The rollout represents another major milestone in Virgin Galactic's quest to launch the world's first private, environmentally benign, space access system for people, payload and science.
Christened 'EVE' in honor of Branson's mother, who performed the official naming ceremony, WK2 is both visually remarkable and represents ground-breaking aerospace technology.
It is the world's largest all carbon composite aircraft and many of its component parts have been built using composite materials for the very first time.
At 140 ft, the wing spar is the longest single carbon composite aviation component ever manufactured.
Driven by a demanding performance specification set by Virgin Galactic, WK2 has a unique heavy lift, high altitude capability and an open architecture driven design which provides for maximum versatility in the weight, mass and volume of its payload potential.
It has the power, strength and maneuverability to provide for pre space-flight, positive G force and zero G astronaut training as well as a lift capability which is over 30% greater than that represented by a fully crewed SpaceShipTwo.
An all carbon composite vehicle of this size represents a giant leap for a material technology that has already been identified as a key contributor to the increasingly urgent requirement by the commercial aviation sector for dramatically more fuel efficient aircraft.
Powered by four Pratt and Whitney PW308A engines, which are amongst the most powerful, economic and efficient available, WK2 is a mold breaker in carbon efficiency and the epitome of 21st century aerospace design and technology.
The twin fuselage and central payload area configuration allow for easy access to WK2 and to the spaceship for passengers and crew; the design also aids operational efficiencies and turnaround times.
WK2 will be able to support up to four daily space flights, is able to carry out both day and night time operations and is equipped with a package of highly advanced avionics.
Large numbers of VIPs, media and more than 100 fully signed-up future Virgin Galactic astronauts flew into Mojave for the rollout onboard a new Airbus A320 aircraft specially chartered from Virgin America, the youngest and most efficient US domestic airline, which launched to great acclaim in 2007.
Rutan's Scaled Composites facility has been strictly out of bounds whilst design and construction has been underway, but guests were additionally given a tantalising preview of SpaceShipTwo, clearly visible but heavily shrouded and well on its way to completion, in the smaller of Scaled's two hangars awaiting its own rollout in 2009
This will be scheduled once WK2 is at the appropriate stage in its extensive test program, which has already begun with ground tests.
It is expected to take its first flight in the fall of 2008.
The flight test program will be comprehensive even before SpaceShipTwo is carried as a payload for the first time in 2009.
"WhiteKnightTwo represents the apogee of the application of carbon composites to aerospace and all of us at Scaled are tremendously excited at the capabilities of the Mothership for SpaceShipTwo," said Rutan.
Commenting on the rollout, Burt Rutan, Founder of Scaled Composites said: I believe the vehicle will be developed and sold for a variety of launch applications beyond the initial requirements of our launch customer, Virgin Galactic.
"We have set up a new business jointly with Virgin, The Spaceship Company (TSC), to develop these vehicles and we very much hope that its efficiency will herald a wake up call to the aerospace industry and the necessity of using new materials and technologies in the future."
"Virgin Galactic is central to our ambition at Virgin to become the world's leading group in the operation of energy and environmentally efficient transportation, in the air, on the ground and in space.
"We arrived here on an aircraft operated by Virgin America, who run the most fuel efficient commercial fleet in the US, to roll out what by most definitions, is the most energy efficient aircraft in history.
"We are naming it EVE after my ,other, Eve Branson but also because it represents a first and a new beginning, the chance for our ever growing group of future astronauts and other scientists and payload specialists to see our world in a completely new light.
"I for one can't wait!," said Branson during the launch.
"As usual, Burt and the Scaled team have created a beauty and this is a very proud day for us all. "The rollout of WhiteKnightTwo takes the Virgin Galactic vision to the next level and continues to provide tangible evidence that this most ambitious of projects is not only for real but is making tremendous progress towards our goal of safe commercial operation," said Branson.

