Official: 2007 Fiat Bravo Launched - video

Italian automaker Fiat today finally launched the long awaited Fiat Bravo. The 2007 Fiat Bravo is replacing the company’s big flop, the Stilo. The car is a five-door hatchback with various engine sizes. The 1.9 liter Multijet produces 120 and 150 horsepower, the 1.4 liter produces 90 horsepower and the 1.4 liter turbocharged T-JET engine produces 120 and 150 horsepower as well.

The new Fiat Bravo aims to become the benchmark for what is the most important segment of the European market, which accounted for over 3,400,000 cars sold in 2006, or little more than one fifth of the total market.

The 2007 Fiat Bravo will be built at the plant in Piedimonte S. Germano (Frosinone) and its 3500 employees are preparing themselves enthusiastically to turn out an average of 120,000 cars a year, which will be marketed in 55 countries around the world, starting in 2007.

Video: Fiat Bravo Exterior:

Video: Fiat Bravo in Action:

Press Release

31/01/2007
Fiat Bravo
The model in brief
When Beauty encounters Substance

The new Fiat Bravo is a perfect balance of Beauty and Substance, another milestone in the process to update the brand’s product range. This extraordinary period of change is symbolised by the new logo that makes its debut on the front of this new model, with which Fiat will tackle the challenges of the future, without turning its back on its past century of history. This essential sign, full of references to tradition, was created to express ‘change in continuity’, and to represent from a modern viewpoint a human and technological heritage that few of the world’s carmakers can boast. Historical identity and state-of-the-art engineering skills, pride in its past and a renewed determination to innovate: this is the context in which the new Fiat Bravo was developed, a beautiful well-built Italian hatchback, which is agile, entertaining to drive, and competitive, thanks to the excellent balance between content and price. The new Fiat Bravo is ‘concrete beauty’, a car that reiterates the aesthetic canons of Italian styling tradition. It was designed to give customers the substance that comes from outstanding safety and reliability, coupled with the enjoyable, sporty driving style that the whole world expects from an Italian car.
The new model was presented in the spectacular setting of the Stadium of Marble in Rome, the Eternal City, in one of the most important examples of Neoclassical architecture. This beautiful stadium, which is inside the Foro Italico, was built in the 1930s by Renato Ricci (1896-1956), who decided to decorate the stands with an array of statues in Greek style produced by young sculptors who were unknown at the time. The end result is an extraordinary stadium where each figure, sculpted in white marble, embodies the power of an athletic movement in a form of refined beauty. One of the characteristics of Neoclassical art was to reproduce reality by taking Beauty as the ideal of perfection and balance, not just copying nature but trying to grasp its intrinsic essence.
The decision was a pondered one, because the goal of this artistic movement, which developed in Europe between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was to recover in a contemporary key the aesthetics, forms, noble materials, building techniques and artisan skills of Graeco-Roman tradition, the cradle of every subsequent artistic manifestation of Western culture: from literature to the theatre, music and architecture. The neoclassical artist did not improvise, but summed up tradition in every work, with exemplary control over his emotions, perfect mastery of his materials and a broad knowledge of history.
The choice of this site underlines an ideal parallel with the Bravo project. When they developed the project, the engineers, designers, technicians and marketing staff also set out to create a ‘new classic’: in the design, by references to the great Italian styling tradition; by respecting the ‘fundamentals’, such as the quality of the materials and the assembly, safety, and exploitability of space, and comfort, which have always decreed a car’s success; and finally, in the technological components and cutting edge engineering processes, including recourse to virtual development techniques that have made it possible to cut lead times and to check even the tiniest details related to quality and performance thousands of times.
Rigour and Love: the best way of creating a car

The launch is charged with other symbolism. The New Fiat Bravo project challenged accepted paradigms where the design and development of a new model are concerned, in terms of time and methodologies. This extraordinary result was achieved thanks to the rigorous integration of the best processes, and the application of the most advanced technologies, but above all the essential contribution of Fiat’s men and women, and the commitment, creativeness and love that they put into their work. To convey this immense undertaking, for the debut of the new Bravo, Fiat insisted on the extraordinary participation of the performers of ‘Le Cirque du Soleil’: a perfect organisation, but above all ‘the best artists in the world’, as the international press has described them. It is certainly one of the most extraordinary live performances on the planet.
‘Le Cirque du Soleil’ employs about 3000 people, and performers include numerous Olympic champions and former champions, who currently give life to 5 resident companies (all in the United States) and 6 touring companies that perform simultaneously all over the world, and are regularly sold out. The various shows share maniacal attention to the tiniest detail, because everything is done by hand and nothing is left to chance. It was the first time that ‘Le Cirque du Soleil’ has put on a performance in Italy designed specifically for a corporate event, in front of an audience of more than 6,000 journalists, dealers, suppliers and representatives of large client companies from 72 countries, plus 3000 children from Rome who attended the first night and enjoyed a magical dream come true.
The parallel with the Circus world is appropriate, because the circus is hard work, talent, and creativeness, preparation and dedication, professional skill and passion, coordination, collaboration and teamwork, dexterity and lightness, magic without tricks, a dream but not an illusion. Just like the project to develop a new car: months of hard work, involving hundreds of people, and a huge investment. A perfect mechanism, for a spectacle that leaves no space for pretence or for second chances. At the first turn of the key, everything must function perfectly, year in and year out, repeat after repeat.
‘Authentic Italian Beauty’

Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the model sets out to attract the public with its uncluttered, smooth lines, which on one hand confirm Fiat’s determination to create a new ‘family feeling’, beginning with the Grande Punto, while on the other hand they reinvent the stylistic elements of the great Italian car-making tradition, without exaggeration or stylistic excesses: authentic beauty in other words, that is reassuring and easy to understand. The raked, forward windscreen, the drop-shaped headlights, the sporty grille that frames the new logo, and even the colour chosen for the launch campaign, known as Maranello Red, which is a clear tribute to the best-known symbol of Italian automotive excellence: Ferrari.
The new Fiat Bravo is born from this cultural and stylistic heritage, a five-door saloon with a sleek, aggressive line, which is refined and compact at the same time. It is 434 centimetres long, 179 cm wide, and 149 cm high, with a wheelbase of 260 cm, and a loading capacity of 400 litres that tops its class.
The beautiful ‘dress’ made by Fiat contains all the substance of a car built to surprise in the category that rules the European market, to convince a clientele that considers the cars of this class as a real investment, because they are the family’s main car. The Bravo aims to make the difference in terms of quality, comfort, practicality and the versatility of the interior. Anyone who gets into the car will immediately be aware of the quality leap that everyone at Fiat was determined to achieve. The refinement of the materials and the colour combinations, the solidity, attention to detail and painstaking assembly, all represent a new standard for Fiat and a benchmark for the market.
Innovation, reliability and quality

Substance also means performance, safety and technology.
The launch of the new Fiat Bravo is also an opportunity to present the new family of turbocharged T-JET petrol engines (120 and 150 bhp 1.4 Turbo), which combine fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional performance, and now join the popular range of Multijet common rail turbodiesels (1.9 litres delivering 120 and 150 bhp) and the 90 bhp 1.4 16v petrol engine.
Comfort is enhanced by the pinpoint steering and excellent roadholding, and the choice of two tried and tested suspension systems which have been suitably modified and updated: an independent MacPherson system at the front, and a semi-independent torsion axle with interconnected wheels at the rear.
The Fiat Bravo was designed to score maximum points in passive and active safety tests, thanks to several airbags (as many as 7), three-point seat-belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and five head-restraints. Another aspect of safety regards the ‘Pedestrian impact’, which was taken into account during the design of the chassis, designed to maximise the absorption of this type of impact. The new model also features the most sophisticated electronic systems to monitor the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour, such as ABS complete with EBD, the sophisticated ESP system with a Hill Holder, and ASR anti-slip regulation.
The Fiat Bravo embodies new technologies, not only where engineering is concerned, but also in the use of electronics at the service of comfort and well-being on board. The best example of this is the new generation of the ‘Blue&Me’ system, known as ‘Blue&Me Nav’. This technology, which is a Fiat Group exclusive, developed with Microsoft, combines the functions of the first generation with a highly efficient pictogram navigation system, and access to a series of telematic services, that convey the true spirit of Fiat: simple, useful and at the right price.
The ‘dual-zone’ automatic climate system, a choice of two radios with specific Hi-Fi systems, the large panoramic opening sunroof, Cruise Control, a rain sensor, parking sensors and foglights with a self-adaptive cornering function, complete the array of equipment to customise the car, and to make life on board a pleasure for every occupant.
And finally, to underline the generosity of this project, the Fiat Bravo range will be broad and comprehensive right from its launch, with a choice of 5 engines, 12 elegant liveries and 4 outfit levels (Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Sport), all designed to offer the customer outstanding value for money.
Made in Italy, Sold around the world

The new Fiat Bravo aims to become the benchmark for what is the most important segment of the European market, which accounted for over 3,400,000 cars sold in 2006, or little more than one fifth of the total market (a value that has been practically constant since 2000).
It is clearly a very interesting segment but one that is also highly competitive, with about 30 different models, from full-liners and premium European, Asian and American manufacturers. We should also underline that the largest grouping in the medium sized saloon category is made up of 2-box saloons or hatchbacks, which account for over 71% of sales. About 25% of total sales for this category are destined to the corporate market, where qualities such as residual value, operating costs, reliability and price are important considerations. But these are areas in which the Fiat Bravo will be one of the most competitive models on the market. With these expectations, the long-established plant in Piedimonte S. Germano (Frosinone) and its 3500 employees are preparing themselves enthusiastically to turn out an average of 120,000 cars a year, which will be marketed in 55 countries around the world, starting in 2007.

Source: Fiat

First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen’s 50-state-compliant Jetta TDI will be among the cleanest diesels in the U.S.

Previews

Amid the looming hordes of European luxury automakers planning a North American compression-ignition invasion in the next couple years, humble Volkswagen has announced its plans to return the Jetta TDI to the diesel dogpile in the spring of 2008. Powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and either a six-speed manual or DSG automated manual transmission, the 2008 Jetta TDI will be cleared for sale in all fifty states.

Some of the earlier diesels to make it to our shores over the next few years will only be available in 45 states; California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont have all adopted stricter emissions regulations for diesels that bar some vehicles from entry. Using technology developed under the BlueTec cooperative formed by Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, the Jetta TDI will slip by these stricter regulations without resorting to a urea-based exhaust treatment, as many BlueTec labeled models will.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are, along with particulate emissions (soot), the biggest hurdles facing diesels in the U.S. Most BlueTec vehicles will control NOx by injecting a urea-based solution called AdBlue into the exhaust system upstream of a catalytic converter that specifically targets NOx. In that catalytic converter, the ammonia in the urea reacts with the NOx in the exhaust gas and neutralizes it into nitrogen and water.

Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI will manage without a urea injection system by using a NOx-storage catalyst. Like the particulate filters in place on this car as well as other diesels, this catalyst is basically a trap that temporarily holds the offensive emissions. Periodically, the engine will switch to a richer air-fuel mixture that will create a hotter exhaust gas and burn off the material in the traps.

From the driver’s seat, this rich-burn cycle is imperceptible. We had a chance to drive a near-production Jetta TDI and were pleasantly reassured by the transparency of not just the BlueTec technology keeping the car clean, but the diesel engine overall. Horsepower in this new 2.0-liter common-rail diesel engine is up 40% over the previous 1.9-liter four-cylinder, with torque up 33%. Those figures mean an increase in drivability of about 500%. With the previous engine, the best performance we managed to coax from a Jetta TDI was a sluggish 10.3 second 0-60 wheez. The additional power and torque produced by this new, cleaner engine bring that number down to somewhere in the low- to mid-eight second range. Under less aggressive feet, the TDI’s prodigious torque effortlessly whisks the Jetta away from stops and around traffic.

More Driving Impressions

Along with particulate and NOx emissions, BlueTec is rapidly abolishing that characteristic cylinder-full-of-pebbles diesel clatter as well. At idle, the driver has to be paying very close attention to notice that the engine underhood is popping diesel fuel rather than gasoline. Under acceleration, the exhaust sound is a little deeper and boomier than a gasoline Jetta, but not too noticeable to the average sorority member, a demographic that hoards transporter-loads of Jettas here in Ann Arbor. If they’re not used to running a gasoline engine up to redline (truncated in the diesel at just 4500 rpm), the only thing the Tri Delts will notice while driving the TDI is the inordinate number of leering stares they get at the diesel pumps.

Despite the BlueTec partnership, Volkswagen will refrain from using the BlueTec name on the Jetta TDI. Early information suggests that consumers associate BlueTec with Mercedes-Benz and incorrectly assume that a Volkswagen with a BlueTec badge is powered by a Mercedes engine.

Incidentally, to celebrate thirty years of selling diesels in the U.S. Volkswagen is searching for both the oldest and the highest-mileage diesel VWs still running their original engines. If you think your car could be a contender for one (or both) honors, go to www.vw.com starting March 1 to enter your car. VW is expecting at least one to be a 1977 Rabbit diesel. We know a guy who ran one at the 24 Hours of LeMons in October…

BY JARED GALL
www.caranddriver.com

Opel Meriva: Shooting Star in TÜV Report 2007

• Best in low defect rate category/Other Opel models climb in rankings in 2007
• Opel Managing Director Demant: “Our quality initiative is clearly reaping rewards”

The Opel Meriva debuts in TÜV report as favorite among TÜV engineers. The Opel bestseller has by far the lowest defect rate.

The Opel Meriva has achieved the lowest defect rate in the TÜV report 2007. Introduced in 2003 and now tested for the first time (first general inspection is three years after initial registration), the minivan immediately established itself as the top performer in this quality check. 113 different models with ages up to three years are indexed. Faults were only found in 1.8 percent of the bestselling Opel Merivas that were checked; the industry average was 5.9 percent.

“Our comprehensive quality initiative is clearly paying off,” says Hans H. Demant, Opel Managing Director. “There is hardly a better indicator than this success achieved by one of our newest models. And the overall results for the Opel model range show that we are on the right track.” Compared to last year’s results, almost all of Opel’s models improved significantly in the TÜV report 2007, both in the rankings as well as the defect rate percentages. In addition to the Meriva, the Corsa (4.4 percent), Vectra (4.5 percent), Agila (4.8 percent) and Astra (5.1 percent) are all better positioned than the industry average. This puts all the models in the low defect rate category.

The Meriva’s victory is even more significant considering that a model rarely achieves a defect rate of less than two percent, and the next placed competitors scored well over this figure. The TÜV report 2007 records the results of all general inspections that were conducted according to §29 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVZO) by TÜV test centers from July 2005 through June 2006. It is based on the results of over seven million vehicle checks during the reporting period.

The significant progress shown in the TÜV report 2007 is the result of General Motors’ global quality initiative. The important aspects of GM’s integrated quality philosophy are standardized development (Global Vehicle Development Process) and manufacturing processes (Global Manufacturing System). Five principles are applied in all plants: People involvement, Standardization, Built-in-quality, Short lead time and Continuous improvement. Every employee on the production line, for example, is obliged to stop production if a problem occurs that absolutely cannot be resolved within the specified cycle time.

In light of suppliers’ growing role in the manufacturing of cars, supplier quality is becoming more and more important. General Motors Europe supports suppliers with a team of more than 100 specialist engineers that works solely on preventing or solving possible quality problems of partners at their source. And with notable success: the percentage of supplier components that failed to meet the quality norms sank in the last years by 80 percent.

“The spotlight on quality continues to intensify and expand. To only focus on production quality would not be enough,” says Peter G. Dersley, GME Vice President responsible for Quality. “It is very clear to us that we can only make significant progress in the various aspects of quality when we also completely satisfy our customers regarding what we call perceptual quality and the entire image of the car.”

source: Opel

2007 Audi R8

(from Audi Press Release) Audi R8

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular sports car. Three years after the unveiling of the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, the production version will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the guise of the new Audi R8 mid-engined sports model.
It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminium body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.

The exterior

Even at first glance, the calibre of the car is plain to see. The Audi R8 sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.

The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit. This layout is a typical feature of race cars. One of the most striking examples of this design – and as such one of the legitimate antecedents of the Audi R8 – was, and still is, the Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car. The central position of the engine is above all a boon to driving dynamics, as it allows for a weight distribution, as on the R8, of 44 percent to the front and 56 percent to the rear.

The car's body is highly compact in appearance. The front end and the gently curved roof arc are drawn in a sweeping line; a line which immediately marks the two-seater out as an Audi.
The interior

The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

Form follows function: this design principle is implemented throughout the Audi R8. Alongside the driver-oriented architecture, also reflected in the styling of the side window sills, the choice of materials also makes for a highly functional look and feel. Looking around when in the driving seat makes one thing clear: just like in the R8 race car, the styling and placement of all the elements in the cockpit of this driving machine is focussed on the essentials. The centrepoint of everything is the driver.

The drive train

Turbine-like power up to the highest rev ranges, a high maximum torque, all combined with a fascinating sound, are the characteristics of a perfect sports car engine. An engine that is fascinating both in terms of its enormous power potential and its suitability for everyday use.

In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.

The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 301 km/h.

The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. The advantages of this principle are superior power output at high engine speeds and a smooth, eager responsiveness all across the revs range. Added to this are its agility, liveliness and engine sound, which is similar to that of a race car.

The chassis

The chassis features forged aluminium double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.

The reason for this is that these shock absorbers employ an innovative technology. Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used – in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Equipment and trim

Even the standard equipment of the Audi R8 meets the high demands of customers in this segment. Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras leaves virtually nothing to be desired. A Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers, delivers surround sound of the highest standard. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to manoeuvre into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format colour monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

A range of coordinated and ideally combinable design and leather trim packages from Audi and from quattro GmbH can turn any R8 into the customer’s personal dream car.

The wheels range offers design alternatives in sizes of 18 and 19 inches, fitted with 235/35 size tyres at the front and up to 295/30 at the rear. A total of eight exterior colours are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.

The craftsmanship

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process – from the bodyshell construction to final assembly – is organised in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, subjecting every part and component to intense scrutiny. This ensures that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built will more than match the customary high quality standards of the Audi product range.

The equipment specifications, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.

source: seriouswheels

2007 Lumma Design CLR 500 RS BMW M5

The Lumma Design CLR 500 RS is based on the BMW M5, and features:
carbon fiber hood, roof, and trunk;
a widebody kit with notable fender flares;
new front and rear aprons; side skirts, and more.

The engine features a power output of 552 hp.

The ZAP-X Crossover Electric Car: 155mph and 644 HP

Automotive pioneer ZAP announced plans to display Lotus Engineering''s advanced APX concept car at the North American Dealers Association annual meeting and exhibition, February 3 to 6, 2007, confirming their choice to move ahead using Lotus'' revolutionary platform and body structure design as the basis for the development of the high performance electric ZAP-X.

ZAP and Lotus Engineering will begin the first phase of an engineering project to use the British consultancy''s APX ("Aluminum Performance Crossover") as a basis for designing a production-ready electric all-wheel drive crossover high performance vehicle for ZAP in the USA market.

A combination of the lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture, a new efficient drive and advanced battery management systems is intended to enable a range of up to 350 miles between charges, with a rapid 10-minute recharging time. An auxiliary power unit is planned to support longer distance journeys.

Lotus'' APX''s conventional gasoline V6 engine will be replaced by revolutionary in-hub electric motors, delivering 644 horsepower in all wheel drive mode, theoretically capable of powering the ZAP-X to a potential top speed of 155mph. A new strong, lightweight and highly efficient structure based on the Lotus technology is planned to give the car a very attractive power-to-weight ratio.

Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP, said: "Lotus Engineering''s APX technology demonstrator vehicle is a perfect fit for our plans to introduce a full product portfolio of electric cars. Due to the initial design by Lotus, our cost and time to production will be significantly reduced. We believe that the ZAP-X will become the most advanced, most practical and most appealing flagship electric vehicle to date and will revolutionize the industry providing the driver with the enjoyment of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV."

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, said: "Lotus Engineering''s APX is a world-class innovative concept and was developed to showcase real solutions to new challenges facing the automotive industry. So it''s very satisfying that ZAP''s proposed new model will make use of a great deal of the APX concept''s advanced body structure and chassis technology. The bringing together of these next-generation vehicle technologies represents another significant step forward for automotive technology."

The APX showcases Lotus Engineering''s Versatile Vehicle Architecture technology, combining lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture with exceptionally strong and stiff structural rigidity, as well as lower manufacturing investment requirements. Having first been shown to the world at the Geneva motor show in 2006, the APX concept has won the 2006 European Aluminium Awards in the "Transport and Automotive" category.

The innovative placement of the power train leaves the space previously occupied by the conventional engine and drive train for additional battery capacity and amenities, making it a very consumer-oriented electric car concept. These design features will give the ZAP-X crossover the structural strength, and potentially storage and range that no electric vehicle has yet achieved publicly.

The development programme is proposed to be managed from a new centre of excellence for research and development of environmentally-friendly vehicle designs and technologies. Engineering input will come from Lotus Engineering Inc, and the British technology consultancy''s other R&D centers in the UK, Malaysia and China.

2007 Honda Natural Gas Vehicles Maintain Eligibility for Single-Occupant Use of California High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

Customers who purchase a Honda natural gas-powered vehicle continue to be eligible for single-occupant use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) lanes in California.

The 2007 Honda Civic GX is the only new vehicle that is eligible for consumers to register for single occupant HOV permits (AB 2628), now that the maximum number of 85,000 hybrid vehicle HOV permits have been issued. Consumers should refer to the California Air Resources Board''s website www.arb.ca.gov for further information.

"The single-occupant HOV permits reward consumers who purchase vehicles that achieve the highest levels of environmental performance," said John Mendel, senior vice president of
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda continues to be a leader in producing vehicles that set the standard for low emissions and fuel economy."

This leadership is underscored by the fact that Honda is the most fuel efficient car company in America according to EPA fuel economy ratings(1). High fuel economy has always been part of Honda''s strategy.

New Honda Civic GX buyers may also be eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit(2) when they file their tax return for the year in which the vehicle was purchased. Additionally, buyers of the natural gas vehicle home refueling appliance "Phill" are also eligible for up to a $1,000 tax credit. Phill allows consumers to refuel a natural gas-powered Civic GX from their home at a much lower fuel cost than gasoline.

Honda is currently the only manufacturer to market a natural gas passenger car to fleet operators nationwide and directly to consumers in the states of California and New York. The home refueling appliance "Phill" can also be leased in conjunction with the natural gas-powered Civic GX at certain California and New York Honda dealers.

First Drive: 2008 BMW 335i Convertible

Previews

The BMW 3-series is without question one of our favorite cars, reigning on our yearly 10Best Cars list for the past 16 years. The current and much-praised, fifth-generation E90 version is no doubt the best, and is among the most rewarding cars to drive at any price. For 2008, and to no one’s surprise, BMW is adding a convertible version, just as the company has for the past 20 years.

But, this is BMW’s first foray into the expanding, hardtop-convertible parade. Other notable features are a much-improved, rapid-shifting six-speed automatic; special reflective leather to keep the seats cool (up to 30 degrees cooler than conventional leather) when the top is down; and, of course, the spectacular 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six that was introduced in last year’s 335i coupe. In the U.S., the convertible will be offered as the aforementioned 300-hp 335i—the model we got an early drive in—as well as a 230-hp 328i when it goes on-sale at the end of March. Pricing isn’t yet finalized, but the convertible premium will likely not change much from the outgoing model’s, so expect to pay about $7000 more than comparable coupes; roughly $43,000 for the 328i and $48,000 for the 335i.

Changes from convertible to coupe in 23 seconds

Hardtop convertibles offer numerous advantages over their soft-top competitors, including coupe-like quietness and excellent visibility when the top is up. BMW reports that the rear side windows have grown 30 percent in the new 3-series convertible, while overall visibility is up 38 percent. To our eyes, visibility out of the convertible is essentially equivalent to that of the coupe.

Looks-wise, you probably won’t spot the new convertible by its 3-series-coupe-like front-end, but rather from the rear, where the coupe’s flowing roofline is replaced by a distinct line where the convertible’s roof meets the trunk.

BMW’s new top is a three-piece unit and, at the push of a center-console button or the key fob, stacks the front panel on top of the center panel, then the rear panel on top of both of those before disappearing into the trunk in 22 seconds. It takes a second longer to reverse the process, which is about seven seconds quicker than its closest competitor, the Volvo C70.

The downside of folding hardtops is that they’re heavy and that the top can hog most of the trunk space when down. In the 3-series’ case, the top itself adds 300 pounds, while the extra chassis reinforcements pack on another 150, so expect a 335i convertible to weigh about 4000 pounds. To BMW’s credit, however, the convertible retains a 50-50 weight distribution and is claimed to have 50-percent stiffer torsional rigidity than the previous 3-series convertible. From the driver’s seat, we can tell you that the new 3-series is among the stiffest in its class, with almost no perceptible quivers felt through either the seat or steering wheel.

The convertible’s 12-cubic-foot trunk is actually one cube larger than the coupe’s, but shrinks to 7 with the top down; still leaving usable space beneath the panels. That also compares favorably with the Volvo C70’s 13 cubic feet top-up and 6 top-down. However, the Volvo has a nifty loading feature that electronically motors the roof panels out of the way for easier access to the trunk space with the top down. On the BMW, that feature is optional (part of the $500 Comfort Access, which also includes keyless unlocking/locking and starting) and doesn’t work as well as there’s no button (instead you must click the key fob twice), and even then doesn’t make loading as easy as the Volvo does. However, the 3-series has a folding rear seat and a 16-inch-wide trunk pass through to accommodate the must-have set of golf clubs under the folded roof.

Driving Impressions

But how does it drive?

Has chopping the roof and adding weight spoiled the 3-series? Most definitely not. If anything, it’s just a touch less-edgy than the stiffer and lighter 335i coupe and sedan, but the convertible still dances up a twisty mountain road in a way that will satisfy the enthusiast.

The surprisingly linear, 300-hp 3.0-liter direct-injection twin-turbo six barks with a satisfactory, very un-turbo-like snarl and is the least compromised turbo engine we’ve ever driven. Naturally it doesn’t feel quite as strong as in the coupe; BMW predicts the convertible’s 0-to-60-mph times will be 0.2-second slower than comparable coupe’s. We blasted to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds in a 335i manual coupe, so that would put a manual 335i convertible at 5.1 seconds, and an automatic at 5.3. Still not exactly what you’d call slow.

While enthusiasts will probably prefer the standard six-speed manual transmission, opt for the new ZF six-speed automatic and the engine’s boosted nature is concealed even more, to a point that it’s basically indiscernible. BMW claims this new transmission shifts up to 40-percent quicker than other automatics, and even though it’s a conventional automatic with a torque converter its shift times are approaching those of automated manuals, such as BMW’s SMG. To us, this new automatic is up there with the Jaguar XK’s tranny as among the best; both of which are far better than the clunky SMG. And who wouldn’t want satisfying, right-now shifts without the bumbling between gears that happens with SMG? Wide-open-throttle upshifts happen with a reassuring kick approaching that of automated manuals.

As far as the 3-series’ convertibleness is concerned, we did over a hundred miles with the top down, optional wind blocker in place, and windows up. If there’s any degradation to structural rigidity with the top down, it’s minimal, and even at 80 to 85 mph the cabin is reasonably quiet. Perhaps better, we were able to stay warm with outside temperatures in the low- to mid-40s.

