Posted: 12 Jan 2010 05:06 AM PST

Irvine, CA, January 12, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Irvine BMW is proud to announce that the new range-topping Z4 sDrive35is model will be making its world premiere at the 2010 North American International Auto Show this month. The Roadster will be available at Irvine BMW this spring.

"Combining classic proportions with modern features, the BMW Z4 has always enjoyed the top spot in its market segment," said Irvine BMW General Sales Manager Steve Rudkin. "With the new performance boost, the Z4 will be the fastest and best-handling Roadster ever."

The latest Z4 model is characterized by instantaneous response to the accelerator pedal, fantastic sounds and a free-revving spirit. The engine features increased air intake flow and increased boost pressure to release more power with the same standard of efficiency.

The enhanced engine management system of the Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function to briefly increase torque under full load. This temporary torque gives the car a significant increase in acceleration, allowing the Z4 to complete the sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

As one of the largest BMW centers on the West Coast, Irvine BMW has served Southern California loyally for almost a decade. The dealership's helpful and knowledgeable staff, expert factory-trained technicians and one of the nation's largest selections of new and certified pre-owned BMWs have made Irvine BMW a landmark in Southern California's automotive landscape.

For more information about Irvine BMW, visit the dealership at 9881 Research Drive in Irvine, Calif. or online at irvinebmw.com.

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Spyker makes case for GM's Saab - Detroit Free Press

Posted: 12 Jan 2010 06:20 PM PST

The CEO of Spyker Cars made a public case today for why the Netherlands-based company should acquire General Motors' Saab operations, even though the Detroit automaker has already begun the process of winding down the brand.

Victor Muller, speaking at the Automotive News World Congress held at the Marriott at the Renaissance Center, spoke in front of hundreds of industry executives.

"This year we'll make, like, say 100 cars. We're very, very small. One can only imagine if we would indeed achieve acquiring Saab what it would mean to this company … going to 100,000 cars," Muller said.

GM is "considering offers, very, very seriously," he said.

GM has spent the past year trying to sell off Saab, its Swedish premium brand, but announced last month that it would begin winding down the brand because it had not completed a deal.

"It's my job to reverse that decision and make sure that Saab is indeed saved," Muller said.

Spyker is not profitable, though Muller said they're "very close."

Last week, GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said GM had done everything it could to sell Saab. "It's real easy. Just show up with the money and you can have it," Whitacre said. "Nobody's come with the money."

While he declined to provide details about how a deal would be financed, Muller said Spyker is negotiating in good faith. "We have shown Mr. Whitacre the money," Muller said.

Asked how Spyker could make Saab profitable if GM hasn't been able to, Muller said the Saab lost its identify under GM's control.

"Over time, Saab has lost so much of its DNA that its customers just couldn't identify anymore with the Saab product and that has caused its decline," Muller said.

U.S. sales of Saab vehicles declined 59% in 2009 compared to the prior year.

A Saab-Spyker deal would help Spyker expand its dealer network across the world, Muller said, noting Saab has 1,100 dealerships worldwide. He also talked about new efficiencies that could be found in a company that he would call Saab-Spyker Automobiles.

"No real impact has been made by this wind down position on the company itself," Muller told reporters after his presentation. "Our deadline is days not weeks because if this wind down operation continues, one would see effects on the Saab brand and that would be very unattractive."

At the Detroit auto show, Nick Reilly, president of GM Europe, said the company wouldn't accept an offer that did not provide a feasible business plan. Asked when there might be final word on Saab's fate, Reilly said this month or next.

Contact Tim Higgins: thiggins@freepress.com.

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NASCAR.COM Teams with High Gear Media for Interactive Automotive ... - Yahoo Finance

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 07:01 AM PST

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- NASCAR.COM, the official online destination of NASCAR, together with High Gear Media, a leading publisher of automotive digital media content and AutoTrader.com, the ultimate automotive marketplace, this week launched NASCAR Auto Guide, a new car shopping section that will exist and be promoted on NASCAR.COM.