New V10 boosts Gallardo to 552bhp

Lighter, faster and more powerful - this is Lamborghini’s facelifted Gallardo, the LP560-4.
It takes its name from the 560PS (552bhp) power output of the new 5.2-litre V10, up by 40bhp. The engine, developed with Audi, is new and uses the VW Group’s FSI direct injection, which Lamborghini is calling Inienzione Stratificata. Torque is up by 3kgm to 54.2kgm.
The extra shove fractionally improves the Gallardo’s 0-100kph time — now 3.7sec and a match for Ferrari’s 430 Scuderia — but it should also improve midrange performance with more torque available at 4000rpm than the old car had at its peak output. And it should make an even better noise with a new exhaust system.
On the outside there’s a new Reventon-style front bumper and an entirely new rear designed to make the back end look more horizontal. Some of the changes are aimed at cutting costs. The engine has plastic covers, and the accerartor pedal is now plastic with a clip-on alloy cover; it was solid aluminium.

BMW is all set to bring the cream of its diesel range to India with the launch of the 530d imminent. The car is expected to cement the 5-series' lead in its segment in India where it currently holds a 54% market share. Powering the car will be BMW's next generation straight-six, common rail diesel engine that is expected to produce 235 bhp and deliver 500 NM of torque. The Highline range of the car will feature an advanced infra red night vision that allows for visibility at upto 300 meters. This is twice the range of any other car currently sold in India. This high-end range will be priced at Rs. 46.80 lakhs* while the regular 530d will be sold for Rs 43.20 lakhs*.
BMW will also be launching the 520d to complement the 530d, which should sell for Rs 36.90 lakhs*. The newly launched 7-series is also expected in India next year some time after its launch in the United Kingdom. The 7-series models will be price range will go from Rs. 73.60 lakhs* (for the 730Ld) to Rs 1.24 crore* (for the 760Li). Put up your belongings for mortgage now should you even think about buying one.
Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India said, “With the BMW 5 Series Model Year 2008 we have the pleasure of providing efficient engines, increased horsepower, and the latest in safety technology with BMW Night Vision, a technology unique to this car segment in India. Responding to the needs of our customers, we are proud to introduce the BMW 520d, the 530d and the 530d Highline. The BMW 5 Series is sheer driving pleasure in the luxury Business Class car segment, and it is our goal to continue providing our customers in India with the highest standards of all-round quality, safety, and perfection to ensure the highest levels of comfort and luxury.”
The new premium segment saloon from BMW has its high end model 530d powered by BMW's next generation straight six, common diesel rail engine which gives 235bhp and delivers are torque of 500nm.
The new models from BMW are available in refined colours like Monaco Blue, non-metallic Alpine White, Platinum Grey, Titanium Silver and metallic Black.

The spectacular BMW World
Whatever BMW does, it does in style!

