GLAMORGAN, Wales : October 13, 2008 - The UK’s first hydrogen energy research and demonstration center opened last week at the University of Glamorgan, Wales. Based at Baglan Energy Park near Swansea, the £2.2 million (US$3 million) ‘Hydrogen Centre’ is designed to demonstrate the viability and safety of producing hydrogen from indigenous renewable resources in Wales.


The Centre, part of Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, will integrate renewable energy technologies (solar photovoltaic and wind) with hydrogen and fuel cell energy technologies. The University also has a number of pilot-scale biohydrogen projects underway.

Earlier in the year, the University launched the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell minibus. The 16-passenger bus uses a hydrogen-powered fuel cell to generate electricity and charge batteries that then power an electric motor. The bus incorporates a regenerative braking system with ultracapacitors for energy storage. Top speed is up to 70 mph, with a range of up to 250 miles.

[Source : Green Car Congress]

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CORSICA : October 12, 2008 - Sébastien Loeb made it two WRC victories from two weekends by winning the 2008 Tour de Corse this afternoon.


Loeb completed the final 26km asphalt stage without incident to bring his Citroen C4 WRC across the line with a lead of 3min24.7sec. In a faultless performance on his home rally Loeb was fastest on all but two of the 16 stages and extended his lead in the 2008 drivers’ championship to 14 points.

Loeb’s fourth consecutive victory on the Tour de Corse kept Citroen ahead of Ford in the manufacturers’ series by 23 points.

“It’s getting better and better” said Loeb at end of the final stage. “To win here in Corsica is a great moment. We were much faster all rally and that’s great for me and the team. We’ll add another two more points to our championship lead. A 14 point lead with two rallies to go looks good. So okay, we’ll see how we get on in Japan.”

As expected, on the final stage The BP Ford Abu Dhabi team manipulated the positions of the three leading Fords to slot Mikko Hirvonen into second. “I can’t celebrate it but I understand what the team is doing and I appreciate what Francois and Jari-Matti have done, but I really wish I didn’t have that puncture,” said Hirvonen. “That made things so much more difficult. We were second and we had a good speed. Okay though, here we are.”

Francois Duval deliberately checked-in early to the pre-stage control on SS16, collecting a two-minute penalty and dropping behind Hirvonen in the overall standings. “I still very happy,” said Duval. That’s two rallies with no mistakes and no punctures. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven such a good car on tarmac.”

A different strategy was employed for Jari-Matti Latvala, who was told to check in nine minutes late, collect 90sec of penalty time and drop behind Duval to fourth. “We want to do everything we can for the team,” he said. “Of course personally I’m disappointed but nobody can take away the experience and the confidence I have got here. It’ll be a completely different story on the gravel rallies which follow.”

Petter Solberg rounded off the top five in his Subaru Impreza WRC2008. The Norwegian completed the final stage two minutes slower than the leaders after collecting his second puncture of the day. “I was driving carefully, so I don’t know why it happened; I didn’t feel I hit anything. But that’s how it is. I tried hard from that start and that’s it.”

Petter’s team-mate at Subaru, Chris Atkinson was sixth. “We backed off after our puncture yesterday,” he said. “But yeah, I’m happy to get some points. We’ve done the best job we can and I’m satisfied with that.”

Seventh was Urmo Aava in his PH sport run Citroen C4 WRC. “It’s an okay result but after our problems on Friday and Saturday seventh was really all we could do,” he said. “It’s okay to get two points but I was hoping for a bit more.”

Stobart VK M-sport driver Matthew Wilson took eighth and the final drivers’ championship point: “We had a hard start to the rally, going off on stage three and struggling to get any feeling but we came back yesterday,” he said. “We built the speed up today and tried to pressure Brice Tirabassi but when he stopped that battle was over. From then on we were just driving to the split times. For us today it was all about being careful and keeping the car in the middle of the road.”

Norway’s Mads Ostberg finished the rally ninth in his Subaru Impreza while Scotsman Barry Clark was tenth in his Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus.

Result :



WRC Drivers Championship Standings :



Manufacturers' championship standings :



[Source : WRC , Image courtesy of Citroën]
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Japanese GP Champion : Fernado Alonso

SHIZUOKA : October 12, 2008 - Renault's Fernando Alonso stormed to his second win in a row at a wild Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, while McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton plunged from first to last and failed to score.


Hamilton finished in 12th after starting on pole, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa battling to eighth - later promoted to seventh - to close the gap on the Briton to five points with two races left.

The Formula One title rivals both received drive-through penalties, Hamilton for cutting across Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari and causing mayhem behind him in a mad dash to the first corner.

Massa, who survived several scrapes during the race, was similarly penalised after the Brazilian collided with Hamilton on lap two, spinning the McLaren and leaving the Briton in 18th.

"I made a mistake at the first corner and I paid for it," Hamilton told reporters. "Then Felipe hit me off. I left room on the apex of turn 11 but he hit me pretty hard.

Hamilton, who won in Japan last year before allowing Raikkonen to make up a 17 point deficit over the final two races to take the title, said his championship hopes had not suffered serious damage.

"I don't think it makes any difference," said the 23-year-old. "I lost one point today which is I guess damage limitation. We'll move on to next week.

"We'll still be as competitive and we are going to make sure we win the last two races."

BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica finished second to boost the Pole's outside chances of the championship, while Raikkonen's third place ended his title defence.

CRUCIAL POINT

Massa picked up what could be a crucial extra point after stewards penalised Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais for a tangle with the Brazilian as his Toro Rosso emerged from the pits on lap 51.

"He just hit me coming out of the box (pits)," said Massa. "It was completely wrong. It could have been better in terms of points but we can't leave here saying it was a disaster."

Hamilton has 84 points with Massa on 79. Kubica has 72 with races in China and Brazil remaining.

"This is completely unexpected," said Alonso, a surprise winner in Singapore two weeks ago for a team who began the season struggling to score points.

"I can't believe it. Anything is possible now in the last two races," added the double world champion after capturing his 21st victory from fourth on the grid.

Raikkonen, who started alongside Hamilton on the front row, earned Ferrari six points, lifting them back above McLaren in the constructors' race. Ferrari have 142 to McLaren's 135.

Renault's Brazilian rookie Nelson Piquet finished fourth with Toyota's Jarno Trulli taking fifth at the Japanese team's home circuit.

Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel, a winner in Italy last month, was promoted to sixth while Australian Mark Webber moved up to eighth for Red Bull.

Japan's only Formula One driver Kazuki Nakajima was 15th and the final finisher in his home debut for Williams.

2008 Japanese Grand Prix : Race result


Driver Championship Standings :


Constructor Championship Standings :


[Source : SuperWheel ; Image courtesy of ING-Renault F1 Team]
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DANDENONG SOUTH, VIC., Australia : October 10, 2008 - The design concept for the TMR Triton was to improve upon the great Triton base, by delivering increased power, performance and handling, while remaining true to the toughness and dependability for which Triton is known. The TMR Triton is a concept vehicle which closely represents a production reality.



The 3.2L common rail turbo diesel engine in the Triton is well renowned for it’s high level of performance, but that didn’t stop TMR from improving on this excellent base. A TMR engine enhancement package has been applied to the Triton, meaning power has increased to an impressive 132kW @ 3,800rpm and torque to a phenomenal 450Nm @ 2,000rpm. These are increases of 12% and 31% respectively. Definitely more than enough to help get the tough jobs done or enjoy that long weekend away.


There is no point having all that power and torque if you can’t control it. Making a great handling vehicle is a job that the TMR team is used to. The first area addressed was the suspension, with Koni 8240 series shock absorbers fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle. The improved on road performance as a result of these suspension enhancements has not come at the expense of off road ability with standard vehicle ride height and ground clearances maintained.


The braking hardware has also been given a serious makeover to keep up with the newfound power. A specially developed front brake package has been fitted, consisting of large 4 piston calipers with 343mm x 29mm ventilated and slotted two piece discs with high performance Ferodo DS25HP brake pads. This enhancement, together with the original equipment ABS/EBD system ensures strong braking performance in all conditions.


To make the most of the improvements to power, handling and braking, and to enhance off road ability, a new set of wheels and tyres were selected. The stylish 18” x 8” Dakar
alloy wheels neatly fit over the impressive front brake package. Pirelli Scorpion ATR 255/55R18 tyres with a symmetrical tread design delivers the all-terrain versatility needed on a vehicle like the TMR Triton. Excellent traction on every surface, reduced aquaplaning, top braking efficiency, the highest resistance to damage, and comfortable
driving on sealed roads are all attributes of the Scorpion ATR’s.


Combining the Tritons highly advanced Super Select 4WD system that allows operation in either 2WD, full time 4WD or 4WD high / low range and the expertly applied TMR upgrades results in a recreational vehicle that has exceptional on and off road performance and the ability to handle whatever challenges are faced.


As the Triton is already a stylish recreational vehicle which stands out in a crowd, a few changes were all that were necessary to turn the TMR Triton into a real head turner. The addition of the sports head lamp kit along with the chrome upper and lower sports grilles has created a distinctive, tough yet sporty look. The finishing touch to the exterior package is the application of unique TMR Triton badging.


The modern and luxurious interior has not escaped the upgrades. Quality stitched TMR logos have been added to the front and rear leather seats. Stainless steel scuff plates and full carpet mat set complete the TMR interior package.


The audio system has been improved with the addition of the highly functional Eclipse CD3200 Multi Source Sound System. This head unit has a powerful 50W x 4 internal amplifier along with USB input, integrated Bluetooth handsfree and full iPod control.

Technical Specification

Performance :
TMR Engine power upgrade
Power: 132kW @ 3,800rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 2,000rpm

Suspension :
TMR tuned front and rear Koni 8240 Series shock absorbers

Brakes:
TMR developed front brake package consisting of:
4 piston calliper and 343mm x 29mm ventilated and slotted two piece discs with Ferodo DS25HP pads

Wheels and Tyres:
18” x 8” Dakar Alloy Wheels Pirelli P255/55R18 Scorpion ATR tyres with full size spare

Exterior:
Sports headlamp kit Upper and lower sports grille Distinctive TMR vehicle badging

Interior:
TMR Trimmed front and rear seats
Eclipse CD3200 Multi-Source Sound System (50W x 4, Bluetooth, iPod, USB)
Stainless Steel Scuff Plates
Triton Carpet Mat Set

[Source : TMR, Australia]
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STUTTGART : October 10, 2008 - The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster has won the Internet Auto Award 2008. Voted top in the Convertibles & Roadsters category, it received the prestigious CAROLINA award.



This year again over 300,000 people cast their votes in Europe’s largest Internet public award. 154 vehicles in nine categories were judged by Internet users of AutoScout24 throughout Europe. From a line-up totalling 18 high-quality convertibles and roadsters competing for the award, they voted the Mercedes-Benz SL as their favourite.

In nominating the SL for first place, the public jury paid tribute to the longstanding tradition of this legendary sports car, which is second to none in its market segment in offering a fine balance of sportiness, safety and comfort. Launched in spring 2008, the new-look SL is more emphatically sporty, featuring the new Direct-Steer system and a particularly responsive sports engine in the

SL 350. The SL has also moved up a gear in terms of comfort - with an all-new COMAND multimedia system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating - and safety - with the optional Intelligent Light System. The Mercedes-Benz SL is the most successful premium roadster in its class. The latest version - now the fifth generation - has already convinced around 150,000 customers worldwide.

The new SL generation is another highlight in the illustrious history of these Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. This was followed by the first SL roadster in 1957. To date, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has produced well over 600,000 SL sports cars.

[Source : MERCEDES BENZ]
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• A3, A4, A6, A8 and R8 win their respective categories
  
• Audi R8 also receives special award: "Most Popular Car in Europe"
  
• Over 300,000 online users voted at AutoScout24

INGOLSTADT : October 10, 2008 - Five first-place finishes and a special award for Audi at the 7th Internet Auto Awards: a truly impressive achievement for the brand with the four rings. In the automotive industry's largest online poll, the Audi A3, A4, A6, A8 and R8 models all finished at the top of their respective classes, which earned them "Carolina" awards. The Audi R8 also received the "Most Popular Car in Europe" special award. Over 300,000 online users submitted votes to the automotive website AutoScout24.


For the seventh time, AutoScout24 surveyed its users to determine the most popular vehicles in Europe. Votes were once again cast in several languages and countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. All in all, there were 154 vehicles in nine categories. More than 300,000 users submitted their votes; five Audi models took the top "Carolina" award.

The Audi A3 repeated last year's first-place finish in the "Compact Car" class, while the Audi A4 led the pack in the "Medium-Sized" category. In the "Top-End Medium-Sized" category, the A6 took top honors; in the "Luxury Classes" the A8 was the cream of the crop.

The Audi R8 not only finished at the head of its class in the "Sports Cars and Coupe's" category, but also earned the "Most Popular Car in Europe" special award. All told, Audi is quite simply the most successful brand. The awards were presented during a gala event at Kesselhaus in Munich yesterday evening.

[Source : AUDI]
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SYDNEY : October 10, 2008 - Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) celebrated its fifth year of production with the release of the FPV 5^th Anniversary model at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.



