Lotus Sport Exige GT4 Race Car

Lotus has made announcement that it has secured the allocation of the first four Lotus Sport Exige GT4 race cars that will be ready for the 2009 season.

Powered by the 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine, the Lotus Sport Exige GT4 is develops 179kW and features a new aerodynamic package.

Lotus also confirmed the availability of the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 version, which is a race-ready evolution of the Lotus Exige S.

However, full details on the Lotus Sport Exige GT4 and the Cup 260 will be announced in the near future.

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Mercedes Line-Up at 2008 British International Motor Show

Mercedes line-up for the 2008 British International Motor Show which will be held at London ExCeL from 23 July – 3 August has been announced by Daimler.

Mercedes SLR McLaren that holds the London speed record (175.7 mph) also included at the line-up among the highlights.

Additionally, smart ed - a zero emissions electric vehicle currently on test, also included on the highlight.

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2008 Dakar Rally Cancelation

Due to the growing threat of terrorist acts against the participants, The Dakar Rally organizers have decided to cancel the 2008 Dakar Rally.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December, The 2008 Dakar Rally got canceled. The threat is generated by a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb. There have also been direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations.

Press Release
A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rally
After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.