AutoTrader.com is the launch sponsor of the NASCAR.COM Auto Guide, which was developed by High Gear Media. Combining NASCAR.COM's brand reach with High Gear's powerful technology platform and leading original editorial content and a search functionality offering access to inventory of vehicles for sale on AutoTrader.com, the shopping guide offers a rich experience for in-market car buyers by any interest and lifestyle.

"NASCAR.COM draws upon the extensive resources of NASCAR to provide our fans unmatched access to the sport and the interests that surround the NASCAR lifestyle," commented Walker Jacobs, senior vice president Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Ad Sales. "The partnership is a natural fit connecting AutoTrader.com with our loyal fan base of car enthusiasts. This exemplifies the custom opportunities NASCAR.COM delivers our advertising partners."

"Building this new automotive shopping guide for NASCAR.COM has been a fantastic opportunity for us to use our expanding editorial content and powerful platform for an industry leading media partner," said Hesky Kutscher, High Gear Media's Founder and Chairman. "With NASCAR.COM, we're developing a site on a very big stage for a large audience of potential car buyers."

The NASCAR.COM Auto Guide's broad selection of content and helpful tools includes:

- Industry leading original car reviews and features

The site includes the most comprehensive reviews, news and features on the Web, syndicated from High Gear Media owned destinations like TheCarConnection.com, MotorAuthority.com and GreenCarReports.com -- content produced by car experts with more than 50 years of combined auto journalism experience.

- Expert and user reviews, and other content from around the Web

The site also presents links to the very best car reviews, user opinions, video clips and other information about any car from around the Web. High Gear Media's technology surfaces only the highest quality material for any one vehicle model – all in one place.

- Car shopping tools and prices

Users can also look for and compare car information and prices using the site's car comparison tools, as well as pricing information.

"AutoTrader.com's sponsorship of this section and the inclusion of an inventory search functionality is a great opportunity to bring AutoTrader.com's unrivaled expertise in new and used car inventory to the users of the NASCAR.COM Auto Guide," said AutoTrader.com Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Clark Wood.

By accessing the inventory of vehicles for sale listed on AutoTrader.com, visitors to NASCAR.COM will also be able to access a wide variety of car buying tips, research and compare functionality and other tools on AutoTrader.com.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com, created in 1997 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location about 3 million new cars, used cars and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of auto dealers and private owners. The site attracts about 15 million unique monthly visitors. Through innovative merchandising functionality such as multiple photos, videos, detailed descriptions and comprehensive research and compare tools, AutoTrader.com unites new and used car buyers and sellers online to improving the way people research, locate and advertise vehicles. AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit www.autotrader.com.

About High Gear Media

High Gear Media is vertical publishing company publishing more premium automotive content than anyone in the world through websites targeting key buyer and vehicle segments. High Gear Media's owned and operated network of automotive destinations reaches well over 2 million visitors monthly and include its anchor site, TheCarConnection.com, its luxury site, MotorAuthority.com, green and electric car sites, GreenCarReports.com and AllCarsElectric.com, and its family-focused sites including FamilyCarGuide.com. High Gear Media's editorial staff and over 200 contributors have written at publications like Car and Driver, AOL Autos, Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Wired. The company's content is syndicated to partners including Yahoo! Autos, Huffington Post, and The San Francisco Chronicle. Independent automotive writers and people who are passionate about cars can contribute content by visiting HighGearMedia.com. High Gear Media is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif. and received its funding from Accel Partners, Greylock Partners and DAG Ventures.

About NASCAR.COM

Turner Sports acquired all of NASCAR's interactive rights in October 2000 and became the exclusive producer of NASCAR.COM in January 2001. The official online destination of NASCAR, the site consistently ranks among the top three sport league sites on the Internet. In 2008 NASCAR.COM was awarded a Global Media Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for RaceBuddy as the outstanding interactive platform of the year. The site has also earned an Emmy® for its TrackPass with PitCommand application in 2003.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming. With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports' line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATOUR.COM and PGA.com. Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com.

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