Other 3-series traits remain: Terrifically comfortable seats, with optional power bolster adjustment (you must try these); properly weighted and responsive steering that’s among the best; and a ride-handling balance its competitors would kill for.

The 3-series sedan, coupe, and now, convertible. You really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose. We’ll take a deep breath as we await the 400-hp, V-8–powered M3. How much better can the 3-series get?

BY DAVE VANDERWERP
www.caranddriver.com

2007 Gemballa Porsche Carrera Mirage GT

(from Gemballa Press Release) High-end-Tuning for the Carrera GT: Racing-look GEMBALLA Mirage GT with more power.

Around 1500 of Porsche's prestige product, the Carrera GT, have been built, all of which have now been sold. Owners worried about the individuality of their vehicle, in spite of its rareness, would be well-advised to make an appointment with GEMBALLA. Thanks to its expertise, as the only Porsche tuner GEMBALLA has comprehensively modified the high-tech car from Weissach, while at the same time adding an individual touch. In addition, performance addicts can obtain even more of what they want. The spectacular end product answers to the name of GEMBALLA Mirage GT and outshines its production-line counterpart in every respect.

The Carrera GT engine is a dream. A meaty 5.7-litre V10 boasting 612 horsepower. What more could one want? More power of course! GEMBALLA operates on the same principle as racing drivers: "You can never have too much power". By modifying the engine management electronics, GEMBALLA has been able to squeeze out a further 60 bhp of power and 20 Nm more torque for the V10, slicing off 0.1 seconds off the time it takes to go from 0 to 100 km/h. The added performance has also been aided by a new, fully stainless steel exhaust system that now resounds through four tail pipes instead of the standard two. GEMBALLA has positioned the two extra tail pipes where the reverse and fog warning lamps used to be. The tuning specialist has relocated the two lamps to beneath the rear diffuser.

Complete racing look

With the GEMBALLA BODY-CONCEPT, the Mirage GT looks like it is planning to enter the Le Mans 24-hour race. The most conspicuous change to the front are the additional air intakes on the new front spoiler. In addition, GEMBALLA embellished the component with a spoiler lip. The bonnet has also been replaced. In the area between the wheel housing and door GEMBALLA has replaced the standard side panels with its own mudguards, with reshaped openings which blend harmoniously with the original design. Down below, new side skirts lend the vehicle a muscular line. They also come with a cooling vent for the breaks at the rear. One thing is certain! The racing look is enhanced by the new rear skirt, with its aerodynamically optimised mid section for more downforce on the rear axle.

The lion's share of the extra downforce over the production-line vehicle is due to the mighty GEMBALLA rear wing that adorns the rear of the car. For better slowing, it comes with an brake-flap in the middle - like the kind seen on the Bugatti Veyron - which snaps up when the brakes are applied. The roof line of the GEMBALLA Mirage GT also starkly differs from the standard Carrera GT. The front section of an airbox has been integrated into the new GEMBALLA hardtop. This ends in an air duct that runs along the back of the tailgate installed by GEMBALLA and supplies the power-enhanced V10-engine with more air to breathe.

With the GEMBALLA body kit, the Mirage GT fits perfectly into the starting line-up of any FIA-GT race. Not least also because of the materials used by GEMBALLA - all parts of the body of the Mirage GT are made of carbon fibre; a material common in the world of racing.

The GEMBALLA Mirage GT also sports a high-tech pair of "shoes". GEMBALLA fits the three-part rims, with their fully-milled spoke wheel centre front (9.5 x 19Ѕ) and back (12.5 x 20"). Excellent road holding is guaranteed on the front axle by 265-35 R 19 tyres and on the rear axle by 335-30 R 20 tyres.

The motor sports look created on the outside thanks to the carbon components is resumed in the interior. GEMBALLA has restyled the central console, which likewise consists of this high-grade material. This is joined by countless other carbon components, such as, for example, the door cladding. GEMBALLA has also integrated a multimedia touch-screen information system into the central console. In addition, the passengers' senses of sight, smell and touch are also spoilt by the finest leather and luxury carpets. The modified steering wheel allows the driver to keep a strong grip on the reins of the GEMBALLA Mirage GT.

The Mirage GT is an impressive example of GEMBALLA's capability, and represents high-end tuning at its best. The cost of the comprehensive conversion, which can only be carried out by GEMBALLA, starts from EUR 229,800.

source: seriouswheels

STRUT Mercedes-Benz S550 Munich Collection

(from STRUT Press Release) The 2007 Mercedes S550 - Munich Collection offers owners of this high style and performance vehicle the ultimate in personalization.

Included in the Munich Collection is one woven crimped mesh front grille with STRUT shield attached, one lower air intake vent with STRUT shield attached, two crimped mesh hood vents and one STRUT trunk shield.

STRUT Cadillac Escalade Vail Collection

(from STRUT Press Release) The 2007 Cadillac Escalade Vail Collection has been designed for Escalade devotees who desire to customize their vehicle with a distinctive look that showcases the owner's flair for style.

Included in this collection is one crimped mesh front grille with STRUT shield attached, two side vents with STRUT shield, and one STRUT lift gate shield.

Preview: VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Compact Coupe Lineup for 2010

With compact coupes becoming so popular and the 2008 BMW 1-Series making so much noise in the auto industry, it seems like a lot of auto manufacturers are busy working on developing a compact coupe for 2010 releases. AutoBild has the full info and the and photo renderings of what we can see by 2010. Let’s take a look at the list by manufacturer.

Volkswagen Scirocco:

Scheduled to hit showrooms sometime in late 2008 or early 2009 the Volkswagen Scirocco will be a front-wheel drive compact coupe powered by a 210 horsepower TSI engine along with a top of the line all-wheel-drive 3.6-liter V6.

Audi A1 or Audi R4:

Now we’re not sure what Audi will lean towards here but the company has already confirmed production of an A1 which is expected to start in 2009. For the top of the line compact coupe speculations have been toward an Audi R4 (pictured above) which will have a 3.2 liter V6 engine producing up to 340 horsepower.

BMW 1-Series and M1:

BMW has already been making a lot of noise with its new 2008 BMW 1-Series but a top of the line M1 is speculated for 2010. The BMW M1, if produced will have 350 horsepower engine.

Mercedes C-Class Sportscoupe:

Mercedes has also received a lot of attention recently with their new 2008 Mercedes C-class sedan launch. With a photoshop image of the Mercedes C-Class coupe already generating some buzz, a compact coupe version of the car will built on the design of the new C-Class. A high-performing AMG version is expected that will produce up to 250 horsepower.

source: AutoBild

"TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz" Exclusive Automatic Chronograph

Limited-edition timepiece for sports car enthusiasts

“TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” automatic chronograph with five-row steel-link strap

The latest product of a long and fruitful partnership between Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH and the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, the new “TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” automatic chronograph combines the classical art of watchmaking with superior technology and exclusivity. The third chronograph to emerge from this collaboration will be available as from the summer in a limited edition of 3,500 pieces. The special hallmarks of this high-tech timepiece include the arrangement of the chronograph's buttons beside the dial, echoing the layout of the shift buttons on the automatic transmission selector lever in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren super sports car.

The “TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” mechanical automatic chronograph is perfectly matched to the needs and wishes of the sports car enthusiast. Its unique styling features afford this exceptional timepiece a special position in the upmarket segment. The buttons for the stopwatch functions guarantee simple and precise operation, being arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the dial and directly next to the outer bezel, where they are within especially easy reach. This sophisticated design, in the style of the shift buttons on the SLR, has been patented around the world by the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer.

The fixed, black bezel with engraved SLR logo is made from a high-grade titanium alloy and has a tachymeter scale for accurate speed measurement. With two presses of the button, it is possible to clock driving speeds of up to 400 km/h. The basis for calculation is a measured distance of precisely 1,000 metres, which can easily be read off from the kilometre posts on German motorways.

Another special feature is the additional, inner bezel with 60-minute scale, which can be rotated on either side using a flange and the secondary crown positioned at 9 o'clock, enabling, for example, rapid countdown using the minutes hand or measurement of a still remaining period of time.

Watertight down to 100 metres depth, easily readable dial

“TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” automatic chronograph with natural-rubber strap

The first-class workmanship and attractive design details emphasise the sporty character of the TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz. The 45-millimetre-diameter, brushed-steel case has polished edges and features to set off the elegant, ergonomic form of the timepiece. The screwed-on bottom of the case affords protection down to a water depth of 100 metres and carries the engraved “SLR” logo as well as a serial number.

The TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz is powered by the mechanical TAG Heuer Calibre 17 movement with automatic winder via a central rotor, chronograph function and date display.

The intricately styled black dial is superbly set off by the extremely tough and scratch-resistant sapphire glass, which is provided with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. A special polishing process gives rise to the dynamic spiral effect of the dial. Large, hand-finished appliqué double-index diamond hours markers ensure optimal readability even in poor visibility. The two counters are symmetrically arranged, at 9 o'clock for the 30-minute counter and at 3 o'clock for the permanently running, small seconds counter, both counters being bordered by polished, likewise hand-finished appliqué circles. The especially large date window is at 6 o'clock and has a decorative frame. The hands as well as the index markers are provided with luminescent coatings.

This distinctive chronograph is available in two versions of wrist strap. Reference CAG2111.BA0253 is the embodiment of masculinity with its five-row steel-link strap. Reference CAG211.FT6009 exhibits an unusual feature in that the natural-rubber strap moulds itself even more pliably to the wearer's wrist, recalling the design of the lateral air outlets on the SLR. In both versions, a folding clasp with pushbuttons and engraved SLR logo guarantees a secure fit, protection against unintentional opening as well as convenience of use.

The “TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” automatic chronograph will be available as from June 2007 through selected watch retailers.


source: DaimlerChrysler

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Video

The Hollywood Extra brings us a minute-long video of what will certainly be my next vehicle purchase; the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. When I wrote how it’s going to be at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, I noted how I’ll get the choice of a 270 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 or a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower. Each is offered with either a 6-speed manual transmission or Nissan’s advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT.) Also offered is a long list of user-friendly technology features, including Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system. I’m so excited!

Oh yeah, here’s the video:

source: automoblog

The new Maybach 62 S

The new flagship model in the Maybach line-up is the Maybach 62 S. The engineers in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingen have built the high-end Saloon for the most discerning requirements. And it’s a philosophy shared by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. “You shouldn’t take small steps if you want to achieve something great”, says the world’s fourth-richest man. For him luxury is an important aspect of his lifestyle. The streets and bazaars of the rich desert city
therefore provide the perfect backdrop to experience first-hand the new Maybach 62 S and its characteristics.

The "S" in the model designation stands for "Special" and draws attention to the fact that Maybach has incorporated many features requested by their highly discerning customers into the 62 S model. The result is a new dimension in travelling comfort, especially for the passengers in the generously proportioned rear compartment of the new high-end luxury saloon. Not to mention a prodigious power output thanks to the enhanced potency of the twelve-cylinder engine developing 450 kW/612 hp, making the new Maybach 62 S model the world''s most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in series production.

Following the immense success of the Maybach 57 S – which blends luxurious comfort with a sporty temperament and, on account of its dynamic sports car-like handling, is favoured by highly discerning customers who harbour a profound passion for motoring and a desire to drive the Maybach themselves – the Maybach 62 S is the fourth and latest model to join the Maybach range of luxury saloons. It is primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and meets the very highest of standards in terms of space and comfort – for a truly relaxing ride – and dynamism for saving that most precious of commodities: time. Precisely what is needed in these increasingly frenetic times.

Armed with this ideal combination of attributes, the Maybach 62 S sets new standards at the high end of the passenger car industry and also continues the tradition of the legendary Maybach saloons which represented the elite in German and international carmaking circles back in the 1920s and 1930s. Even then, many Maybach cars were built and equipped to be chauffeur-driven.

Dynamic elegance further emphasised by the exterior

Eye-catching exterior features accentuate the dynamic presence of the new Maybach 62 S and clearly distinguish it from the 62 model. These include a modified front end with a strikingly redesigned radiator grille as well as new, distinctive 20-inch spoked wheels and a modified light-cluster design. Like the 57 S model, the new Maybach 62 S boasts lavish single-tone paintwork in black or silver, both of which are available exclusively for the "S" models. Alternatively, customers can now specify a special paint finish in shimmering white. Discreet "62 S" lettering adorns the front wings beneath the A pillars and the boot lid, while a modified rear apron with two integral, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes hints strongly at the immense performance potential of the 62 S. Even when the car is at a standstill, the dynamic and elegant appearance puts the Maybach 62 S in a league of its own when it comes to luxurious chauffeur-driven cars.

Further enhance the interior

The contemporary Maybach interpretation of lavish luxury and consummate comfort and superlative dynamism is also reflected in the interior of the 62 S. Here high-grade materials are hand-finished to perfection for an intentionally distinctive and particularly exclusive look, all in inimitable Maybach style. Carefully coordinated applications of exquisite piano lacquer and sporty carbon create an atmosphere of exclusive elegance both in the rear compartment and in the driver''s direct field of vision and activity. Newly designed, high-grade leather upholstery tastefully accentuates this overall impression.

Twelve-cylinder powerplant and comfort-tuned chassis

Effortlessly superior performance in any situation comes courtesy of a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced V12 powerplant developing 45 kW/62 hp more than the engine specified for the Maybach 62. The twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 62 S has a displacement of six litres and an output of 450 kW/612 hp by virtue of a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available over a wide engine speed range between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This provides even the most sportily inclined of Maybach drivers with effortless power reserves at all times. With acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, the new Maybach 62 S impressively demonstrates its outstanding performance potential. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h in chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The exclusivity of the twelve-cylinder powerplant is underlined by a model plate on the cover bearing the personal signature of the Mercedes-AMG technician who assembled it by hand based on the now familiar "one man, one engine" principle.

In contrast to the sportier configuration of the 57 S models for owner-drivers, which features a stiffer chassis, the Maybach engineers decided to retain the full spring travel for the 62 S in order to achieve an outstanding, practically unsurpassed level of ride comfort? In terms of comfort, the chassis marks the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering. Yet it also offers a high degree of dynamic potential for reliably transferring the power to the road whatever the scenario. Hence the Maybach developers have succeeded in reconciling, to a near perfect degree, two very different requirements.

Honda Civic type R and type S

Individuality and practical use plus driving pleasure in pure culture. Its bold design, a thus far unequalled interior style in combination with the classic Honda virtues such as guaranteed driving pleasure together with brilliantly low fuel consumption – these are the factors that have made the hatch-back of the eighth Civic generation into the compact class success model.

"It is now time, " explained Yasuhisa Maekawa, Honda R & D Europe Chairman, and Vice-Chairman of Honda Motor Europe, "to expand the family again with the sporting Type S and Type R variants." And he promised: "Their names are in the program: S for Sport and R for Racing." Both the new 3-doors differ from the 5-door by their own design, special driving settings, and in the case of the Honda Type R a brilliant sporty engine – and guarantees an intoxicating blend of
exhilarating driving pleasure accompanied by exemplary everyday usability.

"The expansion of the product range," continued Maekawa, "is aimed at fulfilling the expectations of the younger and the young-at-heart customers, for whom an emphasized sporting vehicle character is of the greatest importance." Since the "old" Honda Civic Type R has achieved a huge circle of enthusiasts during the past years, with sales figures surpassing all forecasts, "And it would be foolish," said Maekawa, "not to comply with the wishes of these faithful customers." And on top of everything, this is sufficient reason for Honda to send the most extreme model of the Civic to the start line in three different versions for the first time.

Confident power and taut suspension settings

The Honda Civic Type S is powered by either a 1.8-litre petrol or a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both engines are rated at 140 HP. The suspension is stiffer than the 5-door and has a rear track which is 20 mm wider for higher stability. The Civic Type S becomes available in January.

The power source of the new Honda Civic Type R is the newest development stage of the 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine. The extensively improved engine, with an output of 201 HP, is nearly as powerful as in the preceding model, but is even more responsive. The substantially stiffer body – even in comparison with the 5-door model – and the suspension settings with the emphasis on sporting adjustment will only help to guarantee that the hottest Civic ever is a driving experience of a very special kind. This top sports model is in the dealers from March 2007.

Emphasised coupé-like styling

The silhouette of the new model is similar to the current Civic 5-door. The individual personality has been realised not by a radical change of line, but rather is characterised by a series of unique details. A more sharply tapering rear side window emphasizes the coupé rear end. The tapering shape of the rear side windows also provides a sleek profile. Bold side skirts, the noticeably widened track and the large-dimensioned wheels (17-inch on the Type S and 18-inch on the Type R) considerably heighten the dynamic look of the two sports cars. In addition, the doors, the rear side panels and the front and rear bumpers have been remodelled.

The special character of the Civic Type R is highlighted by well drawn-down body-coloured front and rear skirts, a rear spoiler plus a radiator grille with enlarged air intake. Type R logos on the front brake callipers enhance the overall sporting picture.

Spacious interior

In the Honda Civic Type R and the Type S, the interior layout is based on the same approach as in the Civic 5-door. In all Civic eighth-generation models individual design also provides a generous amount of space for the passengers. The unique concept with the fuel tank located centrally under the front Seat gives a low, flat rear floor in the back. With the rear seats folded down, the luggage compartment offers so much space that three mountain bikes (with their front wheels removed) can be accommodated. The stowage capacity behind the front seats amounts to 1,352 litres.

The rear seats feature special kinematics by which the back-rests can be lowered easily and with lightning speed. If the back-rest catch is released and the back-rest part moved forward, it is lowered so that a dead flat loading bay results. If required, even the luggage space can be partly enlarged. For this purpose, the rear Seat bench is split asymmetrically (60/40). Thanks to an effective mechanism with easy-running joints, returning it to its original position takes no effort. Beneath the level boot floor is a secondary 70 litre storage area – a suitable place for items that should always be carried but are seldom needed.

The Honda Civic Type S and the Type R have a fascia that is just as modern and functionally laid out as that of the 5-door. The most essential information is placed at the very top of the display and relatively far forward, which distracts the driver less from the actual traffic situation and requires the eyes to adapt less. Secondary information is spaced around this central focus. It is also always in the field of vision but without distracting the driver though excessive dominance.

Compared with the previous generation Civic, the steering wheel is set at a more upright and ergonomically advantageous angle. Both driver and front-seat passenger profit from extra legroom and greater freedom of movement in general on the front seats. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach.

The front seats of the Type S have different foam thicknesses at various parts of the Seat ensuring enhanced side grip with good seating comfort at the same time. The upholstery is covered with black Alcantara and decorated with silver-coloured stitching.

The Type R''s driver focused cabin

The interior of the Civic Type R combines elements from motor racing and from high-quality sports cars, thus providing a decent amount of comfort. Large black Alcantara bolsters with red stitching provide the driver and front Seat passenger with both good side grip and an ergonomically perfect sitting position. With their red fabric, the Seat cushions, backs and rear seats offer a visual contrast. The dials in the fascia are also red illuminated and set off by brushed metal switch panels. The steering wheel is covered in perforated leather with red stitching. The gear-shift knob, machined from aluminium, projects stylishly from a black leather boot – also with red stitching. An added touch of exclusivity is provided by the plaque engraved with the unique serial number of the Civic Type R.

Practical Storage Areas

Numerous storage areas and compartments enable you to accommodate driving accessories of various sizes. The glovebox itself has a capacity of 14 litres and contains a separate map pocket inside the damped lid. If required, the glove box can be provided with cold air from the air-conditioning unit, to keep snacks and drinks cool underway. The front door pockets are equipped to hold 500 ml bottles and maps.

The centre pocket is intended for smaller items such as a mobile phone, while there''s a double cup holder stored behind the cigarette lighter and ashtray. The centre console box is able to accommodate all sorts of small items, or a music library of up to 22 CDs.

Type S: Superior 140 HP output – a choice of petrol or diesel

The buyer of the new Type S can choose between two 140 HP (103 kW) engines. The petrol engine is a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC one, which has already made its debut in the Civic 5-door. The diesel unit is a modern 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine. Both are combined with 6-speed manual gearboxes whose careful spread of ratios exploits their potential to the full. Optionally available on the 1.8 Type S is Honda''s 6-speed automated manual transmission, i-SHIFT which offers the choice of automated changes or manual changes also via steering wheel mounted paddles.

Among the rev-happy 1.8-litre engine''s technical highlights are comprehensive friction-reduction measures and an innovative intake valve timing arrangement. During cruising and low load conditions, closure of the intake valves is retarded and the throttle valve is opened wide to minimise pumping losses. This allows the power-reducing throttle loss to be reduced. Since an open throttle valve would normally cause fierce acceleration, a technical trick is used. Delayed intake valve closure allows some of the air/fuel mixture to be momentarily expelled back out of the combustion chamber, preventing the speed from increasing. In comparison with conventional engineering, the use of this device produces considerable fuel economy.

In other aspects the i-VTEC system operates as it has in the past and switches the valve timing during acceleration to achieve powerful, torquey performance. A drive-by-wire system provides precise control of the throttle while the valve timing is switched over, ensuring the changes are imperceptible to the driver.

These technical enhancements combine to achieve class leading performance that''s on a par with a 2.0-litre engine. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of 8.9 seconds (i-SHIFT 10.9 seconds) and fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km (i-SHIFT 6.8) Combined, mean it establishes new standards for this size of engine.

The diesel engine''s advanced design and construction delivers a maximum torque of 340 Nm at just 2,000 rpm. It''s a transversely mounted, 4-cylinder unit, four valves per cylinder, balancer shaft, second generation common rail direct injection, and variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler. Combined cycle consumption is just 5.2 l/100 km, while this auto-ignition engine gives acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.
Type R: high-revving 2.0-litre engine

The Type R''s 2.0 litre DOHC i-VTEC naturally–aspirated engine featuring VTC variable inlet camshaft technology has undergone extensive reworking. It is now more responsive and, thanks to the new electronic throttle valve and the addition of a balancer shaft, is more smooth-running.

The engine continues to offer the same high torque and exciting driving experience as before, but the high rpm VTEC range is now broader and more accessible. The switch to long duration valve timing in the reworked engine covers the range from 5,400 to 8,000 rpm up to the peak power output of 201 HP. With previous engines, this output was available up to a speed of 7,900 rpm. The driver is informed of the cam change via an i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital speedometer.

The 100 km/h sprint comes up in 6.6 seconds and top speed is 235 km/h, performance figures that are identical to the Civic Type R in its previous incarnation, yet the engine''s delivery is now more harmonic.

Improved aerodynamics in comparison with its predecessor, combined with a gear ratio that makes better usage of the high-revving engine, ensure that the somewhat greater kerb weight is completely compensated for.

Suspension settings Type S and Type R

The surefooted handling of the Civic 5-door''s MacPherson strut/torsion beam chassis provided the ideal basis for the more sporty requirements of the latest Civic derivatives.

The Type S introduces revised spring and damper settings which deliver sharper chassis dynamics, while a 20 mm wider rear track and 17" light alloy wheels shod with 225/45 YR17 tyres provide enhanced grip.

The Type R''s overtly sporting character is reflected in an even more highly-tuned set up, with unique spring, damper and bush characteristics as well as a 15 mm reduced ride height. In addition, it takes the already stiff Civic body structure and introduces extra strengthening in the forward floor area, around the upper suspension mountings, and across the front of the engine bay to provide a rock-solid platform for even more responsive handling.

The Type R''s 18" alloy wheels and 225/40 YR18 tyres and exclusive steering-assist setting contribute to the car''s pin sharp responses to driver input. The ventilated front brake discs are 282 mm diameter on Type S models and 300 mm on Type R models. Both feature 260 mm solid discs at the rear.

Extensive safety measures

Civic Type S and Type R are equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle and brake systems.

Passive safety has always been paramount at Honda and as well as front, side and curtain SRS airbags and double pre-tensioners on the front seatbelts, Civic models have an innovative Seat belt reminder system for rear passengers displayed on the instrument panel. The SRS unit determines the status of each seatbelt buckle and sends the information to the display.

Active front Seat headrests on Type S play a key role in protecting against the unpleasant consequences of a rear-end collision. They are shot forward by the movement of the body and protectively hold the rear of the occupant''s head.

The Type R features large supportive headrests that are integral with the backs of the bucket seats.

Long Live Sport Lightweight Type R

A lightweight Type R will be available in the future especially for use in competition. To save weight, elements such as the audio system, rear load cover, engine undercover noise insulation material are deleted. The slimmed down version brings the weight down by an impressive 40 kilograms. In addition, the car can also be kitted out with a whole range of parts from JAS-Motorsport (see below).

Civic Type R race car

The Civic Type R has proved popular in European motor sport circles since its introduction in 2002. Honda is aiming for even greater success with the latest Type R and since June 2006, Italy-based JAS Motorsport, Honda''s official partner in customer racing support since 1998, has been working closely with Honda R&D to develop the new car to Group N, Group A and the new Group R specifications.

The programme has produced an exciting range of advanced racing parts for competition level racing, including the early availability of components for GrR, a new set of rules that FIA is intending to introduce in 2008, and which impose price restrictions on individual components for the first time. These components will also be homologated simultaneously in GrA, allowing drivers to race and gain experience in the GrA category in 2007 before the switch to GrR on 1 January 2008, without any additional cost.

In addition to this engineering relationship, JAS Motorsport continues to provide an extensive range of services to Honda racing customers, including a free of charge telephone advice facility and full racing support on race tracks and rally events.

Key components include suspension parts, 5 and 6-speed sequential gearboxes; reinforced driveshafts; an adjustable limited slip differential; a chrome molybdenum steel roll cage; lightweight carbon fibre interior parts (door panels, dashboard trims and floor panels); and a variety of engine components such as reprofiled camshafts and a programmable Engine Control Unit which also includes a competition data logger

Peugeot 207 CC: priced to open a new world for everyone

It was in the 1930s that Peugeot started the innovative concept of the coupé cabriolet, with the 601, 401 and 402 “Eclipse”. This concept was to become one of Peugeot’s trademark features and make the marque the No1 producer of coupé cabriolets, with today more than 500,000 vehicles sold worldwide.

The car that changed the UK convertible car market forever was the Peugeot 206 CC. Launched in the UK in January 2001, the 206 CC broke new ground with regards to technology, manufacturing and entry price.

It brought a coupé cabriolet with an electric folding roof into the price range of everyone, not justthe preserve of the luxury car market segment. Its introduction saw it transform the UK market for convertible cars and become the best-selling convertible car in the UK for three consecutive years. Its success, however, is worldwide and with more than 360,000 units produced it is the world’s best selling small coupé cabriolet.

With the launch of the Peugeot 207 CC in March 2007, it will replace the legendary Peugeot 206 CC.

The Peugeot 207 CC will be available at launch with two petrol engines and one diesel engine combined with two trim levels – Sport and GT. Both of the petrol engines have been developed as part of the co-operation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group and introduce technology not normally found in this market segment.

The first engine, and the one which is expected to be the most popular choice, is the 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine. This engine has greater performance across the range than the previous 1.6 litre petrol engine fitted to the 206 CC and with a combined drive cycle fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 8% and 7% respectively.

The second petrol engine is the class leading 1.6 litre 150 bhp THP petrol turbo-charged engine first seen in the 207 GT THP 150 hatchback. This engine offers incredible engine flexibility due to its maximum torque of 180 lb ft available from an engine speed of only 1400 rpm and its maximum power of 150 bhp at 5800 rpm. The use of an innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger, variable inlet valve timing and direct high-pressure fuel injection creates an engine with a remarkable balance between performance and low fuel consumption / emissions.