"In only five short years, FPV has grown to become an icon in Australian performance motoring," said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett.

"In recognition of this milestone we are launching a vehicle which will ensure this tradition continues."

With only 200 units available, the FPV 5^th Anniversary will join an iconic stable of collector's vehicles, including the 40th Anniversary GT and the Cobra.
Featuring a new 19-inch multi-spoke Alloy wheel design in Alpine Silver, the FPV 5^th Anniversary is also equipped with a premium 6-piston Brembo brake package.


Available in Lightning Strike or Silhouette with a unique 5^th Anniversary striping package, the 5^th Anniversary also features an original rear decal.


The traditional sports seats are finished in Nudo Leather as standard with a 5^th Anniversary logo embossed into the front headrests.


Unique 5^th Anniversary floor mats also feature along with an exclusive build badge number mounted on the centre console.


The FPV 5^th Anniversary features all the luxuries expected from an FPV, including dual-zone temperature control air conditioning, a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control mounted switches, power front and rear windows, alloy pedal covers and a premium audio system with six-disc in-dash CD with iPod*** integration.


The FPV 5^th Anniversary offers over $9,600** worth of additional features for a premium of only $5,300 over the Recommended Retail Price of an FPV GT sedan.

The Recommended Retail Price for the FPV 5^th Anniversary is $71,890*

This pricing reflects $4,353** of net customer value for the FPV 5^th Anniversary Limited Edition.

* Recommended Retail Price {RRP} includes Goods and Services Tax {GST} and Luxury Car Tax {LCT} calculated at 33%, where applicable.
** Based on RRP of extras fitted to an FPV GT sedan excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges
*** iPod is a trademark of Apple inc.

[Source : FPV]
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MILTON KEYNES – October 10, 2008 : Škoda is releasing the New Superb GreenLine on Monday 13th October bringing more choice to the range of low CO₂ emitting vehicles in the UK


Priced at £16,710 OTR, the New Superb GreenLine is a flexible and spacious car which offers fantastic value for money. The 1.9 TDI PD engine, fitted with a diesel particulate filter, returns 105bhp and comes with a five speed manual gearbox.

The Superb GreenLine emits a mere 136 g/km of CO₂ and has an outstanding combined fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg. Škoda engineers have achieved this remarkable feat by developing a number of solutions. These include reducing the weight of the car, making the gearing longer and re-mapping the engine for greater efficiency. This, together with improved aerodynamics and low resistance tyres, adds up to a more environmentally conscious vehicle.

The Superb GreenLine is a separate trim level and sits between the entry level S and the mid-range SE. Equipment above the S model includes sunset glass, cruise control, four spoke leather steering wheel, lowered suspension, square rear boot spoiler and tyre repair kit.

Chris Horrell, Product Marketing Manager at Škoda, comments: “The latest addition to our GreenLine range will be well received by customers seeking a more environmentally conscious vehicle in the upper medium sector.

“With growing interest in greener cars we expect the Superb GreenLine to attract retail and business customers seeking a vehicle which represents great value for money but does not compromise on quality.”

Images : 2009 Skoda Superb GreenLine





[Source : SKODA]
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PFAFFENHAUSEN : October 10, 2008 - Ruf Automobile GmbH, internationally well known manufacturer for high performance automobiles and the producer of the famous CTR-series is now introducing the first electrically powered sports car from Germany.


The fundamental ideas that lead to the development of the eRUF concept vehicle came from Alois Ruf. The car maker from the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhausen had a vision of a simple energy transfer concept: his hydroelectric power plants, which feed 35 million kW hours of electricity annually into the German electrical network, could also more or less directly power modern autos. 35 million kWh is enough energy to power one of the prototypes eRUF as described below for 3500 journeys around the globe – or 3500 of the cars one time around the world each.


The idea seemed even more inspiring, as it would be possible for him to connect cars directly to the emission-free power plants for charging and drive away on the water-generated power.

The eRUF Model A concept car is the first prototype to lead the technical development away from the combustion engine. Actually, for the first time an electric motor is being used which comes to fitting into the Ruf model range.

The three-phase AC motor’s performance easily puts many conventional conbustion engines to shame. It produces its maximum 650 Nm torque output from 0 rpm onwards. This power rips into the drive shafts so impressively during acceleration, that one is immediately reminded of the extremely powerful Ruf Rt 12 It is actually enough simply to put the car in 6th gear and press down the accelerator pedal (an “amp pedal”, not a “gas pedal”in this car!), and drive off.


The eRUF Model A has such impressive acceleration that the project goal of 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds was achieved.

The maximum power output is around 204 hp if you translate it into combustion engine terms. In direct connection to Volt and Ampere the maximum output level of 150 kW is a useful figure.

A short discourse regarding efficiency might be helpful at this point: a highly-developed, modern petrol engine uses around 75 percent of the energy in its tank to heat the engine coolant and exhaust gas and only 25 to 30 per cent for actual propulsion. A diesel manages to convert a respectable 35 to 40 percent of its fuel energy into motion. The permanent magnet electric motor, on the other hand, is a model of high efficiency: it offers over 80 percent efficiency over the majority of its power range, extending 90 per cent in the upper end of its power range.

Ruf engaged CALMOTORS in Camarillo, California, specialized in the implementation of hybrid electric and electric only power train designed to combine the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries with its motor. Since the 150 kW electric motor unit is very compact, there is a lot of room for batteries in the Ruf’s bodywork.

The Axeon iron-phosphate, lithium-ion batteries currently in use weight 5.6 kg and deliver 160 Ah each. This means each one could theoretically deliver 160 amperes of electricity for one hour under normal temperatures or 1 ampere for 160 hours. The generation of batteries available from Axeon represents by no means the end of the developmental curve. Current performance improvements in battery technology indicate that end of this improvement spiral is nowhere near.

The driving current in the eRUF is regulated by an electric “drive-by-wire” accelerator pedal. It is not the first electrical accelerator in a Ruf model. Other Ruf models also provided load control via potentiometer-pedals, nicely dosed for their powerful engines.

The power and torque produced by the 3-phase motor can be used to recover just as much power as it can put out. When coasting, the motor becomes a generator producing electricity to charge the batteries. The torque and electrical amperage ratings below are therefore to be understood as theoretical absolute maximums and minimums.

The 96-cell battery system is constantly monitored by an intelligent bus system from Axeon. Each individual cell is coupled with a sensor that sends critical information on cell temperature and voltage to the central control system. If irregularities appear during operation, the system can react within milliseconds to bring the values back in line, effectively preventing critical lithium-ion overheating behaviour during charging.

Specification status of September 2008
All data are preliminary data as specified for the eRUF Model A

Drive Performance
· Acceleration 0-60 mph under 7.0 sec (development target)
· Vmax 160 mph, 225 km/h
· Cw 0.28
· Roll resistance 0.014
· Driving range approximately 250 – 320 km, depending on performance level
· Specific power pick-up 21 kW / 125 km/h

Vehicle data
· Engine power 150 kW / 204 PS
· Max torque 650 Nm 7 0 rpm
· Weight 1910 kg (preliminary data)
· Battery weight 550 kg

Motor Data
· Max torque + 650 Nm to -650 Nm
· Power + 150 kW to -150 kW (peak level) + 204 hp to -204 hp 100 kW / 136 hp continuous
· Currency 300 – 420 Volt
· Current level max 550 A
· Rpm level max 5000 rpm
· Operating system brushless three phase alternating current with permanent magnets

Dimensions
· Diameter 405 mm
· Length 241 mm
· Weight 91 kg
· Specific weight 1,65 kW / kg, 2,25 hp / kg
· Coolant flow 8 L /min max

Battery System
· Type Lithium-Ion, iron-phosphate base
· Manufacturer Axeon plc, GB
· Stored Energy (96 units) 50,72 kWh
· Nominal Voltage 317 Volt
· Maximum discharge 480 A
· Max Power 152,16 kW = 210 PS
· Charging current, max. 16 A
· Charging time 10 hours

Single Battery Cell Data
· Capacity 160 Ah
· Operating voltage 4,25 V charging, 2,5 Volt discharging
· Nominal Voltage 3,3 Volt
· Max. Temperature Level 80 °C
· Life cycle 3000 charging cycles
· Self-discharge under 3 % per month
· Weight per Unit 5,6 kg

[Source : RUF]
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ZÜRICH / WELLINGBOROUGH : October 10, 2008 – Chevrolet Europe has shown the first glimpse of the marque’s 2009 World Touring Car Championship contender, today. The all-new Chevrolet Cruze, which recently premiered at the Paris Motor Show, will continue Chevrolet’s presence in the WTCC, in which the marque so far has won twelve world championship races.



Testing of the new race car – which is the first to start Chevrolet’s new design language in Europe – has already started and is on schedule, and will continue throughout the remainder of the current season and the coming winter. Developed, built, run and driven by the same team and drivers, the Cruze will be all but guaranteed the same speed, reliability and success. The Chevrolet Cruze’s first competitive outing will be in Brazil at the opening round of the 2009 WTCC in Curitiba. In 2009, the WTCC will again visit twelve tracks, in South and Central-America, Africa, Europe and the Far-East.

Wayne Brannon : “Chevrolet has motorsport is deeply embedded in our DNA. With the new Cruze World Touring Car, Chevrolet continues to embrace its long tradition of winning on and off the track.. In the past four seasons, Chevrolet had distinguished itself in racing with an increasing number of victories, not so different from the record sales growth which has developed in Europe. Again this year, sales are up by 23 percent in the first six month, and we are very proud that customers are choosing us in record numbers. For our European dealers, the WTCC has been an extremely useful communications tool, and they look forward to the next season with Cruze. With Cruze, we again look to emphasize the synergy between product and motorsports, and the WTCC is the best possible platform to achieve this. The championship’s slogan is ‘Real Cars, Real Racing’, and that fits nicely with our philosophy to provide real cars for real lives, with expressive design, world class quality / reliability and an impressive list of standard features and content, all at an affordable price.”

Eric Nève : “The new Cruze will be the next milestone in Chevrolet Europe’s motorsports history. So far, we have achieved every goal we set in 2005, step by step: challenge the competition, score points, prove we can win and then become regular frontrunners against competition with an established motorsports resume. With the Cruze, we will put the bar even higher and firmly aim at winning the World Championship. Chevrolet’s unique ‘trump card’ is having worked with the same team, engineers and drivers for the past four seasons, with the success we all know. To be able to do this again with the Cruze will only help to increase our chances of achieving our goals.”

[Source : GM - Chevrolet]
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PARIS : October 10, 2008 - Citroën take the wraps off its C4 WRC HYmotion4 concept car, the first WRC car to be equipped with a hybrid energy recovery system which delivers added performance and lower emissions.


This new concept car – which sports a split livery, with the team's familiar World Rally Championship colours on one side, and a design based on a more restful colour scheme redolent of natural materials on the other – illustrates Citroën's stand on environmental matters, including in the world of motor sport which stands out as a source of performance-related, reliable and rational technological innovations.

The HYmotion4 system enables a proportion of the kinetic energy produced during braking to be recovered and stored. This energy is accumulated by a motor-generator in the form of electricity in battery packs positioned at the rear of the car. It can then be employed either to deliver extra power when accelerating or to drive the car using emission-free electrical power alone, with no engine noise or exhaust fumes.

This system can significantly enhance the efficiency of a competition car during the different running phases:

Braking energy is not entirely dissipated in the environment,
The availability of additional torque thanks to an electric motor increases the internal combustion engine's useful rev range,
At a constant speed in electric mode, the vehicle benefits from a longer range (plus 40km), while fuel consumption on road sections is reduced by 30%.

These real performance gains have been achieved thanks to the innovative technological solutions which have been developed to transform the C4 WRC into the C4 WRC HYmotion4. The system comprises four key components:

A 125kW electric motor-generator connected to the rear differential (gear driven),
A pack of 990-cell lithium-ion batteries which deliver a voltage of 400V. Positioned over the fuel tank.
Two additional cooling systems for the motor-generator and batteries, with a specific radiator positioned under the right-hand side of the floor.
An electronic control unit to manage the system's power electronics circuit.

The driver is free to select one of the four running modes using the HYmotion4 pre-selection rotary control:

Internal combustion engine mode: the most frequently-used mode for the C4 WRC (used on stages and potentially on road sections).

Internal combustion engine mode with energy recovery: activated on stages; improves the brakes' resistance to fade and charges the batteries.

Electric motor mode with energy recovery: used on road sections (untimed), in built-up areas or in the service park; contributes to increasing the car's range, reduces noise in built-up areas, and permits the internal combustion engine not to be used when it is not indispensable.

Boost mode (internal combustion engine and electric modes combined): can be selected at the desired moment on a stage to benefit from an additional 300Nm-1 of torque for a limited time.

This performance gain makes optimising energy management a new parameter for rally drivers to master.

C4 WRC HYmotion4 fits perfectly with Citroën's long-term commitment to motor sport and its consequential environmental policy. This concept underpins the brand's policy to conceive very high performance cars which respect the environment and is the first step prior to other
developments which will be guided by future evolutions to the FIA regulations.

