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Hi all,

Updates to this site might be a little rare over the next few days. I'm working hard on the changeover of the site and there's a lot of issues to cover. Those of you who were around in 2007 - when I last did a change of this magnitude - will understand why I need to work hard on this now and get it right. I got it wrong back then and nearly had to close down the site.

The new version of SU will be a bit cleaner and hopefully it'll offer you a bit more to look at - maybe not straight away, but in the longer term. It's part of my effort to do what I can to present Saab in a better light to everyone who lands here when they're searching for Saab information.

I'll try to post news as it comes in, but the wider interest pieces might be delayed a little.

I'm hoping that the new updated version of SU will go live later this week.

Cheers,

SW

I just wanted to take a little time and congratulate the Spyker Squadron team - not on their race result (I've done that already) - but on the way they kept people informed as to what was going on.

I imagine the Spyker enthusiast community, like the brand itself, is reasonably small at this stage. That didn't stop them from giving everyone the chance to stay up to date as easily as possible.

I'll get to how in a minute, but the lesson to be learned is this: Size doesn't matter. With good preparation and just a little time and commitment, any organisation can bring some action and closeness to their customer/fan base.

How Spyker Squadron did it:

Website - the Spyker Squadron website carries all the detail. It has the full releases, which are posted in a timely manner when there's an event on. These releases provide the meat in the meal and of course, the website also has all the technical and historical information for people to access at the same time.

Facebook - everyone's on it, including the Spyker Squadron. I don't tend to use Facebook much as I find it's got too many tangents. But it's easy to cross-post stuff from one place to the other and keep everyone who uses it up to date.

Video - The thing that really, really impressed me was their prompt use of quality video - right from the heat of the action. They had a HD camera there and they recorded laps, interviews with the drivers about their laps, the car setup, etc. Best of all, they got the videos online in a timely manner. The qualifying video was up before the race started, so as an observer, you felt like to you were right there watching the action before the next chapter in the story was told.

The other great thing about video is that in comparison to written content, there's less of it around. Written content attracts all sorts of spambots that copy it paste it in an attempt to attract search traffic. It won't kill the original author's ranking or authority stone dead, but it does muddy the waters. When people look for things, it's easier to rank high in searches when you've got quality video.

Twitter - this was the other magic element of Spyker Squadron's coverage that kept people up to date. Like many Twitter users, I've got a Twitter client embedded in my web browser so it's no trouble at all to stay right up to date with what's going on. Again, they had someone posting updates as the race progressed. At 140 characters per Tweet, it's piecemeal stuff, but it gets the message across and keeps the people up to date. They can forward the Tweets along to others, as well, meaning that the reach of your message is virtually without limit.

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Bottom line: this was an exercise in things done well. Short of having a live camera in the pit lane or something similar, this was an efficient and useful way for Spyker Squadron to involve their fans in the unfolding story that was the 1000km of Spa.

Put it this way - I was interested but I wasn't what you'd call a huge fan of Spyker Squadron or the LMS series before last weekend. Now, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be checking in at LeMans, the next race on their calendar.

If you've got a story to tell and a fan base that you want to engage, then there's no real barriers any more to telling it in an engaging way and in real time.

The tools are all there. They're not expensive. In fact, the biggest expense is the person you get to be the narrator. The rest of it can be as automatic as you want it to be.

So kudos to Spyker Squadron on a job well done - on the racetrack and on the information superhighway as well.

Wow, I had lots of plans this weekend that have been thwarted by the record rainfall and subsequent flooding here in Nashville, Tennessee. Not only is it decidedly not convertible weather, I can't travel more than about two or three miles in any direction due to road closings due to water standing on the roadway. I live on a little plateau surrounded by the Harpeth River and West Harpeth River valleys. Those valleys are flooded and impassable. Ten inches or so of rain in 48 hours, and the forecast is for another three inches or so today and tonight. That's more than many cities in the world get in a year, and even for a rainy climate like ours, that's more than we typically get in two or three entire months. Strange.

Believe me, Saabs can go in many types of inclement weather, but they make horrible boats! (This one excepted.)

BMW's do not make for good watercraft, either.

Four-wheel drive? That won't save you this time!

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On to the Saabs......

First up, the 1967 Saab 96 Roadster in the Lane Motor Museum collection has been cosmetically upgraded somewhat and is now back on display. As a 1967 model, this car still has the Monte Carlo 850cc three-cylinder, two-stroke, 85 hp engine under the hood, making it somewhat a rarity here in North America on that basis alone. Fold in the drop top and you've got a truly unique beast. This particular example was one of six created under contract to Saab in the 1960's as a prototype. It was deemed too expensive to produce.

Because another event was to take me to this part of town this weekend, I was planning to look in on this car while I was there. Oh, well, I'll go some other time.