The final engine is Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi diesel engine producing 110 bhp which is also fitted with a diesel particulate emission filter (DPFS) so ensures excellent performance and low fuel consumption with emissions of only 136 g/km.

The 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox with “Porsche Tiptronic” sequential manual selection as well.

The new electric folding roof for the Peugeot 207 CC has been designed 100% in-house and is the result of Peugeot’s expertise in the design and manufacture of coupé cabriolets. It has been designed against a rigorous specification in terms of quality and operating durability.

With a similar operation to the 206 CC, the 207 CC roof, however, differs significantly in terms of convenience thanks to its entirely automatic operation – no more manual release handles. The only manual operation consists of pressing the control button for 25 seconds, during which time the opening or closing cycle is completed; after all four windows have been lowered automatically.

Class Leading Safety

The 207 CC offers its occupants a level of passive safety that is as comprehensive as possible. To limit injury as a result of a front or side impact, the structure of the Peugeot 207 CC has been specially strengthened to compensate for the absence of a “roof” superstructure.

To protect occupants when the 207 CC is in the cabriolet configuration an active roll-over protection system is a standard feature on all 207 CC models.

Five airbags, three of which have been designed specially for the 207 CC, are fitted as standard on all models to provide further protection for the occupants:

- Two adaptive front airbags;

- Two “head-chest” side airbags located in the side of the front seats;

- A steering column airbag designed to protect the driver’s lower limbs.

For child safety, the front passenger Seat of the 207 CC is equipped with a 3-point Isofix mounting system and the passenger airbag can be switched off, when a rear facing child Seat is used.

As a true 2+2, the 207 CC also offers two rear seats, a feature which genuinely distinguishes it from a strict two seater.

The 207 CC is therefore able to appeal to young couples with a child, avoiding the need for multiple cars, by offering the possibility of carrying one or even two people in the back for a short journey. The space created by the rear seats can also be used for hand luggage and coats, or to keep fragile items such as a bouquet of flowers in easy reach.

Larger than the outgoing 206 CC and with standard safety equipment normally only found on vehicles in a much more expensive market segment the 207 CC, like its predecessor, will once again write a new chapter in the history of small coupé cabriolets.

Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Prices

Model	CO2 g/km	On-the-road MRRP	Ins Group
Sport 1.6 16v 120	155	£14,795.00	8E
Sport 1.6 16v 120 Automatic	173	£15,795.00	8E
Sport HDi 110	136	£15,895.00	8E
GT 1.6 16v 120	155	£15,995.00	9E
GT 1.6 16v 120 Automatic	173	£16,995.00	9E
GT THP 150	171	£16,895.00	12E
GT HDi 110	136	£17,095.00	9E

Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels (16” or 17” depending on model), sports front seats, front fog lights, air conditioning (manual on Sport models, dual zone climate control with air conditioning on GT models), electrically operated / heated door mirrors, trip computer, sports front exterior styling, ESP (GT models, optional on Sport models), ABS with EBFD and EBA, body coloured door mirrors and handles, driver and passenger Seat height adjustment, steering

column adjustable for reach and rake, two active rear roll over protection bars, electric windows, remote control central locking with deadlocks, steering column airbag, side airbags, driver and passenger airbags, electric power steering…

A comprehensive range of options will be available for the 207 CC at launch.

Mazda3 MPS: the ultimate super-hatch is here

The new Mazda3 MPS, the fastest, best handling, best braking model in the hugely popular Mazda3 range, is now on sale in the UK, priced from just £18,995 on‑the‑road. Reaching the same heights of handling prowess as the Mazda6 MPS, Mazda RX-8 PZ special edition and the iconic Mazda MX-5, the Mazda3 MPS is being marketed in the UK as a single, fully specified and lavishly equipped model.

Highly sophisticated and remarkably refined, the Mazda3 MPS combines sensationally spirited performance – top speed is 155mph and 0-60mph takes just 6.1 seconds – with remarkable everyday practicality. Encompassing the true spirit of the UK’s favourite sportscar brand, theMazda3 MPS appeals to both the heart and the head and will be the perfect flagship for the Mazda3 range and the Mazda brand in the C-segment.

Each Mazda3 MPS is mechanically identical, while inside there are MPS-branded sports seats with black leather side bolsters and centre sections in black sports cloth. In addition, customers will be able to choose between four exterior paint colours – with mica or metallic finish.

Mazda3 MPS healthy waiting list

Mazda UK already has a healthy waiting list for this stunning newcomer and anticipates sales of between 700 and 1,000 units in a full year. The arrival of Mazda’s 155 mph ‘super‑hatch’ will also have a ‘halo’ effect on sales of the Mazda3 range which are expected to reach a total of around 14,000 in 2007.

“The Mazda3 MPS is designed for a global market and annual production of this model in Japan will be more than 10,000 units in 2007,” commented Mazda UK''s Managing Director Rob Lindley.

“In the UK, the sports hatchback market is both well established and more demanding in terms of styling. For this reason we have developed a Sports Aero kit, which includes a larger rear spoiler, two-spoke sports door mirrors and lowered suspension, to enhance the vehicle’s sporting prowess.

“Priced at £500 fully fitted, the Sports Aero kit will be available in Mazda showrooms from March 2007, and we expect around 70 per cent of Mazda3 MPS buyers will opt for this pack. Over time we expect all Mazda3 MPS models in the UK to feature the Sports Styling Pack as standard.”

A choice of four body colours will be available – two micas (Black and Cosmic Blue), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and one solid (True Red) – and every model will sport 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 10-spoke aluminium alloy wheels as standard.

Mazda targets User-Choosers with Performance ‘super-hatch’

Refined and sophisticated, the new Mazda3 MPS is the complete antithesis of the boy‑racer hot-hatch and will give both private and company car drivers the ultimate ‘Zoom‑Zoom’ experience in a compact package – taking the already potent performance of the current range-topping Mazda3 2.0i Sport model to an extraordinary new level.

“The Mazda3 MPS takes our brand’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy beyond our sports cars and applies that same spirit and performance to a model which has appeal to a much broader audience,” continued Lindley. “The Mazda3 has always been praised for its driving dynamics, handling and road holding and clearly has a chassis that can handle more power.

“Typical of Mazda’s engineering ethos, the Mazda3 MPS is a very complete package – not just in terms of its enhanced powertrain and chassis upgrades, but also with regard to its very high level of standard equipment. And alongside sensational performance it will of course retain the accessibility, practicality, reliability and build quality of its sister models.

“British motorists have had a long-term love affair with hot-hatches and our Mazda3 MPS ‘super-hatch’ will offer them an unbeatable combination of performance, refinement, equipment, value and exclusivity,” concluded Lindley.

The exciting Mazda3 MPS is Mazda''s highest performance hatchback and it gives fleet decision‑makers, company and private car drivers the opportunity to choose an alternative to the performance car offerings from prestigious European marques. With its exhilarating dynamics, practicality and unrivalled performance, the new Mazda3 MPS is the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated super-hatch.

Mazda3 MPS Price List

Model	PS	Estimated ''On the road'' Retail	CO2 Emissions (g/km)	Road Fund Licence Band	Insurance Group
2.3i	260	£18,995	231	G	17E
2.3i Sports Aero kit*	260	£19,495	231	G	17E

NB Final prices are ‘on the road’ prices and are inclusive of number plates, 12 months’ road fund licence and first registration tax.

*Optional Sports Aero kit comprises a larger rear spoiler, two-spoke sports door mirrors and lowered suspension.

Factory-fitted Options	RRP
Metallic / Mica Paint	£325

source: duemotori

Mazda3 MPS: the cheapest five-door super-hatch in UK

Mazda has company car user-choosers in its sights with the February showroom arrival of the super-hatch sector-busting Mazda3 MPS. Meanwhile, fleet operators will find that the Mazda is the cheapest five-door super-hatch on the market and residual values make it competitive with more established rivals.

The turbocharged 2.3 litre 260ps model will be the best performing super-hatch on sale in the UK. With a top speed of 155 mph and the ability to complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, the five-door model outguns all its rivals and is therefore set to add to Mazda’s distinction as Britain’s Favourite Sports Car Brand.

Buoyed by fleet demand for the Mazda6 MPS, which has the same engine, Mazda RX-8 four-seater sports coupé and iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster, Mazda fleet and remarketing director James Hopkins said: “The Mazda3 MPS is an important model as it reinforces our credentials as Britain’s Favourite Sports Car Brand as well as providing a ‘halo effect’ for the Mazda3 range and our entire vehicle portfolio.

“With fleet choice lists widening and an increasing number of fleet operators and company car drivers recognising the individuality, affordability, reliability and practicality of Mazda vehicles the launch of our first super-hatch will further boost our corporate sector sales.”

The Mazda3 MPS costs £18,995 on-the-road or £19,495 with a Sports Aero kit, which consists of a larger rear spoiler, two-spoke sports mirrors and an Eibach lowering suspension kit (the front is lowered by approximately 20-25 mm and the rear by about
10 mm).

Used car value experts at Glass’s Guide and CAP predict similar three-year/60,000 mile residual values for both models with ‘cash lost’ over the period from new lower than that for the established and more expensive Renault Megane 2.0 T Renaultsport 225 five-door and close to other rivals such as the £20,600 on-the-road Volkswagen Golf GTi five‑door and Vauxhall Astra VXR three-door.

Glass’s Guide forecasts that the Mazda3 MPS will depreciate by £11,622 over the period and the Sports Aero kit derivative by £11,947. That compares with, for example, depreciation on the Renault being £12,992, the Astra, which is only available as a three‑door, £11,532 and the Golf £11,472

The Guide predicts that the Mazda3 MPS – with or without Sports Aero kit – will retain 38 per cent of its value after three-years/60,000 and forecasting editor Jason King said: “Subtle styling belies the enormous power output and handling abilities of the car. A very high standard specification gives the discerning super-hatch buyer a real alternative to the established players in the sector.”

CAP Monitor has forecast residual value retention at 37 per cent for both models. Mazda expects 70 per cent of sales to be with the Sports Aero kit option and Martin Ward, manufacturer relationships manager at CAP, said: “I have driven the Mazda3 MPS extensively on all road types in Germany. On the autobahns it is spectacular at maximum speed. There is no doubt that the Mazda3 MPS is the most powerful super‑hatch in the marketplace.

“The standard model is a ‘wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing’ but user-choosers, who will be attracted to the Mazda3 MPS, should go for the Sports Aero kit option. This not only increases the differential from the standard Mazda3 but is, I believe, essential when it comes to resale because used car buyers will want the ‘bling’.”

Specification on the Mazda3 MPS includes: ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD); Emergency Brake Assist (EBA); Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS); Limited Slip front Differential (LSD); front, side and curtain airbags; 18-inch alloy wheels, sports bucket seats with leather trim, and BOSE® Premium audio system with 6-CD autochanger and seven speakers.

Ferrari's 60th anniversary: marathon round the world after announcement of 60th anniversary car

The marathon relay celebrating Ferrari’s 60th anniversary started this morning from the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at 10 a.m. local time. The relay will involve over 10,000 Ferrari owners and their cars of all ages. These will act as symbolic “bearers” of a specially commissioned relay baton adorned with 60 badges symbolising the most extraordinary events in the Marque’s 60-year history.

Abu Dhabi was chosen as the start point for the relay – which after the Middle East makes its way across China, Japan, Australia, South Africa, America and the whole of Europe – as a result of plans to build a major Ferrari theme park plus a motor racing circuit on the island of Yas in the most rapidly developing area of the Emirates’ capital.

Having left Abu Dhabi, the protagonists of the first leg of the relay headed for Dubai from where they will drive on to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. The marathon relay will end at Maranello on June 23rd. The participants in the tour will be received at the various Italian embassies in the countries they pass through en route to Maranello. Also on June 16th, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will host a special ceremony at the Palazzo della Farnesina in Rome during which there will be a charity auction by Ferrari, the proceeds of which will be donated to needy children.

The relay was officially started by Piero Ferrari, Vice President of Ferrari and son of founder Enzo Ferrari. In his speech, Ferrari spoke about his father and his brilliant intuition in creating a Marque that has become a symbol of Italian talent and exclusivity across the world. He also praised Luca di Montezemolo who has, over the last 15 years, returned Ferrari to the very pinnacle of the sporting and commercial worlds.

The launch of a special celebratory anniversary series of cars was also announced at the start of the relay. The series will consist of just 60 unique cars, each one linked to one of the 60 most important events in the Prancing Horse’s history, from the World titles won by Ascari and Schumacher to the launch of epoch-making models such as the GTO, the F40 and the Enzo, and also the people who have headed the company to the present day.

(Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 60th Anniversary)

Ferrari embarks upon this 12 months of celebrations having just ended an exceptionally brilliant financial year that saw the Company post revenues of €1,447 million (+12.3% on 2005’s takings) resulting in a trading profit of €183 million (+17%) and 5,650 deliveries to its worldwide dealership network, a new record.

The Relay Baton

The relay baton was designed and created to symbolise Ferrari’s history and is topped by a dazzling platinum and diamond Prancing Horse made by Damiani. It also features 60 enamel symbols designed by the Intesta e D’Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli and BBDO advertising agencies, and by creative talents Alessandro Migliorini of Area Creativa, Marco Morosini, Enzo Naso of the eponymous studio and Wolfgang Seidl of Seidldesign.

Ferrari Theme Park

Scheduled to open in 2009, the new Ferrari Theme Park will cover a massive 250,000 sq m and will feature 24 themed attractions for all the family, including a 70-metre-high G-Force Tower and a twin rollercoaster ride that for the first time allows races against each other. Moreover, there are go-karting, rally driving and dune buggy tracks, and a vast array of food and beverage outlets.

In addition to the Ferrari Park, however, the 2,500-hectare Yas Island will also host a motor racing circuit, signature hotels, apartments, villas, a wide selection of restaurants, a retail area of about 300,000 sq m, golf courses, a water park, a tourist marina, a hotel overlooking the lagoon and numerous food and beverage outlets that will create a unique international tourist destination.

The Ferrari Theme Park project and construction, as well as the whole Yas Island development is by Aldar Properties, and the total investment for the Park is of around US$600 million.

60 unique Ferraris

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Ferrari will build a series of 60 truly unique cars. These will be based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse’s range-topping Granturismo which combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuous handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail.

The cars will be offered with a two-tone livery in a combination of classic Ferrari colours as used on some of the Prancing Horse’s most memorable models. The interior appointments will feature sophisticated colour combinations and a stunning new-generation electrochromic glass roof, itself a major innovation. The degree of opacity of the roof, in fact, can be adjusted to suit the occupants’ requirements.

To underline the exclusivity of this series of one-offs, each example will also boast an enamelled symbol set on the central tunnel representing one of the 60 historic events chosen to celebrate the Marque’s anniversary.

The result is a true collector’s car aimed at Ferrari’s most dedicated clients.

source: duemotori

Autobeat Blog will come with new look and functionality

We are working on new look of our blog, to make it easy to use. We also going to open community forums to discuss car industry news, car models, repair and tuning.

If you have any ideas, about what do you want to see on new site, what do you want to talk about – we are glad to hear from you. Please, leave your ideas in comments.

Thank you,
Autobeat Blog and Automedius team

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

Motor-racing blood coursing through its veins

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition displays thoroughbred motor-racing credentials. Featuring more than 300 modified components, the super sports car serves up a boost in output, more dynamic chassis tuning, improved aerodynamics and distinctly sporty interior appointments to thrill even the most demanding of sports-car enthusiasts.

The flawless roads which today lead through the desert next to Dubai are ideal for demonstrating the pedigree sporting performance that characterises the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. Dubai is the up-and-coming business centre of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the setting for the world's most ambitious construction projects, including the man-made "Palm Jumeirah" island, and over the course of recent decades many wealthy sheikhs have become avid automobile aficionados. It is this flair for the exceptional that links the desert city on the Persian Gulf and its inhabitants with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition premium sports car.

The new SLR 722 Edition model variant from Mercedes-Benz evokes memories of a particularly special victory achieved in 1955 by the British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-pilot Dennis Jenkinson at Mille Miglia – the classic Italian endurance race – behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz 300 SLR with start number 722 (denoting the car's start time of 7.22 a.m.). Boasting an impressive output of 478 kW/650 hp, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only outperforms its historic forefather, it even outstrips the scintillating peak performance of the current SLR model. The new limited-edition series – only 150 models are being produced, for the most part handcrafted, at the McLaren Formula 1 works in Woking – is the brand's response to calls from highly discerning SLR customers for even more sportiness combined with the same high level of everyday practicality.

At the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, Germany, based on the "One man, one engine" principle. Among the high-performance powerplant's major strengths are its exceptionally spontaneous response to accelerator pedal movements, high torque and that unmistakable V8 sound.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

Crankcase with dry-sump lubrication

The powerplant's entire engine block with its enclosed crankcase sump is made from cast aluminium. Each crankshaft is precision-weighted and revolves in five bearings made from a high-durability material to enable sustained transmission of the tremendous forces emanating from the supercharged engine.

The forged pistons are only manufactured in extremely small numbers. Just like the forged lightweight connecting rods, the pistons are measured and weighed with utmost accuracy before being assigned to individual engines. This keeps any mass balancing tolerances to an absolute minimum. The pistons slide inside extremely durable, wear-resistant, low-friction cylinder barrels made from a special compound which is otherwise only found in race car engines. Twin oil injection is used for effective piston cooling.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The oil cooling technology employed for the power unit as a whole also draws on the brand's racetrack experience: a sophisticated dry-sump lubrication system with a capacity of around eleven litres combines with a five-speed oil suction pump and a two-speed oil pressure pump to guarantee reliable lubrication under all driving conditions. One important knock-on effect of this dry-sump lubrication technology, which is again normally exclusive to race cars, is that the engine height can be kept low, allowing it to be installed deeper down in the engine compartment: the result is a low centre of gravity that fosters dynamic handling.

Screw compressor power

Efficient cylinder charging is the task of a belt-driven compressor with two screw-shaped aluminium rotors that are Teflon-coated in the interests of keeping friction low. In order to keep the engine running as efficiently as possible at all times, the AMG engineers have devised an intelligent engine management system which independently determines when to deploy the screw compressor as the engine's rev speed and load change. Consequently, the supercharger is only called into action when it is really needed. Notwithstanding this, however, maximum power is always available the instant the driver summons it by opening the throttle.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

Apart from the compressor, the engine's electronics monitor all of the other variables which are relevant to its operation. At the same time, they ensure optimum operation of the intercoolers' water circuit. After all, efficient cooling of the charge air is a vital ingredient for high performance.

The intercoolers operate based on the extremely efficient air-to-water heat exchanger principle: the air which has been compressed by the compressor, causing it to heat up, is directed through a separate water circuit to cool it down again. This enables the eight-cylinder powerplant to maximise its output and torque delivery.

Manual transmission mode for shift times worthy of a race car

High performance has also been ingrained into the five-speed automatic transmission, which was developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz and has already featured in a number of exceptionally powerful models. It has been optimised to enable it to handle the awesome torque on tap and also offers drivers the possibility of varying the gearshift characteristics. The transmission directs the engine's power to the differential and the rear wheels via a precision balanced drive train made from aluminium and steel.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The interplay of the engine with the gearshift was also subject to modification. For each of the individually selectable transmission modes – M (Manual) and S (Sport) on the one hand and C (Comfort) on the other – there is now a different accelerator pedal characteristic curve, which has been optimised in line with the varying operating conditions.

The end result is an extremely impressive set of performance figures, even by high-end super sports car standards: the SLR 722 Edition completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.6 seconds (SLR 3.8 seconds), with the speedometer needle proceeding to pass the 200 km/h mark in a mere 10.2 seconds (SLR 10.6 seconds) and the 300 km/h mark in just 28.0 seconds (SLR 28.8 seconds). Plus, the top speed of 337 km/h is even higher than that of the current SLR (334 km/h).

New chassis set-up for further enhanced handling dynamics

One of the main driving forces behind the enhanced performance of the SLR 722 Edition is the retuned chassis. Development work at McLaren's Formula 1 headquarters was based on the set-up of the SLR's proven aluminium chassis, that is itself the handiwork of experienced race car developers: wheel guidance is the task of double wishbones at both the front and rear. The bottom links are arranged in such a way that the wheels receive a negative camber when the springs compress or when cornering at speed. This guarantees optimum contact with the road in any situation. Meanwhile, the axle technology also minimises the degree of diving and squatting while braking heavily and accelerating respectively.

The axle's wishbones are made from forged aluminium, while cast aluminium is used for the wheel carriers. This lightweight material boasts a host of advantages compared to conventional steel constructions, including the far superior response of the suspension and damping that results from the reduced weight.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The relatively long wheelbase of 2700 millimetres likewise contributes to the exemplary handling characteristics, with the most notable benefit being the outstanding straight-line stability, while the wide track combines with the low centre of gravity to enable high cornering speeds.

The chassis construction has the anti-roll bar positioned above the front axle where it is controlled via rocker arms, just like on a Formula 1 car. With this set-up, the anti-roll bar does not take up any additional installation space. In this way, the smooth lines of the underside of the vehicle are not disrupted, which is vital for the sports car's outstanding aerodynamic characteristics.

In the first phase of chassis development for the Mercedes-Benz McLaren 722 Edition, various combinations of chassis parameters, such as springing and damping, underwent a series of tests on the Formula 1 dynamometer in Woking. Then the Mercedes-Benz and McLaren engineers made further refinements and finalised the new set-up by performing an extensive series of tests on the road and, above all, on the race track.

The stiffer spring rates and shock absorber characteristics of the chassis as well as the lowering of the body by 10 mm at both the front and rear are what gives the SLR 722 Edition its increased directional stability and noticeably further enhanced handling dynamics. Body roll on bends has been reduced by over 20 percent, allowing the new SLR 722 Edition to corner at even greater speeds.

New 19-inch forged aluminium wheels also help to improve the handling dynamics of the special-edition model, their unique, palladium grey design highlighting the car's motor-racing heritage. Their lower weight compared to conventional wheels reduces the unsprung masses, making the responsiveness of the SLR 722 Edition all the sharper. Plus, the 19-inch wheels allow larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm to be fitted on the front axle. Hailing from the Italian manufacturer "Brembo", the new braking system combines with the carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic discs to provide formidable decelerating power which is fully in keeping with the SLR 722 Edition's scintillating all-round performance. Exhaustive testing was carried out to develop a new ESP® control system for this new brake configuration.

High-tech material for exemplary safety and maximum strength

The high-performance sports car's bodyshell bristles with high tech. The entire bodyshell, including the crash structures at the front and rear, the occupant cell, the swing-wing doors and the bonnet, is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). This lightweight yet, at the same time, extremely rigid material is a technology borrowed from the aviation and space travel industry and has already proven its worth in ultra-sophisticated Formula 1 race cars. Despite the weight-saving of 50 percent that this high-tech material represents compared to steel, it is just as strong, which allowed the engineers to focus on achieving the body's enormous strength.

Plus, in the event of an impact, carbon fibres have a specific energy absorption that is some four to five time higher than steel or aluminium. Mercedes-Benz has capitalised on this material property by also fitting two 620-millimetre-long side member elements made from carbon fibre in the front structure of the SLR 722 Edition; these are capable of absorbing all of the impact energy in a head-on collision without exceeding the maximum levels of deceleration that the occupants are able to withstand. In the event of an impact, the fibres of these two elements tear from front to rear to crumple in a carefully predetermined manner and thereby produce a constant rate of deceleration.

The super sports car's occupant cell is likewise made from this high-tech material, offering passengers a very rigid and therefore safe survival space in an accident. At the rear of the car, the task of absorbing energy in a crash falls to two internal side members made from laminated carbon fibre and a sturdy cross member, which together ensure that the occupant cell remains virtually intact. The occupant protection system also encompasses adaptive front airbags, which are deployed in two stages depending on the severity of the impact, head/thorax bags and knee bags, as well as seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

An aerodynamic work of art: even more downforce and an improved cd figure

Around 100 hours of meticulous work in the wind tunnel also helped boost the performance of the SLR 722 Edition. Here the developers performed yet another technical masterstroke by increasing downforce whilst at the same time reducing the cd (drag coefficient) figure. It's all thanks to the air-splitter at the front end of the SLR 722 Edition. Consisting of carbon with a clear-coat finish, the distinctively shaped spoiler lip not only enhances aerodynamics, it also increases the downforce at the front axle by 128 percent. Small wheel spoilers, also finished in carbon, reduce air swirl at the rear axle, making for a smoother airflow and optimising road feel. The spoilers combine with the airbrake at the rear to produce a further substantial gain in the downforce acting at the rear axle of the new SLR 722 Edition. The result is even more precise handling and turn-in at high speeds.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The rear-mounted airbrake is designed to optimise directional stability and braking power: when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, it automatically rises up at an angle that has been adjusted in line with the extremely dynamic performance of the new model. If the driver hits the brakes hard at high speed, the airbrake tilts up into the airstream automatically. This dynamic modification increases rear-axle downforce within a fraction of a second, thus partially compensating for the dynamic axle load distribution during braking, which presses towards the front axle.

A further factor which contributes to the distinctly sports-oriented configuration is the weight of the SLR 722 Edition, which the engineers have managed to reduce by around 44 kg. A lighter oil tank and damper bodies made from aluminium, which have the added benefit of improving the vibration response of the unsprung masses, contribute to this weight loss. Last but not least, optimised panelling and insulating materials also have a positive effect on the vehicle weight. Yet for all these measures, the high levels of comfort, safety and practicality that have become Mercedes hallmarks remain unaffected.

Sporty design through and through

In terms of exterior design, the SLR 722 Edition features discreet sporty touches, thereby satisfying the desires of keen gentleman drivers and affluent sports-car collectors – the core target group – to the letter. The new-look 19-inch light-alloy wheels afford a perfect view of the red-painted brake callipers and the large brake discs, emphasising the sheer power and performance that underpins every aspect of the SLR 722 Edition. In addition, individual components in carbon with a clear-coat finish highlight the close ties with Formula 1. Plus, the grille-style design of the black-painted air outlets on the bonnet, not to mention the front and rear light clusters with their palladium grey surrounds, blend in perfectly with the carbon-fibre look. The SLR 722 Edition is available with a crystal antimony grey paint finish which creates a vivid impression of depth and produces an extremely intensive-looking surface structure.

