Coming in India as a fully built import is the Volkswagen Phaeton. It is one of the maker’s high-end luxury cars, featuring more improved engine and transmission units. Choices in V6, V10, or V12 engine configurations as well as 4.2-liter and 6.0-liter are expected. The unit is expected to boast of its luxurious interiors and was proven for the first time when it came out in the market last Mach 2010. The Phaeton is priced at Rs 58 lakh

A more modern and spacious Beetle, Up will surely be a success in the small car class. Like the Beetle, it will also feature a rear-engine configuration. That is where the better space will be drawn from and of course, the comfort that comes with better interior size. As of posting, Volkswagen Up is set to be launched in both two-cylinder petrol and three-cylinder diesel, mated with a rear-wheel drive transmission. In India, it will be available late this year and expected to be priced around Rs 3.4 Lakh.

India is going for a great ride with VW Scirocco. This two-door hatchback features a road-hugging presence with its huge 18-inch wheels, large air dam, and narrow grille. The broad and muscular look of Scirocco is complemented by its panoramic sunroof. This successful model of VW is rumored to sport a 140 bhp turbo-diesel engine for the Indian market. It can be out by February 2011.

At Rs 4.5 to 7 Lakh, the Volkswagen Polo is going to be one of the lowest priced small cars in India. Ironic to its meager price, the new addition to the class will have spacious interior and real nice design borrowed from the SUV Tiguan. Few distinctions are also traced back to a sibling, the Gulf.

By March 2010, there will be two variants available in the Indian market powered by 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder and 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engines. The former is noted to come up with 70 bhp power and the latter with 85 bhp.

UK’s The Guardian has it: Volkswagen passed world’s largest automaker Toyota Motors and America’s biggest General Motors.

It might actually a play of numbers but there are facts to support this. The German automaker had recently taken over Porsche, which makes them a 4.4-million automobile builder as of today. Still, that is 400,000 beyond Toyota’s creation. But with the Japanese automaker’s closed plants, there is nothing more to expect from them. Now, VW also got the biggest market share from the European version of Cash for Clunkers. These realities have finally got the marquee on top.

Still, The Guardian is not expecting this to last too long. Toyota is eyeing a 70% total production this year from their yearly capacity of 10 million. If the figures are realized, that will strip VW back to where it belonged.

I thought I saw the Scirocco or Golf in the recently concluded Geneva Auto Show. Well, I was wrong. Volkswagen’s presentation was actually the fifth generation of Polo. It has wider stance this time with its 57.6 inches front and 57.3 inches rear stretches. It also has also grown 1.4 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider, giving its driver and passengers the much needed increased head, shoulders, and leg rooms.

There are also so many improvements in this new Polo. It is geared with white backlit dials and aluminum highlights. As additional amenities, air conditioned glove box, MP3 capability, and touch screen satellite navigation system can also be opted.

For its power house, the Polo will receive choices of 105-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and 1.6-liter BlueMotion diesel engine with 1.4-liter TDI.

Sports cars…sports cars… sports cars… Anywhere you look, these road breakers are still the grandest and the fastest vehicles on the streets. Each time you see one behind or in front of your commute, a stunning envious feeling will surely overwhelm you. But what are the new sports cars you have to look forward to these days? I got here at least 22 of them, although there might be more careening the tracks and the back country streets. Quick look and its important specifics:

SSC Ultimate Aero

The fastest American car on the road as proven in the Road & Track slalom record! SSC Ultimate Aero goes way up 250 meters per hour and it is the only sports car that has broken the records set by Ferrari Enzo in the same track. You can imagine the overpowering adrenaline in 3 seconds as it achieves the 0-60 meters per hour standard. It is a real treasure to own with only 25 produced between 2006 and 2007. There is no formal break down though as to how many reds, beiges, and gold will there be. The Ultimate Aero is ranged at $650,000!