Images : Citroën C4 WRC HYmotion4





[Source : Citroën]
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TOKYO : October 10, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will pilot its slip-hazard alert and new road-cam service, to be available to all CARWINGS customers^*1, that will contribute to prevent accidents under slippery road and cold weather conditions. Testing of the road-cam service will begin November, whilst the slip-hazard alert will be available by December.


The slip-hazard alert combines data from its ITS^*2 (Intelligent Transport System) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to warn drivers of slippery road conditions. A newly developed road-cam service can enhance the effectiveness of the alert service by offering drivers a visual image of the mountain passes.

1. Slip-hazard Alert
A map informs the driver of the location of slippery points relative to the vehicle's position, and a voice alert is activated when it approaches possible slippery area. This feature helps to warn drivers in advance so they can take action to slow down safely.

1. Slippery area information

• The latest slippery area : Map of slippery points relative to vehicle's position based on data received via its CARWINGS navigation system, probe information^*3 and activation of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) indicating slippery conditions.
• 
  
• Slippery points based on statistical data.

2. Cumulative data on winter accident points

• Location of reported skid incidents from previous years.

Nissan started testing of the slip-hazard alert in November 2007 with a limited 100 test-vehicles around Sapporo city in Hokkaido, Japan. These initial tests demonstrate that the alert is effective in helping drivers become more watchful of road conditions and to drive more cautiously at lower speeds. It also showed that drivers continued to consciously drive safely even in areas where no skid incidents were recorded. The Sapporo tests were part of the ITS project^*4 piloted in Kanagawa Prefecture since October 2006.

By expanding the slip-hazard alert to all CARWINGS owners at no charge from December, Nissan engineers hope to further test the service with the intention to commercialize the service in the future.

2. Real-time road-cam service
The road-cam service, providing real-time road images of main mountain passes in Hokkaido, which tend to be severe in winter weather conditions, will begin trials in November. Images are fed from the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region (CERI)^*5 via the CARWINGS "information channels" to the navigation monitor^*6, and updated every 15 minutes.

Nissan, in cooperation with Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group of CERI, has been promoting research to improve winter-driving safety utilizing slippery area information.

• *1 Requires factory fit CARWINGS HDD navigation system for slip-hazard alert service.
• 
  
• *2 Intelligent Transport Systems: The Intelligent Transport System is an advanced information system that connects people, vehicles and traffic infrastructure that can contribute to help improve road safety.
• 
  
• *3 Vehicle location, speed and other information via cellular communications.
• 
  
• *4 ITS project is a collaboration between Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Panasonic Corporation and Xanavi Informatics Corporation.
• 
  
• *5 "Northern Road Navi (http://northern-road.jp/navi/)" operated by CERI provides road image information on 12 main mountain passes in Hokkaido.
• 
  
• *6 Data is edited and processed by Nissan's telematics agent based on Road Web Markup Language (RWML) formulated by CERI.RWML is XML, a next-generation markup language, which CERI formulated with its joint research group to allows road information to be easily disseminated.
• 
  
• Telematics agent is the world's first function of its sort where drivers can obtain Internet information for more driving pleasure. It transforms information from the Internet into a user-friendly format that can be viewed on a vehicle navigation monitor.

[Source : NISSAN]
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• Audi's TDI fleet completes first leg of cross country Mileage Marathon
  
• Audi A3 Sportback TDI leads all Marathon vehicles with 45 mpg combined
  
• U.S. exec to lead drive thru Memphis, Dallas, Amarillo, and Denver over next 4 days

CHICAGO, Il., October 9, 2008 - The city streets of New York and Washington D.C., nor the highways of Ohio and Indiana could keep Audi’s TDI clean diesel vehicles from registering envious fuel efficiency totals over a three day blitz across a quarter of the country.


Audi’s TDI vehicles completed the first wave of the Mileage Marathon, a 4,800 mile, coast-to-coast endurance drive showing U.S. drivers up close that Audi has recast diesel into an ultra-low emission and fuel efficient alternative to gas-powered engines.

Tale of the tape : Wave One

The leaders :

Along the route, teams of drivers and journalists are competing for the best efficiency totals based on miles-per-gallon and average speed. Leading all vehicles in fuel economy with 45 mpg was the Audi A3 Sportback TDI. The miles-per-gallon leading team driving the first Audi TDI vehicle to be available in the United States early next year, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, registered a combined 30 mpg on the first leg of city streets and highways.

The route :


Day One: New York City to Washington D.C
Day Two: Washington D.C. to Cleveland
Day Three: Cleveland to Chicago

Efficiency statistics

Below are the fuel efficiency stats for the leading miles-per-gallon teams of each Audi TDI vehicle during the first wave of the Mileage Marathon.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI :
30 mpg (combined)
1046 miles
49 mph avg. speed

Audi Q5 3.0 TDI:
36 mpg (combined)
1029 miles
48 mph avg. speed

Audi A4 3.0 TDI:
42 mpg (combined)
1039 miles
50 mph avg. speed

Audi A3 2.0 TDI:
45 mpg (combined)
1055 miles
54 mph avg. speed

Images : Audi Mileage Marathon - Chicago







[Source : AUDI]
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BANGKOK, Thailand : October 9, 2008 – All eyes are set on the world’s first flight of an SUV over the Bangkok horizon at the Royal Infantry Battalion Grounds. This thrilling event from Ford Thailand celebrates the launch of the New Ford Escape, now with a more refined and contemporary look.



The flight demonstrates the Ford Escape’s DNA of excitement, freedom of life and adventure – allowing drivers and passengers to ‘escape’ from routine life and into more exciting adventures that they desire. All these is possible through the unmatched performance of the vehicle’s renowned Duratec 2.3Lt engine, as well as its superior acceleration, smooth drivability with impressive fuel efficiency.

“The freshened SUV truly lives up to its name “Escape”. Its new, more contemporary design gives urban SUV owners a real escape from the familiar look of the SUV. Its best-in-class ground clearance provides better road holding, its powerful and fuel-economy 2.3L VVT engine together with premium safety features truly allow drivers and all passengers to take on any new challenges. It is the real SUV that any owners can be proud to say “That’s My Escape,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president of Ford Thailand.

To cater to the discriminating taste of urban SUV owners, new features are added to enhance visual impact that strengthens the SUV’s spirit of outdoor freedom and style. The new stylish hood, the new chrome grille with three horizontal bars and prominent Blue Oval logo, and the new front skid plate enhance the vehicle tough look. A big air intake at the new front bumper is both stylish and functional as it allows greater air flow to cool the engine. New aerodynamic style headlamp and the new projector-like front fog lamps with three horizontal lines on the side also enhance its dynamism, clear visibility in harsh driving condition and turn while giving it more stylish design.

On the side, the new 16-inch alloy wheels, the new front fender with “Escape” imprint and new wheel arch molding accentuate the Ford Escape’s power and strength. The new B-pillar blackout also creates new side view freshening. The decreased amount of curvature on the new side cladding meanwhile creates a modern, trendy look to the SUV.

The contemporary look continues to the rear with the new boundary two-piece design with LED for the rear lamps, new bee sting antenna, new tailgate without chrome garnish, rear reflector, the new rear bumper with integrated rear fog lamps and skid plate.

The new Ford Escape continues to deliver unmatched performance. Its reliable Duratec 2.3L powertrain with a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine produces a robust 146 HP of peak power at 6000rpm and 196Nm/4,000 rpm. This offers impressive acceleration, take-off and pulling power as well as smoother drivability and refinement, along with better fuel efficiency. The 4x4 Escape XLT achieves very respectable fuel efficiency of 10.10 km per 1 litres The 4x2 Escape XLS is even more fuel frugal to return 10.42 km per 1 litres (The fuel consumption tests for Ford Escape 2.3L has been conducted according to ECE R101)

There is no doubt about the new Ford Escape’s safety, ride and handling. The Control Trac II 4WD system plus McPherson Strut Type with Stabilizer Bar on the front suspension ensure great drive control, precise steering and superior handling even for off-road driving. The most advanced safety package includes the unibody or monocoque body for enhanced occupant protection, front and side airbags on both driver and front passenger seats, high standard safety belt system, three-point reverse parking sensors, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake-assist system for full control and shorter braking distance.

The new exterior will add on to the Ford Escape’s superior handling and uncompromised performance, the qualities appreciated by our customers. It is the “Real SUV”, an SUV that lets you enjoy the everyday adventures. It delights you with its unbeatable package of performance, power and style, with no compromise on comfort and safety,” said Saroj.

To celebrate the launch of the New Ford Escape, it will be attached to a giant hot air balloon for the first time in the world and flown over the Royal Infantry Battalion Grounds at Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road from October 9-12, 2008. The launch aims to reflect Escape’s unlimited fun and challenging personality.

Customers will have an opportunity to closely view and test-drive the new Escape at the event and later at Ford showrooms nationwide. Meanwhile, selected customers will have a privilege to enjoy a scenic hot-air balloon ride and fun games at the event.

Adventure-minded customers in Chiang Mai and Phuket will also have the privilege to witness the world’s first flight of the new Ford Escape on November 1-2, and 8-9 respectively.

Images : 2008 Ford Escape - Asian Model




[Source : FORD]
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MELBOURNE : October 9, 2008 - GM Holden today launched Holden EcoLine, a brand designed to highlight the company's broad range of vehicles that use alternative fuel or fuel saving technology.


The Holden EcoLine range will offer consumers affordable solutions to tackle rising fuel costs and Australia's dependence on foreign oil.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said Holden EcoLine gave a name to Holden's commitment to developing more sustainable and cost-saving transport solutions.

"The energy challenges we face require many answers. For Holden, the future of sustainable motoring is a clear strategy of energy diversity," Mr Reuss said.

"Holden EcoLine reinforces this approach by highlighting vehicles that use alternative fuels or fuel saving technologies. EcoLine vehicles suit a range of driving conditions and budgets and provide benefit for customers' hip pockets.

"Holden EcoLine is an easy way to communicate this 'Future Friendly' strategy to our customers. It highlights the ways we are making Holden a smarter choice for Australian motorists."

Launched at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Holden EcoLine includes models from GM Holden's range of diesel, LPG and Active Fuel Management (AFM) enabled vehicles.

GM Holden offers an extensive range of diesel vehicles including the 2WD Captiva SUV which boasts segment leading fuel efficiency, the mid-size Epica and the small car Astra.

LPG is available on selected Commodore and Ute models, with Holden recently announcing it has significantly reduced the price of its dual fuel system.

[Source : GM - Holden]
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MELBOURNE : October 9, 2008 - GM Holden will introduce fuel saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology on all its V8 automatic models from January 2009.


AFM, or cylinder deactivation, enables an eight cylinder vehicle to automatically operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions, before restoring full power when engine demands increase.

In a combination of town and highway driving, the technology can deliver fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometres, with potential for even better results at constant cruising speeds.

AFM will be standard on all automatic V8 models in the Commodore, Ute, Sportwagon, Statesman and Caprice ranges. GM Holden will be the first local manufacturer to introduce the fuel saving technology.

Announcing the introduction of AFM at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said this was another example of the company's commitment to providing fuel saving solutions to customers.

"AFM is a strong addition to our portfolio and to our Holden EcoLine range. It is one of many steps we are taking to provide fuel saving alternatives to Australian motorists," Mr Reuss said.

"AFM delivers the best of both worlds to performance enthusiasts - improved fuel efficiency with the power they want in a V8.

"For customers looking for V8 performance, AFM makes Holden the smart choice."

AFM Technology

GM Holden's AFM system is designed to improve fuel efficiency when high output is not required.

In certain conditions such as highway driving, AFM automatically closes the intake and exhaust valves in four of the engine's eight cylinders while ensuring the engine maintains vehicle speed, effectively operating as a four cylinder.

The engine's electronic throttle control is used to increase cylinder pressure in V4 mode so that the engine can preserve the torque which drivers expect from a V8 powertrain.

The fuel supply to the deactivated cylinders will resume seamlessly providing all-cylinder operation when the driver needs it for quick acceleration, or for hauling heavy loads.

[Source : GM - Holden]

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PARIS : October 09, 2008 - The interior images of the new Estoque concept has released, that offers a naturally expects from Lamborghini sport car. Lamborghini chooses the two-tone grey and white leather for luxurious design.


The steering wheel seems to be Audi inspired. The center console equiped with the large LCD screen to displays the multimedia information that controlled by MMI knob and separated entertainment set for the back.




Images : Interior-shot



Images : Lamborghini Estoque at Paris Motor Show






Images : Lamborghini Estoque teasers and Official first released




[Source : Lamborghini]
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RUSSELSHEIM - October 9, 2008: The main attraction in Opel model year 2009 is without question the new Insignia.



The notchback and hatchback versions will be introduced in November 2008 and the station wagon variant, the Sports Tourer, will follow a few months later. All three models are now available to order. The other model lines were made even more attractive with targeted refinements. The best examples are the Agila, Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira and Combo: to date, the lowest-emission engine in each model line was awarded the ecoFLEX badge. With the new model year, the lowest-emission engine variant in every fuel category, be it gasoline, diesel or CNG, will now carry the ecoFLEX logo. Opel thus offers customers easier orientation when they are looking for particularly environmentally compatible cars.

