Defying the global economic downturn, the Essen motor show and tuner extravaganza opens in Germany, a Pininfarina designer jumps ship and theres more on a faster, lighter Nissan GTR shows up again in the rumor mill. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.

aussieexotics.com (More information in above link) Glenn Ridge presents the Pagani Zonda Hairdresser spec version on Australia’s The Car Show, with Adam Kaplan. It’s great how he compares the torque to a Holden Astra :\

FORMORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS VISIT: www.kbb.com Saleen S5S Raptor. According to Saleen, a production version of their latest supercar concept could be on the road in two years, cost just shy of $200000, and go from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed beyond 200 mph. The 200-mph engine is a supercharged 5.0-liter engine that puts out 650 horsepower, 630 pound-feet of torque and runs on ethanol. That green-tinged energy is sent through a six-speed manual or optional paddle-shifting sequential transmission. Accompanying the bright yellow paint is a set of 20-inch wheels with a carbon fiber finish, sheltering big 15-inch brake rotors in front and 13-inchers at the rear. Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio walks around the latest Saleen with designer David Byron. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit kbb.com today.

Technical Director Frank Markus takes a look at Ford’s top dog Mustang, the Shelby GT500. Read the story here: www.motortrend.com

MORE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW @ INSIDELINE.COM: www.edmunds.com Audi’s big performance news for the 2009 Geneva Auto Show is the long-awaited launch of the TT RS, its high-output all-wheel-drive compact. Sadly, the car is “not approved for US launch,” according to Audi. The TT RS features a turbocharged 2.5-liter direct-injection five-cylinder engine rated at “far more than 300 hp,” the company said. The car will rocket from rest to 60 mph in well under 5.0 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The TT RS also will benefit from a number of chassis upgrades, including larger brakes. Audi, in its initial pre-show publicity blast, notes that the car will deliver “explosive acceleration, driving delight and unrivaled sound.”