Moving inside, the sports bucket seats, upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, offer excellent lateral support, while the colour contrast provided by the distinctive "300 SL red" stitching throughout the interior, the 722 insignia on the head restraints and the red seat belts is designed for added visual impact. The attractive material mix comprising semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, which gives the interior its characteristic look and feel, also features prominently on the roof lining and door panels. Frequently used controls, such as the shift lever and handbrake lever, are trimmed in easy-grip, moisture-absorbing suede. The sporty design philosophy that is at the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is also reflected by the widespread use of carbon throughout the interior. This material, straight from the world of Formula 1, lends the centre console an extremely puristic look.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

The restyled instrument cluster focuses the driver's attention on the key vehicle data, comprising classic-style round dials with a signal-red background. The functionality of the multifunction display is given an extra sporty touch in the form of the AMG RACETIMER. Finally, the designers paid special attention to the steering wheel as the key link between driver and car: with its combined leather/suede trim, the rim is extremely easy to grip and helps the driver to stay in complete control when performing high-speed manoeuvres, as do the new aluminium shift paddles.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 EDITION

Engine

No. of cylinders/arrangement		8/V, 3 valves per cylinder
Displacement	cc	5439
Bore x stroke	mm	97.0 x 92.0
Rated output	kW/hp	478/650 at 6500 rpm
Rated torque	Nm	820 at 4000 rpm
Compression ratio		8.8 : 1
Mixture formation		Microprocessor-controlled petrol injection with hot-film airmass sensor; compressor supercharging

Power transfer

Transmission		AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic
Ratios	Final drive 1st gear 2nd gear 3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear Reverse gear	3.06 3.56 2.19 1.41 1.0 0.831 3.17/1.93

Chassis

Wheels	Front: 9.0 J x 19 ET 45; rear: 11.5 J x 19 ET 44
Tyres	Front: 255/35 19; rear: 295/30 ZR 19

Dimensions and weights

Wheelbase	mm	2700
Track width front/rear	mm	1638/1569
Total – length	mm	4656
– width	mm	1908
– height	mm	1251
Turning circle	m	12.2
Boot capacity max.*	l	272
EC kerb weight	kg	1724
Payload	kg	284
Gross vehicle weight	kg	1940
Tank capacity/incl. reserve	l	97.6/12

Performance and fuel consumption

Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	3.6
Max. speed	km/h	337

*In accordance with VDA measuring method

Source: Mercedes-Benz

smart fortwo, Unique Car Popularized in 'The Da Vinci Code' Movie, To Be Formally Introduced to Midwest by Windy City Smart Car

Models Displayed, May Be Driven at January 30 News Conference in Chicago

Two smart fortwos

smart fortwo, the popular, safe, environmentally superior automobile sold in 36 countries but not the U.S., is being formally introduced for the first time ever to Chicago and the Midwest on Tuesday, January 30 by independent distributor Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest, LLC, Palatine.

Several models, including the smart fortwo Passion coupe and smart fortwo cabriolet convertible, will be unveiled at an 11:00 a.m. press conference at the film and television studios of Golan Productions, 1501 N. Magnolia (three blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway and a half block south of North Avenue). smart fortwo is featured in "The Da Vinci Code" motion picture.

The car's introduction to Chicago comes a year or two ahead of smart fortwo's official entry into the U.S. The smart fortwo, a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes, is made U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation compliant for Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest at a Los Angeles conversion company.

Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest officially have been taking orders for the automobile since January 2, said George Kiebala, owner of both companies. He added that delivery to customers takes two to eight weeks depending on options selected.

Measuring just over eight feet in length and getting 50 miles per gallon, more than 750,000 smart fortwo vehicles have been sold around the world.

Boasting 50 miles per gallon (Edmunds.com observed 58 mpg on the highway) using 87 Octane regular gasoline, smart fortwo is one of the most efficient internal combustion vehicles on the road today, rivaling the efficiency of U.S. hybrids. The car is easy to park and maneuver and is electronically governed to obtain speeds of 85 miles per hour.

Specially designed for safety, the sophisticated Tridion hemispherical steel safety cell is the highlight of the vehicle's safety management system, providing unparalleled driver and passenger protection. This hard shell surrounds the car's occupants like a walnut, with an energy absorbing system of longitudinal and transverse structural members. The steering column electronically retracts telescopically upon impact, minimizing the likelihood of injury.

"The name, smart, is extremely appropriate for this car as it actually learns the driver's shifting habits to improve gas mileage," said Kiebala.

Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest list the smart fortwo coupe for $26,850, and is including the CD, radio, air conditioning, and four-year, 50,000 mile, bumper to bumper warranty, in addition to driver's side and passenger side air bags as standard. The cabriolet lists for $29,800.

"You can even buy up to eight additional colors and swap the body panels yourself as one might change watches for different occasions," said Kiebala.

For more information contact Windy City Smart Car, (847) 241-5242, http://www.windycitysmartcar.com/ .

source: Windy City Smart Car

2007 Jaguar XJ Voted Luxury Car of the Year in the 2007 Business Car Awards

2007 Jaguar XJ 'Luxury Car of the Year'

The 2007 Jaguar XJ has been named 'Luxury Car of the Year' for the second consecutive year at the Business Car Awards 2007. Voted solely by Business Car readers, the 2007 Jaguar XJ was first choice over competition from BMW, Audi and Lexus. Geoff Cousins, Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK said: "We are delighted to win this award for the second year running, particularly as it was voted for exclusively by Business Car readers. This recognition reinforces the growing sales success of XJ in the UK market demonstrated by a 23% increase in 2006, compared with 2005. With the introduction of the diesel engine in 2005, the XJ has become a much more competitive vehicle in both the fleet and retail market."

Tristan Young, Editor-in-Chief at Business Car said: "Despite the launch of a new Mercedes S-class in the past year, Jaguar’s XJ still took the honours in this class. There may not be many cars that qualify under the ‘luxury car’ heading, but that doesn’t mean the competition isn’t tough. In fact, at this level competition is arguably tougher than many other segments. For luxury car buyers things have to be just about perfect and the XJ has been voted most perfect."

In the UK, the Jaguar XJ boasts just over 20% share of the large luxury segment and has historically outsold all of its major competitors since launch in 2002.

Additionally, with the recent introduction of the 2.7 litre diesel engine into the XJ Long Wheelbase, Jaguar has now become a strong competitor in the UK's ever expanding chauffeur market. In fact, Jaguar will shortly be launching a dedicated programme targeting chauffeuring companies in the UK.

In London alone, over £36 million was spent last year on chauffeur vehicles making it one of the strongest sectors of the luxury car market. The petrol-powered XJ Long Wheelbase costs significantly less than its nearest competitor, so with the addition of Jaguar's economical diesel engine in the lightweight aluminium XJ, it becomes an even more attractive proposition.

Jaguar dealers have also been praised by corporate customers in the seventh annual Sewells Fleet Operator Attitude Survey. The Jaguar dealer network was rated highest among customers recording a 74% satisfaction rating against an industry average of 67%. Jaguar dealers came out on top when considering initial expression of interest, vehicle delivery and aftersales service.

Other notable awards for the Jaguar XJ include 'Best Luxury Car' at the 2006 Fleet World Honours, 'Diesel Car of the Year' at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2005 and 'Best Large Executive Car' at the Auto Express Used Car Honours for 2006.

Source: Jaguar

Audi A3 3.2 S-line Titanium Package

What you see here is, thus far, one of a kind. An Audi Canada product planner ordered this particular Audi A3 3.2 S-line in Ibis White as an evaluation vehicle to help visualize a proposed ‘Titanium Package’ for the A3 S-line. First introduced last year on the A4 S-line, installation rates of the ‘Titanium Package’ have been so favorable that Audi of America is considering a broadening of the line. A3 S-line models offer the perfect opportunity for expansion.

What is different from the standard A3 3.2 S-line?
The most obvious detail is the set of 18-inch titanium-finish wheels – quite similar in design to those on the RS 4. The other main exterior change to this car is a black grille surround, another special piece of kit from Audi’s in-house tailor quattro GmbH.

Inside, the darkened theme continues. Piano black interior trim takes the place of aluminum inserts on each of the door panels and on the center console. Above, a black headliner is the first such fitment in a North American A3, though already standard fare on Titanium Package A4 models.

Audi’s Titanium Package always looks the part on a white car, one reason this particular evaluation vehicle was ordered in Audi’s Ibis White. The A3’s contrasting white stitching on the black leather seats is an interesting accent that those of the A4 range don’t boast.

Sources inside Audi confirm that, if there is a Titanium Package for the Model Year 2008 A3, this is likely quite close to what you will see. Though each of the special pieces of trim found on this car had to be special-ordered, Audi employees have been pleased with the overall look and would likely not change it much if and when the Titanium Package is added to the order book. That said, Audi contacts are quick to point out that, while chances are awfully good, the final decision to build the A3 S-line with a Titanium Package has not been finalized.

So what will come of this very unique A3 that remains, for now, a one-off? Our American staff shooting the car were disappointed to learn that it is a Canadian-spec car and not easily for sale to our much-interested eyes. The instruments are in klicks, not miles and Audi sources tell us the car will go off to auction in Canada shortly since this A3 has served its purpose. Likely a Canadian dealership will buy the car and re-sell it as an Audi Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Audi sources involved promise they’ll keep us informed, communicating what dealership ends up with the car. This information will then be shared via Fourtitude’s Audi News Blog and the A3 discussion forum just as soon as we learn it. It is our hope that a Fourtitude reader is lucky enough to pick up this very unique car.

source: fourtitude.com

Ford Cuts Prices on 2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid

I can still remember the days back in my home town in Germany when a 90-degree curve at the ice cream shop was the local hang out for teens and young adults. Everybody who thought they had a cool car had to cruise that curve more than once an evening to show off.
It was the early ‘80s and I can still picture the Simca Rallys and NSU TTs going around that bend as if they were on rails. That memory is what spurred me to find myself an NSU as my next project car. It was the only real choice after having several air-cooled VW Beetle projects. Like the vintage VWs, the NSU also has a rear engine which is air cooled……but this time it is an inline four.

History of the TTS

Those with modern knowledge of the Audi brand may think of the drop-top Nimbus-grey concept car of the 1990s first shown to hint at the then-upcoming Audi TT Roadster, as well as an S version that we never really got. However, only the more widely read Audiphiles will know that the name originally came from the hottest of all NSU Prinz models.

At the time, NSU customers wanted a sportier version of the Prinz 1000 following its market introduction. Even the TT version, which was produced 2 years later, had it limits due to its manifold and single carburator. It is said that NSU got the idea for the TTS from Siegfried Spiess, an NSU tuner that raced the TT. He took the TT and used the 1000 engine that had been modified with dual carbs and other performance enhancements to enter the car for the 1000cc motorsport series where he was very successful.

In February 1967, NSU started the production of the TTS for mainly motorsports purposes. The factory did everything they could to make the TTS a successful car in racing. The street version had a70hp 1000cc engine with forged pistons for the 10.5-1 compression ratio, bigger valves, dual 40 Solex carburetors, special cam, an optimized manifold and an oil cooler mounted under the bumper at the front to keep the engine cool. The race version had 85hp by using stacks instead of air filters, rejetting the two Solex carbs and using an open exhaust. Motorsport transmissions were offered and CV joint axles were introduced at the differential side.

You could order the TTS in any color you wanted so long as it was Alpha Red, though Targa Orange was introduced later to offer more selection. Through special order, you could also eventually add Silver Metallic, Aero Blue Metallic, Gemini Blue Metallic. Pastel White was also mentioned in later parts documents for the TTS from the period.

Only 2402 TTS models were build from 1967-1971.

Back to the Project

My biggest concern with taking on a project based on such a rare car was the availability of spare parts. Though a cottage industry exists for these cars in Germany, the following in North America is not surprisingly smaller. NSU TTs are still being raced in several motorsport series such as the NSU TT Trophy, Autocross and hill climbs in Germany and other European countries. After researching it a bit more I actually found quite a few resources that offer spare and motorsport parts for NSUs. However most of those shops are across the Atlantic, making their sourcing a bit of a trick.

source: fourtitude.com

Renault Clio F1 Team R27

It's called the Renault Clio F1 Team R27, but we can dispense with the mealy mouthed title and simply regard this hot Clio as the Cup version.

Built to commemorate the launch of Renault's latest F1 car, this Clio comes with the same 197bhp 2.0-litre engine as the normal Renaultsport Clio, but stiffer, lower suspension is borrowed from the Cup race car and there are 17in alloy wheels finished a fetching anthracite colour scheme.

The R27 Clio will be built in limited numbers with only 500 cars being made, each with a plaque to prove it.

The car will be no quicker in a straight line, but Renault promises us it will be an even bigger hoot to drive than the standard 197.

Apparently an even hotter Clio with a turbocharged engine is on the cards. Watch this space.

source: topgear

Report: No Go on Audi Shooting Brake

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — The Audi Shooting Brake concept, an expensive hatchback built on the same platform as the popular TT coupe, will not be put into production, according to a news report that quotes Audi Product Chief Ulrich Hackenburg.

Hackenburg told the Netherlands auto magazine Autovisie that the Shooting Brake would only eat market share for the TT coupe. The two cars use the same platform, although the Shooting Brake's wheelbase is 2 inches longer than the TT coupe's.

The Shooting Brake made its debut at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show. It used a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, Quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. It deviates stylistically from the TT, with a squared-off hatchback-style rear end. Although generally well received, there was some doubt, especially in North America, that consumers who are skittish about buying hatchbacks would plunk their money down for such an expensive one.

Jaguar XK: Exterior Styling Pack

Jaguars gorgeous XK is the latest to get a bolted-on dose of bling, with an official Exterior Styling Pack available on all non-supercharged XKs from March.

Designed to give the car a more bold and distinct appearance - or so they say - the pack comprises front and rear valances, a couple of new grills and fresh tailpipe finishers.

Call it what you want, Jaguar, but we still know it's a bodykit.

A completely and utterly pointless bodykit at that, but we're ashamed to say we rather like it.

Does this mean we're chavs at heart? Probably. Pass the furry dice and his 'n' hers sunstrip...

source: topgear

Shakira Unveils Her SEAT León Pies Descalzos in Berlin

• A SEAT León Cupra “designed by Shakira” prize in fundraising campaign
• SEAT demonstrates social responsibility
• Massive SEAT advertising campaign to carry charity message

Shakira unveils the SEAT León Pies Descalzos in Berlin. Shakira: "I’ve got the privilege to have been consulted to help design this SEAT car that reflects my taste in colors and aesthetics"

At a press conference in the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, SEAT and Shakira presented the prize in the fundraising campaign for Shakira’s charity foundation, Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet), a unique SEAT León appropriately called SEAT León Pies Descalzos.

“The support for Pies Descalzos is very welcome”, said Shakira during the press conference. “The need for education and proper nutrition for the children in my home country Colombia is very big and I trust that SEAT’s initiative will aid a lot.”

“By supporting Shakira’s charity foundation, we show our social responsibility”, commented Erich Schmitt, SEAT’s president. “We use our massive advertising campaign in all European countries that will be visited by Shakira to incorporate the possibility to donate money to Pies Descalzos.”

A unique car

The León Pies Descalzos was developed by SEAT in cooperation with Shakira. In the design process Shakira acted as a consultant on colors and materials. The standard SEAT León Cupra is now transformed into a totally unique car that one lucky person will be able to win in the drawing at the end of the fundraising campaign in May.

Erich Schmitt, president of SEAT and Shakira unveiling the SEAT León "Pies Descalzos"

The fundraising campaign started yesterday in connection with Shakira’s first concert on the European Tour in Hamburg. It will be promoted in all communication channels in the integrated advertising campaign that SEAT has launched benefiting from the Shakira cooperation. It will end on May 15 and the León Pies Descalzos will be handed over to its winner during the Barcelona Motor Show in the beginning of June.

SEAT León "Pies Descalzos"

The markets where you can enter in the drawing are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Win the SEAT León Pies Descalzos for 1 Euro

To be able to win the car you have to donate money to Pies Descalzos through SEAT’s campaign. Either by sending an SMS to a dedicated number in each country and donate 1 Euro or by entering the dedicated Shakira/SEAT website – www.catch-the-fever.com – where you will be able to donate any sum you would like with a credit card.

SEAT León "Pies Descalzos"

The León Pies Descalzos that SEAT is donating to the fundraising campaign represents a value of 27.300 Euros in its equivalent version on the Spanish market. During the press conference in Berlin, Erich Schmitt handed over a cheque with the same amount to Shakira to give the fundraising a flying start.

The most powerful road-going SEAT to date

The base for the car is the recently presented SEAT León Cupra. This car has already secured its place in the history books by being the Spanish brand’s most powerful road-going car to date. Developing 240 hp (177 kW) the new Cupra model integrates all of SEAT’s expertise in creating cars with an overtly sporty attitude.

SEAT León "Pies Descalzos"

The design alterations in the León Pies Descalzos include the exterior color, which is a unique lilac metallic. This color can also be found on several details in the interior such as the dashboard and the back of the seats. Furthermore, the standard 18-inch wheels are painted black. The Pies Descalzos logotype (a bare foot) is integrated in the seats as well as in several places on the exterior.

SEAT León "Pies Descalzos"

Fundación Pies Descalzos

The “Fundación Pies Descalzos” (the Bare Feet Foundation) was founded in Colombia. The organization is devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children in Colombia. It originated in Barranquilla, the hometown of Shakira on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and is now reaching other parts of the country.

The goal is to improve the education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children who are living in perilous conditions in Colombia.

Background:

Shakira, one of the most successful, young and recognized artists has chosen SEAT, the Spanish automotive brand, as the main sponsor of her 2007 Shakira “Oral Fixation” European Tour. The tour started yesterday and will end on March 18, traveling through more than 10 European countries and concerts will be held on the most well known European cities and venues.

More information on the “Foundation Pies Descalzos” can be found at: www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com

Check out http://catch-the-fever.com for Shakira / SEAT news.

SEAT is a Spanish company within the German Volkswagen Group. Its Technical Center provides the company with the unique position among all car manufacturers established in Spain in being the only brand with the capacity to design, develop and produce its own vehicles.

source: SEAT

Ford unveils world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in

Ford unveiled the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.

“This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. “We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.”

The new Ford HySeries Drive powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg.

“We wanted to take what was in a ‘gee whiz’ vehicle like the Airstream and connect it with something people are driving on the road today, something that wasn’t just a futuristic concept vehicle,” Schmidt said.

The Ford plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.

The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid.

When the battery pack is depleted to approximately 40 percent, the hydrogen fuel cell – supplied by Ford partner Ballard – automatically turns on and begins generating electricity to recharge the batteries. Like a conventional automobile, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive will go until it runs out of fuel – in this case via a 350-bar hydrogen tank that supplies 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.

The HySeries Drive name is derived from the powertrain’s structure: a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drivetrain. This highly innovative approach reduces the size, weight, cost and complexity of a conventional fuel cell system by more than 50 percent. It also promises to more than double the lifetime of the fuel cell stack.

This flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop and become available without the need to redesign the vehicle and its control systems.

Certainly, many significant technical hurdles need to be overcome before a vehicle such as the Edge with HySeries Drive can become a reality. Fuel cell vehicles remain expensive, costing millions of dollars each. And the single biggest hurdle to plug-ins remains the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Much work also needs to be done to make fuel cells more durable and to create a hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort At Ford

Research into hydrogen, including the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, is part of Ford’s overall effort to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence. Ford is moving ahead with a range of technology solutions simultaneously, including vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions. Some of the technology, such as that seen in Ford’s lineup of hybrid vehicles, represents near-term approaches. Other technology, including hydrogen fell cells, must be viewed as a long-term option.

Ford began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. Ford’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company’s first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles since its inception. With this fleet on the road, a great deal of information that can be integrated into future fuel cell vehicle propulsion systems is being generated in different local environmental conditions.

Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to ensure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.

Nissan all-new Pino minicar

Nissan announced the launch of the new Pino minicar at dealers across Japan. The Pino, true to its marketing tagline of "Shift_lovely days," is an economical, easy-to-drive minicar, aimed at consumers looking for a personal vehicle that is ideal for everyday driving.
As Nissan''s fourth minicar model, along with Moco, Clipper and Otti, Nissan Pino expands Nissan''s minicar lineup, giving customers more choices in this growing market segment.

Along with its low price and low fuel consumption - essential requirements of a minicar, - Nissan Pino is distinguished by its simple design that projects user-friendliness. Ease of ingress/egress is outstanding, and a class-leading minimum turning radius helps make the Pino practical and easy to drive. The car also comes with a variety of convenient features for everyday use,
including a nearly flat floor luggage area.

Nissan Pino is supplied to Nissan by Suzuki Motor Corporation on an OEM basis.

In conjunction with the Nissan Pino''s release, Nissan is promoting a collaborative marketing program with Sony Plaza. The program is aimed at enhancing users'' everyday enjoyment of their Pino. A core element of this program is an online "Web shop," Pinoshop.jp, which offers various goods and accessories for the car. Sony Plaza, operated by PLAZASTYLE Corporation, specializes in unique imported products.
Economical to buy and drive

A low price and low fuel consumption combine to provide low cost of ownership. The 2WD model fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission achieves a fuel economy figure of 21.0 km/l.
All 2WD and 4WD models fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission qualify for tax reductions under the 2006 Green Tax*1 program in Japan. The 2WD model with a 5-speed manual transmission is eligible for a tax reduction of 9,000 yen, while the 2WD models with either a 3-speed or a 4-speed automatic transmission and the 4WD model with a 5-speed manual transmission receive a tax break of 4,500 yen.

A Simple design projecting user-friendliness

The front-end has an engaging look with the distinctive Nissan signature grille design. This same design cue also distinguishes the Moco and Otti. The headlamps are a sharp, clean-cut form, while the stylish turn signal lamps combine square and round shapes.

The rear view continues the clean design form with character lines running from the roof to the bumper. The rear combination lamps and deep rear bumper complete the overall look of stability and clean style.

Pino''s 13-inch full wheel covers feature an exclusive Nissan design combining square and round relief elements inspired by snowflake crystals. The car is fitted with 155/65R13 73S tires.
The Pino comes in a choice of nine body colors, including Lime Green Metallic.
Comfortable to drive and use

Inside, Pino''s seats are covered in an exclusive Nissan fabric, featuring a soft tactile feel and a milky caramel color. The dice pattern on the fabric has star-shaped dots, with the numbers lined up in the order of 3-6-5-2-4. This expresses the designer''s wish for both the car and driver to stand out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. E and E FOUR models are accented with a stylish door trim cloth made of the same material as the Seat covers.

With its simple design and big numbers, the large-size speedometer can easily be read at a glance. The switch layout puts the climate and audio system controls within easy fingertip reach. A variety of storage spaces and compartments complete the strong interior package. On the E and E FOUR models, the side ventilators, shift knob button and inside door handles are embellished with a silver finish, accentuating the fine quality of the interior.

Outstanding ease of ingress/egress is provided by the large door openings, an instrument panel shape that allows extra knee room, and the low sill height. The driver''s Seat slides fore and aft 240 mm and is 16-way adjustable to ensure the optimum driving position. The large front and rear outward views combine with the large side mirrors to provide excellent visibility for enhanced driving ease.

The luggage area has a large, wide opening and the rear Seat folds down to create a nearly flat floor, making it easy to load and carry large items. E and E FOUR models come with a 50/50 split folding rear Seat that can be easily rearranged to accommodate the amount or size of luggage to be carried.

A class-leading minimum turning radius of 4.1 meters contributes to the Pino''s nimble maneuverability.

The Pino features Nissan''s "Inner Green" interior concept that includes an antibacterial surface treatment and an interior air filter to maintain a clean, comfortable cabin ambience.
The remote control entry system incorporates a back door release and a function for confirming the locked status of the doors.

The audio system includes an electronically tuned AM/FM radio with an integrated CD player (one DIN size), two speakers and a digital clock. A navigation system is available as a dealer-installed option.
Smooth performance, superior economy

Powering the Pino is inline 3-cylinder DOHC 12-valve K6A engine, which provides superior economy and quick acceleration from low speeds for easy, everyday driving.

The full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission fitted on the E and E FOUR models has optimized gear ratios, enabling the 2WD E model to attain excellent fuel economy of 21.5 km/L. The transmission also incorporates a hill ascent/descent shift control function that prevents unnecessary shifting on uphill inclines, based on the vehicle speed and amount of accelerator pedal depression, and on downhill inclines in tandem with the driver''s operation of the brake pedal.

S and S FOUR models come with a 5-speed manual transmission with a short shift stroke for a smooth shift feel.

The front strut suspension and the isolated trailing link (ITL) rear suspension provide a smooth, comfortable ride combined with sure-footed handling and stability.
The 4WD models are fitted with a full-time 4WD system that automatically distributes the necessary driving force to the front and rear wheels according to the road surface condition and vehicle''s dynamic state.
Safety and environmental performance

Standard safety equipment on all models includes SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passenger, a driver''s seatbelt incorporating double pretensioners with a two-stage load limiter, a lightweight, impact-energy-absorbing body, and a brake system comprising Electronic Braking Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA).
All 2WD and 4WD models fitted with either the 4-speed automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual transmission are certified as super ultra-low emission vehicles (SU-LEVs)*2. They reduce emissions by an additional 75% from Japan''s 2005 exhaust emission regulations.
The 4WD model equipped with the 3-speed automatic transmission is certified as a U-LEV*2, emitting 50% fewer emissions than the 2005 emission standards.
All 2WD and 4WD models fitted with the 5-speed manual transmission also qualify for tax reductions under the 2006 Green Tax*1 program in Japan.

Sales, pricing and launch events

• Sales target: 2,500 units/month
• Price range: 861,000 yen to 1,151,850 yen, including consumption tax

Toyota Avensis Review

Avensis T180 2.2 D4D

It may be Toyota’s European flagship model but a straw poll amongst friends revealed that it is considered bland.

I’ll admit that the Avensis, particularly the older versions, is a favourite with mini-cab drivers almost to the point of being a cliché. But clichés happen for a reason and in this case it’s because it is a good all-round car and it just got better.

The current version of the Avensis was launched in 2003 and has recently undergone some restyling and re-engineering for 2007 and gained two new diesel engines in the process.

Cosmetically, the changes amount to a revamped front end featuring a new grille and bumpers and the indicators are now integrated into the revised door mirrors for increased visibility. The rear end gains new light clusters and minor styling changes.

The Avensis remains available in hatch, saloon and Tourer estate versions so there’s something for everyone, which is especially valuable if the car is used for both work and family. There are no less than six trim levels to choose from including the new T180.

The T2 trim now has an improved MP3 compatible CD player with a Digital Sound Processor and Automatic Sound Leveliser. Even this base model has nine airbags, including one to protect the driver’s knees.

Toyota Avensis

T3-S adds 16-inch alloy wheels and turn-by-turn (showing route direction symbols but no map) satellite navigation with ETA, Electronic Traffic Avoidance, while T3-X goes a step further with automatic headlights, a height-adjustable seat for the front passenger and, on D4D models, cruise control. The price is the same for both T3 models but the X loses the sat-nav in lieu of automatic air-con, automatic wipers, heated and retractable door mirrors and front fogs.

The T4 trim has a mixture of the T3 elements and adds cruise control as standard. If that’s still not enough, the T Spirit models deliver 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-CD autochanger, electrically operated front seats with lumbar support and leather upholstery.

New for 2007 is the top of the range T180. This version has much the same specification as the T Spirit, with duel-zone climate control, the turn-by-turn sat-nav system, cruise control etc. but is distinguished by a dark grey front grille with chrome inserts and 17-inch smoked alloy wheels. Inside, there’s silver stitching for the leather-clad, multi-functional, rake and reach-adjustable, steering wheel and gear lever and the seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, which is a spongeable suede material.

The new model year also sees upgraded interiors, with new fabrics and higher quality fascia trims. The T180 has a metallic-effect centre console and sports seats front and back. The rear seats in the saloon have a 60:40 split and fold function and on the hatch and Tourer they double fold to form a flat floor. Both the saloon and the Tourer have a minimum load capacity of 520-litres - the hatch is 10-litres less. However, for the hatch this can be increased to a maximum of 1,320-litres and 1,500 for the estate.

We tested the T180 hatchback, priced at £21,515 - the saloon is the same price and the estate is £1,000 more. Prices start at £15,515 for the saloon or hatchback T2 with 1.8 VVT-I engine the Tourer version is not available in this configuration.