The iconic carmaker's exhibition centre, called the BMW Welt -- or BMW World, provides an awe-inspiring experience for customers and helps the company display its offerings in a dreamlike, almost other worldly, setting.
It sits cheek by jowl to the BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany. The magnificent building was designed by architects Coop Himmelb(l)au for the BMW Group.
As many as 275 architecture firms submitted tenders for the BMW Welt, but in a unanimous decision the winning design was by Professor Wolf D Prix and the Viennese architecture firm Coop Himmelbau.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Concept
The Concept: BMW's latest concept car shatters all the tried and true conventions about automobile design. For Head of BMW Group Design, Christopher E. Bangle, it's all about "breaking paradigms." A year in the making, the GINA Light Visionary Concept abandons the usual concepts of side panels, roof, front aprons, and doors in favor of a clean, seamless form with four main components.
Coolest Feature: Skin is definitely in on the GINA. The flexible material allows the concept to move in ways that were previously only conceived of through movie magic. Together with its metal frame, this car is able to adapt to all situations through its ability to change shape.
When moving at high speeds, the GINA automatically creates a rear spoiler by raising a built in component on the frame. The ultra flexible skin lets the spoiler form with nary a wrinkle, and the car's headlights remain hidden beneath the flexible skin.
After being activated by the driver, the skin cover opens revealing the headlights and thereby creates the illusion of a car opening its eyes. All of these transformations are controlled by a combination of electronics and hydraulics. As for the skin's makeup, it's a hybrid composed of mesh-netting support. It's resistant to low and high temperatures as well as water-resistant.
Expected Pricing: It's a pretty safe bet that GINA's current model won't make it to the production line. Bangle says, "The GINA Light Visionary model just shows ONE possible answer to the whole approach of materials." Expect to find GINA-like features in future BMW models.
Image: The revolutionary BMW Gina Light Visionary concept from the German car major.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept
The Concept: Debuted at the 2008 New York Auto Show, the Kizashi 3 concept is the final iteration in the Kizashi series. Aptly named -- Kizashi, in Japanese, means prelude or preview -- the series offers a bold look into Suzuki's design future. Sporting strong and elegant lines, these cars are meant to represent the toned physique of an athlete in motion.
A definite head turner, the production-ready Kizashi 3 combines the stunning looks of its predecessors, bringing the concept one step closer to production. Described by Jeff Holland, the company's public relations manager, as "a near luxury sports sedan," the final version of the Kizashi 3 will feature a 300 horsepower, 3.6 liter engine with "a possible hybrid or high tech variant of the power train model."
Coolest Feature: While the Kizashi 3 definitely possesses outer beauty, its real story lies under its hood. Powered by a 3.6-liter Double OverHead Cam (DOHC) V-6 engine with plated cylinders and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Kizashi 3 packs a punch. Taking a cue from its motorcycle heritage, this vehicle is all about speed and performance. With its impressive 300 horsepower, coupled with Suzuki's all-wheel-drive system, the Kizashi 3 is ready for the starting gate in 2010.
Expected Pricing: Suzuki has been known for producing affordable vehicles and the Kizashi will be no different. "We like to say it's like an Audi for half the price," Holland quips. "It's a Suzuki, it's got to be affordable. It's very important to the brand."
Image: The Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept vehicle is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.Smart Fortwo
The Concept: While many Americans think that bigger is better, the Smart Fortwo's design challenge that notion. Birthed from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes Benz, the Smart car is a fusion of utility, customization, and art. Its name alone defines its purpose -- Smart actually stands for Swatch Mercedes Art.
Measuring 8.8 ft. long and 5.1 ft. across, the Smart car was built for city driving. "The real focus of the design and the size of the car is to answer the problem of urban congestion and city driving," says Communications Director, Ken Kettenbeil, "The Smart's size and maneuverability gives it an advantage when navigating sticky driving situations."
The dilemma of finding parking is also a thing of the past since two Smart cars easily fit in the average parking space. Its size also plays a part when it comes to fuel economy. While hybrid cars tend to have slightly better gas mileage, the gas powered engine Smart car is the highest rated gas engine with 33 city and 41 highway miles.
Coolest Feature: This has to be the Smart Fortwo's customization capabilities. Swatch inventor Nicolas Hayek, wanted to bring the same color, fun, and changeability found in his timepieces to a car. With that in mind, all of the exterior colored panels on the Smart car are changeable.
Panels come in six colors and are relatively inexpensive, selling for approximately $1000. The interior also features a variety of colors. Another cool feature can be found in the transmission. It's an automated manual, which means you can switch between automatic and manual.
Demographic: The Smart Fortwo has universal appeal. With its low price tag, the Smart car's destined to appeal to first-time buyers like college students and recent grads. Its unique look will likely attract trendsetters who are always on the search for the next cool thing.
Expected Pricing: $11,600 (about Rs 500,000)
Image: The new Smart 'Fortwo' displayed in Stuttgart, Germany.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
The Concept: As electric cars continue to gain popularity in the States, Chrysler aims to stay ahead of the pack with its ecoVoyager concept car. Designed for a trip that's on par with a private jet, the car reaches a top speed of 150 mph, going from 0 to 60 in 8.8 seconds, and with a driving range of 300 mpg.
Principal Exterior Designer, Greg Howell, combines luxury and innovative design in an attempt to look ten years into the future. The ecoVoyager's one box design scheme is simplistic yet bold. Sporting a panoramic glass roof and doors that open at a generous 90 degrees, the ecoVoyager is a testament to the beauty and elegance synonymous with the Chrysler brand.
In an attempt to bring more Chrysler cues to the car, the windows, front grille, taillamps, and headlamps are modeled after the trademark Chrysler logo. The interior of the car is just as impressive as its exterior, featuring four individual chairs capable of heat and massage, and the Direct Sound function, which allows all users to hear the music of their choice sans headphones, without disturbing other passengers.
Coolest Feature: Besides its polar ice paint job, the coolest feature on the ecoVoyager is its electric motor. Capable of developing 200 kilowatts or 268 horsepower, the ecoVoyager can go from 0 to 60 in less than 8 seconds.
The ecoVoyager also has a range extender in the form of an advanced hydrogen fuel cell that increases the car's range to more than 300 miles. The braking system also captures energy that would be lost, returning it to the battery. Together with its low emissions (water vapor), this makes the vehicle a boon for design conscious environmentalists.
Expected Pricing: Undetermined
Image: The stunning Chrysler ecoVoyager concept car.