Astra : ecoFLEX 119g/km, four door, entry-level with air conditioner and radio CD

The Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp and standard six-speed manual transmission is completely new in the Opel portfolio. The extremely economical Astra is available as a three-door, five-door and station wagon variant. It consumes just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits 119 g/km CO₂.

The Astra family grows with the addition of the Design Edition, now available to order. Its sportiness and elegance is underlined by standard 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and tinted SolarProtect heat-absorbing glazing in the rear. This is complemented by the four-door Astra notchback in the equipment variant Edition with the 85 kW/115 hp 1.6 ECOTEC engine. The entry-level version of the Astra (five-door, GTC and station wagon) comes standard with air conditioning and radio-CD 30. Rounding off new offers in the Astra line are 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design and modified caps for the design wheel.

Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX now with just 109 g/km CO₂

The CO2 emissions of the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, available as a three-door variant in the entry-level and Edition equipment versions, were greatly improved. The measures lead to combined fuel consumption reduction from 4.5 to 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 km and CO₂ emissions of 109 g/km, 10 grams less than the previous 119 g/km.

All Corsa models now have pockets on the back of both front seats (except OPC). The Corsa Cosmo features chrome door sills with the Opel nameplate, while the rear windows in the Sport, GSi and OPC (optional with Cosmo) versions are darkly tinted. The Sport and GSi also have darkly tinted tail lights. 16-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design can also be ordered with the Edition and INNOVATION. The Corsa OPC and Corsa with OPC Line Package 2 are available in trendy Casablanca white.

The Zafira now has four variants with the environmental “ecoFLEX” logo – one gasoline version, two diesels and the natural-gas model. In addition, the new exterior color carbon gray, 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design as well as modified caps for the design wheel are available.

Opel engineers’ continued efforts to increase the efficiency of the automaker’s engines also yield positive results outside of the ecoFLEX line. The Meriva 1.8 ECOTEC consumes 0.6 liters less per 100 km than before. The monocab bestseller now also offers optional 16-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design for the Edition and INNOVATION models.

The new Edition Plus equipment version of the Antara already makes clear with its name that customers can expect even more from the offroader, namely darkly tinted windows in the rear. The Edition Plus Package includes cruise control, on-board computer, park pilot, graphic info display and 18-inch alloy wheels in 5-spoke V design.

The model year highlight in the GT is the additional 6 x CD changer for the standard MP3-compatible stereo CD-radio. The Combo can now be ordered with 15-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design and beech green exterior lacquer.

[Source : GM - Opel]
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• New 2009 Dodge Charger police car gives the good guys 368 horses under the hood, making it the most powerful production police car on the road
  
• New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology achieves 20 percent better fuel economy
  
• Achieves best-in-class performance in available power, acceleration, top speed and vehicle dynamics
  
• Charger offers segment-exclusive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), All-speed traction control, Yaw Sensor and Steering Angle Sensor
  
• Superior rear-wheel-drive performance and handling characteristics designed to perform and protect
  
• Since 2007, Dodge Charger police cars sales have increased 17 percent

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. : October 9, 2008 - "Bad guys beware" - The new 2009 Dodge Charger police car is ready to patrol the streets with the ultimate in pursuit power – the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine. The new engine will give the good guys more horses under the hood and even better fuel economy.



“With rear-wheel drive and HEMI power at the pavement, our new 2009 Dodge Charger provides optimum police car pursuit performance,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand Marketing. “Dodge has a strong police car heritage, and we are proud to offer a vehicle armed with modern muscle and cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies perform their duties.”

With the new 5.7-liter HEMI, the 2009 Dodge Charger is the most powerful production police vehicle on the road, producing 368 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2009 Dodge Charger is the only police vehicle that offers best-in-class performance in four key pursuit categories: available power, acceleration, top speed and vehicle dynamics.

With a fuel economy rating of 16 city/25 highway, the new HEMI engine also gets up to 20 percent better fuel economy with the addition of fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders when less power is needed while cruising.

“Our fuel-saving MDS technology functions so smoothly that officers won’t notice when four of the eight cylinders are deactivated, but they’ll always have the power of the V8 when they need it,” said Roxie Thomas, Senior Manager -- Government Sales.

The 2009 Dodge Charger police car comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® mated to a powerful, 3.5-liter High-Output V-6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy (16 city/25 highway).

The Dodge Charger police vehicle was designed from the ground up in order to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. Police-specific features include greater stability and improved handling achieved through a “wheels-to-the-corners” design; performance-tuned steering and suspension; convenient shifter mounted on the instrument panel to make room for police equipment in the center console area; police interior lighting shines white to illuminate the interior and red for use with night vision equipment; heavy-duty seats accommodate fully equipped officers; and a spacious trunk.

The Dodge Charger police vehicle comes equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a segment exclusive that includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), All-speed traction control, Yaw Sensor and Steering Angle Sensor. ESP electronically detects and automatically assists drivers in critical driving situations, including adverse conditions. ESP works by constantly comparing the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual course, detecting differences, applying the brakes to individual wheels and controlling engine power in order to help keep the vehicle on its intended path. Dodge Charger is also equipped with Brake Assist, which helps apply maximum braking power in emergency situations.

Both passive and active safety features are incorporated into the 2009 Dodge Charger police vehicle. These features include unibody steel construction; standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags; available supplemental side-curtain airbags and seat-mounted air bags; best-in-class braking from 60 mph to zero in 135 feet; and mid-vehicle-mounted saddlebag gas tank.

Standard Features
Standard features on the 2009 Dodge Charger police vehicle include the following items of particular importance to law enforcement customers :

• 3.5-liter High-Output V6 engine with 250 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque
  
• 160-amp high-output alternator
  
• 160-mph or 260–km/h(certified) calibrated speedometer
  
• 18 x 7.5-inch steel wheels
  
• 800 CCA battery
  
• AM/FM radio with CD player, changer controls, four speakers and clock with auxiliary audio input jack
  
• Bright hubcaps
  
• Easy Path Wiring Grommet between underhood and passenger compartments
  
• External oil coolers
  
• Four-wheel disc heavy-duty antilock brakes with all-speed traction control
  
• Four-wheel independent performance suspension
  
• Heavy-duty cloth front bucket seats with manual lumbar and a cloth rear bench seat
  
• Column-mounted shift lever
  
• Load-leveling, height-control shock absorbers
  
• P225/60R18 BSW V-rated performance tires
  
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and all-speed traction control
  
• Police performance-tuned steering
  
• Trunk-lid key lock cylinder
  
• Separate key and key fob
  
• Severe-duty cooling system
  
• Independently switched red/white LED dome lamp

Additional standard features and optional equipment are available on the 2009 Dodge Charger police vehicle in order to provide law enforcement customers an affordable vehicle with industry-leading innovations that make upfitting the vehicle faster and safer.

Police Car Heritage
The former Chrysler Corporation dominated the police car business throughout the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s, with U.S. market shares ranging from 45-60 percent. Police vehicles manufactured by the former Chrysler Corporation included the Dodge Monaco, Dodge Royal Monaco, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Diplomat, Dodge Dart, Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Fury, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Volare and Chrysler Newport.

After a 12-year hiatus, Dodge returned to the police car market with the 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The front-wheel-drive Dodge Intrepid earned a 4 percent share of the approximately 70,000 unit U.S. market. That vehicle was phased out of production in 2003.

In the fall of 2004, Dodge previewed the 2006 Dodge Magnum as a police vehicle, offering enhanced rear-wheel-drive performance and handling with a spacious, flexible interior for police special service uses. In 2005, the Dodge Charger joined the ranks, offering law enforcement agencies a four-door sedan option.

The Dodge Charger continues to gain momentum in the marketplace as the preferred vehicle for law enforcement. Sales of the Dodge Charger police car have increased 17 percent over 2007.

[Source : CHRYSLER - Dodge]
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GREENSBURG, Ind. : October 9, 2008 - Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) associates applaud the manufacturing start of the Honda Civic on Thursday at the new Greensburg plant.


HMIN president Yuzo Uenohara (foreground) congratulates Honda associate Eugenia Olson of Milroy, Ind. after Olson drove the first mass production Civic - a four-door, crystal black pearl sedan off the assembly line at 7:50 a.m. The $550 million Indiana facility will ultimately produce 200,000 vehicles, and employ 2,000 associates at full capacity. It will help to boost Honda's total North American automobile production capacity from 1.42 million units to more than 1.62 million.

[Source : HONDA]
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MARTORELL : October 9, 2008 - The launch campaign for the SEAT Altea XL won a prestigious Euro Effie Award in Bronze. The campaign was created by SEAT’s Barcelona based Lead-Agency Atletico International Advertising.


The Euro Effies, presented by the European Association of Communications Agencies, are the premier awards for communications effectiveness across Europe – rewarding campaigns that build Brands across two or more EU markets.


This year the awarded work went through the toughest criteria in Euro Effies history. Only 14 campaigns were awarded with a trophy.

The awarded campaign “Toys” for the Launch of the SEAT Altea XL displayed a compelling success story over the top five European markets. “Toys” drove a 25% positive swing in sales in Europe’s toughest markets, brought new buyers into the SEAT family – as many as 8 in 10 came from other makes and made up ground on five of the other six players.

[Source : SEAT]
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HIROSHIMA, Japan : October 9, 2008 - Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the sedan version of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan), fully redesigned for the first time in 5 years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show^*1 on November 19, 2008.



Every element of the all-new Mazda3 has been developed for heightened exhilaration, with a more refined sporty ride, top class fuel economy and quietness. Environmental and safety features, based on Mazda’s long-term “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” vision, aim to achieve a balance with fun-to-drive. Add in a new expressive face and Mazda’s dynamic design elements, and the all-new Mazda3 is everything a driver could ask for in a sports compact.


The brand new version of Mazda’s best-selling sports compact carries forward the heritage of Mazda and the pedigree of the current Mazda3. Since its launch in 2003, the current Mazda3 has sold approx. 1.8 million vehicles^*2 in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards^*3 to date. The Mazda3 accounts for almost one in three Mazdas sold every year.

Following the world debut of the North American specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda’s global sales schedule.

*1 The press days are November 19 and 20, and the public days are November 21 through 30.
*2 Currently Mazda's top selling model globally, with one of the highest production volumes of any single model in Japan.
*3 Awards include: Car of the Year in Russia, Canada, Spain, Israel, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, etc., and European Car of the Year second place.

[Source : MAZDA]
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STOCKACH, Germany : October 8, 2008 - One thing is for sure, a Mercedes CL is one of the most comfortable and largest coupés on the market. And those who will choose the CL 600 with V12 biturbo will even be able to take pleasure in something like sports car characteristics despite the giant’s opulent weight.


And should you care to provide the Super Benz’s sheer luxury with an extra dose of dynamic vitality, Kicherer has in stock what you are looking for. The specialists from Lake Constance have redefined the CL with several new components – and baptised it CL 60. Among other things, this reinterpretation includes a storming increase in performance from 517 hp to 570 hp and an improved torque resulting in 900 Nm.


Moreover, the vehicle has been provided with a high-performance rear axle equipped with a differential lock and a modified transmission control module assuring that the excessive powers will always be transformed into performance – whatever the situation.

The contact to the tarmac is established by the handcrafted multipart 20“ Kicherer RS-1 wheels. Accordingly, the chassis has been lowered electronically by 25 millimetres and comes up with a slightly racier characteristic now – which, however, will still offer the spoiled owner a sufficient amount of remaining comfort.


The exterior has been blessed with several modifications as well. Here, Titleered side skirts, a front and a rear apron meet a handful of high-end carbon components by Kicherer. At the front, the latter consist of special deflectors for the bumper and a modified front grill. At the side, they consist of mirror shells made of that precious material mentioned before, and, at the rear, we find an impressive diffuser framed by a four-pass sports exhaust system.

The interior will delight the owner with sporty luxuries as well, since here he will find an opulent combination of finest leather and racy carbon intarsia. For all these reasons and more, the Kicherer CL 60 is, without any doubt, the most consistent realisation of a dynamic luxury coupé in our time. Appearance and performance have come together in perfect harmony.

Images : KICHERER CL 60 Coupe




[Source : KICHERER]
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. : October 8, 2008 - Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 2009 350Z Roadster is available in three well-equipped models, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring – each equipped with a standard VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque and a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. Enhancements for the 2009 model year include a new Moonlight White exterior color.


The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster are :

• 350Z Enthusiast 6MT $36,870
  
• 350Z Enthusiast 5AT $37,870
  
• 350Z Touring 6MT $39,220
  
• 350Z Touring 5AT $40,220
  
• 350Z Grand Touring $41,570
  
• 350Z Grand Touring 5AT $42,570

Every 2009 350Z Roadster also comes with standard power-operated soft top with glass rear window and defroster, lightweight powered tonneau cover and a unique three-lock, single center latch system that securely fastens the top when up.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.

Images : 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster




[Source : NISSAN]
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These spyshots caught on the way to Nurburgring on rain splashed. Nissan 370Z, the next generation of Nissan's Z-sportcar that will be replaced today's 350Z.