The T180 comes with the new 2.2-litre D-4D 180 engine only. This is clearly badged on the back but the label just behind the front wheel arch reads D-CAT, which stands for Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology. It is designed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions by way of the Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction system or DPNR. The CO2 emissions are posted as 161g/km putting it in VED Band D.

Model Tested and Reviewed
Car Manufacturer	Toyota
Car Model	Avensis T180 2.2 D4D
Body Type	5-Door Hatchback
Colour	Silver Fern
Performance [ Manufacturers Figures ]
0 - 62 mph	8.6 Seconds
Top Speed	137 mph
Transmission	6-Speed Manual
Fuel Type	Diesel
Economy [ Manufacturers Figures ]
Urban	37.2 mpg
Extra Urban	54.3 mpg
Combined	46.3mpg
Insurance Group	12
Euro NCAP Rating	5
Warranty	3-Year / 60,000 Mile Warranty
Price	£21,515

Lexus Announces Prices for 2008 Model Year RX 350 Luxury SUV

Lexus today announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 RX 350, the top-selling luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 Lexus RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird''s-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.

The Lexus RX 350 retains its excellent value as the MSRP will remain unchanged from 2007. Prices for the Lexus RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-
drive model. All optional equipment prices also remain unchanged.
Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the Lexus RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.

The performance of the RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.

The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.

Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.

For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.

The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.

Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver''s visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system''s seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.

In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.

Lexus'' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.
Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.

A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.
Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.

First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC

Previews

As a late addition to the 2007 lineup, the ninth-generation S-class adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive to the option list. Although past S-classes have also had this choice, the system has been completely overhauled for the latest S550 (within the S-class range 4MATIC is only available on S550s).

Perhaps the best news is that the new system, developed 100-percent in-house by Mercedes, is now teamed with the company’s excellent seven-speed automatic. For now, the new all-wheel drive is exclusive to the S550—the E-class 4MATIC models keep the old version with the five-speed tranny, and while the all-wheel-drive SUVs have the seven-speed, it’s a different setup. However, a version of this latest all-wheel drive will be available shortly on the redesigned 2008 C-class.

The new 4MATIC system is reportedly 60 pounds lighter than the old one, making an S550 4MATIC just 145 pounds heavier than a standard S550. That massive weight reduction was accomplished by using aluminum front axles instead of steel as well as eliminating the transfer case altogether by incorporating the planetary center differential into the transmission case. That second bit also saves on complexity: S-class 4MATICs no longer require a separate, wider transmission tunnel. Mercedes claims the friction within the system has been reduced as well, and reports a 60-percent reduction in the fuel-economy penalty of its all-wheel drive. But we’re a bit skeptical of that claim as the S550 4MATIC’s fuel economy drop according to EPA ratings is 1-mpg city and 2-mpg highway (15/22 versus 16/24), nearly identical to the previous S-class’
ratings.

Handling, Competition, and Pricing

Other changes include a switch from a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split to a fixed 45/55 split for better dynamic handling, says Mercedes. In slippery situations, the standard stability control (which also includes traction control) ensures that torque gets to the appropriate wheels. In practice, we were hard pressed to notice any seat-of-the-pants difference between rear-drive and all-wheel-drive S-class models, which was likely Mercedes’ goal. Either way, occupants are coddled in soft and supportive leather seats and are treated to a divinely supple ride. Of course, the S550 still feels big and heavy—because it is—and even though the steering and chassis aren’t quite as communicative as competitors’ such as the Audi A8 or BMW 7-series, we think the S550 is the best compromise between sportiness and luxury, which is why it prevailed in a comparison test amongst four of its peers.

The 4MATIC version of Mercedes’ largest sedan is powered by the same 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8, and Mercedes predicts the same 0-to-60-mph time as well, although we think the all-wheel-drive version should get off the line quicker and could therefore beat the class-leading 5.3 seconds to 60 mph that our quickest, rear-drive S550 managed.

But, starting at $90,825, which includes an extra $3300 for 4MATIC, fabulousness doesn’t come cheap.

source: www.caranddriver.com

Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2007 Tundra Full-Size Pickup

Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new second-generation Tundra full-size pickup truck.

Significantly bigger, more capable and more technically advanced in every metric of comparison, the 2007 Tundra is available in 31 models. The Tundra offers a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. Tundra has been engineered for "true truckers" and is versatile enough to be a highly capable truck for work or for personal use.

The 2007 Tundra offers three levels of power, all with standard VVT-i. In Regular and Double Cabmodels, a standard 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a healthy 266 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 4.0-liter engine achieves city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/20 mpg.

The mid-grade option for these models -- and standard on CrewMax models -- is the proven 4.7-liter i-Force V8, producing 271 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 313 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 4.7-liter engine feature city/highway fuel economy ratings of 15/18 mpg.

The Tundra''s trump card under the hood is the all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that features Dual Independent VVT-i and is available in every model configuration. Specifically designed for full-size pickup applications, the i-Force 5.7 puts out an impressive 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and unleashes 401 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. 4x4 models equipped with the 5.7-liter engine achieve city/highway fuel economy ratings of 14/18 mpg, while 4x2 models achieve 16/20 mpg.

Towing equipment is standard on all V8 models and includes a hitch receiver, 4.30 rear differential, supplemental transmission cooler, transmission temperature gauge, 7 pin connector, and a trailer brake controller pre-wire. Fourteen of Tundra''s 31 models are capable of towing over 10,000 lbs and the Regular Cab 5.7L 4x2 Long Bed model features a towing capacity up to 10,800 pounds.

Tundra will provide the most comprehensive standard safety equipment in the full-size pickup market. It is the first full-size pickup to offer standard front Seat side airbags and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags on every model. All Tundra models also feature the STAR safety system as standard equipment, which includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

Tundra is the only truck to offer 18 x 8 inches wheels with 255/70 R18 tires as standard equipment on every model to accommodate 13.9 inch front rotors. No other truck in the class offers larger tires and wheels as standard equipment on all models. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/55 R20 tires are available on Limited models.

All models come standard with an easy lower-and-lift tailgate, dual-zone climate control system, AM/FM CD with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, tilt wheel, two power points, tachometer, digital clock, coolant temperature gauge, and dual glove box.

  ENGINE                       BODY STYLE        TRANSMISSION    MSRP

4x2 TUNDRA
V6                           Reg Cab               5ECT       $22,290
V6                           Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $22,620
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab               5ECT       $23,430
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab               6ECT       $24,380
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $23,760
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab LB            6ECT       $24,710

SR5 V6                       Double Cab            5ECT       $26,105
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $26,850
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $28,110
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab LB         5ECT       $27,180
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab LB         6ECT       $28,440
LTD V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $34,240
LTD V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $35,490

SR5 V8 4.7                   CrewMax               5ECT       $29,675
SR5 V8 5.7                   CrewMax               6ECT       $30,935



ENGINE                       BODY STYLE        TRANSMISSION    MSRP
LTD V8 4.7                   CrewMax               5ECT       $37,540
LTD V8 5.7                   CrewMax               6ECT       $38,790

4x4 TUNDRA
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab               5ECT       $26,480
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab               6ECT       $27,440
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $26,810
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab LB            6ECT       $27,770

SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $29,900
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $31,160
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab LB         5ECT       $30,230
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab LB         6ECT       $31,490
LTD V8 4.7L                  Double Cab            5ECT       $37,290
LTD V8 5.7L                  Double Cab            6ECT       $38,550

SR5 V8 4.7L                  CrewMax               5ECT       $32,725
SR5 V8 5.7L                  CrewMax               6ECT       $33,985
LTD V8 4.7L                  CrewMax               5ECT       $40,590
LTD V8 5.7L                  CrewMax               6ECT       $41,850

Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models will arrive at dealerships mid February, with CrewMax models reaching Toyota dealers in March.

First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI

Previews

Now that we have the cleaner, ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is unleashing a wave of diesel models. Analysts predict that diesels will make up nine percent of the U.S. market in 2013—up from just two percent in ’05—and many automakers are promising diesel models in the near-future. Mercedes reports that about 15 percent of its M-class SUV customers are opting for the diesel ML320 model since it went on sale in October of 2006.

Mercedes’ 215-hp, 398 lb-ft 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel is teemed with the seven-speed automatic transmission and is now available in four models including the E-class sedan as well as the R-, M-, and GL-class sport-utes. But, the diesel option in the large, seven-passenger GL makes the most sense. Why? In the other three cases, a V-6 gasoline engine is the base option, with the diesel costing an extra $1000. While you may think that’s not much money for a 30- to 40-percent boost in fuel economy, it will still take tens of thousands of miles to make back that initial investment.

In the comparison-test-winning GL-class, however, the GL320 diesel is actually the cheapest in the lineup, the only other choice is the GL450 with a 335-hp 4.7-liter V-8. Starting at $53,175, the diesel GL actually saves $2500 as well as boosting fuel economy ratings by 40 percent—from 14/18 city/highway to 20/25. Don’t worry; there are almost no downsides to the diesel GL, it will still tow 7500 pounds, same as a GL450 and more than the 403-hp Escalade. Okay, so the diesel won’t shoot to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds like the GL450, but who needs to their large, people-hauling SUV to hustle like that anyway? We figure the GL320 will do the 60-mph deed in around nine seconds, but it’s certainly not hurting for power. There’s always a strong pull from the torquey diesel engine—well past legal speeds, we assure you—even though the diesel’s constant moan under acceleration isn’t nearly as exhilarating as the V-8’s. Once up to speed, however, the engine noise fades to nothing, making the GL320 a serene and superb highway cruiser.

We averaged 24 mpg over a 160-mile mix of city and highway roads, and even with frequent excursions to the 4600-rpm redline it seemed hard to ever dip below 20 mpg—not bad for a 5500-pound beast that will hold seven adults comfortably. That’s a 33-percent improvement over the 18 mpg that the GL450 in our comparison test managed while it was beating out all of its peers, including the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, and Infiniti QX56.

Interior and Availability

The rest of the class-leading traits of the GL-class ute remain: an elegant and expensive-looking stitched-leather interior, responsive steering, comfortable seats, unflappable chassis responses even over less-than-perfect roads, and best-in-class space in the third-row seat. From a driver’s perspective, the biggest downside is a squishy brake pedal that plagues every GL SUV—diesel or not. As with every GL, Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is included on the GL320 (a full-time 50-50-split setup).

But a bigger downside is that, like the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s diesel lineup, the GL320 will temporarily be available in only 45 states, as it does not meet emissions regulations in the five strictest states. By the 2009 model year, however, Mercedes will implement a urea-injection system to clean things up, and promises that those cleaner diesels will be able to be sold nationwide.

What more do you want? The best-in-class GL is cheaper as a diesel and saves on gas, yielding a range of over 600 miles (good luck finding a hybrid that’s less expensive than its gas counterpart). The real question is can your kids hold it that long? Can you? Opt for the GL320, and Mercedes will give you $2500 to find out.

source: caranddriver.com

2007 IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

(from IMSA Press Release) Until recently, the German tuning company IMSA was not more than just an insider tip. But by now, it has achieved the ultimate breakthrough thanks to its first product, the Gallardo GTV. After all, the company from Bruggen treated the Gallardo’s power unit like nobody dared before. After this special treatment, the V10 power unit develops maximum output of 610 hp at 7900 rpm. In the near future, it will also be possible to experience this pleasure in an open car – since all GTV parts are now available for the Spyder as well.

Special emphasis was made on road capability.

In spite of the increased engine power and the high torque of 655 Nm at 5300 rpm, IMSA wanted the Gallardo to be suitable for everyday use; it had to offer the best possible driving fun even under bad weather conditions. Therefore, the four-wheel drive – amongst other things – was adjusted to the new
performance. Even during extreme driving manoeuvres, the Gallardo’s ne-tuned sport chassis offers great stability and driving control.

The necessary grip is provided by broad 245/30 ZR 20 front and 325/25 ZR20 rear tyres. IMSA’s focus was on muscular design and, thus, the Gallardo Spyder is equipped with new front and rear aprons and flared wheelarches as well as distinctive spoke wheels with central locking and a discreet rear spoiler. The interior is designed to meet any customer’s individual wishes: leather, alcantara, aluminium and CFRP are on offer to refine the Gallardo’s cockpit.

IMSA Gallardo Spyder – A true revelation

Ford Gives Checkered Flag Roof to Fiesta Zetec S

BRENTWOOD, England — The Ford Fiesta Zetec S Anniversary edition, which hits showrooms in March, appears to be taking a page out of the Mini playbook, with a showy checkered flag roof decal and a screaming "radian yellow" paint job.

Mini has used the roof as a playful palette, with such artwork as a Union Jack.

The automaker said the Limited Edition Fiesta Zetec S will be priced at the equivalent of $24,780 and will be limited to a production run of 400. The car is equipped with a 1.6-liter 16-valve gasoline engine that makes 98 horsepower. The special edition marks the 30th anniversary of the Fiesta.

Additional features include panther black door mirrors, side moldings, tailgate handle and spoiler; MP3 connectivity; and other interior appointments including silver dashboard bezel velour floor mats, privacy glass, leather seats and checkered scuff plates.

Ford said sales of the Fiesta spiked 24 percent in 2006, from 83,803 to 103,856.

2007 IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo GTV

(from IMSA Press Release) IMSA Gallardo GTV
The breathtaking IMSA Gallardo’s visual attraction is unmistakable. Thanks to its progressive and intuitive technology, this extraordinary sports car also has fascinating inner values to its name.

Despite its state-of-the-art complexity, the midengine sports car’s technology is absolutely suitable for everyday use. For example, the exciting 5.0L V10 featuring more than 600hp and satisfying any desire for superior performance by means of a torque that will send cold shivers down your spine while promising astounding reserves. The performance-increased power train’s manufacturing and quality control is processed by high-end machines which are elsewhere applied for Formula 1 purposes only. Thereby, the standard product’s precision is further outdone. Any customer may watch the machines’ precise and filigree “dance” online. The 4WD system is laid out in a sporty fashion and will guarantee driving fun even in adverse weather conditions.

Without interfering with the original line, the body-kit conscious of tradition is harmonically absorbed by the body in order to make it complete. The IMSA’s design makes sportiness and exclusive appearance follow exactly the same line. The double-spoke rims featuring central locking do unconditionally obey this concept. The precisely adjustable sports chassis will be tuned according to the customer’s wishes. Brakes being provided with well thought-out safety reserves guarantee a deceleration with racing car qualities. Almost passionately, the eight and six piston callipers embrace the luxuriously dimensioned discs. The finest materials are to be found in the interior. Fragrant leather, comfy alcantara, high quality aluminium and CFRP come together in a haptic climax. – After comprehensive advisory, tailored to the customer’s wishes. – IMSA – Italian temperament and German engineering unified for the highest of qualities.

source: seriouswheels

2007 Tokyo Auto Salon - WTF Edition

The Tokyo Auto Salon is more than just drift cars and hot women.

The Tokyo Auto Salon isn't just race queens, VIP sedans and drift cars; there are other, more interesting rides to be found on the show floor. While other magazines are content to just show you yet another picture of Nomuken's Skyline, we go out of our way to bring you images of Chevy van-converted Kei cars, six-wheeled monstrosities and clones of our childhood heroes. You seriously didn't think that the only "wacky" products from Japan were the off-the-wall game shows, did you?

Before we get into the meat of the article... As a few of our more "enlightened" readers have sent in letters asking us (in a less than racially-sensitive way) why we are showing so much "Japanese crap", may we present the following rides from TAS:

There. That should shut up the mulleted, PBR-drinking (and not in an ironic way) readers out there. Let's move on to the "good" stuff.

Every year, the Japan Automobile College (NATS) always has a few odd cars on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and 2007 was no different. First up is this Honda Beat done up to look like a baby NSX.


We're a bit conflicted about this next car. We (or more correctly, I) own a DA Integra, so it's nice to see someone actually do something with this car. We're just not sure we're stoked that this DA project is an awkward-looking El Camino-like "truck".


Option founder Daijiro Inada had a few of his personal rides on display, one of which was this... this... thing. It's based on an old Nissan Gloria, and has steering wheels on both the "front" and "back" of the cabin. We tried to get a picture of this car's interior, but that fake frost/snow/whatever totally ruined any shot we could get. Anyway, this car has two engines and has no "real" front or back. Oh yeah, it also has those subway/train handles for the passenger seats. Odd...


Unfortunately, we didn't get the bad-ass "scooter row" at this year's Auto Salon, but Bomex kept it real with some tricked out scooters. These "bikes" come equipped with a full airbag suspension, stereo system and more. We talked to the Bomex people, and they said that you can buy these aero kits for your own scooter - if you live in Japan, that is. And yes, people do ride these bikes out on the street. We saw a gang of them cruising the streets of Shibuya over the weekend.



Bomex also had what could be considered the ugliest car of the show; the EVO you see below. If Bomex built this car back in 1998, you can bet that every State-side Hot Import Nights car would be equipped with these massive door fins. Thankfully the "wild" tuning style is "out". That said, we wouldn't be surprised to see someone try to pull off this look at NOPI.



SoundWave took a U.S.-spec Eclipse (as if there is any other kind) and made it look like a true exotic sports car. This Eclipse may have come with the 4G63 from the factory, but we'll be so bold as to say the massive weight from the stereo system and aero kit make this car perform worse than the 3rd-gen Eclipse.



We like MR2s, but a four-door Mister Two? Crazy!



You know how we mentioned those Kei vans converted to look like Chevy vans? Here you go:


And that does it for this round of 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage. Go to the Media Page to see more detailed pictures of all of these odd cars - trust us, it's worth it.

source: ign.com

Volkswagen: Cross is beautiful

Hot on the heels of the Volkswagen CrossPolo and Volkswagen CrossGolf comes the sporty all-rounder version of the Touran. Volkswagen’s German partners are now taking orders for this latest addition to the Cross family.
Sales and advance orders to date show that this series has been a big hit amongst customers. One in ten Polos are now from this special-edition series.

The third member of Cross family has now also been available for order since the beginning of the year: the Volkswagen CrossTouran. The strikingly styled, front-wheel-
drive Touran now emerges as a practical and lifestyle-oriented vehicle. Major new features are the additional ground clearance (12 millimeters) and a variety of visible body elements. Particularly conspicuous are the new front spoiler in a "matt chrome" look, silver-anodized roof rails and dark headlamp mounts; lower bumper sections, side skirts, wheel arches and side protective molding are made of robust, high-quality composite material. The impressive standard equipment package includes both fog lights and a range of interior details such as the unique CrossTouran steering wheel in perforated leather, the fold-down passenger-seat backrest with table and through-load feature, and folding tables on the backs of the front seats.

Another striking feature is the mixed tyre arrangement; 6.5-inch wide and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels with 215/50 tires at the front combined with 8-inch wide, 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres at the back underline the unique visual appeal of the Volkswagen CrossTouran.

The body colour schemes range from "Candy White" to "Deep Black" and also include the exclusive "Red Rock Metallic". Among the attractive interior colours are "orange/grey" or the more subtle "latte macchiato".

The European market launch in spring 2007 will incorporate three petrol-driven engines and three TDIs (standard-fitted with diesel particulate filter), with outputs ranging from 75 kW to 125 kW. The 125 kW TSI Twincharger with standard DSG is undoubtedly a highlight. The CrossTouran will be available for as little as 24,743.79 euros.

The name "Cross" stands for freedom, fun and adventure

This special Volkswagen model series combines the visual appeal of an off-roader with the comfort of a sedan. Although three distinctly separate vehicles, the CrossPolo, CrossGolf and CrossTouran share a robust exterior and additional ride height.

"This model strategy demonstrates that Volkswagen is right up-to-date", says Christoph Stürmer, analyst at Frankfurt-based market intelligence specialists Global Insight. "Cars like the CrossTouran offer the psychological advantages of an off-roader and have a huge appeal to customers because they communicate the feeling of dependability." What is meant here is the muscular styling, tried-and-tested technology and the superior outward visibility thanks to the higher Seat position.

The Volkswagen Cross family in fact has its roots in the Polo Fun, launched in December 2003. Its first production run was sold out in a matter of months.

2006 then saw the birth of an entire new series with the introduction of the CrossPolo in January. Although the success of the Polo Fun was not unexpected, the unit sales figures surprised even the marketing specialists at Volkswagen. One out of every ten Polos sold in Germany is now a Cross model.

Next up was the CrossGolf, which first went on show at September’s Paris Motor Show. Advance sales commenced in December.

The family has now been completed with the latest addition, the CrossTouran – unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show.


TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or of other companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

AMG performance package for the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

A special AMG performance package will shortly be available ex factory for the sporty 378 kW/514 hp Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon. It comprises various technical components which significantly enhance the handling dynamics, the motorsport potential and the individuality of this model. The performance package was developed at the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach and the vehicles are built at the DaimlerChrysler production plant in Sindelfingen.

The performance package will be available for the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon from March 2007.
The performance package at a glance:

* 18-inch 5-spoke multipiece AMG alloy wheels, painted sterling silver, front wheels size 8.5 x 18 with 245/40 R 18 tyres, rear wheels size 9.5 x 18 with 265/35 R 18 tyres
* AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC
* Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

Using various higher-performance components, the AMG performance package for the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG puts the accent on dynamic handling and performance. The result is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG performance model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motorsport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH over the course of four decades. The E 63 performance package is priced at 7,140 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach can take the customisation even further, building distinctive – or even unique – vehicles on the basis of individual customer specifications.

AMG optional extras available ex factory

For the SLK 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG models, exclusive individual optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are now for the first time also available ex factory.

SLK 55 AMG

• 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension
• AMG carbon trim parts
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

SL 55 AMG

• 19-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

E 63 AMG Saloon and Estate

• 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC (only for saloon)
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLS 63 AMG

• 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLK 63 AMG

• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

By continuously widening its portfolio, Mercedes-AMG is not only meeting the demand from sporty-minded AMG customers for even more dynamism and performance, it is also proving to be a competent and flexible provider of customised solutions.

To the Point: Volkswagen CrossGolf

The new Volkswagen CrossGolf is revving up.

It unites the can-do qualities of a compact SUV and the versatility of a small MPV into a new crossover model.

Like its little brother – the successful Volkswagen CrossPolo – this CrossGolf design also originates from Volkswagen Individual, the company’s internal division for vehicle refinement.

“Cross” stands for versatile concepts

• SUV and MPV. The acronym SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) refers to a more “well-mannered” version of the traditional off-road vehicle. The CrossGolf embodies the stamina and toughness of this vehicle type in its body and modified chassis. MPV means Multi Purpose Vehicle and refers to a van. The Volkswagen CrossGolf with its variable and spacious interior also bridges to this segment. Within its class the CrossGolf has no direct competitors.
  
  
• Powerful image. In its exterior design the CrossGolf exhibits features evocative of the SUV world. Continuous wrap-around cladding in anthracite color, a silver-colored roof rail and newly designed bumpers and radiator air inlets give it an impressive look. The Volkswagen CrossGolf has large 17-inch wheels, and its body is set 20 millimeters higher. The exclusive new color “Ice Silver Metallic” is available as an option.

“Cross” stands for cleverly crafted interiors

• Individual interior. The interior of the Volkswagen CrossGolf too offers a fresh, contrast-rich color world. The materials and colors of Seat covers, door trim and silver-metallic cockpit components were developed especially for the new model. A three-spoke leather steering wheel, pedal caps in aluminum look and the “Climatic” climate control system round out the generous lineup of standard equipment.
  
  
• Clever ideas. The Volkswagen CrossGolf with front wheel drive is based on the Golf Plus Sportline. It too is distinguished by practical details such as folding tables on armrests of the standard front sport seats with storage bins underneath. The rear bench Seat is split for variable folding and has longitudinal adjustment. When its center section is folded down, a table surface is created. Depending on the bench configuration the cargo volume of the trunk area behind the large rear hatch ranges between 395 and 505 liters. When the seatbacks are folded down as much as 1,450 liters cargo space is provided.
  
  
• Feeling of expansive space. The feeling of space generated in the Volkswagen CrossGolf is evocative of a compact SUV. Compared to the “clas­sic” Golf the front passengers sit 9.5 centimeters higher, and 10.5 centimeters higher in the rear. The CrossGolf gives passengers comfortable entry and exit via its four doors. Head room and foot room are generous in both front and rear seating.

Powerful technology

• Two gasoline and two diesel engines. Volkswagen is offering the CrossGolf in two gasoline and two diesel engine variants. The two diesels are equipped with a particulate filter. The entry-level gasoline engine delivers 75 kW / 102 HP, and the base TDI engine develops 77 kW / 105 HP. The top gasoline and diesel engine variants have identical power output: The TSI and the 2.0 TDI each deliver a powerful 103 kW / 140 HP. The view of the TSI is particularly intriguing. Thanks to twin charging by supercharger and turbocharger this direct injection gasoline engine exhibits exceptionally high torque and an agile engine charac­teristic. At the same time it demonstrates exceptional fuel economy. The TSI and either of the TDIs can be ordered with DSG dual clutch transmission as an option.
  
  
• Optimal safety. Like all Golf cars the CrossGolf also has the ESP electronic stabilization program together with counter-steering function and trailer stabilization, ABS and brake assist on board. Six airbags are also included as standard equipment.

Nissan Qashqai on delivery in UK

Nissan’s new UK designed, engineered and built QASHQAI crossover is now available for test drive and ordering at the company’s dealers with deliveries due to start March 1. Business should be brisk if early interest from press and customers is anything to go by.

Talking of press, the Nissan QASHQAI has already picked up its first commendation: ‘Best Small Family Car Buy’ in the £13,000 – £14,500 category of the What Car? Car of the Year 2007 awards. Not surprising, considering the vehicle combines the best attributes of an SUV – a high driving position and solid build – with those of a conventional hatchback – great driving dynamics, good fuel economy and low insurance ratings.

Nissan’s website, www.nissan.co.uk, has already had more than 150,000 hits and 5500 leads requesting further information about the Nissan QASHQAI. And that’s before Nissan has even started advertising the car.

The entry level Visia 1.6 at £13,499 compares favourably with the lowliest Golf. With standard Bluetooth phone integration, air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels and front / rear electric windows along with ESP on the 2.0-litre engines only, it’s a serious competitor. There’s a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrols engines, as well as new 1.5-litre and
2.0-litre dCi units. Unusually the buyer can team the Visia trim with any of the available engine and transmission options.

Moving up a step and a further £1500 the Acenta adds a choice of two different upgraded trim designs with a leather bound steering wheel, rear parking sensor, dual zone climate controlled air conditioning, front fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, body coloured electric folding door mirrors, auto lighting cruise control, ultrasonic alarm system and an in-dash 6 CD auto changer with steering wheel controls.

Another £1500 gets you the top Tekna grade and for that you get a choice of two leather trim patterns with heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, 17” alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and Nissan’s Intelligent Key system.

To tackle any potentially hazardous driving conditions that may come your way then a four-wheel drive option is available. This switchable ALL-MODE 4x4 system, first experienced on the X-TRAIL, can be added for £1600, 2.0-litre engines only but the petrol version can also have CVT automatic transmission or for the diesel version a conventional 6 speed auto.

Anyone choosing the optional Birdview DVD satellite navigation system on the Acenta and Tekna grades for £1350 also get rear view camera which clearly shows a colour image of the view behind when reversing, aiding that perfect parking manoeuvre. This is in place of the standard ultrasonic reversing sensors fitted to Acenta and Tekna versions.

