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Audi of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in California. Created by Audi and its strategic partner, Emotive, the Audi Sportscar Experience is a hands-on driving experience designed especially for performance car enthusiasts – consumers who love to drive and experience exceptionally engineered vehicles. The 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience will feature the new Audi R8 sportscar and the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan.

The Audi Sportscar Experience features a special half-day program allowing drivers to experience the true performance of Audi’s newest “S” models – including the sporty S4, the new and powerful S5 coupe, and the luxurious and commanding 450-horsepower S8. Additionally, participants will have access to highly-acclaimed, limited-volume new products from Audi.

“The Audi Sportscar Experience allows drivers to experience the thrill of speed while challenging themselves in Audi’s high-performance vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. “The Audi Forum Sonoma not only gives visitors a taste of the Audi brand, it also provides the ultimate venue where drivers can really test Audi’s full line of sports cars including the all new Audi R8 and S5 Coupe.”

The Audi Sportscar Experience will operate year-round from Infineon Raceway starting September 24. Using a variety of vehicles from among the Audi R, RS, and S models, the Audi Sportscar Experience takes drivers through a rigorous, behind-the-wheel instructional driving program at one of the most exciting racing circuits in the world. With its 160-foot elevation changes, challenging corners and breathtaking scenery, the 2.5-mile Infineon course has been aptly described as a small Nurburgring.

“We have developed an unprecedented experience that appeals to both thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike,” said Simon Holbrook, CEO of Emotive Group. “The program’s prime location in beautiful wine country at the famed Infineon Raceway, coupled with the state-of-the-art facility and exceptional high performance vehicles, make for a world-class experience both on and off the track.”

The Audi Sportscar Experience will be headquartered at the Audi Forum Sonoma, located trackside at Turn 1 of Infineon Raceway at the southern end of the beautiful Sonoma Valley. The 14,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes a lounge and café, and features spectacular views of the racetrack. Audi Forum Sonoma will serve as the base of operations for all Audi Sportscar Experience programs and for select Audi corporate events.

The Audi Sportscar Experience comprises both one- and two-day programs, including:

RS 4 One-Day Program
Designed to develop driving fundamentals, this program puts drivers behind the wheel of the Audi RS 4. Concentrating on braking, accident avoidance, car control and slalom, drivers develop their skills in a controlled manner and graduate by putting them to the test on the slalom course. ($1,295)

RS 4 Two-Day Program
This RS 4 program builds on the essentials learned in the One-Day program and adds track lapping on Infineon Raceway. Drivers will experience first-hand the remarkable capabilities of the RS 4 on one of the most exciting racing circuits in the world. ($2,495)

R8 One-Day Program
The Audi R8 is an amazing tool for honing driving skills. The One-Day program splits the driver’s time between the Audi R8 on the track and the Audi TT and all-new 2008 S5 coupe for fundamentals training. ($1,895)

R8 Two-Day Program
This program also builds on the essentials of the One-Day program and incorporates more track time in the R8. Progressive sessions in the R8 ensure that drivers responsibly approach the limits of the R8 at Infineon Raceway. Drivers will enjoy ample seat time and instruction from professional drivers who are experts in their fields, all in one of the most beautiful destinations in North America. ($3,495)

S8 Two-Day Program
The Sonoma and Napa valleys have some of the most beautiful roads in the world and the Audi S8 is a wonderful tool in which to explore them. Day 1 begins with a spectacular trip on some of the valleys’ most scenic roads. It is an experience that cannot be surpassed for beauty or driving pleasure. At the close of Day 1, drivers are invited to dinner at one of the area’s many notable restaurants. On Day 2, drivers will experience the other side of the S8’s dual character through fundamental exercises and track lapping at the racetrack. This program includes two nights’ accommodation at a five-star facility in the Napa Valley and dinner for two. ($3,295)

The Audi driving experience, which encompasses the Audi Sportscar Experience, is an opportunity to reinforce the company’s signature Truth campaign by allowing consumers to learn the truth about Audi products and the brand through exciting, hands-on driving experiences. More than 10,000 total attendees are expected across all Audi driving experience programs per year. For more information about the Audi driving experience, visit www.audidrivingexperience.com or call 1-800-466-5792.

DETROIT - This is an idea whose time has come, and quickly gone. Presidential candidates John McCain (I believe he proposed it first, so he’s mentioned first) and Hillary Clinton have proposed a moratorium on the federal gasoline tax for the summer vacation season. So pack up the family SUV-o-barge and head to the beach! Continue reading ‘Kill the gas tax moratorium proposals’ »

Shanghai,China -Xinhua/The Daily Mail (London,UK) -2nd May 2008: — … The £550million span opened to traffic on a trial basis at midnight, shortening travel time between Shanghai and Ningbo, two key port cities in China’s prosperous Yangtze River Delta, to two-and-a-half hours from four… Trucks, overloaded vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous chemicals will be barred from the bridge during the trial period… The bridge is China’s first major public infrastructure project to receive investment from the country’s private sector, which funded almost 30 percent of the cost, the report said… China, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is spending heavily on infrastructure to maintain its double-digit rates of economic growth. It began construction of the bridge in November 2003… (PHOTO: Over the horizon: The record-breaking bridge connects the port of Nangbo with Shanghai)

China opened the world’s longest cross-sea bridge yesterday, linking the financial hub of Shanghai with the booming port city of Ningbo, the official Xinhua news agency said.

A ceremony in the middle of the 22.4 mile cable-stayed structure, which spans Hangzhou Bay in Zhejiang Province south of Shanghai, marked the official opening before several hundred spectators.

The £550million span opened to traffic on a trial basis at midnight, shortening travel time between Shanghai and Ningbo, two key port cities in China’s prosperous Yangtze River Delta, to two-and-a-half hours from four.

Over the horizon: The record-breaking bridge connects the port of Nangbo with Shanghai

Celebration: Fireworks are set off as Chinese officials celebrate the opening of the bridge

Trucks, overloaded vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous chemicals will be barred from the bridge during the trial period, Xinhua said.

“We haven’t decided how long the trial operation period will last. That depends … on the bridge condition, and we need time to improve management about its operation,” said Jin Jianming, deputy chief commander of the bridge construction project, as saying.

The bridge is China’s first major public infrastructure project to receive investment from the country’s private sector, which funded almost 30 percent of the cost, the report said.

China, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is spending heavily on infrastructure to maintain its double-digit rates of economic growth. It began construction of the bridge in November 2003.

Handy: The 22.4 mile cable-stayed structure spans Hangzhou Bay