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Saab has made a move to improve UK fleet sales of Saab automobiles, hiring a former Vauxhall (read: GM) executive to revitalize sales. Paul Adler has bravely taken on the challenge. The odd twist here is that Saab operations manager Steve Caitlin will assume Mr. Adler's old position at Vauxhall in a direct swap.

I wonder what it's like to be traded? Seems odd. Weird things happen.

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There's always something on eBay.

I wouldn't buy it, but some of you may like it.

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And, a shout out to all of you that voted for my new pup, Rico, in the cover dog contest. He was a finalist. More after the jump.

It's a new month so it's time for a new desktop calendar for your computer.

This magnificent image was taken by Mioh. The picture was taken at Hjälmare Kanal and the car is his Saab 900 Aero convertible from 1993. The photo was taken during the 2008 Saab Cabrio Challenge, a driving event that was organised by none other than Jorgen T, the guy behind the Saabs United Historic Rally Team.

The image is a massive one, which you can then re-size to suit your desktop.

Thanks again to the Calendar Guy for putting it together!

There's a 'Showroom' class for Targa Tasmania, where a number of manufacturers enter their cars in standard showroom form.

How good would it be to get a new Saab 9-5 XWD Aero in this class next year? Put the big XWD labels on it and fly Peter Johansson (Turbo X demo driver, Saab vehicle tester and part time rally ace) in to tackle some of Tassie's best roads. The publicity would be great for the re-launch of Saab Oz and it wouldn't cost that much. Certainly not a lot more than a frilly ad campaign.

This is the third and final set. I hope you've enjoyed them.

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More Swedish metal!!!!

This Volvo's a serial attender. Has been competing in Targa for a number of years now.

A groovy little red Fiat....

Volvo!!!

An Alfa Berlina belonging to a guy here in Hobart, one of the office holders in the Italian Car Club.

The navigator has a little Fiat he usually drives in Targa but it flipped last year. He was also the guy in the car with me when I crashed my Viggen, so I hope Norman's Berlina comes home safely :-)

A couple of Brits.....

Not many French cars entered this year. I think a few of those Renault Sport freaks had better pull their finger out. Brendan?

Some super-performance cars made here in Australia. I believe they're called Skelta. The chassis of the car weighs less than I do.

I can't remember what this is.

Another beautiful Alfa GTV6. I love the nose.

I'm not sure what model this Porsche is, but I have a feeling it's super-rare and super valuable.

A Bolwell.

And another GTV6. I told you they were popular.

And finally, to end on a classy and sophisticated note - a Morgan.

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I hope you enjoyed those shots.

I'd love to drive in Targa one day. And I'd love to see a Saab or a Spyker in that showroom class event.

Maybe one day......

I'd encourage you to hit up Youtube and watch some film from Targa Tasmania. There's in-car videos there as well as segments of the official Targa videos they make each year with helicopter shots, etc. You'll see just how good some of our roads are here. It really is a great place to have an event like this and every year it attracts a smattering of international visitors and drivers.

More of the competitors cars. I'm focusing mainly on the Euros.

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This BMW, which I'm assuming is a 2002, had a very lively paint scheme, as did another you'll see in a moment. Very eye-catching.

The event is organised into classes based on the years of vehicles so this would be competing with cars of a similar vintage. For most competitors, the main focus is to complete each timed leg of the course within the time limit set by the organisers, thus earning the team a 'plate' at the end of the event. The really serious competitors are aiming to win their class.

At last, some Swedish metal!!!

Unfortunately, all the Swedish metal in this year's Targa comes from further west than Trollhattan. Must be that RWD thing. There is one Saab in the Targa field, an early 9-5 Aero, but they're driving in the non-competitive tour event and the car wasn't on display here tonight.

You can't walk past a Ferrari and not take a photo.....

And if I'm not mistaken, that's an autograph by Martin Brundle :-)

Oh, it seems I was mistaken. It's actually Murray Walker.

Another Volvo!!!!

The other BMW looking quite smart, though not as smart as the Alfa next to it.

Here's some American muscle for those who are into such things.....

I'm not a fan of Lamborghinis at all, but I have to admit, they've got presence.

Many people come back to do Targa over and over again. This guy's one of them and it's one of my favourite Targa cars. I believe it's a Jensen. I just love it.

Here's something you don't see in a competitive tarmac rally event every day. Must handle like a soggy sponge, methinks. But at least they'd be comfortable.

Another Lambo.....

Porsche is without a doubt the most used vehicle in this event - in all but the oldest of vehicle classes. That's motorsport pedigree for ya.

Lipstick, yes.

Pig? Definitely not.

It's been a while since I've managed to get some face time with cars from Targa Tasmania. I covered the event quite closely back in 2005 as a friend of mine from Melbourne, Dan, was running his Saab 99Turbo in the event.

