70 of the world’s top professional golfers and is the third leg in the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup. All proceeds from the 2010 BMW Championship will once again benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, one of the United States’ largest privately funded college scholarship programs, providing full university tuition and housing grants to deserving young caddies. Since BMW became a presenting sponsor of the tournament in 2007, the BMW Championship has raised a total of $7.3 million for the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Source: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/experience/newsfeed/post/2010/08/17/PGA-TOUR-PLAYER-LUKE-DONALD-APPEARS-AT-WRIGLEY-FIELD.aspx