The Nissan 370Z will be a mashup between the GT-R and the 350Z. Power will come from a 3.7L V6 that produces 330-hp - the same engine powers the Infiniti G37. Nissan 370Z to debut the 2008 LA Auto Show next month.








[Source : CAR Magazine Online]
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COLOGNE : October 8, 2008 - The significantly updated and upgraded successor to the BMW K 1200 S is proudly celebrating its world debut at the 2008 INTERMOT motorcycle show : the new K 1300, the most powerful and fastest BMW the world has ever seen.


As a milestone in the BMW Sports Encounter World and with engine output of 129 kW (175 hp) combined with overall weight of 254 kg (560 lb) including fuel, this truly supreme motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and sporting riding features.
Launching this new model, Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer is once again increasing its leadership in the topmost class of sporting high-performance machines.


Even more sporting and dynamic.

Conceived consistently as a sports machine, the K 1300 has not only maintained, but in many areas even enhanced the qualities of its predecessor. As a result, this new high-performer combines fascinating and innovative technology of the highest calibre with outstanding all-round qualities and safety. On the road this means even greater riding precision and agility, even more dynamic power and performance, and, at the same time, the superior safety and ease of control in all situations so typical of a BMW.

Like its predecessor, the K 1300 does not make any compromises, but rather brings together even more consistently than before all the virtues of the most dynamic motorcycle in the K-Series: sporting and dynamic performance combined with superior comfort, playful and easy handling in combination with absolute riding stability, supreme top performance in conjunction with perfect everyday riding qualities, an even more slender and sporting look with optimised protection from wind and weather, plus sophisticated ergonomics.

Taking up a great tradition of BMW Motorrad, the new K 1300 stands out through qualities typical of BMW such as a long service life, ease of maintenance, optimum emission management by means of a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter as well as maximum active safety when applying the brakes ensured through the most progressive brake system currently available in the market: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS featured as standard.

As in the past, BMW, through the K 1300, offers the only sports motorcycle in this segment with a maintenance-free drive shaft. Featuring innovative top-end technology, optimum riding qualities, an even more dynamic look and performance enhanced to an unprecedented standard, the K 1300 impressively renders the BMW Sports Encounter World, clearly maintaining BMW’s strong leadership in the upper sports segment.

Concept optimised in riding dynamics and technical features.

The main objective in developing the new K 1300 was to create an even more supreme motorcycle with enhanced riding qualities ensured by an even more powerful and harmonious torque curve and a higher standard of riding comfort. Increasing engine capacity to 1,293 cc while maintaining maximum engine speed of 11,000 rpm ultimately led to a significant improvement of performance, power and torque.

In its fundamental qualities, the K 1300 is based on the proven drivetrain confi guration and engine arrangement of its predecessor, using the existing advantage of a low centre of gravity made possible by the extreme angle of the cylinder bank tilted 55° to the front and allowing very low arrangement of the engine. At the same time the new K 1300 benefi ts from the very slender engine block allowing a very low angle in bends for a truly sporting and dynamic style of riding.

In its suspension and running gear the new K 1300 – by far the lightest 1,300-cc model in this segment at 228 kg/503 lb dry weight – applies a successful concept combined with proven modules and components. One example in this context is the extra-low V-shaped radiator interacting with the wheel supports to provide an ideal configuration of the frame above the cylinder head and, as a result, reducing the overall width of the machine. And with the frame profiles merging smoothly at the rear, the K 1300 enables the driver to hold his knees tightly together, ensuring optimum contact with the motorcycle under all conditions.

The active, dynamic and forward-looking seating position is tailored fully to the rider, but nevertheless allows a relaxed and comfortable style of motorcycling at all times. So while being unusually dynamic and sporting, the K 1300 is almost playful and certainly very safe in its behaviour, guaranteeing stress-free riding pleasure even in sporting style.

The upgraded front-wheel Duolever suspension makes a significant contribution to the outstanding riding qualities of the K 1300. The newly developed, lower longitudinal arm now made of a forged aluminium alloy ensures an even more sensitive and transparent response, further enhancing the leadership of BMW Motorrad in the area of suspension technology.

The K 1300 is available with second-generation Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II) as an option, a further development and improvement of the original ESA suspension introduced for the fi rst time in series production on the K 1200 S.
Applying the most advanced CAN-bus technology, the progressive on-board network allows a wide range of functions and facilitates the diagnostic procedures usually required by intelligently connecting the machine’s electrical and electronic systems.

An overview of technical highlights :

• Even more dynamic performance, particularly at lower and medium engine speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.
  
• Engine output 129 kW (175 hp) at 9,250 rpm, maximum torque 140 Newton-metres (103 lb-ft) at 8,250 rpm.
  
• Increase in torque by more than 10 Newton-metres (7.4 lb-ft) all the way from 2,000–8,000 rpm.
  
• Fulfilment of the strictest environmental standards through newly harmonised Digital Motor Electronics.
  
• Optimised cylinder charge cycle for even better performance on less fuel.
  
• Optimised exhaust system with a new rear muffler and electronically controlled flap management plus a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter.
  
• Desmodromic operation improving the dosage of gas and engine power.
  
• Optimised, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new, two-stage drive shaft.
  
• Even greater riding precision combined with maximum riding stability ensured by optimised Duolever front wheel suspension with new set-up of the lower longitudinal arm.

Images : BMW K1300S








Images : BMW K1300R






Images : BMW K1300GT







[Source : BMW]
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• Genesis Coupe first to be fitted with Lambda RS
  
• RS edition features key modifications
  
• Lambda RS to come with a choice of transmissions: six-speed automatic or six-speed manual

NAMYANG, Korea : October 8, 2009 - Hyundai Motor Company’s Powertrain R&D Center at Namyang has developed a new high-performance V6 Lambda (?) RS (Rear wheel drive Sports) engine which will see its first application in the Genesis Coupe to be launched in Korea this month.


Based on the highly successful Lambda first introduced in 2004, the RS edition features several key modifications which have raised power to a maximum of 310ps@6300rpm (310hp for US Market) and peak torque to 36.8kg/m@4700rpm.

Because of the sporty, low hood line of the Genesis Coupe, RS engineers trimmed 5cm from the height of original Lambda engine design forcing a major redesign of the intake and exhaust system.

The exhaust manifold's length and cross section were optimized for reduced resistance which maximizes high speed performance and yields a pleasingly sporty exhaust note. At the same time, the diameter of the intake port in the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) module was enlarged to improve engine breathing.

Attention was also paid to stiffening the aluminum engine block so it could endure higher stresses while a piston cooling jet was added under each cylinder to reduce thermal loading and prevent heat damage. A further boost in performance was attained by adopting more aggressive camshaft profiles on the Continuously Variable Valve Timing system which governs both the intake and exhaust valves.

The Lambda RS will come with a choice of transmissions: six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.

[Source : HYUNDAI]
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• First leg of Audi Mileage Marathon started in New York
  
• Audi Q7 with ultra low emission system taking part in major real-life test
  
• Best actual fuel efficiency from 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.79 US mpg)

NEW YORK / INGOLSTADT : October 8, 2009 - The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system is the cleanest diesel in the world, and an extremely economical form of propulsion into the bargain. This was demonstrated on the very first leg of the Audi Mileage Marathon on Monday, from New York to Washington. The best participants in this major real-life test criss-crossing the American continent achieved an average fuel consumption of an impressive 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.79 US mpg).


The starting flag went up on the Audi Mileage Marathon at nine o’clock on Monday morning, in New York’s Central Park. The endurance test for this fleet of 23 vehicles from the Audi Q7, Audi Q5, Audi A4 and Audi A3 car lines started with a battle through the heavy traffic of Manhattan. Between now and October 20, the fleet will be covering almost 8,000 kilometers (around 5,000 miles) on its way to Los Angeles, passing through major US cities and the natural wonders of the West. 184 drivers from all over the world will be testing both the supreme sportiness and the extraordinary efficiency of the TDI models on this tour.

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system is putting in its first public appearance here. Its exhaust emission control system reduces nitrogen oxides by as much as 90 percent, and thus complies with the world’s toughest emission standard, California’s ULEV II BIN 5. And it already undercuts the limit values of the Euro 6 standard that will not come into force until 2014.

The very first leg of the tour, which was a particularly challenging combination of urban traffic and stop-and-go conditions on the highway, showed that fuel efficiency has not been sacrificed in the process. The most successful representatives of this model achieved fuel consumption of 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.79 US mpg), while other teams managed figures ranging between 7.6 and 7.9 liters (29.77 to 30.95 US mpg) – an outstanding achievement for an SUV with up to seven seats, quattro drive and excellent road performance thanks to an engine output of 165 kW (225 hp) plus peak torque of 550 Nm (405 lb-ft). Volume production of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system will start later on this year, and its market launch in both the US and Europe is scheduled for 2009.

The other Audi models likewise made a very impressive showing, first and foremost the Audi A3 2.0 TDI developing 103 kW (140 hp), with S tronic transmission. Its best fuel consumption figure was less than five liters per 100 kilometers (in excess of 47.04 US mpg). The best team in an Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro achieved just under six liters per 100 kilometers (in excess of 39.2 US mpg), while the new performance SUV Audi Q5 3.0 TDI quattro delivered sensational proof of its efficiency, at 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg).

The next leg of the Audi Mileage Marathon continues to Cleveland on Tuesday, then on to Chicago on Wednesday. The fuel consumption of the participating vehicles is being monitored by the US-based motor sports association IMSA. .. (to be continued..)

Images : First leg of Audi Mileage Marathon started in New York









[Source : AUDI]
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BANGKOK: October 7, 2008 - Thailand's vehicle exports look unfavourable in the coming year as they are likely to experience risk factors from the global economic slowdown arising from the US financial crisis and the continued fluctuation of oil prices, according to Kasikorn Research Center.


The leading think tank projected the country's vehicle exports would grow around 8 per cent in terms of volume next year compared with 14 per cent expected for this year.

The export value is forecast to expand about 9.9 per cent this year versus the17 per cent earlier projected for this year.

The expected decline in exports might dampen the government's ambition to boost annual vehicle production to 2 million units in 2011 under the second-phase auto industry master plan (2007-2011).

KRC advised entrepreneurs in the auto industry to adjust of their own accord in the face of the US financial meltdown since the crisis could affect the currency exchange rate and production costs of some kinds of raw materials such as oil and steel.

What the entrepreneurs should do to control their costs is to hedge against the currency exchange risks and closely monitor oil and steel prices in the global market.

They should also attempt to diversify risks from the global economic slowdown by counting on the free trade area (FTA) agreements Thailand had made with many countries to expand trade with them and seeking new export destinations with growth potential.

Due to the global economic sluggishness, KRC said the entrepreneurs might be unable to raise their product prices in the long run.

So, they should try to reduce production costs by enhancing their competitiveness through investment in production technology, establishing a research and development centre, strengthening the local auto industry network, and development of human resources.

KRC added the Thai government needs to prepare an auto industry promotion plan together with the energy consumption scheme in the long term to give investors a clear direction on implementing its investment projects such as eco-car production, manufacturing vehicles powered by natural gas for vehicles (NGV) and E85 gasohol.

In the first eight months of this year, Thailand produced 944,893 vehicles, up 15.8 per cent from the same period last year.

Of this, 529,530 units are for export and 415,363 units for local sales.

The country's imports of vehicles in the period amounted US$627.7 million, up 56.8 per cent from the corresponding period the year before.

[Source : Thai News Agencies]
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Oettinger's modifications for the Volkswagen Scirocco include body work, engine upgrades and chassis improvements for a complete package, yet the company has plans for an even more powerful car



Power in both the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 1.4-liter twin-charged engine is boosted by 40 horsepower thanks to engine management modifications. That leaves output at 237 and 197 hp, respectively, for the engines. Still, Oettinger isn't content with those numbers and intends to improve the 2.0-liter numbers to 345 hp and 346 pound-feet of torque before the year is over. Upgrades from that package will include a new exhaust system from the turbocharger back and a larger intercooler. The company will also offer larger brakes and an adjustable suspension setup.

Oettinger's modifications to the body include a front splitter, sill extensions and a new rear diffuser. The German tuner also offers 20-inch wheels, carbon interior pieces, stainless sill plates, custom floor mats and aluminum pedals for the Scirocco.

[Source : Oettinger]
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RS-prepped Audi TT will feature newly developed five-cylinder turbo

Audi took the wraps off its new TT-S range back at January’s Detroit Auto Show and then followed it up with the new TT 2.0L TDI diesel and entry-level 1.8L TFSI, however there’s one more TT variant in the works and it could potentially be the fastest production TT ever. The new car is the performance RS variant of the TT and it’s expected to be launched in both coupe and roadster forms in the middle of next year.


The car was originally thought to be launched at the end of the year but its release date has since been pushed back because of the extra time required to further develop and test its all-new engine. Audi is also looking to use the same engine in a new RS variant of the A3 hatch as well. This model is expected to arrive soon after the launch of the TT-RS.

