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Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.
In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Last Lamborghini Diablo of the 20th century heads to auction

Even among rare sports cars, some examples are simply more special than others because of their place in history, and for Lamborghini fans this 1999 Diablo SV might be something truly exceptional. Silverstone Auctions claims this is the final Diablo SV and arguably the last "true" Lambo before Volkswagen Group's complete takeover. This Diablo SV left the factory on December 21, 1999, which made it the final Lamborghini of the 20th century. At that point, VW Group already had financial control over the Italian sportscar maker, but Silverstone Auctions claims the German company really asserted its power starting in 2000. Whether you want to consider this the final "true" Lamborghini or not, it's still a fantastic looking sports car. This right-hand drive example has covered about 32,200 miles and underwent a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013. Silverstone Auctions believes this is the only Diablo to wear this three-coat Pearl Red/Orange exterior color, and the interior upholstery is a mix of black leather and Alcantara. Silverstone Auctions will sell the Diablo at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show in Birmingham, England, on March 6. The company expects the sportscar to sell for 150,000 to 170,000 pounds ($218,000 to $247,000 at current rates). We're curious to see if the car's place in Lamborghini history has any effect on the sale price. LAST 'TRUE' LAMBORGHINI FOR AUCTION A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV, believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before Volkswagen took full ownership, will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions' sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show. An important piece of Lamborghini history, the car is also believed to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. It is estimated at between GBP150,000 and GBP170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 Teutonic efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Lamborghini Huracan gets sharp new factory appearance kits

If you, typical Lamborghini Huracan owner, aren't satisfied enough with the stock appearance of your $240,000 Italian sports car - and you know you aren't - the company has a solution. Rather than getting a tasteless gold-finish wrap or a set of oversized and overwrought Forgiato wheels, stick with factory-backed products. Lamborghini now offers three "After Sales" kits that add stripes, wings, and new wheels, all without voiding the warranty. Not that we'd know for sure, but it must be hard owning a Lamborghini. Especially when friends in Ferraris call it an overpriced Audi R8 (don't listen to them). Ordering one of Lamborghini's new kits is a surefire way to both set yourself apart and show you only trust high-quality, lightweight composite factory pieces like the matte black front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and fixed rear wing. For you, Liberty Walk will not do. In addition to all of the aero bits, Lamborghini offers an appearance package that adds two body-length stripes to the car, all without harming your Verde Mantis paint. While stripes and aero are fine, if you really want to impress your friends, you must opt for the center-locking wheel kit that replaces the plebeian five-lug hub. This racing-inspired option comes with Super Trofeo inspired black wheels, and you won't even need a new set of tires. Price? Well, you know what they say about asking. Related Video: Featured Gallery Lamborghini Huracan After Sales Kit News Source: Lamborghini Design/Style Lamborghini Supercars