Aston Martin DB9

Wonder what DB stands for? Nothing very exotic, it’s from the initials of the owner of Aston Martin ‘Davis Brown’. Its aluminum and lightweight body panels are designed by the famous car designer’s brothers in England Ian Callum. This stunner is not all beauty but a thunderous 186 meters per hour to 300kilometers per hour ride! It can give you the 0-60 meters per hour adrenaline in 4.7 seconds as well as the 0-100 meters per hour in 10.8 seconds. These 5,000 units a year seller comes in red, beige, and metallic silver.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Bugatti is probably not so desirable when it comes to race tracks but it has already come too far with its high-performance sports car, Veyron 16.4. Touching 248.5 meters per hour to 400 kilometers per hour, it’s just a tick away from Ultimate Aero! Judged to be powered with larger engines and heavier body panels, the Bugatti Veyron could have landed even or far ahead of the world’s fastest car. A good reason to stick at is its 2.7 seconds dash for the first 0-60 mph. The model name Veyron is attributed to Bugatti’s French race driver Pierre Veyron, the 1939 ’24 Hours of Le Mans’ title holder.

Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Another supercar that you will wish to own is the 248 meters per hour to 399kilometers per hour Chrysler ME Four-Twelve! It’s what rivals the Bugatti Veyron I had just featured above in terms of top speed but is definitely different when it comes to the appearance. This supercar can achieve 0-60 meters per hour in a matter of 2.9 seconds! And climbing fast to the 0-100 meters per hour in 6.2 seconds, isn’t that close enough to the fastest supercar? The model is captured from its specifications: Mid Engine with four turbochargers, twelve cylinder engine.

Koenigsegg CCX

If you think you have seen the best with the elegant styling and true to the bone high performance of the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, wait till you see the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve and its own record! This one ranks in the same titles as the others; although you will see a little downfall in its top speed: 245 meters per hour to 394 kilometers per hour. It dashes fast enough to the 0-60 meters per hour in just 3.5 seconds and to the first 0- 100 as fast as 7.7 seconds. This supercar is known to be the fastest to have a V8 engine and have been named with awards after awards for its innovative design and performance. This grand and posh supercar is estimated at $600,900 + taxes. The model name comes from the initials of Competition Coupe X.

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe

Dodge would not want to be left out from the supercars class! They also made their own road breaking Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe to compete with the leaders in sports cars manufacturing. The model might have come short with its 190 meters per hour to 306 kilometers per hour to be lined up with Veyron, ME four-twelve, Ultimate Aero, and the others but it surprises the trade with its 4 seconds 0-60 meters per hour ability! This sports car also sends shivers down the spine to passerby and hopefuls with its stunning good looks.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari Enzo was once named as the fastest supercar in the world at the Road & Track slalom record, and sibling Ferrari 612 Scaglietti made it almost there! This supercar has a top speed of 196 meters per hour to 315 kilometers per hour with first 0-60 meters per hour in 4.2 seconds while first 0-100 meters per hour within 12.3 seconds. Coming in four distinctive finishes; black, dark blue, red, and silver, Scaglietti is far from the conventional looks of Ferraris in the auto world. It may come with the same highly luxurious amenities, devices, and accessories inside, but its definitely more gorgeous than the other models of Ferrari models. Grab one if you can with one of this exclusive sportscar and draw in envious looks around!

Hamann F430

From the sweet and sexy 612 Scaglietti comes the Hamann F430 of the same maker! If Scaglietti is sexy then its counterpart is definitely the macho Hamann F430. This fast car got a stylish but manly appearance. Inside, it’s everything a person of the road would want to drive and ride because it is complete with the most modern and upgraded comfort and convenience system. The Hamann F430 must be manufactured when its engineers are thinking of luxurious suites up the hills. Even with that grand looks from this recent fast car of Ferrari, it can come up with an astonishing 538 hp through its massive 4.3 liters V-8 engine.

Ford GT

Ford had never brought their customers down with their sets of close-to and luxurious automobiles. Even at the race tracks, Fords are favorites! That is what the Ford GT is all about, good looks and road breaking performance in one! The Ford GT is a real total performer with its 205 meters per hour to 330 kilometers per hour top speeds. It can gain speed at the first 3.6 seconds for its 0-60 meters per hour while 7.8 seconds for its 0-100 kilometers per hour. But that’s not actually a surprise when it’s a Ford supercar. What’s really surprising is its seemingly low price that ranges from $143,000 to $ 157,000 as compared to other marquees that cost actually more.