Powering both cars will be a five-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine developing between 350hp (260kW) and 390hp (291kW). The older VR6 unit was ruled out early on because of its incompatibility with Audi’s latest turbocharger designs, according to our friends at Sweden’s Auto Motor & Sport.

The new engine will feature an inline-five design and is said to be only 6cm wider than the current four-cylinder 2.0L TFSI mill. This is because of the relatively small cylinder size of the new engine, which will reportedly total just 2.5L in displacement.

While the RS3 remains hidden, the upcoming TT-RS has been spotted in prototype form testing at Germany’s Nurburgring. Although engineers were using a TT-S shell, key features such as the oversized cross-drilled brake discs, upgraded calipers, electronically controlled rear-spoiler and carbon-fiber elements suggest the test car is an even sportier model.

[Source : Motor Authority]
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• September sales up for Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles
  
• Number One retail van brand
  
• UK-built Vivaro leads retail market, Combo tops light van segment

LUTON : October 7, 2008 - It may be a challenging market, but Vauxhall has proven that great products speak volumes by increasing its commercial vehicle sales in September by over eight per cent compared to the same month in 2007, along with its highest retail share ever.


Furthermore, the Luton-built Vivaro was the UK's best-selling van to retail customers, recording 1,167 sales in the private sector and a further 1,177 fleet sales -- making it the UK's second most popular van overall. The Combo also shone, leading the light van segment at both fleet and total levels.

Vauxhall's total share of the retail van market was the highest ever recorded by the company, accounting for 17.47 per cent of sales to small businesses and individual customers. Out of a total of 7,028 sales, 2,183 were to the retail sector.

In a market that's 7.3 per cent down in total over 2007, Vauxhall's year-to-date van sales at the end of September were up by 1.78 per cent, showing a 0.92 percentage point share increase at 16.27 per cent of the total van market. Retail sales in the same period were up 4.31 per cent.

Vauxhall's National CV Sales manager, Richard Collier, said: "This is great news, as it proves that Vauxhall has great products, essential in a challenging marketplace. Our performance in the retail sector shows that our products appeal to customers who want great value and quality, both of which are incredibly important to small businesses in the current climate."

Vauxhall's parent company, General Motors, is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the UK, building over 100,000 vans a year at plants in Luton, Beds, and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

[Source : GM - Vauxhall]
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CIRENCESTER, UK : October 06, 2008 - Mitsubishi Motors launched the Colt series in Europe in 2004, and since that time it has sold some 270,000 models. The series includes many variants including the 5-door Colt, 3-door Colt CZ3, turbocharged 3-door Colt CZT and soft-top Colt CZC.



Major changes to the new European Colt unveiled at the Paris Motor Show include the Mitsubishi Motors signature inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal "jet fighter" grille also used on the Lancer series. The 5-door body models also feature a restyled rear end and are joined by a new turbocharged trim level.


In line with Mitsubishi’s brand heritage & positioning, a new Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.


Compared to the previous Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.


The new Colt series also reflects Mitsubishi Motors' strong commitment to the environment. The low-CO2 Colt Clear Tec model is powered by a 1.1- or 1.3-liter engine which incorporates the company's AS&G (auto stop-&-go) idling stop system. In addition, the 1.3-liter Colt Clear Tec FFV caters to growing demand for flexible-fuel vehicles.

Images : 2009 Mitsubishi COLT





[Source : MITSUBISHI]
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STUTTGART – October 06, 2008: The smart fortwo is still Germany's most cost-efficient car. This is the conclusion reached by experts from the prestigious market observer EurotaxSchwacke after analysing 16 vehicles in the mini car class. They confirm previous cost calculations by numerous trade magazines and the ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club. Owners of a smart fortwo mhd save around €1,700 in running costs compared with the most expensive model in this class.



The smart fortwo tops the ranking of low cost vehicles once again. After auto motor und sport, Auto Bild, Autozeitung and the ADAC, now EurotaxSchwacke GmbH also confirms that the smart two-seater has the lowest running costs in the mini car category. No other car is cheaper to run in Germany.

In the latest examination the experts compared the running costs of 16 vehicles from the mini car segment. They found that it costs €27.52 to drive a smart fortwo coupé pure mhd (micro hybrid drive) 100 kilometres. For comparative purposes: the most expensive model tested costs €38.88 per 100 kilometres. With an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometres this means that smart drivers save approximately €1,700 per year.

In addition to tax, insurance and fuel, the complex calculation of the total costs also considered wearing parts, maintenance, repairs and the vehicle's loss of value for an ownership period of 36 months and a mileage of 45,000 kilometres. "The running costs are also an important factor to consider when choosing a vehicle", says Martin Verrelli, Managing Director of EurotaxSchwacke GmbH. "Otherwise there is a great risk of a supposedly low-priced purchase turning into a flop." The EurotaxSchwacke calculations provide impressive real-world proof of the savings potential of smart's micro hybrid drive technology, which has been successfully deployed in production vehicles since 2007.

To reduce the fuel costs of the smart fortwo even further, from October 2008 the two petrol models with 45 kW/61 bhp and 52 kW/71 bhp engines will be equipped with mhd technology as standard. This reduces the fuel consumption of both versions by around eight percent to 4.3* litres in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). CO2 emissions are reduced to 103 grams* per kilometre. Savings of up to 19 percent are possible in urban traffic with frequent stop-and-go situations. This means that in future 7 out of 10 customers in Europe who choose a petrol model will be able to take advantage of this environmentally friendly technology.

smart has implemented the automatic start/stop system in a particularly ingenious way: the control electronics shut down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle's speed falls below 8 km/h – for example when approaching traffic lights. The engine starts again in the fraction of a second when the driver releases the brake pedal. The predictive engine shut-down effectively lengthens the time without fuel consumption.

The system is optimised for the smart fortwo's automated manual transmission and is fully automatic – no clutchwork or gear shifting are needed. mhd technology is extremely well suited to the urban use patterns of smart fortwo customers and makes it particularly easy to save fuel and emissions.

* softip-modus

[Source : DAIMLER AG]
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Bentley is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership between Ego Lifestyle and Bentley Motors resulting in a limited edition luxury notebook, known as 'Ego for Bentley'. No more than 250 pieces will be retailed globally in high-end stores from autumn 2008.




Since 2003 Ego Lifestyle has been crafting the world's most desirable luxury notebooks with the same unmistakable values that define every Bentley -- breathtaking performance, handcrafted luxury and refinement, bespoke design and dedication to absolute quality. A sophisticated blend of form and function, this special Limited Edition reflects the individuality and discerning style of both car and driver -- the ultimate partner for the perfect drive.



A lot of the unique Bentley details can be found in the bespoke Ego for Bentley notebook, each of them painstakingly hand-built and designed in collaboration with Bentley's own styling team in Crewe. The colour options of the lacquered inside matches the car's most popular exterior paint colours for ultimate suitability. The external panels have been trimmed with the finest selection of Bentley leather and finished with the authentic Bentley cross-over hand-stitching, designed to match exactly an individual's particular requirements.



An ergonomic, integrated handle provides true portability and removes the need for an unattractive bag or case. The iconic Bentley etching, known as knurling, is echoed on parts of the Bentley for Ego notebook, such as the handle and the sliding doors that cover the access ports and ensures a secure grip and a luxurious feel.



Pure chrome detailing is featured throughout, with unique technology on the inside: next to the latest Microsoft Vista Ultimate software, a 64-bit processor and a 160Gb Hard drive, Ego for Bentley's elegant design incorporates 12 dedicated direct access keys to make Wi-fi, Bluetooth, Webcam, Media centre and other applications both simple and fast.

Each model of the Ego for Bentley collection is a limited edition luxury notebook, accentuated by the white gold frames engraved with your Ego for Bentley's limited edition number.

Ego Lifestyle, founded in 2003 by Huub van de Boogaard, designs, markets, produces and distributes high-end luxury lifestyle consumer electronics. These activities are executed in co-operation with renowned international firms as well as organisations in the fashion, luxury and lifestyle sectors.

Completely breaking with traditional design and use of computers, Ego moved away from the traditional notebook and created an exclusive fusion of unique fashionable design, ultimate functionality and an individual's personality.

RRP will be circa £10,000 / €12,500 / USD19,800. Additional regional pricing to be confirmed upon request.

[Source : BENTLEY]
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PARIS : October 7, 2008 - Michel Vimont, Directeur of the Search and the advanced Studies for Renault will submit Renault Scenic ZEV H2 vehicle "zero emission" to Jean-Louis Borloo, Minister of State, Minister of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Planning in the court of the Ministry of Sustainable Development at 9.15 am.


Powered by an electric motor, Scenic Renault ZEV H2 illustrates the feelings of conduct that can be felt in a vehicle electrical silent operation and dynamic times. It also receives a fuel cell powered by hydrogen. The fuel cell produces electricity for the engine and not reject that water quality ... Despite its prototype, Scenic Renault ZEV H2 akin to a "real" car, very livable, which could well be used in the everyday life, both in terms of life aboard that performance.

Renault is very involved in the development of vehicles "zero emission" he sees as a necessary rupture. Since January 2008, the Renault-Nissan Alliance signed agreements with various states or regions in the world, enabling the mass marketing of electric vehicles in 2011. At the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, Renault unveiled the world premiere another prototype "zero emissions", "ZE Concept", a concept car derived 100% electric Renault Kangoo.

Renault Scenic ZEV H2 Specification :

• Engine electric power of 90 kW.
  
• Lithium-ion battery.
  
• Fuel cells powered by hydrogen gas, compressed to 350 bars.
  
• Optimizing the consumption of hydrogen system energy recovery braking and energy storage in the battery power that the return when necessary.
  
• Maximum speed: ~ 160km / h.
  
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h : 14.65 sec.
  
• Autonomy: the order of 350 km (NEDC cycle) with a tank of hydrogen at 350 bar.
  
• Acoustic high level: no engine noise, just noise at low rotation speed and aerodynamic noise at high speed.
  
• Spaciousness preserved. Volume of passenger for the occupants identical to the Scenic Series.
  
• Use simple dashboard is the same as in series, with additional information on hydrogen (eg the revolution gives the engine power and the Energy Display is integrated in the navigation screen Renault).
  
• Weight: 1850 kg.

Images : 2008 Renault Scenic ZEV H2 on Test







[Source : RENAULT]
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One year after making its first public appearance at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston Martin have confirmed details of a number of enhancements for the company’s flagship DBS, including the introduction of a ‘Touchtronic 2’ transmission.


A series of additional features to provide customers with even greater personalisation capabilities are also introduced - including a new Bang & Olufsen audio system, the availability of 2+2 seating and a new lightweight wheel option.

Touchtronic

Introduced as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, DBS customers will now be afforded the option of the ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.

The DBS Touchtronic transmission features a final drive ratio shortened from 3.15:1 to 3.46:1, aiding quicker acceleration times and an improved performance feel. Additionally, changes to the gearbox calibration aid more aggressive gear shifts and greater usability, while retaining the performance potential of the manual gear box – matching the 0-60mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds. System functionality is consistent with that on the DB9, with ‘Park’, ‘Reverse’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Drive’ modes selected via facia mounted controls.

When in ‘Drive’ mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on engine start-up. Alternatively, the ‘Drive’ mode can be selected at any time by pressing the ‘D’ control on the centre console, engaging a fully automatic mode which will select the most appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions automatically.

The system also includes a ‘Sport’ mode - activated by a button on the centre console – which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper and more forceful, engine speed matching on downshifts is more aggressive and in full automatic mode, upshifts occur at higher speeds. The Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle map to match the high-performance characteristics of the DBS.

[Source : Aston Martin]
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SPRING HILL, Tenn. : October 4, 2008 - After a 12-month retooling and an investment topping $600 million, General Motors' Spring Hill Manufacturing today kicked off the start of regular production of the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, GM's newest crossover vehicle to be introduced in the market.


GM announced the investment and named the new product for Spring Hill Manufacturing in October 2007. Since then, major construction and rebuild of the plant production areas have been underway in preparation for today's milestone.

"The all-new Chevy Traverse is the right product for the market today and we've got the right manufacturing team building it here in Spring Hill," said Troy Clarke, GM executive vice president and president of GM North America, who was present for the production celebration with employees. "The Chevy Traverse is fast becoming one of our most important volume products as buyers increasingly turn to more fuel efficient crossovers with today's rising cost of fuel. Traverse is a leader in its segment in highway fuel economy thanks to its new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection technology."

GM's Clarke was joined by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and local government officials in acknowledging the significance of the facility in the state and the Spring Hill community.

The $600 million investment in the facility included a 500,000 square foot addition to the plant paint shop for a state-of-the art e-coat phosphate primer system. It also encompassed a complete clearing and rebuilding of the facility's 1.2 million square foot general assembly area.

In addition, the conversion of the plant to produce the new Chevy Traverse included the following :

• Addition of 31 miles of new conveyor systems throughout the plant's body shop, paint shop and general assembly manufacturing areas.
  
• Installation of 1,625 tons of support steel in the general assembly building as part of the complete reconfiguration of the assembly line there. More than 22,000 tons of scrap metal was recycled in this part of the project.
  