For the unfamiliar, Targa Tasmania is a week-long tarmac rally that goes all around the northern half of Tasmania before heading south and finishing in Hobart. Today was Day 1 of the event and this evening, I managed to sneak into the Silverdome in Launceston and snap off some photos of the cars at rest during the public exhibition.

I've got nearly 40 photos to share, so I'll make a few entries out of this to give you some breathing room and I'll share a few thoughts along the way.

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The Silverdome is actually a big indoor velodrome that's also used for concerts and various displays.

As you can see, it holds a shipload of cars, too, and the racers should be commended for the display - the cars all looked sensational.

Here's an overview in three panels.

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OK, not (just) because I like them, but also because they were the first cars there when I walked in....... here's some Alfas.

First up, a Spider, which I'm not sure would be the best car for taking on a tarmac rally at speed. But I'm sure they're enjoying themselves.

Next a 105 series GTV. Not sure which engine this one's got. Probably a 1750 as they're the most revered of this lot. Just classical.

And you'll see a few of these in this collection of images. The GTV6. Definitely the most populous Alfa in the Targa fleet this year.

I was surprised by the number of Porsche 944's too. Some of you recall that I nearly bought one of these early last year and I'm still quite pleased that I didn't. But boy, they do look good.

This was the most fascinating car of the night for me. A little Renault Alpine. I'm going to check the standings mid-week and see how it's doing. Looks absolutely fantastic.

I know VM loves his Lancias, so here's one I saw tonight (the only one, IIRC). Not quite his vintage, but still.....

Another Alfetta, but a 4cyl one this time, I think.

And I'm not sure what this is, but it's got face-bending speed written all over it.

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More to come shortly........

If you've got some time to spare, click here and listen to the latest Autoblog podcast, featuring quite a decent session with soon-to-be GM retiree, Bob Lutz.

I hate the guy's decisions when it came to Saab, but when you listen to him talk about the car business, he does make a lot of sense.

Recommended.

When I caught up with Victor Muller for an interview back in March, he was in Geneva and in transit from a jeweller's shop to the motor show.

Whilst I figured he might be arranging a new watch for personal use to celebrate the Saab acquisitioin, it seems he was most likely looking into these little numbers.

The press release from Spyker:

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SPYKER TIMEPIECES ON STARTING BLOCKS

Spyker Cars N.V., the exclusive Dutch luxury sportscar manufacturer, announced today a licensing Agreement with Expressions d'Artistes International, of Geneva, to design, manufacture and distribute on a worldwide basis an exclusive collection of high-luxury wristwatches entirely made in Geneva.

The Spyker Timepieces collection will consist of mechanical chronographs in 18K grey gold, 18K rose gold and steel. All timepieces will embody the sophisticated design attributes and manufacturing excellence that have made Spyker such an extraordinary super sports cars brand sought by motoring enthusiasts on all continents. Watch aficionados will be impressed by the time machines' many features, such as a Valjoux-powered chronograph with hand-made Spyker decorations on the movement and rotor.

Each creation will be individually numbered, and sport many features such as a date indicator, power reserve, a bouchonné bezel replicating a Spyker car's dashboard instrumentation panel, and equipped with a leather bracelet made of the same Hulshof leather found in the bolides bucket seats. A special edition model available exclusively for Spyker owners will be engraved with the corresponding chassis number from their vehicle. Retail prices will range from € 8,000 for the steel model to € 20,000 for the 18K gold models.

"I am thrilled that the Spyker brand and lifestyle values are now transposed at such a luxury level", said Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker-Saab. "Spyker Cars represent the ultimate level of luxury, design and performance in super sportscars. Being myself a longtime admirer of sophisticated mechanical watches, I have personally collaborated with the design and conception of the Spyker Timepieces. We are proud to grant this license to such a talented watch team led by Thierry Chaunu, CEO of EAI, who is a recognized expert in the field of horology and has his hands on every aspect of the production and distribution of this mechanical marvel."

Designed and entirely produced in Geneva, Spyker Timepieces will be available at carefully selected watch jewelers around the world who specialize in luxury and complex timepieces. "I have known Victor Muller for several years and have admired his achievements at Spyker", says Thierry Chaunu. "Connoisseurs of extraordinary cars and watches share the same passion: perfection in every aesthetic detail, extremely high performance levels, and unmatched degree in personalized service. Our mission is to provide owners of Spyker Timepieces the same pride, excitement and thrill they experience when driving a Spyker car!"

The official launch of Spyker Timepieces will take place during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race on June 15, where Spyker is competing (Spyker finished in 5th place in its GT2 class last year).

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It's noted there are already timepieces available in the Spyker collection, ranging from €6,925 to over €38,000.

Ummm. Wow.