Nissan Announces Pricing on New 2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Major Revision Includes Available V8 Engine for the First Time in 22-year History

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2008 Pathfinder, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. For the first time ever, the Nissan Pathfinder is available with a 5.6-iter V8 engine, offering an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the standard 4.0-liter V6 for greater towing capacity. Other major enhancements for 2008 include a restyled exterior and interior, and a range of available technology features such as RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key and BluetoothÒ hands-free phone system.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in six trim levels, each equipped with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,700 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 S V6 and $27,700 for the Pathfinder 4x4 S V6. Pricing for the new V8 models starts at $30,600 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 SE V8 and $32,850 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 SE V8. The Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road model, available in 4-wheel drive V6 only, is $33,900.

“Pathfinder’s new Endurance 5.6-liter engine, which it shares with Nissan’s full-sized Nissan Titan pickup and Nissan Armada SUV, is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque – making it the most powerful V8 in its class* – and providing the towing capacity and rugged performance of a full-size SUV in a mid-size SUV package,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “V8s now account for 30 percent of mid-size SUV sales, so we expect the new Nissan Pathfinder V8 to find a highly receptive audience.”

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder’s exterior features new front and rear fascias that maintain the rugged yet sophisticated look that has always distinguished the Nissan Pathfinder, a restyled grille and hood (with changes to accommodate the V8 engine), new chrome appliqué for body side moldings (LE only), restyled 17-inch wheels (SE V6 and LE V6 models) and new 18-inch wheels for V8 models, a RearView camera (SE & LE only) and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.

Inside, the Nissan Pathfinder receives a host of newly available amenities and technologies, including a new meter cluster appearance, new instrument panel-mounted 7-inch color monitor with RearView Monitor (standard on all grades except S), an available Nissan Navigation System with a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive for mp3 storage, new cup holder area design and revised upper door trim.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

The volume-leading SE trim also adds the previous model year’s Comfort Package option equipment as standard, making the SE a highly equipped trim level and a better value. Intelligent Key with twist start is now available, as is a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

“Pathfinder’s always strong price value has increased substantially for 2008 with the new exterior design, the new refined interior and the long list of standard and available features and technology,” said Bosley. “The Nissan Pathfinder continues to offer a unique balance of rugged performance and passenger comfort – authentic yet just a little bit indulgent.”

Other available interior features include an available DVD entertainment system, an upgraded Bose® audio system, power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats with driver memory package, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, first aid kit and wood grain trim.

All 2008 Pathfinders utilize the rugged “F-Alpha” platform used on the Titan and Armada. Standard on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder S-V6, SE-V6, SE-V6 Off Road and LE-V6 models is an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's 13-time Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” award-winning VQ engine series found in the Nissan 350Z, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima, Nissan Murano and Nissan Quest.

The new 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine produces 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, giving Nissan Pathfinder a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, versus V6-equipped Nissan Pathfinders’ 6,000-pound rating.

The V8 engine package is offered in two new Nissan Pathfinder models, SE-V8 and LE-V8, both available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.

In North America, Nissan operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.com

# # #

*Import Models as Defined by Ward’s Middle Sport/Utility Segmentation

Source: Nissan

2008 Subaru Tribeca Awarded Double 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA

Subaru Tribeca given highest possible safety rating from NHTSA in both the frontal and side-impact NCAP crash tests

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca was awarded a double 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. (PRNewsFoto/Subaru of America, Inc., Greg Jarem)

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the restyled and more powerful 2008 Subaru Tribeca received the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The 2008 Subaru Tribeca received 5-stars in both the frontal and side- impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.

"Safety is a true hallmark of the Subaru brand and the 2008 Subaru Tribeca offers our customers the peace of mind of a comprehensive, proven safety package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. "Innovative structural design, plus advanced active safety technologies, combined with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), our version of stability control - make Tribeca a safety performance standout in its segment."

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides consumers with vehicle safety information, primarily front and side crash test results, and more recently rollover ratings, to aid consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions. The test results are relayed to consumers via an easily recognizable star rating system - from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

The NCAP crash tests are conducted at speeds higher than required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both side impacts, at 38.5 miles per hour, and full frontal barrier impacts, at 35 miles per hour. (The tests are done to compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program and the results can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov)

Like all Subaru models, the 2008 Tribeca has been optimized for both active safety (the technology to help the driver avoid hazardous situations) and passive safety (the systems that help protect occupants in the event of a collision).

Subaru Active Safety

The active safety concept for the 2008 Subaru Tribeca combines "right size" proportions, with inherently crisp, agile driving responses and dynamic handling systems. Notably, the Tribeca is equipped with the company's most advanced version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, combining Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control and four-wheel traction control (TCS). This combination of technologies along with its standard double-wishbone rear suspension endows the Tribeca with outstanding nimbleness and all-weather grip.

Just as important, is the specific way that Subaru has integrated these technologies, resulting in one of the most effective traction and handling systems on the market today. VDC is a highly sophisticated stability control system that actively controls the center differential's power distribution by means of a continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. The system distributes torque to the appropriate wheel based on input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors. It also monitors input from the ABS brake system, adjusting individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also features a 4-channel/4-sensor ABS braking system with Emergency Brake Assist. Emergency Brake Assist analyzes force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking. A direct tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

Visibility Enhancers

For improved visibility, the redesigned 2008 Subaru Tribeca features larger rear quarter windows, plus new side mirrors with 50 percent larger viewing area. Tribeca Limited models with the optional touch-screen navigation system include a rear vision camera. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into reverse, the center color LCD display will show what the camera lens can detect within its field of vision behind the vehicle. The screen view also features distance/width guidelines to assist the driver in backing up the vehicle.

Customers can also order reverse assist sensors as an optional accessory for any Subaru Tribeca model. Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect objects behind the Subaru Tribeca and emit an audible tone as the vehicle gets closer to the object behind it.

Subaru Passive Safety

The foundation for passive safety in the Tribeca, and in all Subaru vehicles, is the proven Subaru Ring Frame Reinforced vehicle architecture. The ring frame reinforced unibody structure with a front-end configuration disperses collision energy in three directions.

This design forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-strength steel reinforced center pillars enhance side impact protection, which is further bolstered by optimally positioned side-impact door beams.

The Subaru Boxer engine contributes to safety, because it allows more crush room in front impacts. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. In the rear, the spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle to avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment. Additionally, a specially-designed 'M-frame' structure protects occupants with added reinforcement in the event of a rear collision.

Advanced Air Bag Systems

The heightened focus on side impact safety continues inside, where the 2008 Subaru Tribeca features standard front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection, and curtain side air bags (front and middle rows) for head and rollover protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact air bags offer protection regardless of seat position. The curtain side air bags deploy from the headliner. Sensors in the vehicle determine if an impact engages the center pillar (deploying side air bags, belt tensioners and curtain air bags) or just the rear seat area (deploying curtain air bags). Special sensing and algorithms also will deploy and maintain the side curtain inflation when a potential rollover is detected.

The Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS) uses dual-stage- deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag's second stage. The system also takes input from a seatbelt buckle switch, to determine if the driver is using the belt.

The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection system that measures weight on the passenger seat - determining the presence of a child or adult - to control air bag deployment. In addition, the system takes input from a seatbelt tension sensor installed in the seatbelt anchor, as well as a seatbelt buckle sensor. If the system determines "empty seat" or "child" (based on weight thresholds), it sets the front air bag not to deploy and illuminates the "air bag off" indicator. If an adult is detected, the air bag will be set to deploy and the "air bag on" light illuminates.

All seating positions in the Subaru Tribeca feature a three-point seatbelt. The belt for the second-row middle passenger deploys from an anchor located in the headliner. All Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Additionally, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants' torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also comes standard with active front head restraints that are designed to help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A safety brake pedal system and impact-absorbing driver's footrest are also used to help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

In addition to these active and passive safety features, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, launched at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features more style and power. The vehicle boasts a new 3.6-liter engine that delivers 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque on unleaded regular gas. The exterior design of the new Subaru Tribeca is both streamlined and powerful, with a new, wider and taller grille, new front fenders and new hood design. In fact, all exterior sheetmetal is all-new for 2008 with the exception of the front/rear side doors. The grille is now integrated into the front bumper, featuring a new chrome spread-wing design.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America.

For additional information visit www.subaru.com

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

New German-Sourced Lincoln Crossover Reportedly Not Coming to U.S.

Plans have been killed for Lincoln to get a small German-sourced crossover vehicle from Ford in Germany, Automotive News is reporting, and the company is blaming the unfavorable currency exchange rate for the change.

The new small CUV will still be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show this fall and will hit the European market next year, badged as a Ford. It is reportedly based on Ford's 2006 Paris show concept called the Iosis X.

Importing the small crossover utility vehicle that would have been sourced from Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany was reportedly a pet project of new Ford chief Alan Mulally. However, it had not been formally given the green light, according to the publication's report.

Ford Motor Company Receives "EUBIA" Award for Its European Bio-Ethanol Vehicle Pioneership

Ford Focus Flexifuel

The European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA) has granted Ford its "2007 EUBIA" award, as a recognition of Ford's European pioneer ship in the area of bio-ethanol powered flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The award ceremony last Friday marked the end of EUBIA's 15th biomass conference in Berlin. During one week, approximately 1,400 experts from more than 80 countries had debated the future potential and challenges of bio-energy use.

"We are proud to receive this award", said Jan Brentebraten, director, flexifuel and alternative fuel vehicles strategy, Ford of Europe. "Flexifuel technology is already available today and it's affordable, not only for the environment, but also for the customer.

"We're committed to pursuing a portfolio of technologies with the ultimate goal of reducing CO2, and we see Flexifuel as one of the most affordable options, provided a sustainable bio-ethanol fuel infrastructure continues to grow."

Ford is a market leader and the market pioneer of FFVs in Europe where it sold more than 30,000 Ford Flexifuel units since market introduction in Sweden in 2001. Ford can also claim the largest owner body for FFVs in Europe as a result of this industry-leading initiative.

While the majority of these FFVs have been sold in Sweden, the two current models – the Ford Focus and Ford C-MAX Flexifuel – have progressively been made available in 12 European markets to date. Ford is confident that more markets will follow as the demand for this type of technology is expected to continue to grow, especially as the European Union works to increase the use of bio-fuels in the future.

Building upon the success of its FFVs, Ford or Europe has announced to extend its FFV range by offering Flexifuel versions of the new Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX ("European Car of the Year 2007") in early 2008. Through these actions, Ford will offer one of the broadest FFV portfolios in Europe.

Through this and its range of low-CO2 conventional vehicle technologies, such as its high tech clean diesel technologies with amongst-best-in-class CO2 performance (starting with the Ford Fiesta at 116 gCO2/km), Ford is offering one of the broadest low-CO2 vehicle portfolios in Europe already today.

Ford's Flexifuel models are designed to run on a high blend bio-ethanol in petrol (up to 85% bio-ethanol, sold as E85), as well as on petrol only, or on any combination of both fuels, making them exceptionally flexible. The use of bio-ethanol in combination with Ford's Flexifuel technology can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions significantly.

Note:

* For more information on the European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA), please refer to their website http://www.eubia.org/

Source: Ford Motor Company

Nissan Releases Revised Nissan Lafesta Minivan in Japan

Nissan Lafesta 20G (2WD) minivan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the nationwide sales release of the new Nissan Lafesta minivan in Japan. The Nissan Lafesta, originally introduced in 2004, receives a number of significant refinements, including new grille, bumper and light designs; revised seat shape, seat fabric and gauge designs; and availability of an advanced HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system.

The Nissan Lafesta model lineup has also been revised. The Highway Star model again provides customers with a more sporty derivative, while the Playful model has been discontinued.

Easy to drive

The new Nissan Lafesta continues to offer an easy-to-drive combination of agile maneuverability and superior outward visibility, as well as excellent acceleration, quietness and fuel economy.

For those spending time in the city, the Nissan Lafesta offers a class-leading 5.1-meter minimum turning radius and large windows that provide outstanding visibility to all corners of the vehicle.

Also contributing to Nissan Lafesta's reputation as one of the best-driving minivans on the market is its standard MR20DE 2.0-liter engine. Mated to the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Lafesta delivers class-leading*1 fuel economy, quick throttle response, smooth acceleration and quiet overall operation.


A Refined Exterior and High Quality Interior

* The new Nissan Lafesta's exterior and interior enhancements have been designed with quality in mind.. On the outside, the grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers and rear lamps have been redesigned, giving the standard models a more refined form, while the Highway Star model projects a crisper, sportier impression. An available panoramic glass roof*2, - measuring 1,500 mm in length and 800 mm in width - provides an open, airy feeling to the interior.

The new Nissan Lafesta is offered in a selection of seven body colors, including four all-new: Champagne Topaz titanium metallic, Sapphire Blue pearl metallic, Cerulean Blue metallic and Blade Silver metallic.

Inside, new seat fabric and other refinements give an upscale, modern feeling to the standard models and a sporty ambience to the Highway Star model. The redesigned seat shape, new seat and door trim fabric and increased head restraint size for the front and second-row seats add to Nissan Lafesta's enhanced level of craftsmanship.

The Nissan Lafesta's low instrument panel height and vehicle waistline combine with the large windows to provide a superb outward view from all seating positions. Silver-ringed gauges (with exclusive blue metallic-ringed gauges on the Highway Star) feature an elegant design and offer excellent legibility. Lafesta also adopts liquid-crystal-display odometer/twin trip meters showing real-time fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, range for remaining fuel and additional information. Nissan's HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system, with improved functionality, operating ease and fundamental performance, is available as a factory-installed option.

Sales, Pricing and Launch Events:

* Sales target: 1,500 units/month

* Price range: 1,869,000 yen to 2,394,000 yen, including consumption tax

*1: Among domestic three-row minivans with a 1.8-2.3-liter class engine and a maximum overall height of 1,670 mm.
*2: The roof opening is 1,360 mm long and 670 mm wide.

2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable Earn Top Safety Picks

- 2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable earn “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for achieving the highest ratings in frontal offset, side and rear impact crash protection.
- Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are the world's only large family cars to earn both the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and the U.S. government's highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.
- Ford and Volvo engineers worked together to create this innovative vehicle structure featuring crush zones so that energy is transferred around the passenger compartment.
- Class-leading affordability and safety combine to make Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable two of the best choices for safety-conscious consumers looking for full-size family cars.

2008 Ford Taurus

The 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable will arrive in showrooms this summer bearing Top Safety Pick ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the government’s highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.

The IIHS' "Top Safety Pick" rating can only be earned by vehicles that achieve the best-available safety performance in frontal, side and rear collisions and offer electronic stability control. In addition to being the only large family cars to merit IIHS' Top Safety Pick rating, these sedans stand alone for also earning five-star driver and passenger crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“It’s a true testament to the safety engineering of these vehicles that they achieved top crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA,” said Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “Ford and Volvo worked together to leverage our technical and intellectual resources to create this outstanding vehicle architecture, and now it's better than ever. These cars offer it all: safety, power, spaciousness, comfort and great features, all at a great value."

The Insurance Institute also gave both vehicles its highest rear impact rating for offering effective protection against neck injuries, as well as its highest front and side impact ratings for withstanding intrusion into the occupant compartment.

The structure of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable is engineered with crush zones designed to direct excess energy around the passenger compartment into a high-strength safety cage. An innovative cross-car beam “SPACETM Architecture” under the front seats reinforces the structure between the B-pillars, which helps direct energy away from passengers.

2008 Mercury Sable

Both vehicles offer an industry first two-row Safety Canopy™ side air bag system that provides additional protection not only in side impact collisions, but also deploys in rollover accidents. Side-impact protection comes from a combination of air bag technology and structural features that help safeguard occupants from intrusion by channeling crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

An advanced air bag controller uses front passenger classification sensing to determine if the seat is occupied, and if so, whether the passenger is a larger or smaller person. Air bag deployment is tailored – or altogether suppressed – to help provide an appropriate level of protection. The lower anchors and tethers for children, or LATCH system, provide mounting points for compatible child seats in the second row.

Both cars are available with AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control and all-wheel drive to provide drivers with a confident ride and smooth handling in all weather conditions. All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks will have standard electronic stability control by the end of 2009. ESC currently is standard on all Ford sport utility and crossover vehicles.

Ford Motor Company and its global brands have built more than 4 million vehicles globally with electronic stability control systems. More than one million of those vehicles feature Ford's industry exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, the world's only system with two gyroscopic sensors to actively measure and help control both yaw and roll movements.

“We believe our electronic stability control systems enhance vehicle safety by helping the driver prevent many accidents from occurring in the first place,” Cischke said. “Making families safer is a key part of our pledge to drive safety innovation.”

AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control is standard equipment on most 2007 model year Ford Motor Company SUVs and crossovers. ESC will be standard on the 2008 model year Ford Taurus X. The 2008 Ford Taurus starts at $23,245 (MSRP); 2008 Mercury Sable, starts at $23,540.


Source: Ford Motor Company

New Saab 9-3 Range

Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling, inspired by the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, backed by cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal. .

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Saab Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design. This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range comprises Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3 SportCombi and Saab 9-3 Convertible models, each offering a unique ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85). Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August (TBC).


Source: GME Corporate Communications, Saab Automobile

Holden Releases Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute

Holden has released special edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon models offering key extra features and outstanding value for money.

Available now, Holden SVZ Ute offers a six-speed manual transmission from $29,990 and a five-speed automatic from $30,990.

Holden SVZ Ute is powered by the High Output Alloytec V6 engine which produces peak power of 190kW at 6500rpm (automatic transmission) and peak power of 187kW at 6000rpm (manual transmission) and 335Nm of peak torque at 3200rpm.*

Also available now, Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon is priced from $32,490 and powered by the 172kW 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission.*

Both offers are limited to private buyers only.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Specification

Additional content over SV6 Ute:

* 18-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare (CV8-R)
* Performance brake package with red painted brake callipers (Holden logo on front brakes)
* Onyx leather seats and door trim with SVZ embroided logo on seat face
* SVZ exterior badging

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

* Heron White
* Redhot
* Nickel metallic
* Impulse metallic
* Ignition metallic
* Phantom metallic

The new “Morpheous” metallic colour available on Holden VE Commodore sports models is also available with the special edition Holden SVZ Ute.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Recommended Retail Pricing:

From $29,990 - manual transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).
From $30,990 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Specification

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon offers more refined sports styling and outstanding value for money. Features over the current VZ Wagon include:

Exterior

* 17-inch alloy wheels (4)
* Distinctive front fascia with fog lamps
* Sports-luxury suspension
* Chrome exhaust extension
* Body coloured mirror scalps
* Black bezel headlamps
* Body colour rear wind deflector and roof rails
* Roof rack
* SVZ rear badge

Interior

* Anthracite cloth seat trim with leather faced bolsters
* Air conditioning
* 6 disc in-dash CD player
* Front and rear power windows
* Leather-wrap steering wheel, automatic transmission selector and handbrake grip

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon includes a selection of the new VE colours such as:

* Provence
* Sandstorm
* Red Passion
* Nickel
* Evoke
* Vespers Blue
* Impulse
* Phantom
* Heron White

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Recommended Retail Pricing:
From $32,490 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).


* Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

Source: Holden

Opel’s new Agila ready to hit the road

The theme with carmakers across Europe seams to be ‘going small’, with the minicar segment seriously heating up with new entrants due from most of the major labels. Pictured here is the new Opel/Vauxhall Agila five door hatch that’s due to hit showrooms by spring next year. Its versatile design allows users to fold down the back seats to accommodate a class-leading 1150L of storage space.

The next-gen Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox option will be available for the first time but only for 1.2L versions. The most popular will be the two petrol units, a 1.0L three-cylinder with 65hp and a 1.2L four-cylinder with 86hp. Diesel fans will get an updated 1.3L CDTi, as seen in the Corsa, with 75hp on tap.

The vehicle’s safety package comprises of comprising four airbags as well as an optional Electronic Stability Program. New Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September with final pricing expected to be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in the first half of next year.

Via motorauthority.com

2007 Grabercars La Bala

The car is for sale in both turnkey-minus and self-assembly format. Pricing for the self-assembly model starts at $25,000 and is a complete package minus drivetrain and paint.

The key features of this car are its light weight (for a full-bodied car) of only 1,500Lbs, and the capability for the purchaser to utilize virtually any FWD drivetrain they desire. This is due to the modular construction of the engine bay. Of course the lighter the engine package the better balanced the car becomes, and with a turbocharged 1.6L Toyota powerplant (in the current car) making 170Hp, the car does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and has a F/R weight bias of 35/65. This is a street legal track car that is similar in size to a Lotus Elise. The photos I am sending show the car in full track trim. Length 124", wheelbase 98", track 57", width 67".

Grabercars is based out of Phoenix, Arizona and is only moments from Sky Harbor International Airport. We welcome prospective customers.

2007 ASMA Design Eagle II Widebody based on Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The new Project becomes through our amazing performance kit a never seen experience on the roads of Germany. This amazing model is crowned with the name “Eagle II“.

The powerful wings of an eagle which are symbolized by the typical ASMA Design Air Intakes in the front fenders of the car, the perfect body kit with the typical ASMA Design elements and the bi-colour painting are creating this dominating presence.

Promises are promises and we keep our promises because we put another accent on the rear which makes you scared like the dominating front and the exhaust system.

Its body control is just stunning, its combination of comfort and structural integrity masterful. The ASMA Design wheels on the front axle in 9,5 x 21 inch and on the back axle in 11 x 21 are completing the excellent design of the car. The wheels are on the front axle vast 255/30/21 and on the back axle 295/25/21.

Tesla Electric Vehicles Won't Go to Franchisers

Tesla Motors, maker of the hot and hotly anticipated $92,000 electric Roadster, will sell its products through factory-owned stores, not traditional dealerships. The company will put the first cars on sale in Santa Monica, California, in November, then move to major cities including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and eventually Denver, Boston and other major markets.

Automotive News quoted Tesla Marketing Vice President Darryl Siry as saying, "We can't hand over the car to an independent franchiser" who would "spend his time apologizing for the car's shortcomings." Therefore the company plans to run its own sales outlets, which he said would be more like an Apple computer store than a traditional vehicle dealership.

Bloomberg reports 400 orders have already been placed for the first model, the two-seat Tesla Roadster, with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and actor George Clooney on the list.

A second model, the WhiteStar sedan is due in 2010. Whether or not Tesla has the cash to produce the second model is still a question.

Mercedes-Benz AMG 40th Anniversary

40 Years of AMG: From a two-man start-up to a global business

Stuttgart, May 08, 2007 From its beginnings 40 years ago as a specialist motorsport and tuning firm, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars with some 750 employees, an extensive model range comprising 18 different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name which has gained a high level of recognition.

The company was founded on June 1, 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M); the third letter in the company name (G) came from Aufrecht's birthplace, GroЯaspach. The two men officially described themselves as "Engineering, construction and testing specialists in the development of racing engines". The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).

Breakthrough in 1971 with second place at the 24 Hours of Spa

In the early years of the company, its founders concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races. They did not have to wait long for their breakthrough: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG finished a surprising second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa in 1971 in Belgium, winning its class at the same time. The 315-kW/428-hp racing saloon was driven alternately by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz.
This historic victory was followed by countless successes at all manner of motorsport arenas: AMG took the DTM team title no less than five times. Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffett and Klaus Ludwig collected a total of eight DTM titles, with Schneider also taking the ITC (International Touring Car Championship) title. It was Bernd Schneider again, at the wheel of the Affalterbach team's CLK-GTR, who took the drivers' title in the inaugural FIA GT Championship in 1997, a success repeated by Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta the following year when they also won the constructors' title for Team AMG Mercedes – the CLK-GTR won all eleven races of the season. In the current 2007 DTM season, Bernd Schneider - who already has a record-breaking five titles to his name – is committed to doing everything he can to defend his 2006 championship title in the all-new AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Outstanding technological achievements boost business

AMG's success was to spread far beyond the world of international motorsport. By the 1970s, customers were beginning to acquire a taste for more individuality in their cars, a trend which the Swabian company used to develop its business. The transfer of technology from motorsport to series-production development was already an integral part of the company's philosophy. AMG's ability to deliver outstanding technological achievements and first-class quality as a result of its involvement in motorsport meant that the company quickly made a name for itself and became highly respected. As a result of the aims which it had set itself, AMG soon became one of the pioneers in the refinement and tuning of premium vehicles. The strong demand for refined and tuned Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the 1970s led to a steady increase in the number of orders received by AMG. The company outgrew its base in Burgstall and moved to Affalterbach in 1976. As the first Mercedes-Benz tuning company, AMG developed into a model for an entire branch of the automotive industry. The company's impact was evident at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a total of 176 exhibitors were involved in tuning and accessories for the Mercedes-Benz brand. An important event in the history of AMG was the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1982. The compact saloon soon became a favourite with German car tuners and helped AMG to tap into a whole new clientele.

AMG opens its second plant and the workforce grows to 100

AMG continued to expand: the company opened its second plant in 1985 and took on its 100th employee. Customers from all over the world began to come to Affalterbach, among them prominent figures from the spheres of motorsport, film, music, sport and business, not to mention royalty. Time and again, the extremely specialised requirements of these highly discerning customers resulted in exceptional projects, which AMG was always able to bring to fruition thanks to its unerring passion and expertise. As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG was able to draw on its ever-expanding wealth of experience to great effect. Ignoring short-lived fads, the company was already committed to its vision of securing – and maintaining – the position of world leader in its sector in terms of technology, design, sales and earnings.

Cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990

One of the key milestones in the history of AMG came in 1990, with the signing of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. Demand and customer acceptance were given a tremendous boost now that AMG products could be sold and maintained through Mercedes-Benz' worldwide network of company-owned sales and service outlets and dealerships. Further expansion led to the opening of a third plant in 1990 and an increase in the workforce to 400 employees. In 1993, the company unveiled the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG, the first jointly developed vehicle to result from the cooperation agreement. In another development the same year, the Patent Office recognised AMG as a trademark as the name was now so well known.

Incorporation into the DaimlerChrysler Group in 1999

Hans Werner Aufrecht transferred a majority stake in the steadily growing company to DaimlerChrysler AG on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2005 DaimlerChrysler acquired 100 per cent of the shares. This allowed the newly founded Mercedes-AMG GmbH to benefit to an even greater extent from the Group's resources and global standing. Also in 1999, the motorsport department was transferred to company founder Hans Werner Aufrecht's firm H.W.A. GmbH (now H.W.A. AG). Located in close proximity to Mercedes-AMG GmbH, some 200 staff now work there together with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to manage the two companies' long-standing involvement in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).

Involvement in Formula 1 with the official F1™ safety car

Mercedes-AMG has been an important part of the safety concept in Formula 1 for over ten years. The official F1 safety car is based on the CLK 63 AMG whilst also providing the technological blueprint for the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series. The C 55 AMG Estate, meanwhile, provides the basis for the official F1™ medical car. The decades of experience acquired in touring car and GT racing played a key role in the development of these two extra-special AMG vehicles.

Opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006

The opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006 marked the start of a new initiative to appeal to customers on a most individual level. In addition to the AMG high-performance cars available through the global Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the PERFORMANCE STUDIO develops and produces special series of AMG vehicles in exclusive numbers. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, these uniquely special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, race-track capability, distinctive technical and visual features or their exclusive equipment details, depending on the particular model in question. Apart from the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the latest product from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist's lightweight version equipped with an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine delivering 294 kW/400 hp, plus numerous components from the world of motorsport. As well as focussing on particularly compelling AMG vehicles, the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO also attends to customers' individual requests – a traditional forte of Mercedes-AMG. These special requirements can take the form of specific technical modifications, such as AMG sports suspension systems, AMG high-performance brake systems, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, limited-slip differentials and customised interior appointments, as well as bespoke one-off models.

2007 Mercedes-Benz AMG DTM C-Class

Like the road car, the 2007 AMG-Mercedes C-Class also represents the third generation of this model. With 54 victories out of 106 races in which it has been entered until the end of 2006 (in 1994 and 1995 and since 2004 in the DTM and also in the 1996 ITC which had been derived from the DTM), the C-Class is not only the most successful Mercedes-Benz in the championship, but the most successful car in the history of the DTM.

Development, design and construction began in March 2006 when the technicians and engineers headed by Gerhard Ungar, technical director of HWA, received the CAD data for the new model. About ten months later – on January 24, 2007 – the new C-Class for the DTM made its debut on the race track. At the roll-out and initial testing in Estoril, Portugal, Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler took turns behind the wheel; the two drivers who had finished the 2006 championship in first and second positions respectively.

Ungar and his colleagues started with a 1:2 scale wind tunnel model, because aerodynamic development played an important role. Parts such as doors, front screen and bonnet had to be designed and manufactured completely new to match the car’s new silhouette. The V8 engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees, a capacity of four litres and four valves per cylinder has been further optimised, particularly with respect to driveability. Equipped with two air restrictors, each with a diameter of 28 millimetres, as stipulated in the regulations, the engine now develops 350 kW/approx. 476 hp at 7500 rpm and delivers a peak torque of 500 Nm. The engineers also worked on the suspension where the toe-in and camber angles offer great scope for further improving both handling and driving dynamics.

In the 2007 season, Bernd Schneider, Mika Haikkinen, Bruno Spengler and Jamie Green will race the new AMG-Mercedes C-Class. Schneider (42) has been a member of the Mercedes-Benz DTM team since 1991. He achieved 41 race wins, and clinched the DTM Championship titles in 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006. Hдkkinen (38) was the 1998 and 1999 Formula One World Champion with Team McLaren Mercedes. In 2001, the Finn retired from Formula One after 161 Grands Prix and 20 wins. Four years later, he came back in the DTM winning only his third race in the AMG-Mercedes C-Class at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. Bruno Spengler (23) is the youngest HWA driver. For the French-Canadian, 2007 is the third year in the DTM. In his first year as a works driver in 2006, he won four races and ended the season as runner-up behind Schneider. Green (24) was the 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series Champion with a Dallara Mercedes. In the DTM, the Englishman collected six pole positions and five podium finishes until now.

Honda displayed its FCX concept

Honda says it will put its FCX hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle on the market in small quantities as early as next year. Japanese and U.S. buyers will be the first to be able to lease the car. The company also says it will produce a mass-market hybrid vehicle within two years, promising that it will cost less than $25,000 and be big enough to use as a family transport.

Honda displayed its FCX concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, saying then that it was the concept form of a vehicle "currently under development for release in 2008."

The automaker showed off two prototypes in the capital on Thursday on a test track. Honda said the fuel-cell vehicles get about 68 mpg and can hit a 100-mph top speed. Driving range is 270 miles, which is a 60-mile improvement over the existing Honda FCX model.

There are currently 20 Honda fuel-cell prototypes on the roads in the United States, mainly being used by government fleets. The automaker says it is working on ways to get large numbers of fueling stations set up, collaborating with Air Products, BP, Chevron and Shell. Another project Honda is working on is a form of home energy station that would let vehicle owners refuel using home natural gas supplies.

2007 Porsche Cayenne Emergency Vehicle

One of the fastest emergency vehicles, fully suited for rough terrain as well, has been developed in Zuffenhausen. With laborious hand work, 15 trainees of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart have converted the sport utility vehicle Cayenne S into a very modern deployment vehicle for rescue workers. The prototype will be employed by Health and Safety Services.

The interior of the original production vehicle from the first Cayenne generation was completely modified. The rear seat and passenger seat had to give way to an aluminum frame construction, onto which the stretcher can be slid through the tailgate of the vehicle. A seat for the emergency doctor was set up adjacent to the stretcher. The modified Cayenne S provides the doctor with highly modern medical equipment for administering first aid to the patient. Among other equipment, an EKG with a defibrillator an electroshock device for treating patients with ventricular fibrillation , an electrical suction pump, an emergency backpack and various rescue tools are included.

The maneuverable vehicle considerably improves the chances for rescue in difficult terrain. Thanks to a permanent all-wheel drive with reduction gears and a locking central differential, a versatile off-road chassis and high ground clearance, the vehicle also reaches remote locations off the beaten track and can handle slopes of up to 45 degrees. A further advantage is its air suspension including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampening system - this permits especially careful transport of patients.

The idea for the concept of the Cayenne emergency vehicle came from Porsche Health Management. The industrial physicians have given the trainees the task of building four emergency vehicles, which are destined for the Porsche plants in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Weissach in Baden-Wrttemberg as well as the Leipzig plant. The Cayenne will also be stationed at the Porsche test track in Weissach.

Porsche trainees have since gained extensive experience in equipping special vehicles. Six Cayennes have already been prepared with different equipment for use in fire fighting, plant security and Health and Safety Services. "Every vehicle is unique with very special solutions. These special projects permit cross-divisional teamwork with the experience of mechanical designers, electronic specialists, vehicle mechatronic specialists, vehicle equipment assemblers and painters. The challenging task which requires the greatest handworking skills and precise work, motivates the young men and women," Porsche Head of Training Dieter Esser said. The special attraction is the production of a product which is extremely useful instead of practical experience in purely didactical way.

Honda confirms hydrogen fuel-cell sedan for 2008

Honda has announced that it will launch a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan next year as well as a new high volume hybrid vehicle priced under its $25,000 Civic hybrid in 09. The announcement was made at yesterday’s demonstration of Honda’s FCX fuel-cell prototype in Washington, a four-door concept with a range of 270 miles and a top speed of 100mph.

“We’re calling this the ‘FCX Concept’ but I can assure you it is not just some far out, pie-in-the-sky exercise in what may or may not come to fruition some day in the distant future,” said Honda fuel-cell marketing manager Steve Ellis in an interview with reporters from The Detroit News. Ellis explained that the new vehicle is key to attracting more green-conscious customers and that it will be initially launched in Japan and the US only.

A major problem holding back the introduction of more hydrogen powered vehicles is the lack of hydrogen fueling stations. One solution Honda is considering is launching an experimental home energy station that uses household natural gas to generate the clean fuel. The production fuel-cell vehicle Honda will release is said to be similar to the FCX concept car but will feature new bumpers and a more conventional interior.

Honda is not alone in its quest to launch the ultra-clean vehicles. China is reported to be investing heavily in the technology and General Motors is already planning to launch a worldwide fleet of them later this year for testing, with up to 100 hydrogen-fueled Chevrolet Equinox SUVs taking part. Ford and DaimlerChrysler also have their own versions and BMW has already released a 7-series saloon, which features an internal combustion engine that runs on pure hydrogen.

source: motorauthority.com

Tesla launching factory-owned stores for new roadster

Tesla will be selling its upcoming electric roadster through factory-owned stores rather than franchised dealerships with the aim to create the atmosphere of a trendy Apple Store instead of the staid image of a regular dealer. Automotive News reports that the first store will be opened on Santa Monica Boulevard in LA by November, with other stores to open soon after in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Miami.

The news comes from Tesla’s vice president of marketing Darryl Siry, who also mentioned that after the initial group of stores are opened, even more will be opened across the US in places such as San Diego, Seattle, Denver and Boston. Tesla is expecting to sell up to 1,200 units per year of the UK-built roadster.

Siry explains that the $92,000 Tesla roadster cannot be sold in a conventional manner. “A traditional dealer would spend his time apologizing for the car’s shortcomings rather than talking up the benefits”, he said. “We are going to design our own sales experience from scratch.”

Though this might seem like a lot of locations for a niche model like the electric roadster, building the retail presence is an important step in ensuring the success of Tesla’s next model, an electric sedan code-named WhiteStar.

Via motorauthority

2010 Hyundai Tiburon Captured

Spy photos of the 2010 Hyundai Tiburon have been leaked onto the Internet and are finding their way into Hyundai chat rooms. Sharing a rear-wheel-drive platform with Hyundai's new Genesis sedan that was unveiled in April as a concept at the New York auto show, the Tiburon is expected to go on sale in Korea in late 2008 and early-to-mid-2009 in North America.

Slightly bigger than the current Tiburon, this redesigned coupe takes many of its styling cues from the HCD-8 concept shown several years ago. Likely to share powertrains with the Genesis sedan, at least the DOHC V6 engine, Hyundai is focusing on the Infiniti G37 coupe as a chief competitor. The spy photos also reveal another engine possibility: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Pricing is expected to start in the high $20,000s.

First Drive: 2008 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

Previews

We’re not getting this V-8 diesel here, but we can tell you that the current Q7 flagship lacks soul, and that Audi’s B&O doesn’t stink.

At the tail end of our first drive experience of Audi’s mouth-watering A5 and S5 coupes, we were thrust into the driver’s seat of something entirely different in pretty much every conceivable way: the newly minted Q7 4.2 TDI. Some of us rolled our eyes at this, since this particular oil-burner, positioned as the current flagship of the Q7 line (until the V-12 TDI launches) in Europe, won’t be making it Stateside any time soon. Furthermore, Audi didn’t bring any 3.0 TDIs—which we will get late next year as an ’09 model—for comparison. But we set out to learn a thing or two anyway, as the Q7 4.2 TDI represents the interesting combination of a diesel SUV with a performance bent, and where better to explore the limits of this torquiest of all Audis than on the German autobahn? And so we did.

No surprises

Driving the big diesel Q7 offered absolutely zero surprises. With 561 lb-ft of torque available between 1800 and 2500 rpm, the 4134cc (yes, that rounds to 4.1 liters—don’t ask) turbo-diesel V-8 pulls the Q7’s three tons of metal, glass, rubber, and fattened-up passengers as if tethered to a Lufthansa 747. Audi says the big beast shoots from zero to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds—entirely believable, if a bit cautious. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system’s 40/60 front/rear torque split makes for predictable, tractable acceleration both in a straight line as well as in turns, and the Tiptronic six-speed is fitted with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, not that we desperately needed them with all that torque.

At high speeds, there is no drop-off in the fun factor. With 326 hp, the Q7 4.2 TDI has no problem maintaining speed and stability while the speedo climbs up into the 140-mph range (gotta love autobahns), offering plenty of passing power when called upon to take to the left lane. (The Q7 4.2 TDI’s top speed is 240 km/h, or about 145 mph). All the while, the interior remains remarkably quiet—not exactly silent as in an A8, but comfortable and conversation-friendly.


Pricing and Power

No soul

What’s missing, however, is soul. The Q7’s direct-injection gasoline motors in the Q7 3.6 and the Q7 4.2, are not only capable, but when pushed, they emit somewhat of a hearty, sexy growl, and by comparison the diesel V-8 feels disengaged, as if there is another pilot aboard taking care of propulsion. Yes, it is quick. Yes, it offers fuel economy (21 mpg average on the Euro combined cycle) relative to the petrol V-8. But no, it ain’t sexy in sound nor fury.

And it’s expensive.

How expensive, exactly? The price is set at 70,500 Euros (about $95,500) in Germany—3300 Euros more dear than the 4.2 petrol V-8—thus, the diesel is positioned as the Q7 flagship. In America, when we get the smaller 3.0 TDI with its 240-hp, 370 lb-ft V-6, we can expect about a 10-percent price hike above the Q7 3.6. There are no plans to bring us the big oil burner.

No V-12 for us

What about that Q7 with the monster 5.9-liter V-12 TDI that Audi said back at last January’s NAIAS that we could get as early as next year? Well, it ain’t gonna happen here, according to Audi of America’s latest assertions. Why not? Same reason we won’t get the 4.2 TDI: evidently we Americans still don’t see diesels as suitable powertrains for truly premium vehicles. Not even with 493 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, which would have helped the Q7 hit 60 in the mid-five-second range and peg a top speed of 155 mph.

For what it’s worth, the engine is still being developed for eventual introduction to the European market, but there is no official word as to when it might be taken out of the oven. Don’t look for it until at least 2009.


Bang & Olufsen Sound System

First ever B&O sound system in an SUV

In the meantime, something we can look forward to in U.S.-bound Q7s is something that sounds far more fabulous than any diesel engine we’ve ever heard: the Q7’s new Bang & Olufsen speaker system that will make its debut on the options list later this year. Like that found in the A8/S8, the sound system sends more than 1000 watts through 14 strategically placed speakers, each of which is powered by its own amp (yes, that’s 14 amplifiers).

Also like the A8/S8, the Q7 accommodates a pair of nifty pop-up tweeters near the base of the A-pillars that, through their 180-degree “acoustic lenses,” make true stereo sound for passengers regardless of seating position. Altogether, it does a remarkable job of dissecting tracks and distributing music in a simulated three-dimensional fashion, although the B&O system does not play DVD-A tracks (i.e.: audio DVDs).

When it becomes available on the Q7 this fall, expect a price of $6300, which is what it costs in both the A8 and S8.

BY STEVE SILER
caranddriver.com

Mercedes R-Class

Is it an MPV? An SUV? An over-inflated estate? No one's quite sure what the Mercedes R-Class really is, and the latest makeover on the biggest car in Merc's lineup won't do anything to clear up the confusion.

First, the R-Class is now being offered with rear-wheel drive. Previously a four-wheel-drive car only, we reckon that moves the R-Class nearer to MPV rather than SUV territory. Maybe.

But wait. Merc has rejigged the seating in the R-Class too. Whereas it was once strictly a six-seater - three rows of captain's chairs - you can now specify your family crossover-type-thing in five- or seven-seat guise.

That's a middle row of three seats plus an additional pair in the back, which can be removed to make way for Christmas trees or Jacuzzis or whatever it is people put in the back of an R-Class. Which might make it more of an estate. But we're not sure.

The R-Class has also been given a quick facelift, with new circular fog lamps and fresh body styling at the front and rear.

Oh, and there's a new entry-level petrol engine: a three-litre V6 that will see the R-Class to 62mph in just under 10 seconds.

The top-of-the-range 5.5-litre V8 remains though, which presumably makes the R-Class a luxury-sport-crossover... no, we give up.

First Drive: 2007 BMW M6 Convertible

Previews

Too much equals not enough? The pricey, portly M6 ragtop trades speed for sex appeal.

BMW hasn’t had it too easy from us recently. The Bavarian masters of driving arts once had an easy ticket to a first-place finish in virtually every comparo they entered. But then came iDrive, then active steering, and then everyone’s favorite “whipping tech,” the sequential manual gearbox. You could argue that those technologies, in many cases, created as many problems as they solved, at least from the purist’s point of view.

A brighter spot came in the form of the 2006 BMW M6 coupe, a 6-series coupe made even more salivating with zoomier styling, a sexy carbon-fiber roof, and one of the most delicious engines on God’s green earth: a race-bred, heart-pounding, high-revving 5.0-liter V-10 producing an incredible 500 horsepower at 7750 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 6100 rpm. So prolific is the engine that not even the entire alphabet’s worth of techno-acronyms could keep the fun away. Then came the new convertible version—whoo-ee! What could be better, right?

Looks to Kill, Comfort to Thrill

Our tester showed up in the M6 coupe’s “feature color,” Indianapolis Red, a metallic crimson that looks no less fetching on the convertible, even with its black convertible top raised. With a smiling, M-specific front bumper topped by 6-series brooding headlamps, there is something deliciously ironic about the front end of the M6. Down the bodysides are sill extensions and, of course, fender vents with M6 badge inlays. In back, the rear apron is sculpted to match the front end and also to accommodate the quartet of fat exhaust tips through which the V-10 sings its high-pitched song (a song that, incidentally, is easier to hear than in the closed-roof M6).

The M6’s interior is no less intense. The optional carbon-fiber center-stack trim on our tester—the best $300 you can spend, we feel—glistened in the sunlight, and pretty much everything else that wasn’t aluminum was covered in Indianapolis Red and Black Merino leather. We’re still no fans of iDrive, but at least the M6’s pivoting display didn’t get washed out in the sunlight as with so many such systems on other cars.

The front seats are wonderfully supportive, although even at an as-tested price of nearly $116,000, they lacked the active side bolsters found on the M5. The M6 also could benefit from an extra cup holder (it comes with only one), more spacious back seats, a truly usable glove box, and an HVAC system that can keep up with the torrential top-down windstorm that occurs when speeds climb toward (or, um, past) legal highway speeds.



Performance

Heavier, Slower

At a claimed 4400 pounds, the M6 convertible is an eye-popping 500 pounds heavier than the dimensionally identical, carbon-fiber-topped, 3908-pound M6 coupe. Yep, you read that right: 500 pounds. This could explain why, even with the sequential gearbox on its quickest setting and the power button activated (more on that later), it seemed more difficult to get the M6 convertible’s sticky 285mm-wide rear tires to chirp as easily on takeoff (and even during first-to-second gearchanges) as it does in the 300-pound-lighter M5 (to say nothing of the featherweight M6). This also may account for an even greater feeling of mass than in either of the M6 convertible's plenty hefty 500-hp siblings. BMW says the ragtop’s 0-to-60-mph time slips just 0.1 second compared with the M6 coupe's, which, based on our testing of the M6 coupe, would put the convertible at 4.2. We didn’t get a chance to test the convertible, but it certainly didn’t feel as if the two variants would be so close.

So what accounts for all that heft? As with the entry-level 6-series convertible, the 650i, the structure has been reinforced in numerous places to retain structural rigidity, leaving it with numbers quite close to those of the closed-roof car. Impact protection—side and rollover—was addressed in the form of reinforced structure, pop-up roll bars, and a reinforced A-pillar and windshield header. And, of course, all those motors controlling the convertible top account for a bunch of pounds, too.

That having been said, taken on its own (i.e., not comparing it with the overachieving coupe), the M6 still feels quick. Indeed, 4.2 seconds to 60 is far from slow. And it shares the M6’s 155-mph top speed. Although we’re getting no more used to SMG, we do love the ease of use of the sexy paddle shifters. Even better news: A regular shift-it-yourself six-speed manual has recently become available on all M5 and M6 models.

Still a Dancer

For all that weight, what seems unchanged from the seat of the pants is steering feel. Turning the wheel is met with scalpel-like precision and perfect weight that increases with speed. Highway stability is as sure-footed as, well, you might expect a 4400-pound BMW to be, and with the adjustable dampers set on comfort, ride quality is almost plush. Set on the sportiest setting, however, the ride becomes brittle, although directional changes are quick and deliberate and body roll is quashed. At that point, you might want to try steering with your right foot as opposed to your hands (providing you’re in the northern part of the rev range).


Price

Then there are those fabulous cross-drilled, pie-plate brakes, which are tremendously powerful and seem not at all concerned with the convertible’s extra quarter-ton. What’s more, properly programmed, the M6’s stability-control system can be wonderfully unobtrusive, even when not “deactivated,” although given the car’s formidable size, we didn’t find ourselves pushing its limits unless there was plenty of wiggle room in case something went afoul.

All told, we found the M6 ragtop entertaining. Like that fat girl at your high school prom who could dance all the way “down, down, down” to the ground in “Rock Lobster,” we were left amused, if not aroused.

A Trade-off not Everyone Would Make

Which brings us to the bottom line: with a base price of $108,675 (six grand more than the hardtop), the M6 convertible really should leave us salivating as much as the coupe does. Making matters worse was its as-tested price of—yee-ouch—$115,770, in which state our M6 convertible came missing several features that we believe ought to have made an appearance, including radar cruise control (even though we wouldn’t have liked it), curve-following headlamps, and ventilated seats.

Thus, we believe that for some—including many of us at Car and Driver and, we suspect, many of you—the added glamour of al fresco motoring might not be enough to offset the compromised performance and added cost of the convertible M6 versus the coupe.

Still, we wouldn’t kick it out of bed for eatin’ crackers.

BY STEVE SILER
caranddriver.com

Special Ferrari customers get their own car

Forget tuning, Ferrari's special customers get their own car designed by the Italian firm. Take one US customer. Not content to follow the lead of James Glickenhaus and his one-off P4/5 based on an Enzo, this guy has ordered three 600 GTOs.

The new cars will be based on the 612 Scaglietti, but shed 285kg in weight. New bodywork will also create 25 per cent more downforce at 125mph.

Ferrari won't reveal the name of this very special customer, but there are rumours that the buyer wants to resurrect the Ferrari North American Racing Team (NART) that was founded by Ferrari's original US importer Luigi Chinetti in 1958.

The 600 GTO is due to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Lotus Exige

So the Italians get a Gallardo, the Brits get a 612 Scaglietti, and the Aussies get... a Lotus Exige.
We're talking police cars. Racked off with lagging behind their northern hemisphere counterparts in the jam sandwich department, police in Sydney have laid their hands on an Exige to assist their fight against crime.

Having been inspired by the good bobbies of Norfolk, who were donated an Elise to help round up the Fen lowlifes, the New South Wales police force plan to use their Exige to, erm, encourage locals to slow down.

"The Lotus Exige will help break down barriers between our officers and youth in the area. It gives them a discussion point and a way of breaking the ice," said Superintendent Dave Darcy.

"We have a large proportion of car enthusiasts in the area and it is a challenge to influence them to drive safely. Whilst its easy to give this group tickets to slow them down, we would prefer to influence young drivers to take care on the roads."

Quite how one of one of the quickest cars to come out of Hethel in recent years is going to help errant speeders to realise the errors of their ways, we're not quite sure. But we're not going to argue with the logic of an Aussie policeman. He probably has a big gun and beats kangaroos with his bare fists.

Anyhow, the Sydney police say they're also looking forward to the fuel savings that the Elise will provide over their standard patroller - a 6.0-litre V8 Holden Commodore which struggles to top 20mpg. Strewth.

Rebel

It may look like it has been cobbled together with Lego and sticky-back plastic, but this is what we all should be driving by 2020, according to a team of car designers.

The 'youth' car has been created by Kazunori Inomota, Edward Stubbs and Mujammil Khan-Muztar, graduates of Coventry University's Automotive Design MA course.

The car was penned with an eye on the Scion brand, which is a yoof-oriented make sold in the US and owned by Toyota. Think funked-up Yaris models and you're on the right track.

Called the Rebel, the design can be chopped and changed to suit any mood or need, even allowing a bed to be made on the floor.

Power comes from an electric battery that drives individual motors in each wheel, which also regenerate electricity as the car slows.

The designers reckon a number of car companies will be interested and even non-car companies such as Apple.

Via TopGear

Want a New Ferrari ?

Never an impulse purchase, a new Ferrari nowadays is something you will wait upwards of 24 months to get. The cars, built in quantities of 6,000 or fewer per year, have always taken about a year from order to delivery, but demand from developing parts of the world — particularly the Middle East and Asia — has made the wait longer.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Chinese buyers are snapping up at least 150 Ferraris a year, and that 60 of the Italian thoroughbreds went to Russia this year. Both were markets where Ferraris were virtually unknown in the past. The paper also notes that the high demand and very low supply means a gray market in resold cars is a constant struggle for Ferrari to deal with.

About 28 percent of the Ferraris built went to North America in 2006, according to Ferrari, with European countries accounting for about 40 percent, but the "other" column is growing, at 21 percent last year.

First Drive: 2008 Cadillac STS V-6

Previews

Cadillac’s mid-cycle refresh of the STS doesn’t include a 16-cylinder engine, but it gets a much-improved V-6, anyway.

When we first reported on Cadillac’s refreshed 2008 STS from the New York auto show, we quoted the new base engine—a 3.6-liter DOHC direct-injection V-6—at 298 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Since then, four more of each have been found, bringing the totals to 302 and 272, respectively.

That’s just 18 fewer ponies than the optional 4.6-liter Northstar V-8, while the V-6 model will likely cost some $9000 less. Nine grand for 18 horsepower!? That rivals some of the deals you’ll find on Shelby Mustangs.

More power, more refinement, more mpg, more gears.

We are strong advocates of increasing power in all engines, but this is not an issue we take lightly. Engines can not be merely stronger; we also prefer them smooth and considerate. In this, the STS delights, being noticeably more powerful—up 47 hp and 20 lb-ft on the powerplant it replaces—as well as higher-revving (7000 rpm vs. 6700), better-sounding, and marginally more fuel efficient. All that on regular fuel, too.

Attached to that new engine is the six-speed automatic from the STS V-8. Combined with the more powerful 3.6, the duo is good for 0-to-60-mph sprints in a claimed 6.5 seconds, a projection we consider fully doable after our first contact with the car.

Like we mentioned in our New York coverage, the 2008 STS receives a new grille inspired by the Sixteen concept. Elsewhere, the exterior gets all jeweled up with chrome door handles and trunklid trim plus fender “air extractors” that don’t function since air can’t pass through solid plastic. They look nice, anyways.


Updates

It won’t park itself, but it can make small changes.

Interior updates include a new, more sophisticated instrument cluster that looks much richer than those in past cars, as well as revised detailing on the center stack, and a new steering wheel, slightly smaller than the one it replaces. Unfortunately, nobody thought to soften the edge of the center console, which still bruised our knees after just a few hours of driving.

The new steering wheel directs the other headliner of the STS refresh, active steering. In this, a small actuator between the steering wheel and the front wheels works in conjunction with other stability control aids and is capable of adding up to 12 degrees of steering input in order to optimize maneuverability in adverse conditions.

During our drive at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, we were able to conduct an emergency lane-change procedure on a wet tile surface that does a frighteningly good job of approximating the traction you’d have driving on ice. The Cadillac was easy to place and control on such a slippery surface.

The STS’s steering is also updated with a variable-ratio rack, which allows for quicker steering at low speed—less cranking in parking-lot maneuvering—and slower steering at higher speeds, so a freeway sneeze won’t tuck your Caddy under the rear axle of that tractor-trailer in the next lane. With all this gadgetry attached to the front wheels, we expected the steering feel to all but disappear, but were pleasantly surprised to find a positive connection to the road with wonderful weighting. Our only complaint is a slight twitchiness when encountering bumps just off center.

Adding to the STS’s newfound steering confidence is the Sport Package formerly found only on V-8 models. Available on V-6 cars starting in 2008, the package features Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. While we appreciate the larger wheels, the only real benefit of the larger brakes is better fade resistance, and we can’t say we know many Cadillac owners who will even understand what that means.


Safety Features

Oh, for cryin’ out loud. Keep your high-tech in the engine bay, please!

As pleased as we were with the STS dynamically, we were troubled to learn that it is headed in a technological direction we wouldn’t even wish on Ralph Nader (but only because he’d probably enjoy it). On each side mirror is a small icon of two cars, one apparently overtaking the other. See where this is going?

“Side Blind Zone Alert,” is what Cadillac calls its version of Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS. Instead of cameras mounted below the mirrors with an indicator light in the A-pillar, as on Volvo’s system, the STS’s SBZA (not quite as catchy as BLIS) uses radar and illuminates a small icon on the mirrors.

As much as we dislike these systems, Volvo’s is at least easy to see. Their light is big and placed inside the cabin, whereas the STS’s system is a small icon easily washed out by sunlight. We had to look at the mirror so intently to see if the icon was illuminated, we might has well have just turned our heads a little further and manually checked our blind spots.

But, you might say, turning our heads that much further might cause us to wander out of our lane! No, no, no, for two reasons. 1. We’re trained professionals (in our own minds). 2. Bundled with SBZA on the 2008 Cadillac STS is a lane-departure warning system that warns of crooked driving with a flashing dashboard indicator and three audible beeps.

How we wish someone at Cadillac would have taken to heart our “Five Annoying Safety Technologies” story, although maybe then they’d be waiting for us by the bike rack with a sock full of nickels. The lane-departure warning, at least, is among the least intrusive of its kind. Whereas Infiniti’s system in particular warns of your impending doom as soon as the car strays an inch from the center-line of the lane, Cadillac’s waits until the car is almost on the lane lines before speaking up. Fortunately, both the blind-spot alert and the lane-departure warning are quickly and easily deactivated.

Finer than the German cars?

Other than these few small technological nits we would simply not pick on the order form, the 2008 Cadillac STS is a vast improvement over the 2007. Expect ever-so-moderate price increases over ’07 stickers ($43,135 for a V-6 and $52,555 for a V-8). Is this STS the one to knock off the luxury sedan leaders? Our initial impression is a hesitant maybe. The materials in the interior are not quite up to par, and some of the switches and buttons lack the precision feel of the competition, but the new base engine and improved steering make compelling arguments for this Caddy.

BY JARED GALL,
caranddriver.com

Spy Shots: 2009 Hyundai Tiburon Coupe

Hyundai’s next generation Tiburon Coupe was recently caught undergoing the final phases of its development program before hitting the international auto show circuit next year. The new coupe is said to mimic some of the lines of the HCD8 Sports Tourer concept, which debuted at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, but the latest images reveal some of the proportions of the current model will carry over.

The 09 Tiburon will ride on an all-new platform but the front-drive configuration is likely to stay, but with a range of more powerful four-cylinder and V6 engines. Hyundai is also rumored to be working on a new rear-wheel-drive coupe based on its upcoming Genesis sedan. Unlike the Tiburon, this new coupe would be a premium model aimed at luxury makes and is likely to feature a V8 powerplant.

Hyundai is well on its way to reaching its goal of becoming one of the top five car makes in the world. It’s no longer regarded purely as a maker of cheap and unreliable cars and is now comparable with many of its more established rivals. A recent survey has found that Hyundai’s image has improved dramatically in recent times, with the South Korean carmaker’s brand ranking improving by 32%, something that will definitely help the new Tiburon.

Click ahead to see the spy shots.

Via: Carscoop

Nissan Micra C+C Open for Pre-Orders

2007 Nissan Micra C+C (European model)

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced it will begin taking pre-orders for the Nissan Micra C+C (Coupe + Convertible) from May 11, 2007. The new model will be introduced in Japan in mid-July.

Nissan Micra C+C, the coupe/convertible model of the Micra, initially launched in Europe in November 2005, continues to be a popular and distinctive model in the range.

Nissan Micra C+C’s roomy interior is one of its most appealing features. Its warm and high quality interior trim has been carried over from the base Nissan Micra model. The efficient and smooth HR16DE engine offers a sporty and spirited driving experience, while the specially-tuned suspension provides for a comfortable ride. MSRP (Manufacturer suggested retail pricing) is 2,499,000 yen for both the 5MT and E-ATX versions.

issan Micra C+C will be built in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the U.K. for export to Japan. Specifications of the Nissan Micra C+C will be modified to meet with the Japanese market requirements. The 2007 Year Model will be on sale this year under a limited production of 1500 units.

Source: Nissan

Johnson Controls Engineers the First Two-Color Door Panel to a One-Piece Carrier in New BMW 5 Series

- Two Colors at One Time

By introducing machinery and process innovations, Johnson Controls managed for the first time ever to apply a two-color foil to a single-component substrate made of natural fibers on the BMW 5 Series. Photo: BMW AG

When the BMW 5 Series was redesigned, the vehicle interior was also upgraded. For Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) , one of the world's leading suppliers of auto-motive interior systems, electronics and batteries, this meant a complete new development of the door panels. By introducing machinery and process innovations, Johnson Controls managed for the first time ever to apply a two-color foil to a single-component substrate made of natural fibers. The new process ensures both cost-effective production and a high-quality finish.

Two-color components of automotive interiors up until now have generally been produced as multiple parts before being applied to one another. As a result, seams and gaps remain visible with this method. It also makes it difficult in some cases to observe strict weight limitations - but not so with the BMW 5 Series. "Working closely with BMW, we broke new ground with this technology - being the first company to retain a single-compo-nent substrate and successfully cover it with a two-color, off-the-roll plastic foil" said Achim Hosenfeld, Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls.

Anyone who has ever tried to wrap an asymmetric object with striped gift wrap paper in such a way that the lines are abso-lutely parallel, even along the edges, can probably imagine the kind of challenges engineers faced. To ensure a high-quality finish and harmonious overall effect, exacting tolerances must be observed where the two colors meet on the door panels. The film is stretched when it is applied to the substrate. This distorts the color demarcation line, which then has to be brought back into proper alignment.

In the fully automated production process, machinery and tool advances ensure the color demarcation lines stay within the exacting tolerances at all times.

Kits for production in China

The BMW 5 Series currently in production at the Chinese BMW plant in Shenyang is also being fitted with these innovative door panels from Johnson Controls. The company also supplies the eight-inch display for the rear seat entertainment system for the long-wheelbase version of the BMW 5 Series being produced in China. It also provides the integrated garage door opener, HomeLink worldwide as optional equipment, too.

"We are pleased that our products and our manufacturing expertise enabled us to contribute to the high-end quality of the new model", said Achim Hosenfeld.


Source: Johnson Controls GmbH

ZAP to Present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Next-Generation Energy Conference on May 15 in New York

This Year's Conference Will Include Expert Panels Discussing Solar Energy, Ethanol, Biodiesel and Electric Vehicles

ZAP has a strategic business plan in collaboration with Lotus Engineering to create a line of advanced technology vehicles to meet the demand for energy efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, including a high performance electric vehicle called ZAP-X (pictured).

ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP), a leader in advanced automotive technologies, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Schneider will present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Next-Generation Energy Conference (NGE) on May 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM. This event will be held at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, 118 W. 57th Street.

Schneider plans to talk about the advance in electric automobile acceptance and ZAP's position in the sector. ZAP introduced the XEBRA, an innovative electric city-car and truck last year. ZAP has a strategic business plan in collaboration with Lotus Engineering to create a line of advanced technology vehicles to meet the demand for energy efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, including a high performance electric vehicle called ZAP-X.

As a premier investment bank with a dedicated NGE practice, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. initiated equity research coverage three years ago on fast- growing companies that develop and commercialize key NGE technology areas for a cleaner economy -- such as solar power, alternative fuels, fuel cells, energy storage, grid optimization, efficient lighting and environmental technologies.

About Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. and MCF Corporation

Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is a securities broker-dealer and investment bank focused on fast-growing companies and growth-oriented institutional investors. It provides investment research, brokerage and trading services primarily to institutions, as well as advisory and investment banking services to corporate clients. Its mission is to become a leader in the researching, advising, financing and trading of fast-growing companies. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and SIPC. MCF Corporation (AMEX:MEM) is a financial services holding company that provides investment research, capital markets services, corporate and venture services, investment banking, asset management and primary research through its operating subsidiaries, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co., MCF Asset Management, LLC and Panel Intelligence, LLC.

More information about the conference can be found at: http://www.merrimanco.com/

For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: ZAP

First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series

Previews

We take AMG's latest beast for a little spin around a 14-mile stretch of road known as the Nьrburgring.

In an automotive realm heavily flavored with mine’s bigger (not to mention faster and cooler) than yours, an AMG badge is a seriously enviable mark of distinction. It says you’ve got the money to go the extra mile, and suggests you have a taste for power and perhaps even the talent to manage it.

So here’s an example of badging that’s enviable and then some. The hottest member, in fact, of a very hot family. Lighter than its CLK stablemates, with more power, less mass and more of everything else: brakes, tires, suspension.

These are all reassuring things for us to dwell on as the Nürburgring’s Nordschliefe unwinds at an eye-widening rate just beyond the windshield, while DTM driving ace Bernd Schneider works the steering wheel.

It’s also reassuring to reflect that this car has a real racing heritage, mechanically identical to cars that appear on Formula One Grand Prix race tracks every weekend.

Why were we at the ’Ring? And what’s this got to do with the U.S. market? We’ll get to that in a minute.

Mercedes currently offers 18 AMG products, and those discerning buyers—half of them living in the U.S.—gobble ’em up as fast as they’re produced.

Emboldened by this success, the AMG marketing brain trust came up with the Next Step: a special edition of an existing AMG product.

Think about that. Since all AMG models are special editions, we’re talking about a special edition of a special edition: meet the CLK63 AMG Black Series.


Black Series History

As the name suggests, it’s an embellishment of the current CLK63 AMG coupe, which isn’t offered in the U.S. We get cabrios only.

But the Black Series is an exception to that rule, the first of its kind to be offered to U.S. buyers.

Back story: AMG has been supplying Mercedes safety cars to the Formula One World Championship series since 1996. The cars—two safety cars and two medical cars (station wagons) are approved by Mercedes racing boss Norbert Haug, prepped by AMG, and they return to the AMG shops for maintenance after every race.

At some point in this program, AMG leadership began to see a marketing opportunity. Thus the first Black Series, based on the SL and a faithful street replica of the 2006 F1 Safety Car, emerged from the AMG shops, offered only in Europe, a very limited test market trial.

The test was obviously a success, because the 2007 Black Series plan has global goals even though it’s still a limited program. The business case is built around 500 cars total. But 350 of those cars are destined for the U.S.

How do you say “instant collectible” in German?

Let’s talk specifications.

As noted, the Black Series begins with a CLK63 AMG coupe, a pretty lofty starting point. Black Series upgrades are extensive. Bigger brakes—14.2-inch vented rotors front (versus 13.4 for the CLK63). AMG refers to the rotors as “composite,” which in this case means iron discs mated to aluminum carriers.

Bigger wheels: 19 inch forged aluminum, versus 18s for the standard CLK63—with larger footprints: 265/30 front, 285/30 rear.


Features

The wider tires are sheltered by carbon fiber fender flares, and carbon fiber is abundant throughout the car, right out to the small spoiler adorning the decklid and the diffusers below the rear fascia.

Although the Black Series has all the luxo goodies that make the going pleasant in other Benz offerings, the carbon fiber, plus other weight-paring measures, conspire to reduce curb weight by about 100 pounds versus the CLK63 coupe, and some 200 pounds plus versus the cabrio. That math puts the Black Series around 3900 pounds, a number we wish was even lower.

Suspension: AMG sport dampers replace the standard Mercedes equipment, with higher spring rates and bigger anti-roll bars. Shock absorber damping is adjustable, but not from the cockpit, and there’s also 20mm of adjustability in the static ride height, provided you have the right tools.

Power: Oh, yeah. As with other recent AMG offerings, the CLK Black Series is propelled by the new AMG 6.2-liter aluminum V-8. In this application, a special set of exhaust headers and revised engine management raise output from the 475 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque to 500 and 478, respectively.

As incremental gains go, that may not sound like much. But mated to a shorter final drive, a little less mass, and reprogrammed shift parameters for the seven-speed automatic transmission, it feelslike more than not much. In fact, it feels like a lot.Particularly with Nürburgring corners rushing toward us like Ronin on fast forward.

AMG’s acceleration forecast is 0-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Since we’ve already recorded a 4.2 for the CLK 63 Cabrio—less power, more mass—4.1 seems pretty conservative. Shall we say 3.8? Yes, let’s.

More important, though, is the footwork, which Schneider is exploiting on the Ring’s endless succession of blind corners, decreasing radii, and flat-out doglegs. Lord, this baby can dance. The lap times? Below eight minutes for sure, with Mercedes officials suggesting as quick as 7:45. Strong, indeed.


Behind the Wheel

When you think about the Black Series charter—a performance replica of the F1 pace car—this all makes perfect sense. Although the pace car looks like it’s on a Sunday cruise compared to the open-wheeled rockets trailing in its wake, it’s got to be able to negotiate the turns with enough speed to allow the racers to keep heat in their tires.

Our own brief turn at the wheel teaches several lessons.

First, despite three laps of this 14-mile circuit riding shotgun with Schneider, we have essentially no clue where the pavement is going beyond the next bend, and conduct ourselves accordingly. Read: cautiously.

Second, caution notwithstanding, a stab at the throttle mashes the driver deep in the racing-style bucket seat. Torque is abundant across a broad range, making that grin-widening punch available from around-town slow to double-legal-speed fast quicker than you can say “Look, officer, I’m just trying to do my job.”

Top speed, electronically limited, is 186 mph. We don’t see much more than about 160 mph on the Nürburging. That seems like enough.

Third, this CLK’s limits of adhesion are very high and, when grip reaches its limits, the ensuing slide is progressive and easily controlled, although getting the Benz to do this as part of a fast lap takes a determined and practiced hand. Schneider’s, not ours.

But if the Black Series isn’t well suited to employment in drifting meets, for a car with this kind of performance potential it’s surprisingly well suited to everyday use. In a way, that’s the most striking element of its persona. The ’Ring is a rough race track, but for all the thrashing and curb riding of this encounter, the CLK’s suspension sops it up without beating the occupants into jelly.

There’s a simple reason for this, summed up by AMG boss Volker Mohrningweg. “At the end of the day,” he says, “it still must be a Mercedes-Benz.”

Yours for somewhere in the $130,000-to-$140,000 range when they hit dealers later this summer. Hurry. Supplies are limited. Operators are standing by.

caranddriver.com

First Drive: 2008 Audi A5 and S5

Previews

Audi’s slinky new coupes are beautiful every way you slice ’em.

By now, you’ve no doubt seen numerous pictures of Audi’s scrumptious new A5 and S5 coupes. Nice to look at, sure, but the question is whether Audi’s slinky sexpots are the kind of girls you want to have kids with, or the type that you’re better off just, um, you know.

Well, after sampling the pair for a day along the perilously twisty mountain roads of northern Italy, we’re making plans to expand the nursery, because these are the marrying types. They are not only splendid to behold but also bestowed with quite a dowry of luxury features and genuine talent on the road.

A Two-Door Coupe—What a Concept

Built on the next-generation A4 platform, dubbed B8, the A5 and S5 are long and wide, with a coupelike roofline and—what’s this?—a coupelike door count! Thank you, Audi, for reminding us of something that Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and certain others seem to have forgotten: coupes are cars with only two doors, period. As such, “duoportes” such as the A5 appeal only to specific types of people whose lifestyles do not include carpooling and who do not slog such things as other peoples’ kids, slobbering St. Bernards, or corn-fed colleagues. Coupes are for one person or one pair, and seldom more. They are personal and intimate; a reward, not an appliance.

A5: Stylish First

Emotional creatures that they are, coupes tend to be stylish first, and the A5 is no exception. It is breathtaking in pictures, but even more so on the road. Walter de’Silva’s talented team has tastefully advanced Audi’s passenger-car design beyond the current level that most already consider as tasteful and advanced as any in the automotive world. Gone is the semicircular roofline we’ve come to expect for the past decade, replaced by one with a more formal treatment for the rear-quarter glass (necessary to accommodate the heads of the rearmost pair of the A5’s infrequent quartet of passengers). The design departure on the roofline is somewhat of a surprise. That it is so gracefully applied is not.

The new nose—complete with soon-to-be-ubiquitous LED running lamps—is blunt and broad yet as sultry as Angelina Jolie 30 seconds after her wake-up call. On the A5, Audi’s single-frame grille finally seems natural, either because we’ve become accustomed to it, or because Audi’s other new coupes, the 2008 R8 and the 2008 TT, have made it look so good. The S5, of course, is a bit snootier in appearance with its egg-crate detailing and squared-off air intakes.

All that said, what is most distinctive on the new coupes is the character line that rises over the fenders to accentuate the big wheels, which measure 18 inches on the A5, 19 on the S5. The longer wheelbase and the longitudinal engine mounting allow for proportions nearly as correct as, say, those of the new Jaguar XK, only with tidy, BMW 3-series–like dimensions. And its unexpected width—something also likely to characterize the next A4—is quite evident from behind, where horizontal lamps and wide-set tailpipes accentuate the car’s girth. From every angle, it works. Very, very well.

Performance and Interior

A Driver’s Car Second

Now, to say the A5 is stylish first and a driver’s car second is no insult. It’s hard for any engine to outshine the sheer sex appeal of that luscious bod, and we knew this would be the case since we ran our first A5 spy shots months ago. But just how close the performance of the A5 and S5 comes to matching their beauty was a real surprise, with nearly faultless road manners and strong acceleration from the A5 and its 3.2-liter FSI (direct-injection) V-6, which is tuned to produce 265 horsepower in U.S. trim. Life is even better, of course, with the S5, which comes to the party with a 354-horse version of Audi’s versatile 4.2-liter FSI V-8. Torque comes in at 243 pound-feet between 3000 and 5000 rpm for the A5 and 325 pound-feet at 3500 for the S5.

On our brief drive of the A5 and S5, both with manual transmissions, we were thrilled. Audi’s 0-to-60-mph acceleration claims of 6.1 seconds for the A5 and 5.1 for the S5 are more than believable. Adding to the fun was the S5’s exhaust note, which was alarmingly (and addictively) loud, bellowing its song at a volume no one would expect from a car so well dressed (maybe it could teach the RS 4 to sing).

Even better, the engine’s longitudinal orientation and relocation farther back in the chassis optimize weight distribution, resulting in markedly better behavior than offered by the current nose-heavy A4/S4 sedans. Interestingly, however, in spite of its stickier tires and larger wheels, the heavier S5 seems to push a touch more in corners. Moreover, the standard-fare A5 surprised us with a more satisfying steering effort than provided by its more powerful brother, which is somewhat lighter than we’d like at any given speed. Brakes, as expected in any car of this caliber, are entirely competent and exhibited not a trace of fade along northern Italy’s twisty declines, where many an ancient Alfa (or lumbering livestock) might be asserting its God-given right to park itself in the middle of the road around any given bend.

Perfect Driving Position

As expected, the interior is a fabulous place to spend time while you discover what new things Audi has learned from BMW in terms of handling. The sport seats hold the driver firmly in place regardless of whether you are in the A5’s luxury-oriented leather chairs or the S5’s standard Recaros. Mucho aluminum trim has been smattered about, and we’re particularly fond of the A5’s take on Audi’s “teardrop” gauges. As with most of its competitors, the A5 won’t be a prom-night enabler on account of its snug (although ergonomically correct) back seat. Helping matters somewhat is the vast amount of light allowed through its tilting (but not sliding) optional glass sunroof.

An electronic parking brake and a push-button ignition system are standard equipment. The A5 also becomes the second model to offer the audio stimulation of a Bang & Olufsen speaker system (sans the cool pop-up tweeters of the S8). And, of course, the capable but complex MMI is there to serve and confuse.


Model Availability

The first to go on sale will be the S5, which arrives this fall with a six-speed manual transmission. The S5 will get a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters in the second quarter of 2008, at which point the A5 will join in with both transmissions. Audi’s latest iteration of Quattro all-wheel drive will come standard on all with a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split.

Even when pressed, Audi reps are still vague as to when the A4 cabriolet might defer to a convertible version of the A5, although it seems inevitable. There’s even talk of a five-door A5 “spaceback” model sometime thereafter. We also wouldn’t be surprised if an RS 5 appeared sometime during the 2009 model year with the RS 4’s direct-injected 4.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower.

The A5 will be priced around $45,000, plus options, when it lands next year. If you absolutely have to have one by the end of the year, prepare to shell out well over $50,000 for an S5, which, frankly, is a bargain for such a high-level combination of speed, style, luxury, and sex appeal. Get your ass in line. Behind us.

caranddriver.com

Ford Shelby GT Mustang Wins TAWA's Spring Challenge 2007

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR (Picture from debut in New York)

* 2008 Ford Shelby GT Mustang takes top prize for "Car of the Year" in the 2007 Writer's Choice Awards. 66 vehicles from various manufacturers competed for top honors at the TAWA Spring Challenge.

* Shelby and Mustang - Unbeatable at the 2007 TAWA Spring Challenge

Ford and Shelby once again proved to be a winning combination when TAWA announced the winner of the 2007 Spring Challenge. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT Mustang was challenged by over 66 different models from all manufactures in the hill country of Austin, Texas and the Ford Shelby GT won hands down.

With over 40 TAWA journalists driving 66 vehicles ranging from $16,000 to over $70,000 you definitely need to stand out in the crowd to win this top honor. In 2005, the Ford GT took the same top honors at this event.

Shelby once again has proven you can have fun driving this great icon and still get good gas mileage. The Ford Shelby GT surprised many journalists as it took the curves in the hills of Austin and was especially sure footed with lots of power to boot at 330 hp. The black and silver Shelby GT with a retro hood scope and lower stance won the hearts of many writers attending the event.

Listening to Mustang Sally on the Shaker 500 audio system is a force to be reckoned with while cruising through the hills of Austin.

The Ford Mustang has always been a vehicle with great value. This includes the V-6 model which gives customers great style, performance and gas mileage. Mustang owners in Texas have made the Mustang number one in the segment for many years. Customers may choose from many different packages like the Ford Mustang Pony, Ford Mustang Outlaw, Ford Mustang GT, Ford Mustang Warriors in Pink, Shelby GT, Shelby GT 500 and coming soon the Shelby Mustang GT 500KR King of the Road. Your choices are endless and so is the fun you can have when you experience Mustang ownership.


Source: Ford Motor Company

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster is an open-air adventure for all the senses

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Stuttgart, May 04, 2007 -- Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

The puristic top is suitable for high speeds

The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exception-ally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupé version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high stan-dards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Unique safety and exclusive fittings

A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupé, is produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.

Source: DaimlerChrysler

New Rallye Package from Mopar is Available for 2007 Jeep Compass

• Rallye Package outfits 2007 Jeep Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents
• Mopar Body kit adds Rallye car toughness to athletic Jeep Compass styling
• Rallye Package available on Jeep Compass models sold in United States and international markets

The Rallye Package outfits the Jeep Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group)

The Jeep(R) brand continues its expansion into new territory and into the world of rallye car toughness with a new body kit from Mopar(R). For a limited time, a new Rallye Package featuring Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar will be available for both 4x2 and 4x4 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models. Mopar is the Chrysler Group's original equipment parts manufacturer.

Arriving in U.S. and international markets in late 2006, the Jeep Compass is an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle that combines classic Jeep cues with contemporary lines. The Mopar Rallye Package takes this sleek style another step, wrapping Jeep Compass' modern design in an aggressive toughness.

"The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. "It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own."

The Jeep Compass Rallye Package - available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue - includes:

-- Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
-- Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
-- Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
-- Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass' forceful personality
-- Chrome Rallye badge
-- Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliques


The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.

The Jeep Compass Rallye edition debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2006 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jeep Compass competes in the compact sport-utility segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2006 calendar year was 520,045 units, up 34 percent from 387,828 units in 2005. The compact SUV segment is expected to continue to grow to 814,000 units by 2016. This is a great opportunity for the Jeep brand to attract new buyers who want a stylish, fuel-efficient, affordable, safe and capable SUV.

Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the United States. Mopar accessories are covered under DaimlerChrysler's 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar's 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships. More information is available at www.mopar.com.

Jeep Brand

At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler. In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting in calendar year 2006 were three more all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Through April 2007, Jeep brand sales in the United States are up 5 percent over the 2006 calendar year.

70 Years of Mopar

When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s -- the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, the Chrysler Group's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to DaimlerChrysler engineering standards.


Source: Chrysler Group

Scion Debuts All-new 2008 Scion xD

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

May 3, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., recently revealed the all-new 2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

"The 2008 Scion xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The Scion xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."

New Scion Style

The 2008 Scion xD's futuristic exterior characterizes it as a Scion with its simple surfaces and sharp lines that flow from front to rear. Its urban personality is communicated by its wide stance, thick muscular body, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the Scion xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits—horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.

Good Handling

Engineers designed the 2008 Scion xD with a short, wide frame in mind for better handling and comfort. In addition, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear for increased stability and a pleasing ride.

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

The Scion xD's powerful stance sits on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires. Customers will be able to choose from three all-new standard wheel covers which will also be shared with the all-new 2008 Scion xB. The Scion xD features front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes.

Clean and Modern Interior

Designers focused on a clean, comfortable and futuristic interior style. The simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster—digital clock and HVAC and audio controls—flows down the center. The 2008 Scion xD's unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

The Scion xD features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats were designed for comfort and utility as they can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.

Storage and cargo space is aplenty in the Scion xD. Up front, the xD has a storage tray located beneath the steering wheel, a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and driver's side change box. A hidden storage space is located below the rear cargo area.

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

Upgraded Audio System

The 2008 Scion xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD's Pioneer speakers.

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

The 2008 Scion xD's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the Scion xD's optional premium audio system has rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to additional speakers and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and full-range speakers in each door panel.

Driving Performance

The 2008 Scion xD is powered by the lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates 128 horsepower. Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. This 2ZR-FE engine features a roller rocker system and light weight piston for better fuel economy and a piston cooling oil jet for better efficiency.

2008 Scion xD five-door subcompact

Scion xD Standard Features

The 2008 Scion xD comes mono spec like all Scion vehicles. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The Scion xD comes with generous and upscale standard features including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); a tire pressure monitor system; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; cruiser control; first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

xD Color Palette

The Scion xD will have high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric and will be available in six exterior colors, Super White, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic.

Warranty

All Scion models feature a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

Source: Scion

Volvo's Online Global Hunt for Sunken Treasure Begins

$50,000 in Gold and Key to New Volvo XC90 - Launches May 4

Somewhere on the ocean floor sits this treasure chest full of $50,000 in pirate gold and a key to a new Volvo. In it's promotion with Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Volvo is launching a global treasure hunt. The Hunt begins May 4 and people around the world can join in the search for Volvo's treasure by visiting volvocars.us/thehunt. (PRNewsFoto/Volvo Cars of North America)

Volvo Car Corporation calls all pirates, rogues and scallywags to join The Hunt! It's time to stop speculating and start searching as Volvo launches its worldwide hunt for real-life sunken treasure, May 4.

Volvo literally has gone overboard in the second year of its promotion of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, and has sunk a chest filled with $50,000 worth of gold doubloons plus the key to a brand new Volvo XC90 to the ocean depths, "Somewhere in the World." Anyone hardy enough to try and find it can take part in the online treasure hunt, which starts simultaneously in 22 markets, May 4 and ends with a global online 'head to head' June 2.

To join The Hunt, participants 18 and older must visit a Volvo retailer to pick up a special pirate chart then register at volvocars.us/thehunt any time between May 4 and May 29. Winners will only be eligible if they can produce the original pirate chart upon conclusion of The Hunt.

Once registered online, hunters set sail on their virtual high seas adventure and move on, receiving clues, as they solve a series of challenging and fun online puzzles. People can join The Hunt at any time through May 29, and can catch up with other participants if they correctly answer the puzzles posted online. As the contest progresses, the puzzles will become increasingly harder to solve. On June 2, the first person from each of the 22 participating markets to finish the online hunt will compete against one another in one final exciting online challenge.

The first of those 22 individuals to solve the final puzzle will be named the winner and will receive a trip to the burial location to retrieve the chest filled with $50,000 in pirate gold and a key to a new Volvo XC90.

"Last summer, we held a treasure hunt to find a buried Volvo XC90 V8 to tie in with Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and were blown away by the success -- more than 100,000 participants from around the world joined in," said Linda Gangeri, national advertising manager for Volvo Cars of North America. "This year, with more countries, more booty and all the early interest, we're really excited to 'set sail.' So, come join The Hunt!"

In addition to the United States, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom are participating in The Hunt.

Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End opens in U.S. theaters May 25.

Participants in The Hunt are encouraged to visit http://thehunt07.spaces.live.com/ , Volvo's treasure hunt blog and message board, to learn more and discuss the Hunt's developments.

Volvo treasure hunt blog: Thehunt07.spaces.live.com


Source: Volvo Cars of North America

First Drive: 2008 Scion xB

Previews

The box gets bigger.

On the trip from the airport to the hotel at Scion’s recent press event, we spotted an old Scion xB with the bumper sticker that says “you just got beat by a toaster.” Of course, there aren’t many cars that the xB could beat in 103-horsepower stock trim, but that’s beside the point. What’s important is that Scion owners are so enamored with the boxy shape of the xB that they affectionately compare it to an appliance. So it’s no surprise that the new 2008 Scion xB is still boxy, but everything else has changed.

Youth-brand Scion itself hasn’t changed. Potential buyers still visit the Scion showroom section of a Toyota dealer to order a base car with no options. All of the accessories, including stereo and performance upgrades, are done at the dealership. The customization is a big part of Scion’s marketing image, to the point where the brand is selling a lifestyle as much as a car.

Exterior and Interior: Bigger in Every Dimension

The xB rides on an all-new platform similar to that of the Auris, Toyota’s funky European hatchback. This platform is larger than the Japanese Toyota bB upon which the first-generation xB was based. The new ’08 xB and bB share nothing beyond accessories.

The result of the architecture swap for the new xB constitutes the kind of growth you see from hormones, or maybe even steroids, as opposed to the normal growth spurt common when a car passes from one generation to the next. Overall length is up a whole foot to 167.3 inches, wheelbase grows four inches, and the width increases 2.9 inches. Only the height, at a tenth of an inch taller, is close to unchanged.

The bigger dimensions carry over to the interior, but not as much as the figures would suggest. Front and rear headroom actually decrease by 6.1 inches and 4.5 inches, but unless you regularly wear a Stetson hat in the car, you probably won’t notice.

The improvement in shoulder room, 7.2 and 4.7 inches front and rear, marks the biggest difference in the new xB compared with the old car. Front-seat passengers are no longer in danger of accidentally jostling, and there’s enough room for an armrest on the driver’s right side.

The rear seat feels deceptively spacious—it’s hard to believe there’s actually no increase in legroom. There is a small shelf under the seat bottoms, but the rear seats only recline or fold, unlike the versatile second row of the Honda Fit that can fold into the floor for a flat cargo area. Cargo space in the ’08 xB is almost the same as the outgoing model with the rear seats up, but recline the second row and the 70 cubic feet of storage is 28 more than in the old model.

The tail opening of the new xB is flat, so with the rear hatch open you don’t have to lift anything over the bumper, but the load height is a little taller than expected. Underneath the cargo floor is a compact spare tire with extra storage bins on top.

Powertrain and Handling

Powertrain: More Push for the xB’s Larger Tush

Add a foot in length to a car and there’s going to be a commensurate increase in weight. The 600-pound gain moves the new xB right out of the featherweight compact category, and its light weight is one of the things we appreciated about the original xB.

Scion has compensated under the hood, though, by using the 2.4-liter engine from the Scion tC coupe. The inline-four, with variable intake valve timing, puts out 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Those figures may not sound exciting, but the power-to-weight ratio on the xB has improved by about four pounds per horsepower. The improved torque is most noticeable in city driving, and you don’t have to thrash the engine to keep up with lead-footed cab drivers. The engine is smooth, but a monotone drone emanates from under the hood. Optional intake and exhaust accessories provide a slight improvement.

The xB comes with the choice of two transmissions, a four-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, and a five-speed manual. The automatic works just fine, but we prefer the manual, which has a solid, tight feeling shift lever and a smooth-engaging clutch pedal. Compared with other Toyota manuals, like the one found in the Corolla, the xB’s transmission is vastly superior.

Handling: More Capable, Less Chuckable

The xB retains a front strut and rear torsion beam suspension arrangement, but the increase in size has changed the handling characteristics. Shed a tear if you were a fan of the old xB’s nimble, tossable handling. The new xB loses that, but gains a lot more grip. Where the old car provided entertainment in the way you could overwhelm the tires around any corner, the new car offers fun in its own right with the ability to corner harder and faster. The steering, which is electrically boosted, lacks feel mid-corner, but most drivers will hardly notice. Ride quality is stiff but well-composed over bumps. Drivers in areas with deteriorating roads should resist upgrading the wheels to anything larger than the standard 16 inches.

Features and Specs

Features: They call it Monospec

When you buy a Scion xB, you choose between manual or automatic transmission and pick your color. That’s it. There isn’t even any haggling over price.

Standard equipment includes stability control, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, an iPod adapter, auxiliary audio jack, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. From there, Scion offers everything from stiffer springs for the suspension to cargo-bin nets.

The standard radio has six speakers and works just fine, but audiophiles have two more options. The first is a “premium” audio system with a tiny screen on the head unit that displays everything from photos to eight-second movie clips. A step above that is a DVD-based navigation system that plays DVD movies when the car is in park.

Conclusion.

The new Scion xB has evolved from toaster to toaster oven. It’s bigger and has more features, but is still unique. The gain in girth is a loss for lightweight-car fanatics, but it should give the xB greater appeal to the general public, although going mainstream is something the brand eschews, to the point where Scion execs have said they will not run any TV ads to launch the new xB to avoid alienating young and hip buyers.

Either way, the xB feels grown up in more ways than its dimensions. Refinement and fit and finish are much improved over the first generation. A starting price of $16,230 for a manual transmission is a good price for any car, but the xB is more distinctive than anything else in this price range. That’s enough to call it a winner in our book.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

BASE PRICE: $16,230

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 144 cu in, 2362cc
Power (SAE net): 158 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 4-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 102.4 in Length: 167.3 in Width: 69.3 in
Height: 64.7 in Curb weight: 3100 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 22/28 mpg

source: caranddriver.com

2007 Fiat Linea: The Model in Brief

2007 Fiat Linea

03/05/2007 -- The 2007 Fiat Linea, which was present in Istanbul last October, now makes its market debut. This three-box Segment C saloon gives a new interpretation of styling, practicality and enjoyable driving, all for an extremely competitive price/contents ratio.

The car was developed by Tofas A.S., the 50-50 joint venture between Fiat Auto and Koç Holding which is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. It will be manufactured in the plant in Bursa, Turkey (fully operative, output will reach 60,000 units per year) and will be marketed in a number of European and non-European countries: Spain, Germany, Morocco and Finland. At a later date, the Fiat Linea will also be manufactured in Brazil, India, China and Russia.

The new model clearly has an international vocation; it was designed by the Fiat Style Centre, and its exterior styling is elegant, dynamic and typically ‘Italian’. The aim was to appeal to the public with uncluttered, smooth lines which confirm the new Fiat family feeeling (from the Grande Punto to the new Bravo), while they offer a new reading of the stylistic elements of the great Italian motoring tradition in the saloon segment. This extraordinary stylistic heritage has now produced the Fiat Linea, a 4-door saloon that is sleek and elegant, but with generous dimensions that put it at the top of its class: it is 4.56 metres long, 1.73 metres wide, 1.5 metres tall and has a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, as well as a 500 litre luggage compartment.

The same attention went into the styling of the interior, where the lines are harmonious and balance well with the exterior, creating a friendly, light-filled environment that provides an amazing amount of room and superior comfort, where ergonomics and space for the driver and passengers are concerned. And it is in terms of the quality, comfort, practicality and enjoyment of the interior that the Fiat Linea aims to make the difference, backed up by the refinement of the materials and by the colour combinations, as well as the attention paid to every detail and to the assembly.

2007 Fiat Linea

Designed for an elegant, refined clientele with plenty of personality, the new model is agile and enjoyable to drive in all situations. It has a sparkle that is due primarily to its engines, which combine excellent performance, low consumption and absolute respect for the environment (they are all Euro 4). At the launch the model will be offered with a choice between a petrol engine (1.4 8v, 77 bhp) and a turbodiesel (1.3 Multijet 16v, 90 bhp with a variable geometry turbo), both combined with five-speed mechanical transmissions; the 120 bhp 1.4 16v Turbo from the new T-Jet family will be available at a later date.

The Fiat Linea range is very comprehensive to cater for a clientele that considers cars of this class as a real investment, because it represents the family’s main car, and it will adapt to the various markets where it is sold. In most of these, at its launch, the range will offer two engines (90 bhp 1.3 Multijet and 77 bhp 1.4 16v), three specifications (Active, Dynamic and Emotion), and 11 body colours. The range also proposes equipment worthy of a higher segment, such as certain sophisticated climate and infotainment devices that improve the comfort and quality of the time spent on board: from automatic climate control, the Blue&Me® system with USB port, a radio with CD-player (including MP3 files) and Cruise Control, down to rain, dusk and parking sensors. In other words, there are endless possible combinations, all offering excellent value for money and the best price-content ratio.

2007 Fiat Linea

Finally, the Fiat Linea is equipped with a reliable suspension layout which guarantees very easy, precise steering, excellent roadholding and the best possible comfort for passengers: an independent MacPherson system at the front, and semi-independent wheels connected by a torsion axle at the rear.

But the Fiat Linea is not only styling, plenty of personality, modern reliable engineering, a wealth of equipment and outstanding comfort. It is also a very safe car. Rather than the individual devices, it is the combination of the many solutions adopted that make it one of the safest cars in its segment. Stable, effective braking, good acceleration guaranteed by the engines and predictable handling, get the Fiat Linea out of even the most critical situations. The new model is also very well equipped where passive safety is concerned, a fact borne out by the presence of 6 airbags (Multistage at the front, curtain-bags and sidebags) which are standard depending on the version and the market. What is more, it also adopts a number of innovative technical elements that ensure the driver always has total control of the car (active safety). These include latest generation ABS, complete with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and, optionally, the sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

These briefly are the winning features of the Fiat Linea which aims to play a leading role in this category, where all the world’s major carmakers compete. Segment C accounts for 20% of the Western European car market, in other words the core of the market, with about 3,000,000 registrations per year. However, the majority of the cars in segment C are two-box hatchbacks, while 3-box models (saloons) only account for 5% of that market, with 150,000 registrations per year (this is expected to reach 160,000 units by 2013).

2007 Fiat Linea

The share in other non-European countries is more significant. In Turkey, for example, segment C represents 52% of the whole market, and saloons account for 75% of this, with 170,000 registrations per year (approximately 50% of these are premium cars, and the sales mix is 50% petrol and 50% diesel models).

The Fiat Linea is destined to become a strategic car for the Fiat range in China: the entire Chinese market totalled 4,000,000 vehicles in 2006, and is expected to reach 7,500,000 units by 2013.

And finally, in Brazil, the market absorbed 1,835,000 cars in 2006, and is expected to reach 2,250,000 units by 2013 (because the Brazilian market is structured differently, the Fiat Linea is in category D, and its goal is to achieve a 13% share of the segment). A special version will be marketed in Brazil, powered by the new 130 bhp 1.9 Flexfuel engine (running on gasohol, which already contains about 22% ethanol, and pure bio-ethanol). Bio-ethanol and gasohol are poured into the same tank, a feature that makes it easier for motorists to fill up. The engine software recognises the composition of the mix and automatically adapts the injection and ignition parameters. Flexfuel engines are able to function in the same way and with the same performance with both conventional fuels and with alcohol-based fuels. In environmental terms, the advantage of ethanol lies in the fact that it is a renewable source of energy and helps to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, because it captures carbon dioxide in the production process.

Source: Fiat

ZAP Reinvents the Wheel with Advanced Electric Wheel Motor Technology Partner

US Electric Car Maker Signs Exclusive Agreement with PML FlightLink Ltd. of the Hampshire, UK for New Electric Wheel Motor

The ZAP-X crossover electric car concept by Lotus Engineering and ZAP will be equipped with an exclusive new drive system from PML of the UK. The compact SUV will be driven by an electric motor (displayed in the upper right) built into each wheel. (PRNewsFoto/ZAP)

SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 2 -- US electric car maker ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) signed an exclusive agreement this week for an advanced wheel motor technology from PML FlightLink Limited of Hampshire, United Kingdom.

ZAP secured the PML wheel motor technology to play a key role in the development of next generation electric vehicles being developed with Lotus Engineering. Electric vehicle concepts like the ZAP-X crossover SUV have targeted unprecedented performance goals, including a top speed of 155 mph, 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a peak 644 horsepower. Steve Schneider, CEO for ZAP, says PML's wheel motor achieves the power to weight ratio to meet the performance goals of the ZAP-X.

"Wheel motors are revolutionizing electric transportation, from our ZAPPY3 electric scooters all the way up to more ambitious projects like the ZAP-X crossover," said Schneider. "We have witnessed the PML wheel motor technology in action and, without question, this the best drive system in the world. "

Schneider pointed out why wheel motors allow automotive designers to achieve greater efficiencies in the overall design, distributing the weight and displacement of the drive train to the four corners of the vehicle. PML's wheel motors don't require intricate braking systems, instead relying on advances in regenerative braking that enhance efficiency and performance.

ZAP has undertaken a feasibility study with Lotus Engineering to explore the development of next generation electric vehicles that incorporate the latest advances in technology. The two companies met last week at ZAP's headquarters in Santa Rosa for discussions with potential suppliers and distributors. In exchange for exclusive rights, ZAP has agreed to an initial order of approximately $10 million in PML wheel motors, subject to terms and conditions agreed on by both parties.

"We've sort of reinvented the wheel," said Chris Newman of PML FlightLink to Car and Driver Magazine. The small British electrical-engineering company led by Martin Boughtwood, PML's director, has produced a remarkable electric Mini to prove the technology. PML FlightLink Limited is a privately held UK corporation with more than 30 years experience in advanced wheel motor and control system development. According to PML, its compact, energy efficient, electric wheel motors produce unrivalled levels of torque with internal heavy-duty tapered roller bearings that can withstand heavy radial loads for robust use, important for the all-wheel drive capability of the ZAP-X.

PML's Hi-Pa Drive(TM) is a literal revolution in motor technology with an integrated motor and drive electronics in one unit producing an ultra high power density -- up to 20 times more than conventional systems. Hi-Pa Drive(TM) is ultra reliable -- 20 times more reliable than conventional systems. It provides high torque in a lightweight flat motor package, ideally suited to vehicle in wheel drives, where its impact on suspension dynamics is minimal. Other features include total weather proofing, total energy transfer, and several levels of redundancy so any single failure will never prevent the vehicle from operating safely.

Learn more at PML's website http://www.pmlflightlink.com/

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering. The Company recently launched a new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops.

For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Source: ZAP

Lada Priora

TOGLIATTI, Russia — The new Lada Priora has gone on sale in Russia. This is the first attempt from Russia's biggest carmaker to change its image as a producer of ultra-cheap family cars. The new sedan retails for around $11,000 and is squarely aimed at such local bestsellers as the Renault Logan and the Hyundai Accent.

The car was originally introduced at the 2003 Moscow Auto Show with a tentative production launch penned for 2005. Even though the car is a thorough revamp of the now 13-year-old 110-series, it took a bit more time than expected to iron out quality issues, so the introduction date was postponed at least three times.

The styling of the midsize sedan, which measures 169.3 inches long by 70.9 inches wide, is not the latest word in design — but, considering the source, it does not look too outdated. Its interior is the work of Italian design consultant Carcerano. For export, the Priora will have a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that passes Euro 4 emissions control regulations, allowing it to be sold in most European markets. Airbags will be offered, although only as an option. Electric windows and an adjustable steering column add to the relative modernity of the new model.

So far only the sedan version has been launched, but wagon and coupe versions are also planned to join the lineup. Eventually the Priora should replace its donor, the 110-series, which had been Lada's Western European export model along with the Niva SUV before the Kalina appeared in 2006.

Toyota Reportedly To Build a new Smart-Fighting city car

Toyota reportedly will put a Smart-fighting "city car" into production in 2008. The automaker will unveil the car in concept form at the Frankfurt auto show in September, Car magazine is reporting.

Toyota had previously shown a city car at Frankfurt. The Endo concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt show in 2005. The Japanese automaker also has a minicar currently on the market, the Aygo. The new model reportedly will be even smaller — at about 118 inches long versus the Aygo's 134 inches — and will be considered a "3+1" that would seat two adults in front, one in back and have room for a child in the rear-seat position behind the driver seat.

Media are projecting sales of the new little car to start in the summer of 2008.

Weber Carbon-Fiber Concept

MONACO — Top Marques Monaco is the show that tops them all. It is only about the fastest, most exclusive sports cars in the world. And it is the perfect venue to introduce new ideas.

The Swiss company Weber Sportcars had announced in advance that it would unveil an entirely self-developed carbon-fiber car at the show. The reality exceeded even the wildest expectations with an organic, and completely individual — one might say bizarre — appearance.

The 177.2-inch two-seater measures 80.3 inches wide and 45.3 inches high. The entire car was designed and built in-house, including the 143-pound aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber body.

Under the tweaked hood lurks a supercharged 900-horsepower, 7.0-liter engine. Its 775 pound-feet of torque enables the 2,425-pound coupe to get from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Top speed is claimed to be over 249 mph.

There are four fuel tanks that will hold a total of 29 gallons of gasoline — which we'll bet a driver can go through quickly at the speeds at which this car would be driven.

Pricing of the forthcoming car has not yet been made public, but it has been revealed that standard spec will include active four-wheel drive, traction control, a rearview camera and a rain sensor.

2007 Edo Competition Volkswagen Touareg

(from Edo Competition) 2007 Edo Competition Volkswagen Touareg

- Increased perfomance up to 70 HP with electronic tuning controlled by dyno running and sport air filter

- 6-piston sport brake system. FA: 380 mm, red, edo competition writing

- 22 inch racing wheel set 3-part with: FA: 10,0x22 ET60 with 295/30R22 RA: 10,0x22 ET48 with 295/30R22

- Electronic lowering module with air suspension

- Sport back box stainless with super sound,

- Tail pipe set stainless 4 x 89 mm round 23° slash cut rolled, with TUV certificate

- Front centre section kit GFK with chrome frame incl. license plate base and grill insert set.

- Fender widening set with side shirt set and rear bumper

- Pedal set alloy with TOUAREG writing, footrest alloy

2007 Edo Competition Porsche 996 Turbo

2007 Edo Competition Porsche 996 Turbo

- Increase performance to 585 HP
- New Turbocharger
- BMC-Sport air filter
- Sport-end pot stainless steel with Tri-alloy cat converter
- Stainless steel tail pipe
- edo competition Sport- brake system – FA:370mm brakepads wit 6-piston-single block-saddle und sports brake lining, RA: 342mm brakepads wit 4-piston- single block-saddle und sports brake lining, steel flex- brake cables
- 18 inch racing wheel set 3-part with FA : 9.0x18 ET41 with 245/35R18, RA :12x 18 ET45 with 315/30R18, painted wheel rim star and ZV- cap
- RDK-tyre pressure control system
- Stainless steel threaded chassis adjustable in compression and rebound
- Sport clutch kit
- Compacted gear change
- Front spoiler lip
- Front protective grill
- Tail lid 996 GT2
- Tail aerofoil profile with increased contact pressure
- Porsche – CD changer
- Porsche – telefone module with light wave cable setup

Mallett Cars Beefs Up Pontiac Solstice

BERERA, Ohio — Mallett Cars already offers more power for the Pontiac Solstice with its LS2/LS7 V8 engine conversion kits. Now it's adding more show to the go with its aggressive-looking Pitbull wide-body kit.

It adds 4 inches of width to the front and 5 inches in the rear, giving the Solstice a considerably more menacing look. More importantly, the six-piece body kit allows the use of ultrawide wheels so you can put all that V8 power to good use. The specially designed front fascia also improves airflow to the engine.

The fiberglass upgrade is expected to cost $16,000-18,000 fully installed and painted. A carbon-fiber package will also be available by special order.

Only a limited number of Pitbull Edition Solstices will be built. The official debut is scheduled for the 2007 SEMA show.

Ford, Mike Rowe Team Up to Show Ford F-150 Leadership

• Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” stars in two new Ford F-150 ads showcasing the truck’s continuing leadership in safety, strength and capability.
• New ads also feature two Ford engineers who put the Ford F-150 to the test every day.
• This under-the-skin look at Ford F-150’s strengths reflects Ford’s “Truth About Trucks” efforts and “Built Ford Tough” product promise.
• The ads continue Ford’s “Challenge” campaign, which showcases how Ford vehicles top the competition.

Ford F-150 Crash Test Commercial Screenshot: Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe and Bill McDonald, a Ford crash barrier facility supervisor, watch a Ford F-150 go through the paces of crash tests. (05/31/2007)

To illustrate the 2007 Ford F-150’s continued leadership in safety, strength and capability, Ford picks apart its half-ton competition in two new ads starring Mike Rowe, creator and star of Discovery Channel’s hit show, “Dirty Jobs.” In this second round of Ford F-150 ads since January 2007, Rowe is joined by two hard-working Ford truck engineers as they highlight the Ford F-150’s superior features.

“The Ford F-150 is built consistently with better parts that give it more strength and capability to help customers get more work done,” says Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. “That’s how you build 30 years of truck leadership.”

In the first ad, Rowe and Paul Angove, a Ford truck suspension engineer, review leaf spring bolts used by Ford and four key truck competitors. Angove highlights how the Ford F-150’s bolts are the biggest and strongest. Since these bolts take on some of the heaviest suspension loads, they are key in making the 2007 Ford F-150 the strongest, most capable truck in its class.

In the second ad, Rowe and Bill McDonald, a supervisor in Ford’s crash barrier facility, watch a Ford F-150 in a dramatic crash test. McDonald, a 29-year Ford veteran, shares with Rowe that the 2007 Ford F-150 received the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) highest safety rating (five stars) for driver and front passenger, a rating some top truck competitors have not earned.

The safety ad begins airing on national television on May 1, followed shortly afterwards by the leaf-spring bolt spot. The ads will be accompanied by similar print and online ads.

‘Truth About Trucks’

The ads were inspired by a “Truth About Trucks” campaign Ford launched in 2003 to enumerate the F-150’s lengthy list of under-the-skin advantages versus competitors. The campaign in broadcast, print and point-of-purchase advertisements has communicated to customers that Ford F-Series trucks are stronger and more capable than competitors with the straightforward “Built Ford Tough” product promise. This consistent message enjoys decades of brand equity, nearly matching Ford’s truck leadership for an unprecedented 30 consecutive years.

The new ads starring Mike Rowe, as well as other print and online communications, will reinforce these under-the-skin advantages that continue to make the 2007 Ford F-150 the leader. Ford dealers also are capitalizing on the F-150’s leadership story by distributing it to sales consultants through videos that detail the truck’s numerous advantages.

“Ford Challenge” Drives Sales Results

Similarly, in January Ford kicked off its “Ford Challenge” effort, an advertising platform designed to clearly demonstrate how Ford products beat the competition in head-to-head comparisons. The campaign started with the “Fusion Challenge,” and then quickly extended to the Ford F-150 and Ford Expedition EL.

“We have the strongest Ford lineup ever,” says Engle. “The ‘Ford Challenge’ confidently communicates this great story with products such as the Ford F-150 that show how the best-selling products beat their competitors in areas that matter most.”

According to internal Ford data, the campaign has generated significant customer response in terms of product favorability, purchase consideration and, ultimately, sales.

* The “Fusion Challenge” helped the Ford Fusion post a 22 percent in increase through April 2007. The ads were based on two consumer events held with subscribers of Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines, where the Fusion V-6 all-wheel drive ranked ahead of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry V-6.
* Ford Expedition sales have increased year-over-year eight months in a row One of the Expedition “Challenge” ads pokes fun at a rival’s third-row seat, which requires customers to remove it from the vehicle for maximum cargo space. Expedition owners simply press a button to electronically fold the third row flat.
* Through April, the Ford F-Series continued its 30-year run as the industry’s sales leader. The first Ford F-150 ads starring Rowe highlighted the truck’s leading payload and towing capabilities. In one spot, Rowe walks away from two competitive trucks that are both hitched to one 11,000-pound trailer and says, “If you need to tow 11,000 pounds, you’ll need two trucks. Unless you’re Joe. Joe owns a Ford F-150.” The ad goes onto to describe how the truck’s unique fully boxed frame delivers the unmatched towing capacity in the half-ton pickup segment.

Ford F-Series: The Industry’s Leader

Since its debut in 1948, Ford has sold more than 32 million F-Series trucks around the world. Today, there are more Ford F-Series pickups on the road with 250,000 miles than any other brand. It has also been the best-selling truck in America for 30 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row.

The Ford F-150 half-ton pickup is the strongest half-ton truck with best-in-class payload and towing capacities. New for the 2007 model, Ford added to an unmatched lineup of more than 60 unique Ford F-Series offerings with new Ford F-150 FX2 Sport and Harley-Davidson SuperCrew models.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Maserati North America Posts All-Time Sales Record in April 2007

Following Maserati's Best Ever First Quarter Sales

Maserati North America set a sales record in April, following its best ever first quarter. In an overall luxury segment that was down during the first quarter of 2007, Maserati North America has shown considerable gains, marking a continued rise for the company. The luxurious Maserati Quattroporte is the leader in the $100,000 sport sedan segment. Hand-crafted Pininfarina design, true performance and meticulous attention to quality have found the select audience who value a unique and special automobile. (PRNewsFoto/Maserati North America, Inc.)

In an overall luxury segment that has shown declined sales performance during the first quarter of 2007, Maserati North America has shown considerable gains, marking a continued rise for the company.

According to Jim Selwa, President and CEO of Maserati North America, Inc., the performance of Maserati is strong, mirroring the performance of the elegant brand. "The luxurious Maserati Quattroporte is the leader in the $100,000 sport sedan segment. Hand-crafted Pininfarina design, true performance and meticulous attention to quality have found the select audience who value a unique and special automobile."

April 2007 total sales for Maserati reached 242 units, beating the previous top sales month of 235, set in July of 2005 - a point in time where Maserati jumped over 90% in volume. Year-to-date Maserati sales are up 14% over 2006, which was another record year for Maserati.

As anticipated, the new Maserati Quattroporte Automatic has appealed to those looking for the ultimate sedan amongst its competitors. The DuoSelect Maserati Quattroporte is appreciated by those who desire the most pure sport sedan on the planet. Sales remain strong with the DuoSelect commanding over 50% of Quattroporte sales.

Like the Maserati Quattroporte, Maserati Financial Services has reported a record volume month, providing clients with competitive financing and leasing solutions.

Maserati will continue the positive momentum of the brand with the introduction of the globally acclaimed two-door Maserati GranTurismo in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Maserati North America expanded its reach in 2006 with the opening of two high-profile locations in the Southern California market, where it derives 35% percent of sales. Maserati currently benefits from 49 dealers across North America. In 2007 the expansion of the dealer network will continue with a target of 55 retail points strategically located in key markets. Maserati North America is proud to have the top selling dealer in the world, The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida. The southeast is the second leading region for Maserati in the U.S. followed by the New York Tri-State area.

Maserati North America, Inc., headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the exclusive distributor for Maserati-branded vehicles in the United States, including the Quattroporte high performance luxury sedan.

For more information, please view www.maseratiusa.com

Source: Maserati North America, Inc.