Dodge ZEO Concept
The Concept: Dodge, also looking to step into the electric car arena, introduces the 2008 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) concept. Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, the ZEO is a four-passenger sport wagon with a touch of muscle car thrown in for good measure.
With a top speed of 130 mph, the ZEO goes from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds, enough to please any performance fanatic.
"It breaks the stereotype of what a small, efficient electric car can be," says Wagner. "It shows how much personality and style these kinds of cars can have."
The ZEO interior is just as innovative. Designed to give the impression of being a "single piece of sculpture," the inside is decked out in all white. The center console extends down from the windshield, giving the impression of being in a dual cockpit.
Coolest Feature: The ZEO's best feature hands down can be found in its overall design. The roof and windshield combine into one continuous piece of glass, offering each passenger the best view. Its aluminum plated inserts, crosshair grille, and bold wheel arches give the ZEO its wow factor, while its front and rear suicide doors add extra flair.
Demographic: The Dodge ZEO could appeal to car enthusiasts, techies, and the socially conscious alike. It satisfies the need for speed, combined with a futuristic look packed with all the necessary cool gadgets, and most important: it's easy on the environment, so you can tear down the track with a conscience that's crystal clear.
Expected Pricing: Undetermined
Image: The Dodge Zeo Li-Ion Electric.

Jeep Renegade Concept
The Concept: The 2008 Jeep Renegade concept is a mean, lean, green machine. Built from recyclable materials, sustainability is a major theme in this concept car. Fitted with oversized tires, and a speedster windshield, this car is built for an off-roading, cross-country adventure.
The new Jeep sports a more elongated look than its boxier forerunners. In keeping with that close-to-nature vibe, the Renegade was designed as a full time open-air vehicle, meaning it has no roof. In lieu of a roof, the back trunk can be fitted with a number of "lids."
The lids act as storage chests for all your outdoor needs including lids built for kayaking and mountain biking. There is also an "as built" option that can fit two matching water scooters and there's also an open storage space.
Coolest Feature: This car is green all over. Its building materials are all eco friendly: the chassis is molded without the use of harmful resins, while the metallic green color is added during the molding process, which cuts out harmful paint solvents.
An advanced hybrid and regen-braking system allows the Renegade to reach a fuel economy of 110 mpg, approximately four times greater than that of a gas-only car. Topped off with seats made from a soy-based foam the Renegade is both innovative and socially responsible.
Expected Pricing: Undetermined
Image: Chrysler's Jeep Renegade electric concept car displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Hummer HX Concept
The Concept: The Hummer HX redefines the look, feel, and attitude of the Hummer. In an effort to stem the tide of a slowing off-roading market, the HX's slick new design is a welcome departure from Hummer's usual brick-shaped silhouette.
The HX takes a minimalist approach, and at 81 inches with 103-inch wheelbases, it's a lightweight compared to its predecessors. Its two-door, open-air concept is a reflection of the adventurous vibe of its three young designers. Lead Exterior Designer, David Rojas looked to the skies for inspiration: "I looked at stealth planes like the F-117 fighter plane. It has faceted surfacing and I used it in bits and pieces in the design." The new modernized grille design is based on a picture of an alligator coming out of the water.
The HX stays true to its Hummer roots with body-on-frame construction, mounted on independent front and back suspensions, prominent air intakes, and hood vents.
To make this concept an unstoppable off-roading machine, the HX is equipped with 35 inch off-road tires, a 4 wheel drive system, and the new E85 FlexFuel 3.6L SIDI V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Throw in a complete underbody armor kit and a power-operated winch, and the HX concept is a force to be reckoned with.
Coolest Feature: Hummer hasn't been known for customization, but the HX should change public perception. According to Rojas, the HX can be reconfigured into three different forms. "You have the slantback, which is iconic to Hummer.
You can also take the rear hatch off which enables the squareback, which offers SUV capabilities for maximum capacity. If you take the whole thing off and fold the back seats down, you have a SUT which is a small truck." Other additions of note are the removable fender flares and the removable doors that are advantages for serious off-roaders.
Expected Pricing: Undetermined
Image: The Hummer HX Concept is introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show