Nissan dealers now have demonstrators available for test drives but if you just want to join the traffic, visit www.nissan-qashqai.co.uk.

source: duemotori

Exterior styling pack available fot the Jaguar XK

Jaguar XK buyers wanting a more distinctive yet elegant exterior appearance for their XK can now choose to specify Jaguar''s exclusive range of body exterior styling products, known as the ''Exterior Styling Pack'', which makes its debut early 2007.

With body styling packages already available on the Jaguar X-TYPE and Jaguar S-TYPE, this new addition to the range provides a stylish differentiation for the XK and adds yet another exciting dimension to Jaguar''s selection of body accessories.

Reflecting the dynamic qualities the Jaguar XK offers, the Exterior Styling Pack gives the car amore bold and distinct appearance. Designed to reflect and accentuate the dynamic qualities and sleek, strong profile that the Jaguar XK offers, the Exterior Styling Pack uses the car’s existing flowing lines to project its athleticism and performance. This ultimately makes a dramatic but subtle impression on both passengers and passers-by.

The new Jaguar XK Exterior Styling Pack consists of a front valance, rear valance, upper and lower mesh grilles in a choice of bright or black finish, sill appliqués as well as new exhaust tailpipe finishers, giving the vehicle an aura of self-confidence.

As with all of the body styling packages, engineering integrity has been maintained and the components have been developed for ease of installation onto vehicles and all parts utilise current fixings. The Exterior Styling Pack comes as primed therefore supporting fitment to all vehicle colours.

Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum said: "We have designed a range of accessory products to visually emphasise the stance and presence of the XK. The enhancements we have made for the XK Exterior Styling Pack give the car an even more stylish and purposeful look by deliberately lowering the visual stance of the car and creating exciting new elements that work with the elegant profile of XK."

Available from March 2007, the Exterior Styling Package can be retro-fitted to all non-supercharged new XKs from launch.

Ford S-MAX Vehicle Earns 2007 European Car of the Year

Ford S-MAX earns 2007 European Car of the Year

Dana Corporation announced today that it is providing important engine content for the 2007 European Car of the Year, the new Ford S-MAX. Contributions to the Ford S-MAX include Dana's innovative thermal-acoustic protective shielding (TAPS) for the vehicle's exhaust system.

The Ford S-MAX won the European Car of the Year award after receiving nominations from 57 of the 58 award judges on a panel composed of journalists and industry experts from 22 European countries. The trophy was presented this week during a ceremony in Amsterdam.

"We congratulate Ford on earning European Car of the Year, and we are proud to supply technology that helped make the Ford S-MAX an award winner," said Dana Chairman and CEO Mike Burns. "Dana is a global leader in thermal- acoustic protective shields. Our advanced design helps insulate vehicle components from heat and noise generated by the engine and exhaust system."

Dana's form-fitted thermal-acoustic protective shielding incorporates a center layer of material that performs two important functions. Insulating characteristics provide superior thermal performance for the life of the vehicle, while damping properties contribute to improved NVH performance and increased durability. The fully hemmed edge of the shield eliminates sharp edges, secures the insulating and damping properties, and prevents resonate edge noise from occurring. Dana's innovative design also saves valuable under-hood space by closely fitting to the contours of the engine.

TAPS is manufactured at Dana facilities in Canada, Germany, Brazil, and Japan. Dana has been supplying a variety of multi-layer TAPS to several OEMs in Europe for more than 15 years.

About the European Car of the Year Award

The European Car of the Year is an international award judged by a panel of senior motoring journalists across Europe. The European Car of the Year Organizing Committee is made up of managers from the seven prominent European publications that take turns organizing the vote, publicizing and promoting the contest, and hosting the award ceremony. The seven automotive publications that organize the European Car of the Year Award include Auto (Italy), Autocar (United Kingdom), Autopista (Spain), Autovisie (The Netherlands), L'Automobile Magazine (France), Stern (Germany), and Vi Bilagare (Sweden).

About Dana Corporation

Dana is a leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with operations throughout the world, Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. The company's continuing operations reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2005. Dana' Internet address is www.dana.com.

Dana and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries are operating under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as debtors in possession. Information about the bankruptcy proceedings can be found at www.dana.com/reorganization . While Dana continues its reorganization under Chapter 11, investments in its securities are highly speculative. Although shares of Dana common stock continue to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol "DCNAQ," the trading prices of the shares may have little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by the holders under any eventual court-approved reorganization plan. The opportunity for any recovery by holders of Dana common stock under such reorganization plan is uncertain and shares of Dana common stock may be cancelled without any compensation pursuant to such plan.

Source: Dana Corporation

Opel Goes Roadster with the New Opel GT

• Classic proportions: sleek silhouette, long hood, short overhangs
• Archetypal roadster architecture with front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive
• High-tech turbo direct injection and twin A-arms
• Roadster fun and performance at affordable price: 264 hp for 30,675 Euros

New Opel GT

The modern definition of an athletic two-seater finds its form in the new Opel GT. As a classic roadster, it has a powerful front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, a cockpit with sporty instruments and a tailor-made fabric roof. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long, front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of this class. The Opel GT also brings new charm to this genre with its own unmistakable personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look, and its configuration, which enables a refined driving experience, even on long journeys.

The Opel GT’s pricing is also attractive. For 30,675 euros (recommended retail price in Germany incl. VAT), customers get no less than 264 hp from the high-tech turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes less than six seconds. The new two-seater carries its legendary name because it continues the tradition of the first Opel GT (1968 – 1973) and, like the original, competes in one of the most exciting vehicle classes.

The new Opel GT also showcases the brand’s passion for dynamic cars, and the conviction that “Opel was never as young as today”. This is underlined by niche models with a high fun factor, such as the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the high-performance OPC family. They enrich the model portfolio and emotionalize the brand.

The development of the Opel GT is a prime example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. It stems from the decision to expand the concern’s portfolio with a compact, rear-wheel drive, sporty vehicle architecture that can be implemented globally. The first step towards realizing this idea was the Solstice concept car in 2002, followed a year later by the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept, which was conceived at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Coventry, England. Strongly inspired by the VX, the Opel GT has been adapted to the current Opel design language at the GM Design Studio in Detroit and the GM Europe Design Studios in Rüsselsheim under the direction of Bryan Nesbitt. The Opel roadster will be built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the USA, where its highly successful American GM sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.

New Opel GT

The new GT’s story is reminiscent of that of its classic predecessor. In 1968, the original Opel GT set an automotive manufacturing precedent in Europe when it became the first car to go into production after being debuted to the public as a concept study. The legendary American sports car, the Corvette, made the same start in 1953 in the USA. The new Opel GT shares some engineering characteristics with the current Chevrolet Corvette, such as part of the architecture.

Crisp, dynamic look with strong face

Sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces give the new Opel GT a crisp, dynamic look. Its strong face is dominated by the fender’s accentuated sweep, the bold chrome crossbar with integrated Opel logo, the elongated hood with brand-typical center crease, chrome-bordered vents and bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels. The GT’s especially sporty characteristics include the long air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal contours − like on the Antara −, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints, which are reminiscent of designs from roadster and motor sport history. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design fill out the wheelarches, and emphasize the roadster character, as does the fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun.

New Opel GT

Chrome-ringed instruments in the cockpit clearly display all important information, while black piano lacquer and chrome finishes accentuate the high-tech nuance of the surface structures. These all combine with optional leather seats with visible stitching to highlight the sporty ambience. The short gear stick adds significantly to the driving fun: directly connected straight to the roadster’s five-speed transmission, its short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical seating position.

High-tech turbo engine with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing

The new Opel GT does not just look quick, it is quick! Its longitudinally front-installed 264 hp engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds, and up to a top speed of around 230 km/h. “When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. There’s no question about it: no other Opel has ever produced 132 hp output per liter. The new Opel GT’s engine not only complements the car’s dynamic look perfectly, it also far outperforms today’s other roadsters and most two-seat sports cars.

Opel GT, 2.0 Sidi Turbo Engine

High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1998 cm3, four-cylinder engine’s impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/264 hp at 5300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm between 2500 and 5000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations. The GT requires an average of 9.2 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers. Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the all-aluminum ECOTEC unit is based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004, and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit, which debuted in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.

Chassis with classic sporty configuration

For the Opel GT, engineers designed a classic, sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1543/1561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2415 mm: all four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced.
A manual five-speed transmission with sporty, short gear travel and limited slip differential provide propulsion power. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects.

New Opel GT

While disk brakes on all wheels, ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitor safety, the driver can control the level of ESP and use of TC himself. Both systems are fully active after ignition, with the setup providing driving fun but also keeping the vehicle stable within the physical limitations. At the touch of the ESP button in the instrument panel, the Traction Control (TC) is switched off, but ESP remains active and intervenes as soon as the yaw angle exceeds certain thresholds. Two short presses change the ESP’s calibration to a sportier mode and keep the Traction Control (TC) deactivated. Pushing and holding the ESP again for around ten seconds until the “ESP Off” symbol illuminates, completely deactivates ESP and TC. A short press of the button in any mode returns the two systems to their normal states, which also occurs automatically with each new engine start. A display and control light in the instrument panel keeps the driver informed about the current status of both systems.

New Opel GT

Stiff vehicle structure with center tunnel and side members

The typical roadster vehicle architecture was designed from the beginning to meet the special demands of an open-top, two-seat sports car without compromise. The vehicle structure, which consists of hydroformed side members and a supporting center tunnel made from drawn sheet steel, provides a solid basis for the car’s precise handling and passive safety. The hydroforming forging technique, in which components are manufactured from steel with the help of high water pressure, is already employed in automobile construction for chassis components in the Opel Vectra and Opel Astra.

New Opel GT

Only the legendary American Corvette sports car is also based on hydroformed side members. But the Opel GT also breaks new ground in another regard: the GT model family belongs to the first car line produced in significant numbers to have numerous exterior parts made using a procedure that is relatively time-consuming, but provides designers with greater creative freedom. The hood is one example: thanks to unconventional hydraulic technology − known as super forming − the long hood section with its front hinges was optimally integrated into the roadster’s silhouette without a gap between the hood and fender.

Extensive standard equipment

Extensive standard equipment in the Opel GT includes:

* 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R 18 tires
* Anti-lock Braking System ABS
* Electronic Stability Program ESP (can be adjusted and switched off)
* Traction Control TC (can be switched off)
* Two-stage airbags for driver and passenger
* Occupant detection for passenger seat (with cockpit display)
* Three-point safety belts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters
* CD-Radio (six loudspeakers, steering wheel remote controls, MP3 player connection)
* Power exterior mirrors
* Power windows
* Power height-adjustable driver’s seat
* Cruise control
* Air conditioning
* Leather steering wheel and gearshift knob
* Manual soft top with heated rear glass window
* Fog lamps
* Remote control central locking, including remote trunk-lid release


The first Opel GTs will be on the road in March 2007 and dealerships have been accepting orders since summer 2006.

New Opel GT: Technical Data Overview:

Engine / transmission
Emissions standard compliance			Euro 4
Fuel			super unleaded
Number of cylinders			4
Bore		mm	86.0
Stroke		mm	86.0
Displacement		cm3	1998
Max. output		kW (hp)	194 (264)
		at rpm	5300
Max. torque		Nm	353
		at rpm	2500 - 5000
Transmission			5-speed, manual
Driving performance		Fuel consumption in l/100 km
Maximum speed in km/h	Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h in seconds	Urban	Extra-urban	Combined	CO2 emissions in g/km
229	5.7	13.0	6.9	9.2	218
Car dimensions in mm
Length		4100
Width		1813
Height (at curb weight)		1274
Wheelbase		2415
Track, front		1543
Track, rear		1561
Turning clearance in m
Curb-to-curb		10.45
Luggage compartment capacity (liter)
Roof closed		157
Roof open		66
Weight and axle load in kg
Curb weight excl. driver (according to 70/156/EU)		1331
Gross vehicle weight		1625
Maximum axle load, front		850
Maximum axle load, rear		775

All data refer to the European base model with standard equipment. The consumption data according to 1999/100/EU takes into consideration the vehicle’s curb weight as stipulated by this regulation. The published performance figures are possible with the vehicle’s curb weight excluding driver plus a 200 kilogram load allowance.

Opinions on New Opel GT

Carl-Peter Forster,
President General Motors Europe:
“Develop and build cars with passion − nothing better defines what drives our team. And our customers will feel our passion when they start up the new Opel GT. With the new roadster, we now have an impressive and multifaceted large portfolio of niche products, including the Tigra and Astra TwinTops, which all offer open-top driving fun in their own unique way.”

Hans Demant,
Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH and GME Vice President, Engineering:
“The new Opel GT is a prime example of the technology and design potential that our growing global cooperation within GM offers. We can develop products based on joint vehicle architectures, which not only boast brand-specific characteristics and are worthwhile in smaller production runs, but also enhance the Opel image.”

Bryan Nesbitt,
Executive Director Design, GM Europe:
“Designing a roadster is one of the treats of the profession. You know from day one it must exude emotion and fashion beyond all else. The Opel GT is more than a car, it suggests a lifestyle."

Alain Visser,
Executive Director, European Opel Marketing:
“An absolute dream car, and thanks to its attractive, affordable price starting from 30,675 euros, it’s a dream that can come true. The new Opel GT concept is in line with its legendary predecessor, and with a powerful turbo engine, the purebred roadster enjoys an exceptional place in its segment.”

Chris Pinn,
Chief Engineer, Model Line:
“In the development division, our enthusiasm for the new Opel GT knew no boundaries: we constantly had to keep an eye on the keys to the prototypes!”

Opel GT: New Icon in Roadster Scene

* With 264 turbo hp for 30,675 euros, new GT offers plenty of power for the money
* Ample fresh air and driving enjoyment means lots of roadster fun for two
* Legitimate heir to the ’68 cult coupé

With a wide stance, long, front-hinged hood, sleek silhouette, bold rear, cockpit for two and a tailor-made fabric roof, which completely disappears under a cover, the new athletic two-seat Opel GT storms into a segment that is charged by emotion more than any other. As a clear commitment to pure driving fun, the GT is a roadster that perfectly fits into the Opel model range, even if its goal is not top marks for luggage compartment space, flexibility or family suitability: the new two-seater continues a tradition first started by the Opel GT in 1968.

New Opel GT

The new Opel GT also showcases the passion for building dynamic cars, and the conviction that “Opel was never as young as today”. This is underlined by niche models with a high fun factor, such as the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the high-performance OPC model family. They enrich the model portfolio and emotionalize the brand.

But the GT would not be a true Opel if it did not also appeal to customers’ more practical side. “When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. The new GT also follows in the footsteps of its predecessor when it comes to its 30,675 euro price tag. At 10,767 German marks, the first GT also caused a sensation with its price in 1968. At that time, this was equivalent to roughly 10 months’ average gross wages; around 490 euros a month today. Almost 40 years later, the price ratio for the new GT is now even somewhat improved. Today, the average wage has risen to 3500 euros, and while buyers no longer get a steel roof, they do get almost three times the power of the 90 hp GT 1900.

The legend lives on

The legend of an affordable sports car lives on. The new two-seater has the advantage of being designed on roadster architecture right from the start. The original GT from the 1960s was based on a pre-existing Opel sedan model. The reason for this was the limited production capacity at the time. In order to undertake assembly at the Bochum plant, the ’68 model had to be based on the Kadett. The bodies were produced in France, and the sale of one of the plants to a competitor in the automotive industry was a key reason for ceasing production in 1973. Up to that point, 103,000 units had been built. The new 2007 Opel GT will be built in the roadster plant in Wilmington/Delaware in the USA, together with its highly successful American GM sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky.

New Opel GT

The only extra apart from brilliant or two-coat-metalic-paint is the Premium package, which costs 1285 euros. It includes leather upholstery in ebony black or cobalt red/black, and a CD-Radio with 6 x CD changer. An original Opel wind deflector and tailored luggage set are also available.

The first GTs will be on the road in March 2007 with prices starting from 30,675 euros (recommended retail price ex works incl. VAT in Germany). Dealerships have been accepting orders since summer 2006.


Source: Opel

First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC

As a late addition to the 2007 lineup, the ninth-generation S-class adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive to the option list. Although past S-classes have also had this choice, the system has been completely overhauled for the latest S550 (within the S-class range 4MATIC is only available on S550s).

Perhaps the best news is that the new system, developed 100-percent in-house by Mercedes, is now teamed with the company’s excellent seven-speed automatic. For now, the new all-wheel drive is exclusive to the S550—the E-class 4MATIC models keep the old version with the five-speed tranny, and while the all-wheel-drive SUVs have the seven-speed, it’s a different setup. However, a version of this latest all-wheel drive will be available shortly on the redesigned 2008 C-class.

The new 4MATIC system is reportedly 60 pounds lighter than the old one, making an S550 4MATIC just 145 pounds heavier than a standard S550. That massive weight reduction was accomplished by using aluminum front axles instead of steel as well as eliminating the transfer case altogether by incorporating the planetary center differential into the transmission case. That second bit also saves on complexity: S-class 4MATICs no longer require a separate, wider transmission tunnel. Mercedes claims the friction within the system has been reduced as well, and reports a 60-percent reduction in the fuel-economy penalty of its all-wheel drive. But we’re a bit skeptical of that claim as the S550 4MATIC’s fuel economy drop according to EPA ratings is 1-mpg city and 2-mpg highway (15/22 versus 16/24), nearly identical to the previous S-class’ ratings.

Other changes include a switch from a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split to a fixed 45/55 split for better dynamic handling, says Mercedes. In slippery situations, the standard stability control (which also includes traction control) ensures that torque gets to the appropriate wheels. In practice, we were hard pressed to notice any seat-of-the-pants difference between rear-drive and all-wheel-drive S-class models, which was likely Mercedes’ goal. Either way, occupants are coddled in soft and supportive leather seats and are treated to a divinely supple ride. Of course, the S550 still feels big and heavy—because it is—and even though the steering and chassis aren’t quite as communicative as competitors’ such as the Audi A8 or BMW 7-series, we think the S550 is the best compromise between sportiness and luxury, which is why it prevailed in a comparison test amongst four of its peers.

The 4MATIC version of Mercedes’ largest sedan is powered by the same 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8, and Mercedes predicts the same 0-to-60-mph time as well, although we think the all-wheel-drive version should get off the line quicker and could therefore beat the class-leading 5.3 seconds to 60 mph that our quickest, rear-drive S550 managed.

But, starting at $90,825, which includes an extra $3300 for 4MATIC, fabulousness doesn’t come cheap.

source: www.caranddriver.com

2008 Volvo C30 Advertising

DETROIT — An angry audience throws tomatoes at the new C30. Soon after, a mob throws axes, frogs and arrows at the little Swedish hatchback.

A strange new blog? No, it's Volvo's own commercials trashing the latest car in the company lineup.

The "Product of Freewill" campaign is aimed at the coveted youth market of 25-34-year-old shoppers and is slated to launch in the United States later this year, after running in Europe. The ads will precede the launch of the 2008 Volvo C30 in the U.S. They can be previewed at the Volvo Freewill Web site.

One ad, entitled "Love It/Hate It," zips back and forth between a white rabbit sitting in the grass near a C30 on a sunny day to a stormy day with a ratlike creature lurking near the car. Another spot called "Hiss It/Kiss It" shows dark shadows of a crowd firing axes, frogs and arrows at the C30, counterpointed by a crowd throwing hearts and butterflies. But the most stunning of all is probably "Tomatoes," which shows an angry theater audience hurling tomatoes at the C30.

Volvo says it is hoping to attract buyers who want a car that will stand out, even if it doesn't have universal appeal.

source: insideline

Gallardo Gets Midlife Help From Audi R8

SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — The four-year-old Lamborghini Gallardo looks set to benefit from a raft of developments created by parent company Audi for its newly introduced R8.

According to the head of development at Audi, Ulrich Hackenberg, the R8 will donate its rear suspension and a number of other unspecified components to the Gallardo as part of a mid-life face-lift planned for the midengine two-seater in 2008.

Despite their outward differences, the Gallardo and R8 are based around a common set of mechanical components, making the proposed changes relatively inexpensive. The new rear suspension, a development of the Gallardo's existing double-wishbone setup, adopts a trailing link within its design that's claimed to provide added toe-in effect for what Hackenberg describes as "more controlled cornering."

Hackenberg, who has recently been chosen to oversee new-car development at Volkswagen, says the new arrangement will be tuned to suit the Gallardo's more sporting nature, with unique bushings and anti-roll bar rates helping to set it apart from the R8.

Other developments rumored but not yet officially confirmed for the face-lifted Gallardo include a new direct injection system for its 5.0-liter V10 engine. Among other fine tuning, it is expected to help boost the Sant'Agata supercar's reserves from today's 520 horsepower up to around 550. Such a system is already used on the R8's 4.2-liter V8, which produces 420 hp.

source: insideline

Mazda Launches Fully Redesigned Familia Van

Mazda has released the all-new Mazda Familia Van. A commercial vehicle for the Japanese market, the new Familia Van has many improved and practical features, and goes on sale nationwide today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers.

Enhancements to the Mazda Familia Van include a larger cargo space with greatly increased capacity. The cargo floor has been lowered and flattened, and the rear liftgate aperture increased, to facilitate
loading and Citroën unloading of items in the trunk area. The cabin is packed with features to maximize use of the available space: a foldaway table that is attached to the passenger seatback which can support a computer; a center console box with a whiteboard dry-erase writing surface built onto its lid; and a tray which can hold a briefcase at the rear of the center console, to name a few. Additionally, all models meet Japan''s 2005 exhaust emission standards, with the 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter versions qualifying for the Japanese government''s Green Tax exemptions.

The target sales volume for the entire Mazda Familia Van model range is 300 units a month.

Mazda Familia Van GX
(FWD model with 1.5-liter engine and 4-speed electronic automatic transmission)
Main features of the upgraded Familia Van

Significantly improved cargo area - Increased capacity Length of the cargo area floor: 1,952mm (with two occupants), width between wheels: 1,150mm. The cargo area can accommodate 91 boxes of A4-size paper,*1 putting the new Familia Van among the best in its class. *1 Calculated using 310 x 220 x 245mm boxes. Weight was not considered. - A cargo area and trunk liftgate designed to facilitate loading and unloading The trunk liftgate (dimensions from the top of the aperture to the bottom) is 995mm, which is 90mm greater than the previous model. The height of the cargo floor from the ground is 525mm, some 60mm lower than the previous model. These dimensions, together with the flat cargo floor design, make loading and unloading easier without putting undue strain on the person performing the work. User-friendly cabin - The following features have been included to enhance operability and utility: A foldaway computer table on the passenger seatback; a whiteboard dry-erase writing surface on the center console top box lid; a briefcase tray at the rear of the center console; a driver''s side pullout cup holder with a bottle cap tray; a shopping bag hook on the panel in front of the passenger''s seat; a pen holder on the instrument panel located near the driver''s seat; a passenger side instrument panel upper box for item storage; and a passenger side Seat undertray for business papers (among other features). Outstanding low emissions and fuel consumption - The 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter models achieve a four-star rating for exhaust emissions that were 75 percent or lower than the levels required by the Japanese government''s 2005 exhaust emission regulations. The 1.8-liter models achieve a three-star rating for its 50 percent reduction on 2005 emission levels. - The 1.5-liter models meet 2010 fuel economy standards plus 20 percent. The 1.2-liter and 1.8-liter models meet 2010 fuel economy standards plus 10 percent. - The 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter models qualify for Japan''s Green Tax exemptions. Safety equipment The following are included as standard equipment: - A driver''s side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag (for all grades). - Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist features (for all grades). - An Autolight System (which switches headlights on automatically; for the VX and GX grades). - Front passenger seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters (for all grades).

source: duemotori

Dacia introduces Logan Van, the third model of the X90 Programme

The introduction of the third vehicle of the X90 Programme, which will go on to feature a total of six vehicles within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, not only forms part of the programme''s ongoing development but also contributes to the group''s international growth.

Logan Van slots in perfectly with the Logan Programme''s overriding philosophy and, in addition to representing unprecedented value for money in its segment, meets the needs of
customers looking for a basic, modern, robust and affordable van. Renewal of the Dacia commercial vehicle range Logan Van marks both the modernisation of Dacia’s commercial vehicle line-up in Romania and the expansion of this range on the international front. Logan Van will go on sale in Romania and Bulgaria in February 2007 before becoming available in other markets from the end of 2007.
Aimed essentially at small business owners, tradesmen and traders, as well as small and medium-sized fleets, Logan Van will permit Dacia to develop brand loyalty in Romania while opening up fresh opportunities in other markets. Dacia’s Pitesti factory in Romania also produces Logan Saloon and Logan MCV. The maximum production capacity of Logan Van is 200 vehicles per day. Logan Van is derived from Logan MCV and this has enabled the new model''s development and production costs to be kept to a minimum. Production-related investments for the two models amounted to €110 million for a total outlay of €154 million. Logan Van benefits from the Renault Group’s experience in the realm of commercial vehicles and, by associating this commercial vehicle engineering expertise with the best of what the X90 Programme has to offer, the new model combines commercial vehicle robustness with passenger car equipment levels. The Logan concept applied to the commercial vehicle world Like other vehicles in the Logan family, Logan Van has been developed for use in highly varied and often extreme conditions. It features the same simplicity and robust materials that have become a hallmark of the Logan range.

In Romania and Bulgaria, Logan Van is available with a choice of two petrol engines – the 1.4 MPI 55kW or the 1.6 MPI 64kW – or the 1.5 dCi 50kW diesel engine, all of which come from the Renault Group''s powerplant range. Logan Van naturally benefits from the same level of active and passive safety as Logan MCV. Logan Van also shares Logan MCV''s design and volumes and, like the latter, features passenger car-style rear doors on all versions. These doors ensure wide access to the cargo area from both the left- and right-hand sides, unlike many of its rivals in the same category which permit access from one side only. Meanwhile, rear access is via 1/3-2/3 split asymmetric
upright doors. Logan MCV and Logan Van''s body structure was designed from the outset with both the passenger car and commercial vehicle variants in mind. Its strength and rigidity were consequently engineered to stand up the sort of constraints associated with commercial vehicle use, without neglecting either comfort or handling performance. The structure notably permits a standard payload of 800kg which puts Logan Van at the top-end of the small van segment. Logan Van features a maximum load-carrying volume of 2.5 cubic metres, while its overall length – up 200mm compared with Logan Saloon – permits a maximum cargo length of 1,936mm, an unprecedented figure for its category. All these features are naturally available at an extremely attractive price, with tax-paid prices starting from €6,700 in Romania. Just under 250,000 Logans sold worldwide in 2006 Since its launch, Logan has attracted a broad-based international clientele. It is available in 51 countries and more than 415,000 cars were sold between September 2004 and the end of December 2006 (22,833 in 2004, 144,969 in 2005 and 247,514 in 2006).

In 2006, the Logan Programme saw several key developments, including the availability of diesel power in March and, in September, the launch of Logan New Collection, the introduction of an upper-range Prestige version and the availability of the 1.6 16V engine. Shortly afterwards, in October, Logan MCV was released in Romania and Bulgaria. Combined sales of the new estate model in these two countries amounted to 3,864 estates between the months of October and December 2006. Between January and June 2007, Logan MCV will progressively become available across the rest of Europe, as well as in Turkey, Algeria and certain African and Near-East markets. Logan is the flagship model of the Dacia brand, except in Russia, Colombia, Venezuela and Equator where it is marketed under the Renault brand. Logan''s top-ten markets are Romania, Russia, France, Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, Colombia, Spain, Germany and Ukraine. Since its launch in September 2004, the number of Logans on the road in Romania has surpassed 200,000.