Lamborghini Gallardo

Another big name in the industry is the Lamborghini. Its new offering, the Lamborghini Gallardo, classifies under the supercars in the industry. It has a top speed of 191 meters per hour to 309 kilometers per hour after it reaches the first 0-60 meters per hour within 4.1 seconds or its 0-100 meters per hour within 9.2 seconds. The Lamborghini Gallardo is definitely the highest produced sports car under the Lamborghini marquee. Even today, no other model has ever broken its record. The Lamborghini S Concept is eyed to follow its success but until that, this supercar remains to be the best model of the marquee. This grand vehicle ranges from $175,000 to $200,000 and is made available in four submodels: the Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Nera, and Gallardo Superleggera.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is another successful make from the world leader in race tracks! The sleek supercar gains 0-60 meters per hour in a matter of 3.7 seconds and 0-100 meters per hour within 6.9 seconds, and achieve 205 meters per hour to 330 kilometers per hour after that. The sexy and beautiful body panel and platform of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano had added pride in the trademark of Ferrari, winning the prestigious XIV L´Automobile più Bella del Mondo (The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile) under its category in Arena Civica at Milan, Italy. The platform of this beautiful supercar shares with the Scaglietti and used the new traction control system, called the F1-Trac, after deriving inspiration from the F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is also the first Ferrari to appear in the Gran Turismo videogame series as well as a cover car in the same game.

Porsche Carrera GT

Being a symbol of beauty and luxury, it is difficult to imagine a Porsche on the dirt tracks. Suffice it to say that it seems not belonging in the field. But surprisingly, it is and it must as made possible by its high performance. The beauty can come up with a top speed of 206 meters per hour and 330 kilometers per hour. It can also start heating the roads within 3.6 seconds as it achieves its first 0-60 meters per hour. This beauty but beast on the road has managed to stay on top of the highest selling Porsches. In fact, the number of sold units reached 1,270 months after it was launched.

Pagani Zonda C12 S

Pagani may be not very known in the streets of the Americas as well as in Asian lands but it is in the West, where car racing has become the best and most expensive past time. Its supercar, Pagani Zonda, is really unique in terms of appearance as well as performance. It is difficult to imagine that some people are really into designing the most unique automobiles in the world, and the best example is the Pagani Zonda. It comes in different sub-models: C12, C12 S, C12 S 7.3, C12 F and the R Clubsport. All of these are capable of achieving a top speed of 200 meters per hour while heating the roads within 3.7 seconds for its 0-60 mph.

Lamborghini Murcielago

White, yellow, and apple green have already become the normal colors in the race tracks. It is even with the Lamborghini’s new supercar Lamborghini Murcielago. The 6.2 liters DOHC V-12 sportscar can reach a maximum of 205.1 meters per hour to 330 kilometers per hour top speeds. And it is even better with its fast and efficient 0-60 meters per hour in a matter of 3.8 seconds. This interesting sports car from the world-class maker Lamborhini is also equipped with the best of its kind devices and accessories. One of the most significant is its Variable Airflow Cooling System, an electronic air intaking duct that automatically opens when in need of cold and dense air; and closes up when done to reduce the drag that it causes to the entire vehicle.

Ferrari F430

You might have noticed by now that Ferraris have consumed more space than any other sports car maker in this supercars list. After the sleek and sexy Scaglietti, the macho and bulked Hamann F430, the beauty and beastly 599 GTB Fiorano, the Ferrari F430 comes next. This supercar establishes a top speed of 196 meters per hour as well as 315 kilometers per hour on the race tracks. It can start the fire with its 0-60 meters per hour in just a matter of 4 seconds as made possible by its DOHC 5/ cylinder 4.3 liters V-8 engine. The Ferrari F430 comes in two versions, the coupe and the open top but more expensive by approximately $20,000 Spider. The initial of this high-end, elegant car is derived from its 4308 cc mid-engine that is designed to make as much as 490 horsepower or a stunning 114 horsepower per liter.

Pagani Zonda F

Another Pagani model makes it to the list of the greatest supercars in the industry, the Pagani Zonda F. This toy-like sports car makes a difference in speed with its 214 meters per hour to 345 kilometers per hour top speeds. It can also boast of its fast and efficient 3.6 seconds achievement of the standard 0-60 mph. One of the most interesting features of the Pagani Zonda F is its top of the class braking system. This is one where the low center of gravity and flat design makes the vehicle come to a screeching stop even when at top speeds.

