Automotive industry analysts are projecting a better sales year in 2012. According to Automotive News, a number of culminating factors could see sales of up to 14 million units next year. That’s thanks to factors like decreasing unemployment, improved credit availability and a larger portion of the population looking to replace older vehicles. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Audi Unveils Limited-Production 256-HP 2012 A1 Quattro
Audi is launching the ultimate A1, a limited-edition supermini designed to put the Mini John Cooper Works hardtop to shame. Powered by a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 256 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the all-wheel-drive A1 Quattro is said to hit 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and top out at 152 mph. The JCW Mini needs another half-second or so to get to 62 and tops out at 147. A six-speed manual is the only available transmission; the estimated fuel consumption is 27 mpg in the optimistic European cycle. The A1 Quattro rides on 225/35 rubber and 18-inch cast-aluminum center-lug wheels. Its suspension setup is much firmer than those of lesser A1 models, and the stability-control system can be switched off entirely. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Audi Re-Confirms Next A3 and R8 E-tron for 2012 Arrivals
Audi confirmed 2012 on-sale dates this morning for its third-generation A3 and the distinctly less practical R8 e-tron. Funk Flex
(Video) Auto Talk: The real Porsche Design entertainment center
We think there would be considerably more car-themed furniture in the world were it not for the institution of marriage. While we would have no problem flopping the tail section of a 2005 Porsche 911 in the living room in place of an entertainment center and TV stand, something tells us that would be a hard sell to our significant others. While Porsche Design does make some beautiful pieces that we’re sure our better halves wouldn’t mind owning, we can’t see them cottoning on to the efforts of one enterprising individual, who has taken to manufacturing custom TV stands from the rear haunches of certain Porsche models. The entertainment centers apparently use genuine parts from the German manufacturer, right down to the wheels and brake calipers on the rear wheels. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: How Montezemolo revolutionized Ferrari after Enzo’s death
Finding one’s self at the helm of a storied automaker like Ferrari must be equal parts amazing and terrifying. While you have the power to steer the company in any direction you so please, you’re also saddled with serving the high expectations of the world. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo knows all about those pressures. The Piedmontese aristocrat took the helm of Ferrari nearly 20 years and has largely been responsible for the company’s transformation in that time. Motor Trend recently took the time to sit down with Montezemolo for a brief chat about his time with the automaker to learn a little more about how things changed after company founder Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988. Funk Flex
