Essen Motorshow: Opel Insignia Sport Package by Irmscher

Opel's new top-of-the line Insignia model received the "Irmscher treatment" at the Essen Motor Show that runs from November 28 to December 7. The German tuner's sport package consists purely of styling modifications as Irmscher has yet to introduce any mechanical upgrades for the Insignia. The bodykit includes a lower spoiler for the front bumper, a honeycomb radiator grille which is available in silver or black finish, beefy side sills, a wraparound boot spoiler and a rear apron that makes room for four exhaust pipes.

As well as offering an array of alloy wheel designs that are available in various sizes, Irmscher has also created a special set of 20-inch alloy wheels that have been styled specifically for the Insignia and can be seen in the image gallery below. The German tuner has yet to announce pricing for the sport package.

Aston Martin May Lay Off up to a Third of its Workforce

The ongoing slaughtering of auto-related jobs continues today with a new announcement from Aston Martin that said it has begun talks with its Trade Union partners in order to cut back on its workforce as car sales continue to drop. The British marque said that although no decision has been made yet, it cannot rule out the possibility of up to 300 permanent and a similar number of temporary job losses. In the U.K. Aston Martin employs around 1,800 people, meaning that the firm could lay off a third of its workforce.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy. These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face."

"Overall we remain confident that the Aston Martin brand is the strongest it has ever been – with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing facilities and an award-winning product range, we remain well positioned for the upturn in the economy."

Skoda Octavia RS+ Study Premieres at Essen Motorshow

At the Essen Motor Show in Germany, Skoda presented a study version of its flagship Octavia model, the RS, which unlike the rest of the car's range, has yet to be revealed in facelift form - see details and images here. The Essen motorshow Octavia RS+ Study sports a black colored bodykit with a front lip spoiler and a rear diffuser that incorporates the twin tailpipes, black mirror caps and black alloy wheels. Inside, the Czech automaker accessorized the RS+ with contrasting red leather seats (Recaro bucket seats up front), door panels and steering wheel as well as with faux carbon fiber trim.

The Octavia RS+ Study does not feature any mechanical upgrades. In Europe, the Octavia RS is offered in both sedan and estate variants with two powertrain options, a 200HP 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel unit that delivers 170 HP. The facelifted RS is expected to be introduced in early 2009.

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