• Complete facility refurbishment and installation of 623 new robots in the 850,000 square foot, state-of-the-art body shop, that perform 3,826 weld spots on each Chevy Traverse for exceptional dimensional and structural integrity of the vehicle.
  
• Installation of an all-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine dress line at the site's engine plant to support the assembly operations.
  
• Installation of an all-new logistics optimization center for the kitting and sequencing of material and the expediting of material to the assembly line.
  
• Refurbishment of five polymer mold injection presses that manufacture each Chevy Traverse front fascia using 33 lbs of polymer.

The launch of production at Spring Hill Manufacturing is one of GM's fastest from plan development to product rolling off the line.

"I commend this workforce for their total focus in getting the Chevy Traverse to market on time, with the highest quality and hitting all deliverables. Your winning attitude just proves that we made the right decision in bringing this important new product to Spring Hill Manufacturing," said Clarke.

The GM Spring Hill Manufacturing facility is located in Spring Hill, a growing community located 40 miles south of Nashville. The plant lies within the borders of Maury County. Approximately 3,481 workers are employed at the site. Hourly employees are represented by UAW Local 1853. More than 3.752 million vehicles have been produced at the facility since it opened in 1990

Images : 2009 Chevrolet Traverse










[Source : GM - Chevrolet]
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PARIS MOTOR SHOW - Occupying a half-way house between the world of the scooter and the car, the HYmotion3 compressor is a highly original proposal designed to facilitate urban mobility.Attractive thanks to its dynamic, streamlined and futuristic style ; it is an interesting concept combining numerous benefits (size, safety and comfort) with ‘‘HYmotion’’ hybrid/petrol technology. This new generation technology creates a three wheel drive vehicle, benefiting safety and driveability and combining economy with an environmentally-friendly specification (CO₂ emissions of only 47 g/kph in the combined cycle, zero in electric only mode).


The HYmotion3 compressor concept is a means of Giving full rein to their creativity and expertise, two transport with no affiliation to a particular type of separate Peugeot teams converged on a similar idea and vehicle.With its three wheels and its streamlined body, finally worked in tandem to develop a particularly original it is something of a missing link between two worlds project: the HYmotion3 compressor. which to date are quite distinct: that of the scooter and that of the car. With an electric motor in each of its two This ‘‘concept car’’, or rather ‘‘concept scooter’’, front wheels, coupled at the rear with a petrol engine, is based on the extensive experience of Peugeot it brings into play very innovative hybrid technologies Motorcycles, specialists in the scooter fi eld, as well as allowing each of its wheels to provide motive power. the creativity and innovative capabilities of stylists and engineers working for Automobiles Peugeot.


In a world of intensifying urban traffic where everyone To create this concept, Peugeot was able to draw on its is trying to save time, where oil prices are skyrocketing extensive experience in the world of transporta-and the environment is more than ever a priority, design tion enabling each individual, according to their age departments are vying in ingenuity to develop solutions or their needs, to choose from among the Marque’s for the future. cycles, motorcycles and cars.

This vehicle offers an ideal mix of the benefits of a scooter and particular characteristics of a car. Its design is based on three wheels for maximum stability, safety and driveability. Its width of 82 cm enables it to thread a path through urban traffic with all the efficiency of a two-wheeler.The front windscreen extends to the rear of the vehicle to form a highly effective shield against bad weather for the rider and passenger.


In addition, regulations in France allow the vehicle to be driven with a B licence only, giving it a wide range of potential customers.
Finally, this vehicle incorporates HYmotion technology, also featured on other concept-cars in the Peugeot exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. This new generation hybrid technology incorporates the supercharged petrol engine already featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter. With a power of 15 kW (20 bhp) driving the rear wheel, it is combined with two electric motors, each with an output of 3 kW, located in the front wheels.

This configuration develops a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp) for a particularly low fuel consumption of 2.0 litres/100 kph and CO₂ emissions of 47 g/kph in the combined cycle, or 0 in electric only mode. The design of the HYmotion3 compressor, with its three wheel drive, provides positive benefits for both safety and driveability.

Thanks to its extreme hybridisation, the HYmotion3 compressor concept creates a new benchmark in terms of safety (improved traction and braking), practicality and environmental-friendliness, offering original versatility at one with its environment.


Style
Sharing ‘‘DNA’’ On the basis of a frame designed by Peugeot Motorcycles, Peugeot car stylists unveiled a resolutely sporty and avant-garde design which also captures the spirit of their latest creations, for example the 308 RCZ concept car. Two polished aluminium roll-over bars support the ‘‘bubble’’ which protects the two occupants. This use of materials is strongly reminiscent of the RCZ concept. These bars make a significant contribution to the vehicle’s overall personality and balanced proportions. In addition to the comfort provided by this structure, the bars end in a handle which can be used by the rear passenger.To preserve the vehicle’s clean lines, there are no rear-view mirrors, this function being carried out by two display screens on the instrument panel offering optimal rear vision. Viewed from the front the vehicle creates a strong impression of modernity with its row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) on either side of the base of the front windscreen. These provide highly efficient lighting and also ensure that the vehicle can be seen easily in traffi c. Tapered front mudguards, strong lines and hi-tech rear lights… each detail adds to the dynamism of the HYmotion3 compressor.A dynamism which bears a strong resemblance to models in the Peugeot car range.


HYmotion technology
Operating principle: simple, efficient, automatic and transparent for the user The vehicle’s petrol engine has a power output of 15 kW (20 bhp). It is the supercharged 125 cc engine featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter, this modern engine is widely acclaimed for its performance in its market segment. In addition to this method of propulsion, the vehicle also has another mode of traction. Two electric motors, one in each wheel, are present at the front of the vehicle. With a power of 2 x 3 kW, they are powered by ‘‘lithium-ion’’ batteries and recharged by an energy recovery system which operates during deceleration and braking. Therefore, there are no mechanical connections between the front and the rear, everything being controlled electronically (‘‘by wire’’), allowing optimisation of the available space.

The HYmotion3 compressor can therefore be ridden in a
number of different ways: in electric only mode (when starting up, at low speed and when decelerating, for a range of up to 10 kph at stabilised speed), in petrol engine only mode, at a constant speed on the open road, when the engine attains its optimal efficiency, with the petrol engine / electric motors combined:

during phases of acceleration for additional power (‘‘boost’’ function), the latter can attain a maximum of
15 + 3 x 2 = 21 kW (29 bhp),
in three wheel drive mode, when road conditions warrant it.

In fact, the layout of this electric/petrol hybrid system allows three wheel drive under all circumstances, benefiting safety and driveability. This hybrid technology, as well as its special innovative layout, is an important vector of research and development for Peugeot. Known internally as ‘‘HYmotion’’, this system is presented in multiple formats, featuring different types of engine, on Peugeot’s stand at the Paris Motor Show.This concept demonstrates that the technology can be installed in any type of vehicle. In addition, different types of conventional engine can be combined with different types of electric motor. HYmotion technology in this case is particularly miniaturised to ensure an environmental performance of the highest order.


The suspension and the structure are designed to take account of this technology’s application. The parallelogram type front suspension (i.e. with tilting wheels) has a transverse damper at its centre and ensures optimal driveability and vehicle stability. These technical components are located on the wheel hubs, therefore reducing the vehicle’s centre of gravity following the example of the low-slung tubular frame.
Braking, rendered more efficient by the presence of an ABS system, it relies on three ventilated discs and, above all, the front electric motors, which recover energy to recharge the batteries.This assembly (three wheels + electric motor braking) also reduces the braking distance by around 30% compared to a two-wheel scooter equipped with traditional brakes.

Another system contributing to the vehicle’s efficiency is the STOP & START system.This system switches the petrol engine to standby mode during stop phases (at a red traffi c light or a stop sign, in queuing traffi c, etc.) or when the vehicle is being driven in electric only mode. This allows significant gains in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in dense traffic conditions. It also allows the petrol engine to be restarted instantaneously and ‘‘transparently’’ for the driver when necessary. Note that when being driven in electric only mode, the HY motion 3 compressor is ideally suited to city use since it generates no CO₂ emissions or pollutants and is silent in operation.

The end result is a three-wheel drive vehicle offering reduced fuel consumption in the combined cycle of 2.0 litres/100 kph and CO₂ emissions of 47 g/kph!
Performance doesn’t suffer either, since with a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp), its acceleration and in-gear acceleration is equivalent to what would have been possible with a single cylinder 400 cc engine.

Here too, the hybridisation of technologies makes it possible to combine the benefits of an ultra-compact urban vehicle with three-wheel drive, while at the same time offering environmentally-friendly credentials.


Environmentally-friendly and efficient
technologies: research goes on To tackle the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, and with the prospect of fuel prices rising ever higher, Peugeot has made the reduction of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions a key facet of its product policy, both with regard to motor cars and motorcycles.
In fact Peugeot is making a key contribution to the position of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group as a world leader in the market of cars with a rate of CO₂ emissions below 120 g/kph.

In the market for motorised two-wheelers, Peugeot Motorcycles is also very much to the fore.
Peugeot Motorcycles has been innovating since 1996 when it launched the Scoot’Elec, the market’s first compact electric scooter. In 2002, Peugeot Motorcycles developed and perfected engines with electronic fuel injection in line with the strictest anti-pollution standards, thereby helping to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving performance and driveability. In 2006, weight and aerodynamic tests carried out in the wind tunnel saw the Satelis scooter obtain the best SCx on the market and, as a result, offer one of the lowest fuel consumptions in its segment. Since 2008, Peugeot Motorcycles has included a 50 cc, 4-stroke scooter in its range offering particularly low fuel consumption, the V-Clic.


With HYmotion technology, benefiting from experience derived from previous technological demonstrators (307, 307 CC and 308 Hybrid HDi), the HYmotion3 compressor represents a major advance in terms of ‘‘customer’’ benefits. These benefits include: safety, driveability, economy and also environmental-friendliness.

[Source : PEUGEOT]
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• Third consecutive triumph for the Audi R10 TDI
  
• Capello/McNish/Pirro win after fight back
  
• Luhr/Werner finish third

ROAD ATLANTA : October 5, 2008 – With an impressive success at Road Atlanta (U.S. state of Georgia) Audi continued its winning streak at the prestigious 1000-mile race "Petit Le Mans”. In front of a record crowd of 113,000 spectators, Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro achieved Audi’s ninth consecutive victory. Audi thus remains unbeaten at "Petit Le Mans”.



Team Audi Sport North America won at Road Atlanta for a third time in a row with the Audi R10 TDI. After the hat-trick in the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi thus also achieved a hat-trick with the revolutionary diesel-powered sportscar in the "small brother” of the French Endurance classic. After almost ten hours, the winning Audi R10 TDI beat the second placed Peugeot 908 by 4.512 seconds. Lucas Luhr and Marco Werner completed the Audi triumph with third place.


The winning drive of Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro will go down in the history books as one of the most important Endurance races in the U.S. alongside the Sebring 12 Hours. Allan McNish lost control of the Audi R10 TDI on cold tyres on his way to the starting grid spinning into the wall. It was a huge effort by Team Audi Sport North America to rebuild the badly damaged car in just over an hour.


Allan McNish had to start the race two laps down. Consistently fast lap times, a good strategy and perfect pit-stops allowed the number 1 Audi R10 TDI to come back onto the lead-lap. A tyre problem and coolers covered by tyre pick-up, however, later cost another lap.

Using the total of eleven caution periods in the best possible way, the team was again able to recover the lost lap. Finally it was decisive that Allan McNish changed the tyres once more at the last refuelling stop. On the fresher tyres he was first able to pass his team-mate Marco Werner. On lap 364 of 394 he then was able to outbrake the leading Peugeot. The Peugeot tried to fight back but McNish kept the lead in a 300-kph wheel-to-wheel battle.


McNish crossed the finish line as the winner of one of the most exciting "Petit Le Mans” races with a 4.512-second margin. Marco Werner put pressure on Christian Klien in the Peugeot in the final laps but could not pass him. In the end the number 2 Audi R10 TDI missed second place by just 3.053 seconds. The lead changed a total of 29 times in the turbulent race. Lucas Luhr and Marco Werner led 135 of 394 laps and were able to open a gap of over half a minute. The caution periods, however, worked against them.


Audi had already clinched the the LM P1 Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Teams’ Championship of the American Le Mans Series prior the "Petit Le Mans” race. The finale will take place at Laguna Seca (U.S. state of California) on 18 October.

The results at Road Atlanta

1 Capello/McNish/Pirro (Audi R10 TDI) 394 laps in 9h 41m 17.825s
2 Minassian/Sarrazin/Klien (Peugeot) + 4.512s
3 Luhr/Werner (Audi R10 TDI) + 7.565s
4 Castroneves/Briscoe (Porsche) + 42.672s
5 Dumas/Bernhard (Porsche) + 1m 04.350s
6 Maassen/Long/Collard (Porsche) - 2 laps
7 Franchitti/Leitzinger/Lally (Porsche) - 3 laps
8 de Ferran/Pagenaud/Dixon (Acura/Honda) - 6 laps
9 Smith/Dyson (Porsche) - 10 laps
10 O’Connell/Magnussen/Fellows (Chevrolet) - 29 laps

[Source : Audi Motorsport]
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COSTA DAURADA : October 5, 2008 - Sébastien Loeb added to his remarkable WRC driving record today, securing his fourth consecutive win on Rally de Espana and the 45th win of his WRC career.


