2011 Audi R8 GT, an AW first look

Three years after it burst onto the supercar scene, Audi has unveiled a hard-core version of its R8 called the GT. Based on the existing mid-engine R8 V10 and incorporating aerodynamic, weight-saving and mechanical developments used by the company's R8 LMS GT3 race car, Ingolstadt will build just 333 copies of the new 560-hp four-wheel-drive performance flagship. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but given the extent of the changes to the new two-seater, buyers should expect a hefty premium over the R8 V10's $147,000 price tag when the GT goes on sale in North America.

Indiana yanks Kruse auction licenses

Kruse Inc., the auction company that sold the famous William Harrah car collection and has been synonymous with auctioning enthusiast automobiles since the 1970s, has lost its licenses in its home state. The Indiana Auctioneer Commission ruled on Tuesday to revoke both of Kruse Inc.'s licenses, and the company has to wait seven years to apply for new ones, said Kelly Butters, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Attorney General's Office. Dean Kruse, president of the auction house, has had his personal license suspended indefinitely.

BRP Design Center Inauguration

On September 10th, Canadian powersports specialist BRP inaugurated its new Design & Innovation Centre in Valcourt, Quebec (one hour south-east of Montreal, near the US border). This new 5000 m2 state-of-the-art building will house BRP's design and advanced concept teams working on all its brands and product families: the Can-Am spyders and ATVs, Lynx and Ski Doo snowmobiles, Sea Doo personal watercrafts and speedboats, and related lifestyle and accessories design. The team of 60 individuals includes transportation designers, product designers, graphic designers, engineers, human factors experts, mechanics, CAD technicians, modelers, molders, painters, and management.