Maserati MC12

Almost a Ferrari Enzo in design and in appearance, the Maserati MC12 is still a rival when on the tracks. This classic white and blue beauty can be deceiving! It’s a supercar of 205.1 meters per hour and 330 kilometers per hour speeds. In 3.8 seconds, it can achieve its 0-60 mph without any trouble. If you want to own one, you could be lucky because there are only 50 units of this exotics produced in the years 2005 and 2006.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Blue or white or red? You can definitely own one of the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo in your favorite color. This supercar can come up with 248 meters per hour to 399.1 kilometers per hour top speed. This sleek beauty can also reach its 0-60 mph without aberrations, and within 2.8 seconds! Imagine that? An interesting feature of the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo is a rear-view mirror video that transmits the view to the driver.

Leblanc Mirabeau

This yellow baby will surely be a difficult possession if in the suburbs just judging at its really lowered undercarriage. But mind you, this exotic car costs $579,000! No love lost though with its massive speed of 230 meters per hour to 370 kilometers per hour. With that price, you can opt to customize its aluminum V8 supercharged engine to F1.

Did you know that the first true sports car was an Austro-Daimler and was designed by Ferdinand Porsche? Well, you might not believe it but before this Austrian automotive engineer became famous for creating the legendary Volkswagen Beetle, he was the senior technical designer of Austro-Daimler, a subsidiary of the German Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) from 1906 to 1923. Upon assuming such position, Porsche started aerodynamic designs in the makers’ famous racecars Mixte and Maya. These two true bred sports cars have become the most sought after models in the tracks in those years.

Although the manufacturer is well into race competitions, his new insights had made a real significance in DMG race cars. By that time, Ferdinand Porsche also designed the Mercédès-Electrique-Mixte that lasted for 5 successful years. The production started in 1902 and lasted until 1907. It was followed by the making of Zeppelin engines, which was more like to achieve a personal interest to Porsche. This is because he actually wanted to take Archduke Franz Ferdinand to Vienna. He also lead the Austro-Daimler into independence from DMG by 1909 and by 1910, it assumed another name as Austrian Daimler Engines AG. This new name was coupled with a new logo of Austrian Royal double-headed eagle.

The first model that came from the newly renamed automaker was the Prinz Heinrich, also known as Prince Henry in English, model. This sports car features an all0new design that’s powered by an overhead cam 5714cc four cylinders engine. The model became an instant hit in the then growing sports car market. That model was making as much as 95 bhp at 2100 rpm, a real road breaking sports automobile in those early automotive formation years. Then, he also introduced a less potent version that featured side valves and 6900 cc engine. That other version, which you can now call as a sub-model, was making 60 hp or 45 kW at only 1200 rpm.

The World War I did not stop the successful automobile maker from its productions. By that time, its 1908 800 workers have become 4500. They did massive productions during the WWI and kept up with only automobiles after the war ended. Even at that time, the marquee was still connected to the local royalties through Prinz Heinrich. But as the global economy starts to falter, so does that of the automaker. Later, the post war became a real bad business to the independent Austro-Daimler. But that was not only because of the worsening economic situation but also brought about by the inefficient higher managing executives. It then fused along Skoda, Fiat, and later on, after Porsche left the company, with Puch.

By 1920, Porsche had also created the Sascha racing cars. Its name was to glorify their current backer Count Sascha Kolowrat-Krakowski. And it was one of the histories smallest race cars and actually the smallest of the company; equipped with 2212 cc four cylinders engine. That was also Porsche’s last association with the independent Austro-Daimler as it then submerged because of the squandering management of Camillo Castaglioni. Porsche then became attached to Stuttgart’s DMG.

From there, Ferdinand Porsche became a much more celebrated automaker. He then worked for DMG that also merged with Benz & Cie. That was in 1926 and the company was renamed Daimler-Benz. His lightweight sports car ideas did not became a good hit to the company that made him leave it by 1929. He then joined the Steyr, which was hit by the Great Depression leaving unemployed.

He started his own consulting firm, the Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH, Konstruktionen und Beratungen für Motoren und Fahrzeugbau in 1931 and started recruiting his old co-workers way back on his ex-companies. Their first project was the Wanderer, and then followed by others. At that time, he then continued his small sports cars, which was discovered by Hitler and the rest was part of the great history!

‘zup? I’m back with the third day events and attractions of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time, let us look back at the happenings last November 23, Sunday at the Los Angles Convention Center.

