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Stylish Mini Roadster Concept Wows The Crowds At Annual Design-Fest

MINI, the car maker more famous for its compact hatchbacks and growing range of family-orientated models, has surprised audiences at the traditional Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este design gathering with a new roadster concept. Called the Mini Superleggera Vision, its name is a nod to Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coachbuilding house based in Milan. Although a one-off, the car not only demonstrates the good work of one of Italy’s most renowned coachbuilders but, according to industry observers, could also hint at a possible future new model in the Mini line-up.

Lamborghini set sales record despite decline in U.S.

Lamborghini sales in the United States fell in 2008, but the brand still had a record year worldwide, said president Stephan Winkelmann. "We balanced sales in the Middle East, China and Southeast Asia with the drop in the United States," he said. Lamborghini sold 741 cars in the United States in 2008, down 20.3 percent compared with 2007.

Pirelli unveils 2012 edition of 'artistic' calendar

Tiremaker Pirelli has previewed the 2012 edition of its calendar, known for its regular use of unclothed models in artistic poses and the exclusivity of the list of recipients. Photographer Mario Sorrenti chose the island of Corsica as the location to capture his "swoon" images. This is the first time that Sorrenti has shot the calendar, which has used many famous photographers in the past including Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber.