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Z-Party: Nissan marks 40 years of sports-car fun

It's one of the most iconic names in the auto world: The Z car. No matter the number--240, 350, 370--that singular letter rings true with enthusiasts. And the style, power and pure fun of Nissan's famous sports car are being celebrated this week around Nashville.

Cadillac ELR

Cadillac has revealed the ELR: a production version of the highly-acclaimed Converj concept revealed at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit. The new luxury coupe will be equipped with extended-range electric vehicle technology – essentially a T-shaped lithium ion battery powering an electric drive unit mated to a a four-cylinder engine-generator, which propels the car when the battery's energy is low. "There's no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. Welburn also stated that the Converj concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification.

Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.