In Russia, where Logan went on sale in July 2005, it has made a significant contribution to the national subsidiary''s sales which reached 72,484 cars in 2006, an increase of 148 per cent increase over 2005 (29,177 cars). In 2006, Logan also accounted for 68 per cent (49,323) of the Renault Group''s total sales in Russia. In France, where the model has a market share of 1 per cent, 28,592 Logans have been sold since June 2005. Logan is currently produced in Romania (since September 2004), Russia (since April 2005), Morocco (since June 2005) and Colombia (since July 2005). Production is due to begin in Iran, Brazil and India in the first half of 2007.

The Clio Renault F1 Team R27, An entry into the World of Formula 1

To mark the international launch of the new R27, Renault Sport Technologies will present the Clio Renault F1 Team in Amsterdam today. This will be a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of the two-fold world champion Formula 1 Team with the unveiling of a unique car packed with sports features and technologies.

Offering sensations of pure performance, passion and driving pleasure, the special edition Clio Renault Sport asserts its
identity across a unique look and sporty dynamics, boosted by range of equipment drawn from the best of competition vehicles.

Asserting the Renault F1 Team identity With its red brake callipers, its new Sirius yellow colouring and exclusive Renault F1 Team and World Champion markings, this special edition of the Clio Renault Sport will be immediately identified with its older sibling, the Mégane Renault F1 Team.

The interior features Récaro seats, and the numbered plate evokes its unique sports character. Chassis and settings for ultimate efficiency Clio Renault F1 Team R27 rests on a Cup chassis. BeBop 17’’ Dark Anthracite wheels provide more sensation and road-holding accuracy. Its base is lower than the Clio Renault Sport, efficiency is improved by adjusted shock-absorbers and specific springs.

This means more performance and extreme pleasure. The general public will find more details on this Special Edition Clio Renault F1 Team R27 at the next Geneva Car Show. Test drives and commercial marketing at a later stage.

Bmw Group Australia announces pricing for 3 series convertible

BMW Group Australia has announced pricing for its 3 Series Convertible, which will be launched next month to the Australian public at the Brisbane International Motor Show.
Customer deliveries of the iconic BMW 3 Series Convertible, which will feature for the first time a folding metal hardtop, will begin in March.

SunReflective technology, which reduces heat build-up in leather upholstery exposed to direct sunlight, will become a standard feature in BMW’s fourth generation Convertible.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible is the sleekest rendering yet of the new generation 3 Series design.

The stunning silhouette of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is characterised by a slender roofline descending down to the rear and a low and smooth shoulder-line. The design also features the traditional ‘Hofmeister Kick’ which appears for the first time on a time on a BMW Convertible.

Naturally, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible provides a dynamic driving experience, enhanced by the choice of travelling fully enclosed in a snug coupé, or open to the elements enjoying all the benefits of open-top motoring.

Boasting greater torsional stiffness than any other BMW Convertible, the new model comes with the choice of a 160 kW straight six magnesium-aluminium engine which powers the 325i or the new top of the range all-aluminium 3.0-litre Twin Turbo petrol engine that delivers 225 kW of power in the 335i.

It takes just 22 seconds for the fully-lined retractable hardtop to be lowered – the fastest retractable 3-piece hardtop in its market segment. The three-piece lightweight steel roof provides both superior sound insulation and extremely large windows for excellent visibility.

With the roof lowered, the boot retains a remarkable 210 litres of luggage space. In addition, the rear section of the Seat backs fold flat allowing a through-loading system that means bulkier items can be carried securely.

On sale from March 24, the BMW 3 Series Convertible starts with the 325i priced at $94,900 in six-speed manual transmission guise.

Standard equipment for the 325i Convertible includes Seat heating for driver and front passenger, premium Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective technology, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights, 17-inch light alloy wheels, BMW Business navigation system with colour monitor, six-stacker CD player, rear Park Distance Control, automatic climate control, and extended lights package for interior illumination, cruise control with brake function, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.

From an active safety perspective, the 325i Convertible covers all the bases with standard safety systems including DSC Dynamic Stability Control which incorporates DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC Dynamic Brake Control, while dual front airbags and front Seat integrated side airbags with combined head airbags complete the passive safety list.

The 2.5-litre magnesium aluminium straight-six engine produces 160 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 2,750 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The 325i Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The 325i Convertible, optionally equipped with a six-speed Steptronic Automatic transmission, is priced a $97,500.

Further 325i Convertible options include sports seats for driver and front passenger, Active Steering, Sport Suspension, 18 or 19-inch light alloy wheels, Comfort Access, Adaptive Headlights, Active Cruise Control, High Beam Assist and LOGIC7 sound system.

The 335i Convertible will be available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission guise and priced from $121,500 and $124,100 respectively.

With a power output of 225 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,300 rpm and 5,000 rpm, the 335i out performs its closest rival by having notably more power and torque, far faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds) and lower fuel consumption (EU combined 9.9-litres per 100 km).

The 6-speed automatic transmission available in the 335i Convertible has been upgraded to deliver shift times around 40 per cent faster than before. Uniquely available to automatic models is the option for steering wheel mounted shift paddles. These alloy-finished shifters are priced at $200.

The 335i Convertible standard specification adds the following features over those of the 325i Convertible: larger front and rear brakes, sports seats for driver and front passenger, 18-inch light alloy wheels, Park Distance Control PDC front and rear, front Seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch colour monitor and TV and Voice Recognition functions, Hi-Fi loudspeaker system, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Headlights.

BMW will officially launch its new 3 Series Convertible next month to the Australian public at the Brisbane International Motor Show.

The car will be a highlight of the 10-day show, which opens on Friday 2 February at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Its appearance in Brisbane is a coup for Australian BMW fans, who will be the first to see it after its world debut at the North American International Motor Show opening in Detroit earlier this month.

Lexus Presents Contemporary Art Exhibition in Four U.S. Cities to Launch All-New Lexus LS 460 Flagship Sedan

Lexus LS 460

There is no map to innovation. The path to invention is laid with passion, confidence and, above all, uncommon vision. Those are the guiding principles behind "Light and Speed" at The 460 Degrees Gallery, a one-of-a-kind contemporary art experience presented by Lexus in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Chicago.

Sebastien Agneessens, a prominent New York-based curator for the contemporary arts, curated the multi-media exhibition that brings together some of the freshest talents on the contemporary art scene. Shamim Momin, associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, served as executive consultant. "Light and Speed" features conceptual photography by Miranda Lichtenstein, video art by Pascual Sisto and an architectural installation by Arne Quinze.

The 460 Degrees Gallery is hosting gala events, public seminars, premium tastings and presentations by luxury retailers. "The idea of 460 Degrees is that there's more to discover beyond what we see or even imagine can be," says Agneessens. The gallery opened in Los Angeles in October and has been an instant hit in each city. In New York, 460 Degrees Gallery had more than 13,000 visitors during its two-week run.

Lexus is mounting "Light and Speed" at The 460 Degrees Gallery to showcase the launch of its all-new 2007 LS 460 luxury sedan. "We wanted to do something that celebrates reinvention and Lexus' heightened focus on design," said Deborah Meyer, vice president of marketing for Lexus.

The 460 Degrees Gallery in Chicago will be located at 666 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The exhibition manifesto and further details are available at www.460degrees.com.

A Look Inside The 460 Degrees Gallery

A towering vortex of wood. Hypnotic video images of moving cars. Photographs chronicling the age-old quest for higher meaning and self-discovery. As Agneessens put it, entering "Light and Speed" at The 460 Degrees Gallery is like "journeying into a dream."

The exhibition space is dominated by "Timegate," Arne Quinze's massive spiral structure made of thousands of pinewood planks, an installation that required more than three miles of wood and more than 25,000 nails. Quinze, a Belgian artist perhaps best known for his breakthrough designs for the Burning Man festival, said, "I want this work to be an experience out of time. Since it's a piece of art you walk into, it goes beyond visual understanding. This is an experience of sensuality and of deep feelings."

At the base of Quinze's vortex is a video installation by Barcelona-born artist Pascual Sisto, who now resides in Los Angeles. "Push/Pull" is his homage to American car culture: on one video screen, a kaleidoscopic vision of white headlights approaches in silence; on the other, red taillights speed away. "Living in L.A., most of my best ideas come to me while driving, and my imagery takes shape in the car," Sisto said. "The notion here is that driving is a meditative state and the car becomes an extension of one's imagination."

Miranda Lichtenstein also explores the nexus between meditation and machine. In a photographic series titled "The Searchers," the New York-based artist documents various paths that people take to discover higher consciousness. One image, "Anechoic Chamber," shows a man in a soundproof studio at Bell Laboratories that the Guinness Book once called the world's quietest room. "I wanted to create an image of something 'undocumentable;' complete silence," said Lichtenstein, whose other photographs on view document yoga, meditation and shamanic practices.

The 460 Degrees Gallery also presents opportunities for visitors to participate in the discovery process. Touch-screen displays feature in-depth artist interviews and take visitors inside the art-making process. Various public events will unfold around the exhibits, including Wired Magazine's "Gadget Lab," a seminar on "The Art of the Suit" by Details magazine and chocolates distributed by Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland (See website for complete list of events and schedule). In addition, test drives of the LS 460 and LS 460L will be available to the public on a first come, first serve basis beginning February 2 thru February 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (test drives unavailable on February 7).

Exhibition schedule:
Chicago: Feb. 2 - 15, 2007

About the New LS 460

With the launch of the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the LS 460 L, the company's first-ever long-wheelbase model, Lexus brings its new styling philosophy known as L-finesse to its flagship luxury sedan.

"The first LS that debuted in 1989 set new standards in luxury and refinement, and the new LS 460 continues that heritage," notes Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "This vehicle required novel approaches in craftsmanship, innovative styling and pioneering production processes in order to deliver unmatched refinement and elegance."

The new LS, with an all-new 380-horsepower V8 engine mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, blends power with meticulous details and engaging comfort that is uniquely Lexus. Exterior design cues embody a dignified strength, yet a sense of emotion and aggressiveness is exemplified in the continuous flow of the hood and bumper. With new standards of cabin tranquility and a longer wheelbase that brings 4.7 inches of additional legroom for rear passengers, the new LS approaches comfort and convenience from a new angle, redefining luxury.

About Lexus

Lexus has become synonymous with luxury since its introduction in 1989. By offering some of the finest quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service, Lexus has become the top-selling luxury nameplate in the United States for seven years in a row. Lexus and its 221 dealers have repeatedly achieved high honors for both the products they sell and the customer service they provide as rated by the independent research firm of J.D. Power and Associates.

Source: Lexus

Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2007 Toyota Tundra Full-Size Pickups

2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new second-generation 2007 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck.

Significantly bigger, more capable and more technically advanced in every metric of comparison, the 2007 Toyota Tundra is available in 31 models. The Tundra offers a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. The Toyota Tundra has been engineered for "true truckers" and is versatile enough to be a highly capable truck for work or for personal use.

The 2007 Toyota Tundra offers three levels of power, all with standard VVT-i. In Regular and Double Cab models, a standard 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a healthy 266 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 4.0-liter engine achieves city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/20 mpg.

The mid-grade option for these models -- and standard on CrewMax models -- is the proven 4.7-liter i-Force V8, producing 271 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 313 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 4.7-liter engine feature city/highway fuel economy ratings of 15/18 mpg.

The 2007 Toyota Tundra's trump card under the hood is the all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that features Dual Independent VVT-i and is available in every model configuration. Specifically designed for full-size pickup applications, the i-Force 5.7 puts out an impressive 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and unleashes 401 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. 4x4 models equipped with the 5.7-liter engine achieve city/highway fuel economy ratings of 14/18 mpg, while 4x2 models achieve 16/20 mpg.

Towing equipment is standard on all V8 models and includes a hitch receiver, 4.30 rear differential, supplemental transmission cooler, transmission temperature gauge, 7 pin connector, and a trailer brake controller pre-wire. Fourteen of the Toyota Tundra's 31 models are capable of towing over 10,000 lbs and the Regular Cab 5.7L 4x2 Long Bed model features a towing capacity up to 10,800 pounds.

Tundra will provide the most comprehensive standard safety equipment in the full-size pickup market. It is the first full-size pickup to offer standard front seat side airbags and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags on every model. All Tundra models also feature the STAR safety system as standard equipment, which includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The Toyota Tundra is the only truck to offer 18 x 8 inches wheels with 255/70 R18 tires as standard equipment on every model to accommodate 13.9 inch front rotors. No other truck in the class offers larger tires and wheels as standard equipment on all models. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/55 R20 tires are available on Limited models.

All models come standard with an easy lower-and-lift tailgate, dual-zone climate control system, AM/FM CD with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, tilt wheel, two power points, tachometer, digital clock, coolant temperature gauge, and dual glove box.

  ENGINE                       BODY STYLE        TRANSMISSION    MSRP

4x2 TUNDRA
V6                           Reg Cab               5ECT       $22,290
V6                           Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $22,620
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab               5ECT       $23,430
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab               6ECT       $24,380
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $23,760
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab LB            6ECT       $24,710

SR5 V6                       Double Cab            5ECT       $26,105
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $26,850
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $28,110
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab LB         5ECT       $27,180
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab LB         6ECT       $28,440
LTD V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $34,240
LTD V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $35,490

SR5 V8 4.7                   CrewMax               5ECT       $29,675
SR5 V8 5.7                   CrewMax               6ECT       $30,935



ENGINE                       BODY STYLE        TRANSMISSION    MSRP
LTD V8 4.7                   CrewMax               5ECT       $37,540
LTD V8 5.7                   CrewMax               6ECT       $38,790

4x4 TUNDRA
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab               5ECT       $26,480
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab               6ECT       $27,440
V8 4.7                       Reg Cab LB            5ECT       $26,810
V8 5.7                       Reg Cab LB            6ECT       $27,770

SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab            5ECT       $29,900
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab            6ECT       $31,160
SR5 V8 4.7                   Double Cab LB         5ECT       $30,230
SR5 V8 5.7                   Double Cab LB         6ECT       $31,490
LTD V8 4.7L                  Double Cab            5ECT       $37,290
LTD V8 5.7L                  Double Cab            6ECT       $38,550

SR5 V8 4.7L                  CrewMax               5ECT       $32,725
SR5 V8 5.7L                  CrewMax               6ECT       $33,985
LTD V8 4.7L                  CrewMax               5ECT       $40,590
LTD V8 5.7L                  CrewMax               6ECT       $41,850

Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models will arrive at dealerships mid February, with CrewMax models reaching Toyota dealers in March.

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com/


Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

DaimlerChrysler Builds First Fuel Cell-Powered Fire Fighter Vehicle with Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

• Zero-emissions fire protection in Sacramento
• DaimlerChrysler has the largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world -- more than 100
• DaimlerChrysler works with emergency services to prove fuel cell technology
• More than $1 billion invested in fuel cell technology and almost 2 million miles logged -- more than any other manufacturer

DaimlerChrysler builds first fuel cell-powered fire fighter vehicle with Mercedes-Benz F-Cell. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group)

DaimlerChrysler has introduced the first fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as a supervisor's vehicle in the Sacramento area.

Outfitted with decals, lights, sirens and a healthy coat of bright red paint, the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. The new fire response F- Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car, also built by DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the Wayne State University Police Department. These two vehicles are the first hydrogen fuel cell powered emergency response vehicles in the world.
"This program exhibits how DaimlerChrysler is taking on the challenge for industries and governments to create viable alternative-fuel solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler Group. "We're pleased to be a driving force in this team effort to develop zero- emissions transportation."

The Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will be refueled at a BP Energy hydrogen refueling station located at the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Delivering hydrogen fuel cell vehicle experience to the fire service, the Mercedes-Benz F- Cell contributes to the development of appropriate solutions for hydrogen transportation safety.

DaimlerChrysler has spent more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research and development. No other manufacturer has accumulated more data or driven more zero-emissions miles -- almost 2 million.

The DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicle fleet is diverse -- in addition to several research vehicles, it also includes medium-duty fuel cell Dodge Sprinter vans and more than 35 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, which operate in Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. As part of the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles, DaimlerChrysler has 32 fuel cell vehicles in customer hands within the United States and more than 100 around the world. No other manufacturer comes close to the efforts of DaimlerChrysler with fuel cell technology.

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds. The fuel cell stack has been developed by the DaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.

DaimlerChrysler supports Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts and goals. His California Hydrogen Highway Network -- in addition to other programs the company is involved with, including those with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency -- enables DaimlerChrysler and its partners to gain extensive operational familiarity with fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations.

DaimlerChrysler pioneered fuel cell vehicle technology more than a decade ago. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is true zero-emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels, Flex-Fuel and hybrid powertrain systems.

Source: Chrysler Group

First Drive: 2007 Mazda CX-9 - Previews

Mazda’s new seven-passenger crossover seeks to perform the zoom-zoom magic for bigger crowds.

Mazda’s full-size crossver CX-9 debuted at the New York auto show back in April 2006. After being quite taken by the Mazda CX-7 mid-size crossover’s tall sporty-car behavior, we have been wondering if Mazda would stick to the same ingredients while doubling the recipe for a bigger family. This would be a first—nobody has ever made a truly sporty minivan (excluding the $90,000 Mercedes-Benz R63)—and a full-size crossover is essentially a minivan for people who really don’t want to be seen in a minivan.

Unmistakable family looks, surprising interior comfort.

From the outside, the similarities to the little brother CX-7 and the rest of the Mazda lineup are immediately apparent. Mazda’s racy corporate face, with its trapezoidal grill and
angular headlamps, manages the translation from small car to full-size SUV without losing its charm or originality. The steeply raked windshield, bulging fenders, and swoopy beltline are double-take close to the CX-7, but toned down from garish and aggressive to simply stylish. Base models get 18-inch wheels, while uplevel Grand Touring models roll on 20s. The proportions try to trick your brain into thinking the CX-9 is smaller than it is, and almost succeed. But with an overall length just a smidge shy of 200 inches, there is no hiding the CX-9’s size.

From inside, your perception of size depends on your location. Sitting in the driver’s seat, the CX-9 feels relatively cozy, but not small. The large center console and attractive instrument panel create a driver-centric cockpit, but on a winding, snowy road, we were always aware of the right wheels’ proximity to the slippery shoulder. The CX-9’s external size means a spacious interior for the front five passengers, while third row detainees will beg those in the second to please slide their seats forward. This is done easily enough; the second-row seats have over five inches of travel. The seat rails have detents for three positions within those five inches. The rearmost allows even our 99th percentile testers to fit comfortably in the second row, but leaves no room for anyone much over five feet tall in the third seat. The forward setting simply reverses those roles, while the middle setting is a compromise that will leave passengers in both rows happy, as long as they’re all moderately-sized folks and the trip isn’t too long.

First Drive: 2007 Mazda CX-9 - Soul of a Sports Car?

Available in either black or beige, with gray seat accents, this is one of Mazda’s nicest interiors ever. The materials look and feel top-shelf, and quality touches abound. The wood trim flanking the center stack is echoed in size and shape by a wooden trim strip on the door panels, and the small notch in the center console lid allows your iPod cord to pass through to the auxiliary input jack in the console without being pinched. The instrumentation and control layout are logical, and the first- and second-row seats are remarkably shaped for fantastic support and comfort.

Can a seven-passenger crossover really have the soul of a sports car?

Of course, the seats need to be comfortable, because the suspension is tuned more for response than comfort. We were surprised at how true to the “soul of a sports car” ideal Mazda stayed with this largest and most unsporting vehicle. Our drive route for the CX-9 included a few roads that we frequent during our 10Best Cars and 5Best Trucks flogs, roads with a rare (for Michigan) combination of elevation changes and curves, and typical Midwestern pavement composed primarily of cracks, patches, and potholes. On these roads, the CX-9 reminded us too much of the hardcore Mazdaspeed 3, which reacted so violently to the surface inconsistencies that it seemed ready to pitch itself into the trees. Of course, the CX-9 isn’t that stiff, but Mazda is adamant that its three-row crossover is a vehicle intended to satisfy the driver. That it will do better than most anything in this class, but the kids in the back are going to have the ketchup shaken off their fries and all over the upholstery. We wonder if a little bit more compromise wouldn’t have been a good idea. Or maybe you can just tell the ungrateful brats to wait until you get to Grandma’s to eat.

A stiff suspension does not a sporty drive make, though, and Mazda knows this. Sporty means clear communication between car and driver, and this the CX-9 does as well as some cars with much better sports credentials. Steering response is crisp, with excellent on-center feel, nice effort, and sharp feedback. The quick-shifting Aisin six-speed automatic transmission features a manumatic mode that submits fully to the driver’s whims, bouncing off the rev-limiter until the driver shifts and refusing to downshift under any demand through the throttle without an accompanying request from the shifter. The exceptions are in the tall sixth gear, when the CX-9 sometimes downshifts to fifth gear to maintain speed, or when decelerating out of a gear’s range. The brake pedal, too, offers feel that seems to have come right out of one of Mazda’s smaller, more conventionally sporty offerings.

Powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter V-6.

Linear zoom is attained through Ford’s new corporate 3.5-liter V-6, also found in the Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Edge, and Ford Five Hundred. Rated at 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, the six will move the 4300-pound CX-9, but, like the MX-5, the CX-9 is the least fun in a straight line. We predict 0-60 times around eight seconds, which would put the CX-9 just behind the segment benchmark Honda Pilot. Those wanting to pull the really fun stuff behind them rather than have all their fun on the way can order a towing package that will up the tow rating of the CX-9 from 2000 to 3500 pounds and includes a transmission cooler, larger cooling fan, and an engine computer recalibrated to recognize when a trailer is attached and adjust transmission shift points.

Safety and security, brought to you by the letters T, S, C, D, and R.

Responsive handling and quick reflexes are fun, but the CX-9 is still a family vehicle, and family vehicles have to protect the chitlins. An Eskimo roll is invigorating in a kayak, not so much in an SUV. To that end, Mazda has equipped all CX-9s with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and—borrowed from Ford’s trucks—Roll Stability Control, which plugs a second yaw-control sensor to monitor roll motions into the existing array of vehicle stability sensors. All-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels. Should these not do the trick and accident avoidance become accident survival, the CX-9 comes standard with driver and passenger front and side airbags, as well as extended-duration three-row curtain airbags that stay inflated for approximately six seconds.

The CX-9 will be on sale by the end of February, starting from $29,035 for a base Sport model to over $41,000 for a fully loaded, all-wheel drive Grand Touring. This biggest Mazda still possesses all the familial traits of the winged-M brand; the only question is how many people will want this much sport in their crossovers.

source: caranddriver.com

American Suzuki Shows Full Line, Suzuki SXBox Concept Vehicle at 2007 St. Louis International Auto Show

Suzuki SXBox Concept Vehicle cockpit

With an array of vehicles designed to meet the needs of consumers' active lifestyles, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the 2007 St. Louis International Auto Show with its full-line of exciting cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).

In addition to Suzuki's full-line of vehicles on display at the show, St. Louis auto enthusiasts will be treated to a look at the SXBox, one of the company's all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" concept vehicles based on the 2007 SX4.

"American Suzuki rolls into the St. Louis International Auto Show poised for an impressive 2007 campaign," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "We are coming off a record-setting year led by the popular Grand Vitara and top-selling Forenza family of vehicles, and we're set to continue the momentum into the next model year with the XL7 and SX4."

In 2006, American Suzuki bested its own all-time annual sales record -- selling 100,990 vehicles -- up an impressive 23 percent over 2005. It was the first time in ASMC's 21-year history it eclipsed 100,000 in sales.

Suzuki's diverse vehicle line offers something for everyone with standout virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

"Suzuki LIVE Series" Vehicles

Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the "Suzuki LIVE Series" (LIFE VEHICLES) -- a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its "Way of Life" brand proposition, which promises products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" vehicles for 2007, illustrating how its cars and SUVs play an integral part of consumers' everyday life.

The vehicles, coined BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Flix for film and entertainment buffs; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; will be on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.

SXBox

Built by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over, the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts. The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors.

Suzuki SXBox Concept Vehicle

The SXBox also is equipped with an impressive, high-performance wheel and tire package, providing gamers with the means to get to the nearest gaming competition. When parked, the SXBox's pearl white exterior is illuminated courtesy of a green LED accent kit.

The interior design of the SXBox features an ultra-high-tech, game-inspired color scheme throughout the inside of the vehicle, including recessed LED emitters to brighten the interior of the vehicle. The SXBox is outfitted with a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 gaming console, coupled with a close proximity digital projection system to display enthusiasts' game of choice on the interior of the vehicle's retractable hood, easily enabled by the push of a button. A second Xbox 360 video game system powers two separate LCD display screens in the seat backs of the SXBox to provide gaming excitement for rear passengers. For gamers who prefer to stand and play, the SXBox is equipped with a 30-inch retractable rear projection screen in the cargo area.

Adding comfort and convenience to the idea of in-car gaming, the concept vehicle features high-relief, force-feedback front seats with game-station highlights to create a snug gaming environment and four wireless controllers, including a steering-wheel-mounted gaming control for the driver. In addition, the SXBox's multi-speaker surround audio system with wide frequency response and thundering bass provides an intense atmosphere of video game stimulation.

2007 Suzuki XL7

The XL7 blends SUV versatility and safety to increase driver and passenger comfort and features available all-wheel drive and seven-passenger, three-row seating to provide adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles. The 3.6-liter, V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls.

The XL7 has a long list of standard features, including five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shift, extensive safety features, including four airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)(1). Additional standard features include remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, two 12-volt accessory outlets, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver trim, air conditioning with automatic climate control, trip computer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and privacy glass.

Three trim levels are offered: XL7, Luxury and Limited. The XL7, offered in five- and seven-passenger configurations and either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599.

The top-of-the-line XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger seating and adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof racks with aluminum lower bumper valances, premium XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer), auto-dimming antiglare rearview mirror with compass, remote starter and DVD entertainment system. The feature-packed XL7 Limited carries an MSRP of $27,949.

There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels: The seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury); the DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system; and the Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof.

2007 Suzuki SX4

The 2007 Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), named "Best Kept Secret of 2007" by Autobytel, is designed for those who live an adventurous life and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions. The all-new SX4 (the name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather) features a handsome five-door hatchback design, a sophisticated standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics. Built in Japan, the SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment. The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

The SX4's standard features include six airbags; front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags; four-wheel ABS with EBD, TPMS, seatbelt pretentioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards. SX4 carries an MSRP of $14,999.

The SX4 comes in two trim levels: SX4 and SX4 Sport. SX4 is available with the Convenience Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. SX4 Sport includes: TCS and ESP, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), silver-color roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. SX4 Sport has an MSRP of $16,399. All trim levels are available in manual or automatic transmission with standard AWD.

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara

First introduced as a 2006 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a "Best Buy" from Consumer Guide. The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features.

The list of standard safety features is extensive: ABS with EBD and ESP, including traction control, six airbags, three-point driver and front-passenger seat belts featuring shoulder height adjustment; in the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive.

The Grand Vitara comes in three trim levels: Base, XSport and Luxury. The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $19,379. The Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system drives tops out at $23,399.