German luxury car manufacturer Audi would launch its acclaimed sports car R8 in India in October-November as it seeks to build the brand in this market, a top official of Audi India said.
"We will launch R8 in October-November in the last quarter. We already have the first order (in India)', Audi India's Vice-President marketing, Martin Birkner, told PTI in Bangalore.
Audi sold 350 cars in India 2007 calender year and has a target to nearly triple that number, mainly driven by A4 sedan that it launched in India this month.
"As we target sales of 1,000 cars in India by the end of this year, the new Audi A4 will be a crucial product to help us achieve this goal", Birkner said.
The Audi model range in India is: A8, Q7, A6, A4 and TT.
He said Audi expects to sell 1000 units of A4 in the first 12 months of its launch, indicating that the sedan would be a main driver of growth for the company in the near term.
The company sold 470 cars in the January-June period of this year and "with Audi A4 will definitely cross the 1,000-mark".
Audi builds its A6 model at its Aurangabad assembly plant on a completely knocked down unit and plans to do the same with A4, which is currently being imported, by October.
The prices of the new Audi A4 start at Rs 29 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai wihtout C.S.T., transportation etc).
According to Birkner, the company's small car A3 is not an option (launch) for India "at the moment".
Audi, which commenced business activities in India last year, is keen to build the brand in India, where the luxury car market has seen rapid growth, particularly in the April-June quarter.
"We have more or less launched the brand in India last year", he said. "We have to build up the brand and we would like to push the brand (in India)".
Audi currently has seven exclusive dealerships in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Five new dealerships would come up in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata and Ludhiana by year-end, Birkner said.

Interior
Automatic Climate Control with Air-Filtration System
160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers
MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window
Power Door Locks with Auto-Lock Feature
Cruise Control
Steering Wheel-Mounted Cruise/Audio Controls
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
Center Console with Sliding Armrest and Storage Compartment
Map Lights
Floor Mats
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors
Rear Window Defroster with Timer
Two-Tier Instrument Panel
Blue Backlit Gauges with Electronic IMA Display
Maintenance Minder System
Average Fuel Consumption Indicator

Uncannily Smooth
The Civic Hybrid is equipped with an uncannily smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), which blends the ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. An idle-stop feature automatically shuts off the Hybrid's gasoline engine when you stop, so you save gas and help keep the air cleaner.
EPA-estimated 40 city/45 hwy mpg. Based on 2008 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Technical Features
110-hp, 1.3-Liter, SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA
Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System
Unit-Body Construction
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
Wave Key and Immobilizer System
Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System
100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups