BMW has signed Augusto Farfus (BRA) as a works driver for the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The 23-year-old is going to contest the 2007 season at the wheel of a Schnitzer Motorsport BMW 320si WTCC and will team up with Jrg Mller (GER). In the past two years Farfus also raced in the World Championship and succeeded in impressing with his remarkable achievements.

"I'm delighted that the up-and-coming touring car ace Augusto Farfus will line up for us in 2007, " said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "Since having made his debut in the 2004 European Touring Car Championship he has learned a lot and displayed a steep upward trend. In the 2006 WTCC season he was among the title contenders up to the very last round. To be able to stand up to the extremely competitive field in this hard-fought championship demonstrates his extraordinary skills.

Direct-injection turbo engine for Audi A3

Audi has announced a new, 1.8-litre, turbocharged FSI engine for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. It will be available from the first quarter of 2007 and that's when you'll know what they'll cost. The 1.8 TFSI will be the first of a new family of engines combining the FSI direct petrol-injection concept with turbocharging in a new basic engine. Audi claims an output of 118kW and 250Nm .

Nick Hogan Smokes Mom

The spawn of Hulk met his mother for lunch yesterday at the ultimate celebrity eatery, The Ivy. As the Hogans left to go their seperate ways -- Nick jumped into a suped-up Dodge Viper, while his mom climbed into the back of an ancient red SUV. Not very fabulous.Nick then peeled out hard into traffic, leaving a cloud of burnt rubber smoke in the street. Imagine what this kid will be like if he starts hanging out with Paris Hilton! .

AGMC supplies 52 BMWs to Dubai Protocol and Guest-House Department

AGMC, the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, has signed an agreement with Dubai Protocol and Guest-House Department of H.H. Ruler's Court and provided them with 52 BMWs for their official use. .

Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab

This big Ram 3500 truck is powered by a 6-cylinder 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine that delivers 325 hp and 610 lb.-ft. of torque. Its 4-speed automatic transmission has a Trailer Mode setting to help minimize those annoying up and down gear changes that take place when you're pulling something behind you. The Ram 3500's base price is $42,210; the truck tested was outfitted with plenty of options, including the popular Laramie package, upping that figure to $52,395. Heavy trucks aren't rated for fuel usage, but during a one week test drive I averaged 15 mpg in combined city and highway driving. .

Oz Outrage! Australians to See New Camaro First

Before the new Camaro's US release in 2008, Australians will get a sneak peak at the first production models. In fact, the cars will be cruising Australian highways before the year's out. Why do the sons of Dundee get preferential treatment over we Yanks of American persuasion? Blame it on GM's Holden division, which created the General's new rear-drive platform on which the Camaro (and its own Commodore) is based. The company is turning out several hand-built prototypes, which will hit the roads down under by the end of this year. Though the production Camaro will be built in Canada, and won't be out for two years, Yozzie and the gang may wind up next to one at a stoplight in Sydney, Brisbane or Port Macquarie (or somewhere else even). Spy photogs, get thee to the Quantas desk. [Thanks to Dave for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli