Other motors stories in brief
Topaz sponsorship secures future of Donegal International Rally
Topaz, a leading fuel and convenience retailer, has announced its sponsorship of the Topaz Donegal International Rally Ireland in a three-year deal that will secure the future of one of Ireland's oldest annual rally competitions.
Topaz will invest almost €250,000 in sponsoring and supporting the event over the three years. The event is estimated to be worth more than €20 million to the Donegal economy each year.
The Topaz sponsorship will bring the Donegal Rally up to its 40th year. This year's rally will take place from June 12th-15th.
Car values to drop €10,000 'overnight'
Car history website Motorcheck.ie is predicting that the change in VRT in July could have a dramatic effect on the value of cars. The website is offering car owners and potential car buyers the opportunity to check the effects that the forthcoming VRT changes are likely to have on different car values in Ireland in July 2008.
Current car buyers or those intending to purchase a petrol vehicle on this side of the VRT changes in July are set to benefit most in the face of a likely anticipated hike in the price of many of Ireland's most popular vehicles.
Conversely, those in possession of vehicles such as low emission executive diesel models could see their cars devalued by as much as up to €10,000 according to the industry information listed.
Talking about the impact that the new Vehicle Registration Tax is likely to have on the Irish car market, Shane Teskey, co-founder Motorcheck.ie, said: "When the price of a new car changes significantly there is bound to be a knock-on effect in the second-hand car market.
"Come July 1st, some prices will change radically and I wouldn't be surprised if some people saw their current car devalued by as much as €10,000 overnight."
Cadillac hits Nurburgring record
Cadillac, not usually known for its performance cars, has scored an impressive first, with news that its upcoming 2009 CTS-V completed a lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7.59.32 minutes.
This time, according to Cadillac, is the fastest ever publicly documented time for a production saloon.
John Heinricy, Cadillac's director of vehicle integration and an acclaimed racing driver, steered the CTS-V through its sub-eight-minute lap. The car was a standard version, which is planned for production, with no performance modifications.
The CTS-V is powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine and Cadillac estimate that it is putting out 550 bhp. The eight-minute mark has long been recognised as a special Nurburgring milestone, reserved for the fastest exotic sports cars. The CTS-V will include a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.