The Suzuki Forenza Sedan and Forenza Wagon

The Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon feature Pininfarina styling, high standard feature content, powerful engines and backing by America's #1 Warranty. Last year, both Forenza models received a fresh front fascia design that incorporates a new Suzuki family grille. Both the Forenza sedan and the Forenza Wagon are available in one trim level, and customers can choose to add the ABS option, the Convenience Package (remote keyless entry and cruise control) or the Popular Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control and power tilt-and-slide sunroof). The starting MSRP for the Forenza sedan is $13,999 and $14,699 for the Forenza Wagon.

2007 Suzuki Reno

With its sculpted European styling and lively 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine, the Reno is an attractive alternative to compact competitors. New in the 2005 model year, the five-door Reno offers budget-conscious buyers versatility for their active lifestyle. The starting MSRP for the Reno is $13,499. The Reno also has an available Convenience Package, adding power tilt-and-slide sunroof, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control.

2007 Suzuki Aerio

The fun-to-drive Aerio sedan comes standard with a sporty 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque and adds more value in 2007 with the addition of a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Aerio is available in two trim levels (Aerio and Premium), and buyers can choose between a front-wheel-drive system, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which comes with standard automatic transmission. Prices start at $14,299 for the Aerio and $14,399 for the Aerio Premium.

About American Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 520 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 125 countries. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

(1) ESP is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.


Source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation

Toyota: Scion Set for Major Unveils

TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota has confirmed several debuts for the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, including the 2008 Scion xD, redesigned '08 Scion xB and '08 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.

The Scion xD, a compact sedan, is slated to replace the outgoing xA and is expected to hit showrooms in spring 2007. In an unusual part of the Scion reveal, the automaker will also stage a simultaneous press conference in Scion City, in the virtual world "Second Life," to introduce the computer-simulated versions of the '08 models. The Scion unveilings will take place February 8.

Toyota will host the world premiere of the 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs on February 7. The Highlander is said to be redesigned on the Avalon platform and gets larger to accommodate the bigger, redesigned RAV4 in the Toyota lineup.

Diesels: DCX Announces New Pickup Engine, Pricing on CRD Cherokee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, the Chrysler Group's first diesel-powered full-size SUV, will be priced starting at $38,475, including a $695 destination charge, when it hits showrooms in March.

The company also has announced that it will roll out a new diesel pickup after 2009.

The timing of the two announcements was part of a big diesel push on Tuesday by DaimlerChrysler. In a speech at the Washington auto show, DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche urged Americans to "rethink diesel" as a way to lessen dependence on foreign oil and improve fuel economy.

The automaker will debut a new turbodiesel engine in its Dodge light-duty pickups after 2009. The new Cummins "clean diesel" for the Dodge Ram 1500 will provide up to 30 percent better fuel economy and a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with a conventional gas engine.

The automaker also noted that the new 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD provides up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The Grand Cherokee CRD will range in price from $38,475 for the base Limited 4x2 model to $45,395, including shipping, for the top-of-the-line Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4.

In comparison, a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 with a 4.7-liter V8 starts at $35,425, including a $695 destination charge. A 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 with a 3.7-liter V6 starts at $28,360, including destination.

The new 3.0-liter V6 CRD, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. It gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for 4x2 models, and 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway for 4x4 models.

The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD has a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a driving range of about 450 miles.

Cool Chrysler Car Pack

Up for grabs this month is this cool Chrysler car pack, given to us at the launch of the 300C SRT8 Touring.


The car packs more than 425bhp, so the bag could be handy for the contents of your passengers' stomachs. To bid for this unique piece of motoring memorabilia, follow follow this link.

Last month all the Christmas goodies went for a seasonably charitable £410.

2007 JE Design SEAT Leon 1 P FR

Already fully tuned and styled: The new Seat Leon 1 P "FR" from JE DESIGN

* Power boost FR-TDI up to around 142 kW / 193 bhp and 410 Nm
* Power boost FR-TFSI up to around 180 kW / 244 bhp and 355 Nm
* 19 inch set of wheels "Multispoke" and suspension lowering by 35 mm
* 4-piston sports braking system
* Complete aerodynamic body-styling kit

After JE DESIGN, a well-known SEAT customising specialist, tuned the new Leon two months prior to its market launch, the same tuning specialist from Leingarten, Germany, has now turned its attention to the "FR" version.

The core of the modifications is the power boost to the 2.0 TDI engine. Instead of 125 kW (170 bhp), it now generates a solid 142 kW (193 bhp) with a torque increase from 85 to 410 Nm. The modifications to the engine management system permit better driving performance: A top speed of 224 km/h (series: 218 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds (series: 8.2) send out a clear message! The power boost comes with a TV parts certificate. Needless to say, the TDI still complies with the EI regulations. An electronic power boost for the new 2.0 TFSI with 147 KW / 200 bhp leads to a terrific 180 kW (244 bhp) with a torque boost up to 355 Nm at 1,850 rpm. Here, too, the modifications to the engine management system permit enhanced driving performance: A top speed of 235 km/h (series: 229 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 in 6.5 seconds (series: 7.3)! This power boost also comes with a TV parts certificate. In each case, the price includes a 1-year guarantee on the engine, drive train and gearbox. Upon request and subject to an extra charge, this can be extended by a further 12 months. A power boost for the new Leon CUPRA 2.0 TFSI with 176 KW / 240 bhp is in the pipeline.

JE DESIGN starts on a sporty note at the front by fitting a new front grille without a brand logo that features a grille insert. Headlight eyebrows lend this Spaniard a more aggressive look.

A sporty front spoiler featuring an additional air vent in the corners make the Seat Leon look even classier when overtaking. JE DESIGN enhances the side view by fitting a set of side sills. The tuning specialist completes the rear view of this Spaniard by fitting a rear apron. Last but not least, a rear spoiler goes to create greater downforce on the rear axle, particularly at high speeds. These aerodynamic body-styling components are also available as a complete kit. In addition, it is also possible to order the self-adhesive JE-DESIGN roof fin "Shark attack" in a matt black finish.

Upon request, it is also possible to order a 4-pipe stainless steel rear silencer with chrome-plated tailpipes. This not only promises to generate an awesome sound, but also optimises the engine performance by reducing the back pressure.

The growing desire for chrome also leaves its mark on the Leon range from JE DESIGN. Besides a four-piece set of door handle surrounds, the price also includes the B-post trim "3 D Chrome" with a chrome inlay and a rear door surround in addition to the trim panel for the lower section of the boot lid.

Customers can choose from five sets of wheels. The climax of the offering in 17, 18 and 19 inch versions is the "Multispoke" complete set of wheels in chrome look in the dimension 8.0 x 19 ET 45 with size 225/35 R 19 Y tyres.

JE DESIGN also ensures that the Seat Leon remains sure-footed despite its extra power. The suspension range comprises a set of sports suspension struts, which brings the Leon FR around 30mm closer to the ground, and which noticeably improves the handling and ride comfort due to the lower centre of gravity.

Alternatively, the tuning specialist offers sportier handling in the form of a coil-over suspension kit, which changes the road clearance of this fiery Spaniard in the range from 35 to 65 mm. Upon request, constantly-acting deceleration from high speeds is guaranteed by a 4-piston sports braking system (330 x 28 mm) on the front axle.

source: seriouswheels

Montreal Show: $500K Pontiac Top Tuner Solstice Turns Heads

MONTREAL — The goal of the Canadian customizing team working on the neon green Pontiac Top Tuner Solstice was simple: Take a stock car to the "tuning extreme."

The result is a hardtop showstopper decked out in Vivacious Candy Green, with a red suede interior and a custom Pioneer audio/entertainment system. GM says the Top Tuner Solstice is projected to have a street value of $500,000.

Although the Detroit automaker doesn't specify the output on the tuned Solstice, which is equipped with a tuned 2.0-liter crate engine donated to the project by GM Performance Parts, the word on the street is that it's good for 500 horses.

The tuners added such goodies as LSJ connecting rods, a piston set for LSJ rods, adjustable cam gears, a high-performance cam set, an aluminum fabricated intake manifold and a CTS-V rear differential gearset.

Leading the project was Tajai Das from Elite Tuners of Canada, who is the brains behind the 1994 Acura Integra "Acurabot." Das turned to Chris Nankoo from Phat Custom Rides in Montreal to create the custom exterior body kit, which includes a custom fiberglass hardtop, a fiberglass hood and a wide-body ground effects kit. GM said more than 30 companies from around Canada participated in the project.

The Top Tuner Solstice is just now making the rounds of major auto shows, putting in an appearance at the 2007 Montreal International Auto Show, which runs until January 28.
The Top Tuner Solstice was unveiled at the 2006 Sport Compact Performance Show in Montreal last October and earned an armload of awards at the 2006 SEMA show.

VW Reveals 2008 Jetta Bluetec Diesel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Volkswagen of America unveiled the next step in the company's U.S. diesel strategy at the Washington, D.C. auto show, showing a Jetta TDI that employs an all-new 2.0-liter, common-rail diesel engine that will meet emissions requirements in all 50 states when it rolls out next year.

While the Jetta carries the Bluetec badge, referring to VW and Audi's alliance with DaimlerChrysler on diesel emissions technology, the car will not require the AdBlue liquid urea additive to comply with federal standards.

That is because the engine is smaller than the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that the company will install in the Touareg SUV in 2008, which will employ AdBlue, according to Norbert Krause, director of VOA's engineering and environmental office.

Instead, Bluetec refers only to the vehicle's ability to meet federal Tier II bin 5 emissions standards. That means the car will not only be available in states that are governed by national standards, but also in the five states that follow California emissions rules. The four Northeastern states and California that have separate, tighter requirements, account for 40 percent of VW's U.S. sales, Krause said.

The new engine abandons VW's old mechanical fuel injection system in favor of a common-rail system using piezoelectric fuel injectors. This technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the fuel and makes it easier to control pollution, he said.

Diesel engines struggle particularly with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) pollution, and the Tier II bin 5 standard permits only 0.05 grams per mile. Volkswagen will use a NOx trap and two oxidation catalysts to scrub the Jetta TDI's breath.

The new engine is smoother, quieter, more powerful and more efficient than the old Jetta TDI, which won many friends, but it won't cost more. Fuel economy should be better, in the 45 mpg range, while the engine produces 140 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, according to Krause.

Jetta TDI production will commence in January of 2008, with U.S. availability scheduled for May of '08, at a starting price of about $23,000 and a typically equipped car listing for $25,000, which is in line with the outgoing model, according to spokesman Keith Price.

source: insideline

Lamborghini Spyder Makes Tracks With IMSA Tuning Kit

BRUGGEN, Germany — IMSA is a resonant name for American racing fans, but in this case it refers to a German tuning firm with no relation to the race series.

The company has just introduced a tuning package for the open-top Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, to match the package already available for the Gallardo.

The company, run by Holger Mohr, first introduced its Gallardo GTV package a year ago. Wider tracks, new alloy wheels, bigger brake discs and an exclusive interior with a mix of leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber trim were the highlights of the pack. And there was passing reference to a power hike to 600 horsepower.

The new treatment on the Gallardo Spyder is the same: an even wider body, huge 245/30ZR20 tires at the front and 325/25ZR20 tires at the back, front and rear aprons and spoilers, plus the same comfortable and striking interior. The engine makes 610 hp and is capable of 483 pound-feet of torque. Both the four-wheel-drive system and the suspension have been adjusted to cope with the increased power.

source: insideline

Seventy Maserati Quattroporte Automatics On Their

Maserati Quattroporte

The first 70 Quattroporte Automatics have left Modena for the European markets.

Maserati dealerships in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium, as well as those in Italy, will be the first to take delivery. Italian dealer representatives opted to personally take delivery of the vehicles from Modena.

A week from the presentation at the Detroit Motorshow, the new Quattroporte Automatic took pride of place at Modena’s prestigious Military Academy. The vehicles then wound their way through the streets of Modena to Piazza Grande where Chief Executive Roberto Ronchi symbolically handed over the keys of the cars to the European dealer representatives.

At the end of the ceremony, all 70 Quattroportes left Piazza Grande for their respective destinations.

In the UK, the Quattroporte Automatic will officially go on sale on February 14th, 2007. Prices for the Quattroporte Automatic range will start at £77,000.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway and the Grand Voyager Signature

Chrysler has unveiled two new special editions for spring 2007 – the PT Cruiser ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ and the Grand Voyager ‘Signature’ models.

The ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ model makes the great looking Chrysler PT Cruiser even more striking with Ocean Blue metallic paint and a matching interior.

The new Chrysler PT Cruiser is based on the standard Touring model, and adds cruise control, leather steering wheel and chrome gear knob plus a six-disc CD/radio. The exterior styling has been enhanced with 17” alloy wheels, lowered suspension, chrome bodyside mouldings and tailpipe
and a body colour roof spoiler.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ is available with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and manual or automatic transmission or as a manual-only 2.2-litre CRD diesel version. The special edition model is priced at £15,550 for the 2.4-litre manual, £16,370 for the 2.4-litre auto and £16,725 for the 2.2-litre CRD.

A new special edition Grand Voyager will also join the Chrysler model range in 2007. The Grand Voyager ‘Signature’ model boasts a list of standard equipment to rival any of its competitors.

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: “The Grand Voyager is our most popular model but this new special edition represents remarkable value for money with a list of standard equipment as long as your arm!”

The new model boasts an overhead rail system with sliding storage boxes, two-tone leather trimmed seats, rear Seat DVD system, rear park assist, driver and front passenger airbags, plus three row side curtain airbags, power tailgate and sliding side doors.

The Grand Voyager ‘Signature’ is available with a 2.8-litre CRD engine and is priced from £29,175. Both the new special editions are available in Chrysler Group dealers now.

Hummer goes global with new H3 model

The Hummer brand goes global with the introduction of the Hummer H3. Developed for markets around the world and built in South Africa, the H3 adds unique styling features to the marque''s iconic shape, an all-new interior design and a 3.7-litre engine with, for the first time on a HUMMER, a choice of manual or automatic transmissions for the full-time four-wheel drive system. A right-hand drive version will be available summer 2007.

In the beginning Hummer was a vehicle in a class of its own, with extreme style and capability, unmatched and untouched by the competition. The latest chapter in the story is the Hummer H3, designed in response to demand from global markets for a luxurious everyday driving vehicle, offering the legendary Hummer performance.

H3 packs authentic Hummer style and capability into more compact dimensions. Compared to the Hummer H2, the H3 is 39 mm shorter, 171 mm lower and 73 mm narrower. Roughly the same length as a larger family saloon, H3 can navigate city traffic, yet still deliver HUMMER’s trademark crawling and climbing capability off-road.

The 4,782 mm long Hummer H3 is powered by General Motors’s Vortec 3.7-litre, inline five-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Specifically designed for this type of vehicle, it delivers 244 hp (180 kW) at 5600 rpm and 328 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm.

H3 is the first Hummer ever to offer the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. In addition to the Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is available, the first-ever for HUMMER, offering ultimate driver control.

At the heart of the Hummer H3’s capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The system is augmented with traction control, an optional locking rear differential and StabiliTrak stability control, which is offered as standard. The H3 can Ford 407 mm deep water at 20 mph or 610 mm deep streams at a 5 mph pace, and climb 407 mm vertical steps or rocks.

This off-road performance is also aided by the “wheel at each corner” design giving a maximum approach angle of 37.5 degrees and maximum departure angle of 34.6 degrees. These approach and departure angles permit the H3 to drive into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up at the front or the rear.

The H3’s more compact size provides manoeuvrability advantages, such as a
11.3 m turning circle, making equally easy work of parking manoeuvres or tight turns when off-roading. A 216 mm ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 23.5 degrees make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving.

Until recently, Hummer had primarily focused its attention on establishing a strong presence in North America. GM acquired the brand in late 1999 and since then Hummer sales have grown from around 1,000 vehicles per year in 2000 to more than 60,000 in 2005.

The H3 made its debut in North America in May 2005 and has helped make Hummer the fastest growing automotive brand in the United States. The H3 has made the brand more accessible with its smaller, more efficient package, while still retaining the characteristics that make a Hummer unique: iconic design and unparalleled off-road performance.

In addition to growth in the United States, Hummer has shown significant expansion around the globe. In Europe, where Kroymans Corporation has the exclusive rights to import and distribute Hummer vehicles in 27 European countries, sales have more than doubled since 2005. The H3 is a specific response to this rising customer demand. In the first 11 months of 2006,

1,712 HUMMERS were sold, compared to 548 vehicles in 2005.

While all previous Hummer H3s have been assembled in GM''s North American facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, the new international H3, intended for all markets outside of North America, is being assembled at the Struandale Assembly Facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The $100 million investment in the plant has been described as one of the most important milestones in the history of GM in South Africa.

source: duemotori

Clean Diesel Volkswagen Jetta Makes North American Debut at Washington, D.C. Auto Show

Volkswagen today unveiled its cleanest diesel ever for the U.S., the Jetta TDI. Additionally, the company announced that this new clean diesel will be available to the U.S. market in the spring of 2008. This Volkswagen Jetta TDI will meet emissions standards applicable in all 50 states, including the most stringent "TIER 2/BIN 5" or "LEV II/LEV" requirement limiting nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions to 0.05 g/mile.

This clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta meets the lowest emissions standards without the use of urea injection. Instead, a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst reduces NOx emissions by up to 90 percent. The engine management system in the Jetta changes operating modes periodically to
treat the NOx that has been stored in the catalytic converter. A particulate filter in the exhaust system further reduces emissions.

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is one of the first products of the BLUETEC offensive initiated jointly by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. The goal of this partnership is to establish the concept of BLUETEC as a uniform label for clean and highly fuel efficient diesel-powered cars and SUVs with 50-state compliant engines.

BLUETEC denotes diesel power plants that comply with the strictest emissions regulations of the US market. The technologies individually developed by each manufacturer serve to reduce NOx in particular -- an exhaust element more prevalent in a diesel engine.

Volkswagen unveiled its clean diesel concept Tiguan compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The Tiguan will be available in the U.S. mid 2008.

Dodge All-New Cummins Light-Duty Clean Diesel

Armed with new Cummins clean-diesel technology, Dodge will introduce an all-new turbodiesel engine in its light duty pickup trucks after 2009. The new engine will provide a dramatic increase in low-end torque, up to a 30-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20-percent reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine.

"Our all-new Cummins engine will offer future Dodge Ram 1500 customers the ultimate in terms of fuel economy, refinement, reliability and durability," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO. "It''s another example of the Chrysler Group bringing new, clean, quiet diesel technology to the marketplace."

The new clean diesel engine will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010. In March of this year, Dodge will offer a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in its Ram Heavy Duty trucks. The new engine meets 2010 standards in all 50 states.

"We are pleased to build upon our 18-year partnership and brand franchise with the Chrysler Group by providing our new light-duty diesel-powered engine for use in the Dodge Ram 1500," said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO. "We know customers for this product will demand high performance. We also know that we need to be extremely good at fuel efficiency and emissions control in order to succeed in this market. Cummins will use its technology leadership to meet all of those criteria, while providing the driving public with an exciting new diesel engine alternative for the popular Dodge Ram series."

Chrysler Group Diesel-Powered Models

In the United States, current Chrysler Group diesel-powered models include the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, powered by the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, with a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the Dodge Sprinter, with a 2.7-liter Common-rail Direct Injection (CDI) turbodiesel; and the Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, featuring a new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine (which hits the market early this year).

In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales. Diesel versions of numerous Chrysler Group vehicles continue to be popular, including the Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass, as well as the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

Advanced diesel technology is part of the Chrysler Group''s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and biodiesel capability.

source: duemotori

Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for the New 2007 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee CRD

• Full-size, diesel-powered sport-utility vehicle for under $39,000
• Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions
• Class-leading torque and driving range (450 miles); outstanding towing

Chrysler Group announced today at the Washington Auto Show pricing for its first diesel-powered, full- size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will begin to arrive at Jeep dealerships in March.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD will begin at $38,475, including $695 destination. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models.

"The Chrysler Group is leading the way to bring the advantages of diesel to various U.S. vehicle segments," Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group, said. "Chrysler Group will continue to build upon our diesel leadership in the years to come. We believe that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution. It's crucial that our country's policymakers set regulations that encourage a diversity of approaches to reducing our dependence on oil."

The new 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3,800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N*m) @ 1,600-2,800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 miles city and 25 miles highway for 4x2 models and 20 miles city and 24 miles highway for 4x4 models. Most recently, the engine earned a spot on "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list.

The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 pounds), and class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles. Clean diesel technology also improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD

With an MSRP of $38,475 for 4x2 models and $41,715 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Drive II(R)*, five-speed automatic transmission, 17- inch aluminum wheels, memory system (seats, mirrors, pedals, etc.), air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rain sensitive windshield wipers, premium leather seats, SmartBeam headlamps, tire pressure monitor, engine block heater, and AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 radio. (*4x4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD

With an MSRP of $41,960 for 4x2 models and $45,395 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five- speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 17-inch chrome clad wheels, ParkView rear back-up camera, ParkSense(R) rear back-up system, skid plates*, trailer tow package, tow hooks*, engine block heater, Sirius Satellite Radio, DVD-based AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 navigation radio and UConnect(R) hands-free communication system. (*4x4 models only)

"The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer excellent performance, increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and a driving range of 450 miles - the equivalent of driving from Washington D.C. to Boston," said Craig Love, Vice President--Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. "Unlike past experiences Americans may have had with diesel engines 20 years ago, the 3.0-liter CRD available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered to be a smooth-running, quiet, clean engine. Consumers may forget that they are driving a diesel vehicle."

The Jeep brand also announced last year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Group's commitment to alternative fuels and technology.

More than 60 percent of the Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel powered. Between 2003 and 2007, the Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany.

Japan Report: Mugen Fit Spec.D At The Tokyo Auto Salon

Imagine a Honda Fit with a hand-built, high power Integra/Acura 2.0-liter Type R engine stuffed under the hood. That was the sensational Mugen Fit Dynamite which debuted to huge acclaim back at the 2004 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Unfortunately, such a car was too unwieldy (and expensive) to produce for the road, even for the ace Honda tuners. But the dream lives on–sort of–via this Fit Spec.D which gets the same aggressive fender blisters, lowered suspension and wheel/tire package as the Dynamite, but more viable 1.5-liter supercharged engine.

Mugen continues to develop this Fit spec.D for the Japanese home market. Because its 143 brake horsepower engine with Roots-type blower has been tested and developed on the dynamometer (just as Mugen does with its racing engines), it should be the real deal.

Until now, Mugen’s been able to sell you a Dynamite lookalike body kit in Japan but not with the 1.5 supercharged engine package in tow.

The aftermarketer expects to bring the Fit Spec.D to market sometime in 2007.

source: windingroad

2007 Tokyo Auto Salon - Part 5

We're psyched now that we can finally talk about our favorite vehicles of the 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon: the style wagons. These pimped-out minivans were our favorite part of the 2005 Tokyo Auto Salon, and after the disappointingly small number of VIP vans at the '06 show, we thought that the trend was dead. It turns out that the pimp-wagon scene was just resting, as VIP vans seemed to dominate the 2007 show.

So what makes a minivan a "style wagon"? Basically, a style wagon is a VIP-styled minivan. As is the case with VIP sedans, most style wagons have a simple white or black paint scheme (though silver is also acceptable), tasteful aero kits, large chrome wheels and no fender gap. Within the style wagon scene, the main vans of choice seem to be the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Elgrand and the Toyota Estima. Though Americans would look at any of these rides as "just a minivan", the massive size of these vans allows Japanese tuners to let their minds run wild. Though these vans have subtle and tasteful exteriors, these style wagons boasted the wildest (yet tasteful) interiors and the craziest audio/video systems. Let's take a minute to check some of them out.

It was common to see 10-plus monitors in most of these vans. Unlike what we see here in the States (and Europe), Japanese coachbuilders somehow found a way to cram a s***load of monitors into these vans without turning any of them DUB-show reject eyesores. Who could have thought that an interior packed with 25 monitors could still somehow look understated and reserved?

Lounge-like interiors and 50-inch flat screens were common in many of these vans. Our favorite Pimp My Ride-shaming interior belonged to luxury tuner Fabulous; these guys didn't just stop at a 50-inch plasma and leather recliners - they installed marble flooring!


Toyota Estimas are still huge in Japan. One of our favorites is this Sexy Custom Estima. No, we didn't make that name up.


Check out the sexy demon camber!


With Americans jocking drifting and VIP fashion, we're surprised that we don't see any tricked-out Previas at Los Angeles car shows. C'mon, Previas are cheap, and anyone that sports a minivan this fresh could easily win any Hot Import Nights/Import Showoff.

Not every minivan was designed for luxury. Here's another picture of the Takero's time-attack Odyssey.


And here's the NISMO-tuned Elgrand.


Style wagon-tuning wasn't limited to minivans. Kei cars are now getting in on the act. These 660cc rides are sporting all the luxuries that their van/sedan siblings have, just in a smaller package.


The first thing any car needs is a new set of wheels. Billet Star Japan was showing off its 17-inch rims designed specifically for these Kei cars.


Many of these Kei cars had really creative interiors. The Daihatsu cabin you see here is pretty understated, but it is accurate for the VIP scene. Note the luxury cupholders on the door and dash. Every VIP van/sedan/kei car had these cupholders, so we're guessing that you'll need a set in your car if you want to do VIP style right. Add some champagne bottles if you want to be a true VIP baller.


If you want to be on the true bleeding edge of all that is JDM, you'll go out and buy a Previa and turn it into a style wagon similar to the ones you will be seeing in our Image Gallery. Don't waste your time with a 240 or GS430 - every loser and his mom has one of those. Be the ultimate in JDM and get a minivan!

2007 Opel Corsa Wins One Award After Another

2007 Opel Corsa Wins One Award After Another

• British specialist magazine “What Car?” crowns Opel Corsa Car of the Year 2007
• New Opel Corsa collecting honors across Europe
  

The new 2007 Opel Corsa was named Car of the Year 2007 and Best Supermini by the renowned British consumer magazine “What Car?”. The Opel Corsa beat 14 category winners to take the top honors, adding to its rapidly growing list of European awards.

Speaking at the exclusive ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, Vauxhall Managing Director Bill Parfitt said, “We’re delighted that the new Opel Corsa has won this prestigious award. We know we’ve got this car just right in every regard, and this is backed up by record order banks, as well as a fabulous performance in showrooms and in the press.”

Together with its spaciousness, refinement, good value and build, the fourth-generation Corsa’s safety, environmental friendliness and great looks were instrumental to winning this latest award. “It had to beat some incredibly able cars to take our Best Supermini award, let alone the overall Car of the Year crown,” said Steve Fowler, Group Editor of “What Car?”. “The Opel Corsa is as good to drive as it is to look at. It’s the completeness of the Corsa package that we love – for supermini buyers it ticks every single box. For us, it’s the best new car we’ve had the pleasure of testing over the past 12 months.”

The growing list of awards the Opel Corsa has won also highlights its outstanding qualities: best small car in ADAC Reader’s Choice Award “Gelber Engel 2007” in Germany, “Family Car of the Year” in the up to 14,500 euros category by the Flemish Drivers’ Association in Belgium, and “Autobest 2007”, the most important car trophy in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, more than 140 German, Austrian and Swiss motoring journalists named the popular Opel Corsa “Top Car 2007”.

The national editions of “Autobild” in Poland, Serbia and Croatia all crowned the new Opel Corsa “Number 1 Car”. In Romania two journalist associations voted the Corsa “Car of the Year”, in Croatia Corsa won by Croatian Journalists Association and Croatian Automotive Association. In addition, the Corsa was named “Car of the Year” in