BMW Z4M Roadster Cancelled ???

If we are to believe a report from UK digital car magazine i-Motor, BMW has cancelled the development of an "M" version for the new Z4 roadster with the retractable hardtop because of the "ongoing financial crisis" and "lack of customer demand". Here's what the BMW spokesman -whose name was not disclosed- revealed to the British magazine: "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4".

If that's the case, then how can one explain the introduction of the X5M and X6M crossovers that are due to be unveiled this April?

Well, according to the unnamed spokesperson, the M-prepped variants of both the X5 and X6 were already under development and had been given the green light from the company's officials before the car market crashed down.

While we'll have to wait for some sort of official announcement from BMW to see whether or not the car has been truly canned, we must say that even though the X5 and X6M's development (may have) proceeded that of the Z4Ms, we fail to see the logic behind a decision that prefers two (totally unnecessary) M crossovers over an M roadster model, especially since the X5 and X6 are already offered with a mighty 408HP twin-turbo V8 engine.

BMW 135i "tii" to take on F1 car and Holden V8 Supercar at 2009 Australian GP

A street-legal BMW 135i Coupe bearing the 'tii' livery will race against a Holden Commodore V8 Supercar and a BMW Sauber Formula 1 car at the "Ultimate Speed Comparison" event that takes place at this year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The tii-branded 135i Coupe features a number of performance and cosmetic upgrades from the BMW Performance stable, all of which are available for order. The event is more of a crowd-pleasing spectacle than anything else as the small bimmer is seriously outmatched in terms of performance from both of its race-spec rivals.

The 135i Coupe "tii" has been fitted with a full BMW Performance aerodynamic package, road holding suspension set up, cross drilled and weight saving brake package, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Carbon fibre mirror covers and carbon fibre look bonnet with integrated roof and boot sports stripes, complete the changes over the standard car.

There are no mods under the hood with the 135i retaining the stock 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 306HP that launches the car from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Piloting the BMW 135i at this year's Ultimate Speed Comparison will be motoring journalist Paul Gover. Christian Klien will be at the helm of the BMW Sauber F1 race car while Greg Murphy will take on both BMW's in his Holden Commodore V8 Supercar.

The Ultimate Speed Comparison will be held on five separate occasions during the race weekend of the Australian GP. The event is run with a timed handicap, giving each car a chance at taking line honors.

Via: Worldcarfans

Ultimate Speed Comparison times:

11.40am Thursday 26 March

4.25pm Thursday 26 March

2.15pm Friday 27 March

1.00pm Saturday 28 March

1.10pm Sunday 29 March

Toyota Develops World's First Rear-Seat Centre Airbag

In their ongoing quest to make our cars look like the Michelin Man better our chances of survival during a car crash, automakers are constantly adding new types of airbags in their vehicles. The latest development comes from Toyota that introduced the world's first rear-seat centre airbag that promises to help reduce the severity of passenger injuries in side-on collisions. The new Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag is fitted in a large, fixed, rear-seat centre console and will make its debut in a version of a Toyota model to be launched in Japan later this year.

Ferrari Delivers 1000th Car in Hong Kong on Junk Ship

To mark the occasion of the delivery of its 1000th car in Hong Kong, Ferrari organized a special ceremony at the Victoria Harbor yesterday (March 10, 2009). In what is believed to be a 'first' for any automotive company in Hong Kong, Ferrari presented the new 612 Scaglietti 'One-To-One' to its Hong Kong owner, Mr Didier Li, on board 'Huan', a Chinese Junk ship - for the record, that's how these sailling vessels are called.

True to its elitist nature, Ferrari summoned more than 65 international media from Hong Kong, Macau and the adjacent markets to report the event. The Italian firm delivered its first model to a Hong Kong customer in the early 1960's. In 2008, Ferrari sold 115 cars in Hong Kong. That's compared to 433 cars delivered to clients in Japan the same period, an increase of 15%, while more than 200 cars were delivered in China for the first time, an increase of 20% on 2007 to 212 units.

Audi Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Special ExhibitionAudi Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Special Exhibition

In celebration of the brand's centenary, Audi is launching a new exhibition at its museum in Germany entitled "From Horch to Audi – The history of perfection has a new name". From March 11 to July 16, 2009, visitors to the Audi museum will be able to see thirteen cars dating from before the Second World War, including the first model to bear the Audi name, a 1911 Audi Type A, and a world premiere, the 1935 Audi 225 Front Special Roadster which was recently rebuilt.

Both these cars, and many other exhibits as well, will be making their first public appearance after having been recently restored.

Citroen creates One Off C4 dedicated to Arsenal Soccer Team

UK's Arsenal soccer team manager Arsene Wenger and players, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie joined forces with renowned cartoonist Gerald Scarfe to reveal the so-called, 'Ultimate Arsenal Fans' Car' based on the Citroen C4 hatchback. Citroen, Arsenal Football Club's official car supplier, donated the C4 which will be raffled in aid of the Club's Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Tickets to win the car cost £2 with all funds going to Teenage Cancer Trust. The Arsenal-themed C4 will be displayed at the team's Emirates Stadium for the next three Arsenal home matches -14th March Arsenal FC vs. Blackburn, 4th April Arsenal FC vs. Manchester City and 26th April Arsenal FC vs. Middlesbrough.

Melbourne Motor Show Galore 2009

The 75th Melbourne International Motor Show opened its gates to the members of the press on Friday and even though there were a few absentees, it has been calculated that local and global brands on show represent 94.7 per cent of Australia's total car sales. Among the new production and concept cars that are making their debut in Australia are theHolden Cruze and Volt EV, Hyundai's i20 mini, BMW's M1 Homage Concept, Toyota's Camry Hybrid Study and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.

And if these premieres aren't a good enough of a reason for Aussies to visit the show, then consider this; the 2009 Melbourne Show will be the only event of its kind in Australia for 2009 after it was decided that the Australian International Motor Show will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne on an annual basis.

This means that this year's Sydney Show has been cancelled and that the next major car event in the land 'Down-Under' will be held at Darling Harbour in Sydney in the fall of 2010.