November 23, 2008, Sunday

Because it is Sunday, the Los Angeles opened early at 9 in the morning and closed gates early at 8 in the evening. The events and attractions were a little slouch this time with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. With the lack of attention grabbing events and attractions, the halls have been busy accepting spectators, press, and viewers the entire Sunday. If you had been there, it was like a holiday!

November 24, 2008, Monday

November 24 is another weekday so the gates were opened at 11 am and closed at 10 in the evening. Attractions and events had been in full swing once again with the same Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. But this time, there were also other attention grabbing events like the autograph session with drag racing icons Robert Hight (2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year and No. 4 in the 2008 NHRA Funny Car Championship) and John Force(14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion). This event was sponsored by the Auto Club that’ is doing their show case at the kentia hall along with other performance products. The event lasted for one and a half hours, 7 to 8:30 in the afternoon.

November 25, 2008, Tuesday

Nothing was new last Tuesday, November 25, 2008. As an ordinary weekday during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the gates were opened at 11 in the morning and closed at 10 in the evening. Events and attractions were a little low but all halls were busy and packed with spectators, guests, and press. The normal routine went on with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews not tiring until it was time to call it a day.

November 26, 2007, Wednesday

Events and attractions were a lot fewer last November 26, a Wednesday. It is a day before the Thanksgiving Day so everyone might be busy over other things than the Auto Show in Los Angeles. Still, Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews had last the day with their stunts and skills.

November 27, 2008, Thursday

Now, it’s Thanksgiving Day! And people had been a lot wiser and modern. Some families celebrated the day early in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gates were opened very much earlier today, 9 in the morning, and been closed a lot earlier than any weekday at 8 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive went on, while other events and attractions were halted for the day’s more important events. But this does not mean that it had not been a busy day for all the crews and attendants. The day had been a festive one and everyone was happy to be where they were, and that is at the Los Angles Convention Center Auto Show!

November 28, 2008, Friday

A day after US’ most especial day, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and to close at exactly 10 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crew is expected to continue their stunts while the rest of the showcase masters will be busy entertaining all their patrons. The day is expected to become a lot busier as the day deepens.

November 29, 2008, Saturday

Because it will be weekend, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and rest at 10 in the evening. There will be a lot more attractions than the regular Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive. Mitsubishi Motors will sponsor an autograph signing with LA Avengers and A-team dancers’ icons. Toyota is also expected to sponsor an appearance of two of the finest Lakers’ players who will bring around 500 headshots, which they will sign up for the first 500 visitors.

November 30, 2008, Sunday

For the final day, the Los Angeles Convention center will open at 9 in the morning and close at 8 in the evening. As an ender, State Farm will sponsor Los Angeles Clipper Baron Davis for an autograph signing at the Kentia Hall from 2:30 to 4 in the afternoon.

I’m back again, and I’m following the events at the Los Angeles Show that premiered last November 21, Friday. Today is November 26, Wednesday of the same year and what? –Five or six days since the grand opening? Well, a lot of things have already happened and I’ll be taking you back so that we can both enjoy those missed moments. I have also compiled some pictures, which I will post here, for our perusal. So what date will it be best to go back to? Hmmm, let’s start on the second day, November 22, 2008, Saturday.

November 22, 2008, Wednesday
The gates opened at exactly 9 in the morning and welcomed all auto enthusiasts and the press into the halls of famous auto makes and models. There were still so many to watch and have fun with. The Match It Game Show of Auto Trade dot com is still ongoing and Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive is in full swing. The rest of the halls are busy and having many spectators on all areas. There are also added attractions like the coming of some important people and celebrities but nothing beats the second round of the Volkswagen Road to MLS Cup which was graced by another couple of Major League Soccer All-Stars. This time, Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the famous Chivas USA arrived for autograph signing. The event lasted for an hour, 2 to 3 in the afternoon at the South hall. This is also where Volkswagen’s innovations are showcased.

At this same hour, the State Farm’s Workshop for Women is also happening with the theme: ‘Purchasing and Protecting Your Vehicle’. This event was graced by Road and Travel dot com’s CEO and founder Courtney Caldwell. There had been two runs of the speech made by two female insurance professionals, one at noon time and another at around 3 in the afternoon at Room 306 AB.

Around 6 in the evening, the Galphin exhibit in Kentia Hall hosted the autograph signing by Pimp My Ride cast. The entire event lasted for two hours, but the result had been great! Kudos to Galphin!

Hey, I think I am running out of space so let’s continue this tomorrow!