The Citroën Total team leader didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend and threaded his C4 WRC through the final asphalt stage in Tarragona today to win by 24.9sec.

The result was Loeb’s ninth win from the 12 rallies contested so far in the 15-round 2008 World Rally Championship, and extends his lead in the drivers’ standings to 12 points over his nearest rival, Mikko Hirvonen. A maximum 18 points for Citroën moves them 27 points clear of Ford in the manufacturers’ battle.

Loeb has been unbeatable on a ‘pure’ asphalt round of the WRC since 2005, and even taking into account the mixed surface of Monte Carlo, this was his 11th consecutive asphalt rally win.

“I’m very, very happy!” said Loeb. “It’s been a very good rally for me - almost perfect - but it hasn’t been easy. I had to push hard to try to increase my lead over [Citroën team-mate] Dani Sordo on the first and second days. Okay, today I was able to slow the speed a little, but I had to work to build the time early on. To get the one-two result with Dani is a great achievement for the whole team, and helps a lot in the manufacturers’ championship.”

Spaniard Dani Sordo drove his C4 World Rally Car to second place, after a similarly trouble free rally. “It’s a really good result for the team and for me in the championship,” he said. “I’m very happy to do this here in front of my home crowd. Of course I hope to win a rally soon, maybe it will happen on the next one in Corsica.”

On the penultimate stage the BP Ford Abu Dhabi squad asked its asphalt specialist Francois Duval to drop back and allow Mikko Hirvonen to take third and a better points haul. At the stage end Hirvonen said he was grateful for Duval’s assistance. “It’s helped me get one extra point and I have to thank Francois for that - he was a real team player,” said Hirvonen. “Third was the best we could get here. At the end I think I found a good rhythm on tarmac but okay, Corsica will be different. The roads are more abrasive, there’s more grip and hopefully we can get challenge the Citroëns a bit more there.”

After holding third for most of the event, and being the closest challenger to the Citroëns, Duval remained happy with his performance in Spain. “It’s been good for me, and it’s looking good for Corsica,” he said. “I am more confident in the car, made no mistakes and got no punctures - so it’s okay. I’ll try for a win in Corsica.”

Following Urmo Aava’s retirement on the rally’s penultimate stage, Petter Solberg brought his Subaru World Rally Team Impreza WRC2008 home in fifth. “Its been a tough rally for us,” said Solberg. “The car worked better in Germany, and now we have to learn from this rally. I did something before the two last stages which made it feel a bit better. In places it’s okay.”

Jari-Matti Latvala was sixth in his Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus, and delighted to have made up two places on the final day. “It’s a fantastic result - I’m really happy,” said the Finn. “But it didn’t look so good earlier. I’m sorry for Aava, because he had done a good job, but I’m happy to have got ahead of Chris [Atkinson]. I had three ‘black rallies’ before this one, so I’m feeling happy, relieved and looking forward Corsica.

Atkinson finished seventh in the second factory Subaru and felt he had done the best job he could. “Personally speaking it’s been a good event,” he said. “I swapped times back and forth with Petter, I’m satisfied with my driving and really that’s all I can do.”

Eighth, and collecting the final drivers’ championship point, was Norwegian youngster Andreas Mikkelsen in his privately entered Ford Focus RS WRC. “Our goal was to come here and take points and we made it!” he said. “To do this before Corsica is a huge confidence booster. It’s been a very good weekend for us.”

After losing more than 27 minutes on the rally’s penultimate stage, Urmo Aava eventually brought his battered Citroën C4 across the finish line of SS18 in 34th place and explained what had gone wrong: “I cut a corner too deeply and broke the lower suspension arm on the left-hand side,” he said. “We stopped and changed it but it looks like something else was broken - and we went off again on the last stage. It’s hard to be very positive about this rally. My aim was to drive to the finish and be fast. We are very sorry not to have done that, but we can only do our best.”

Result :



WRC Drivers Championship Standings :



Manufacturers' championship standings :



[Source : WRC , Image courtesy of RallyRACC]
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Le Mans : October 5, 2008 - Mattias Ekström (Audi) has won the tenth DTM season round from Paul di Resta (Mercedes-Benz).




In changeable and difficult weather conditions, the Swede scored his third season win at the „Circuit Bugatti“ in the French city of Le Mans, the 13th race win of his DTM career. The podium was completed by Alexandre Prémat (Audi) who finished third in his home race.



Points’ leader Timo Scheider (Audi) came home sixth behind Gary Paffett and Bernd Schneider (both Mercedes-Benz). The final points’ scoring positions were taken by Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) and Tom Kristensen (Audi) in seventh and eighth place. While Scheider had made the right tyre choice in the early stages of the race, di Resta was more lucky at the end. Next to their two mandatory pit stops, both drivers had to make one extra stop to have their tyres changed.



With his second place, di Resta further reduced the gap to Scheider. Going into the DTM season finale at Hockenheim, Scheider is now only two points ahead of the Scot with 65 points. In spite of his win at Le Mans, Mattias Ekström no longer has a chance of the title. With 54 points, he is third. An extensive press release with quotes from the drivers and motorsport directors will follow shortly.



The race at a glance
Spectators during the race weekend: 18,000
Weather: rain
Air temperature: 15.7 °C
Asphalt temperature: 14.4 °C



9th round of the DTM at Barcelona : Race result


Driver Championship Standings :


Constructor Championship Standings :





[Source : DTM]
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LONDON : October 4, 2008 - Carmakers want the European Commission to lend them 40 billion euros ($55 billion) to help develop environmentally friendly vehicles, after a similar U.S. move, Fiat SpA Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said.


The U.S. Congress on Sept. 27 approved legislation providing $25 billion in low-interest loans to the domestic auto industry after manufacturers including General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC said they needed taxpayers' help to finance the production of more fuel-efficient cars.

``We've seen that the U.S. industry is now getting $25 billion worth of support in terms of financing,'' Marchionne said yesterday in an interview at the Paris Motor Show. ``It would be absolutely necessary that the European Commission do exactly the same thing. It was $25 billion for the U.S., in our case it's 40 billion euros because we have twice the capacity.''

The European Union is debating legislation that would cut average car emissions of carbon dioxide by a fifth to 130 grams a kilometer by 2012. The target would be achieved by varying goals for individual manufacturers. The commission has estimated average car prices may rise by 1,300 euros because of the new technology required.

``We're trying to deal with proposals on the regulatory framework which don't make a lot of sense given where we are,'' Marchionne said, without elaborating. ``We need to have a much more proactive, a much more intelligent approach coming out of the European Commission.''

[Source : Bloomberg]
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Paris Motor Show - Jaguar celebrate 60 years of the XK sports car by displaying two XK special editions, the XK Diamond Edition and the XKR-S, plus the iconic XK120 and the new XF. Since 1948, the XK name has graced a generation of iconic Jaguars. From the original to the current, they epitomise Jaguar's philosophy to create 'Beautiful, Fast Cars'



XK - A heritage of legendary performance

In 1948, Jaguar created what would become one of the most famous automotive names in the world, as the all-new and highly advanced XK engine made its debut in the revered XK120 sports car. Now, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that iconic car, Jaguar is launching a very special series of the current XK for the UK market – the uniquely equipped and aptly named XK60, a car that pays homage to the legendary performance of its predecessors.

Complementing the XK60 on the stand will be the recently introduced XKR-S, a limited edition sports coupe in Ultimate Black designed to give an even more focused, high speed performance driving experience. Capable of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and with a maximum speed extended to a limited 174mph (280km/h), this is the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar. With just 50 available in the UK, every XKR-S is already spoken for.

Images : Jaguar XKR-S








Images : Jaguar legend




Images : Jaguar XKR-S at Paris Motor Show



[Source : JAGUAR]
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Newly-introduced Turbo Diesel for Mazda2

• MZ-CD 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine that combines Zoom-Zoom driving fun, with high fuel efficiency and low emissions
  
• Turbo diesel engine produces 66 kW/90 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 205 Nm of maximum torque at just 2,000 rpm
  
• Mazda2 MZ-CD 1.6-litre combined with square-car dimensions, low weight and rigid chassis systems deliver a spirited driving experience
  
• Low fuel consumption of just 4.2 litres per 100 km and CO₂ of 112 g/km

PARIS MOTOR SHOW - The success of the second-generation Mazda2 since launch has been phenomenal. Together with the second-generation Mazda6, it has played a leading role in Mazda being one of Europe’s fastest-growing brands this year.


Offered in both three and five-door versions, it has found over 60,000 owners in Europe, earned ive-stars for adult occupant protection from Euro-NCAP and has won a host of automotive awards including the coveted World Car of the Year 2008. This year’s Paris Motor Show sees Mazda’s compact star at centre stage again, this time with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel added to the line-up and several product enhancements that will make it even more popular with European customers.


Powertrains – MZ-CD 1.6-litre Diesel
Adding a new range-topping turbo diesel to the Mazda2 line- up makes an already fun to drive car even more so. It produces 66 kW/90 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 205 Nm of maximum torque at a low 2,000 rpm. Under the sporty exterior of Mazda2’s lightweight body and coupled to a precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission, it delivers lively acceleration with no turbo lag, and a top speed of 173 km/h. It is also reined and smooth operating. It has a rigid yet lightweight aluminium alloy cylinder block with cast iron liners and a dual-mass flywheel to help minimize vibrations. Its high-pressure common-rail injection system has multiple injection phases that maximize combustion efficiency and lower combustion noise.


One of the reasons Mazda2 is this year’s World Car of the Year is because it is nearly 100 kg lighter and more compact than the previous Mazda2. Lower weight means less fuel consumption, lower operating costs and fewer harmful emissions. The newly-introduced MZ-CD 1.6-litre diesel has a DOHC, 16-valve configuration that gives an optimised air-fuel swirl pattern in the combustion chamber and better overall combustion efficiency, which not only translates into power, but power with surprisingly low fuel consumption. The new Mazda2 turbo diesel uses just 4.2 litres of fuel per 100 km – one of the most frugal engines in this segment with a displacement this size.

The engine combines low consumption with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that is similar to the system of the MZR petrol engine series. Control of the EGR system is achieved by electronically regulating the opening of the EGR valve to optimise the amount of EGR mixed with intake air. Mixing inert gases in the intake lowers the production of NOx. And the MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel comes standard with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system.



Mazda2 Exterior & Interior Updates

• Sports Appearance Package updated with new headlamp, new dark grey alloy wheels and new factory-fitted muffler cutter for petrol engines
  
• Silver accents added throughout the cockpit for enhanced quality feel
  
• Centre panel now in a high-quality glossy black (depending on grade)
  
• Door trim insert now in cloth (depending on grade)
  
• New black-out meters (depending on grade)
  
• Two new body colors: Passion Orange Mica and Aluminium Metallic Mica

With the launch of the second-generation Mazda2, a new era of Zoom-Zoom appeal was introduced from the award-winning Mazda design team. Called ’exquisite and dynamic’ by its designers, both five-door and three-door hatchback display a unique mix of sharp edges that low into the body panels softly for a subdued formal dynamism. Body lines, like the rising swage line below the doors and the character line above it, along with strong and sporty- looking front wheel wells, create a dynamic surface treatment with changing light effects. And it is one of the most streamlined models in its class. Compared to its predecessor, it has a lower drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31, a front projected area that is 4 percent squareer and reduced lift at the front and rear axles, all of which contributes to lowering fuel consumption and high-speed stability.


New on the Outside
Several vehicle updates are introduced to the Mazda2 line-up to make it even more appealing and attractive. The Mazda2 Sports Appearance Package now includes new, dark-grey 16-inch alloy wheels (depending on market) and a newly designed, four-cylinder front headlamp. These features, added to the package’s front and side spoilers, special front air intake and grille design and rear roof spoiler, differentiate the sports version of the Mazda2 even further. Two new body colors are also introduced: Passion Orange Mica and Aluminium Metallic Mica.


New on the Inside
Since launch, Mazda2 has been a favourite of young drivers throughout Europe, not only for its exciting and stylish design, but also because of its interior, which delivers a roomy feel and space for five adults to travel in comfort and style. One of the quietest interiors in the B-car segment, the Mazda2 has an instrument panel that tapers at the ends for a roomy feel, and the centre console is solid and well crafted with a high-mount shift lever at the bottom for easy shifting. And there are insightful storage solutions like an open magazine rack in the glove box, a good sized floor console including a space to store a handbag, cupholders, space for a half- litre bottle in each front door pocket, and up to 787 litres of luggage space with the 60/40 (depending on grade) folded down

The interior design has now been updated with silver accents throughout for an enhanced quality feel. Its three-spoke wheel, similar to the MX-5 roadster, now has a silver bezel, and silver has been added to the inner door handles, the park brake button, the shift boot, the top of the shift lever, and the auto AC dial (depending on grade). The centre panel is now a high-grade glossy black (depending on grade), the door trim inserts are changed to cloth (depending on grade), and the meter cluster now has black-out meters (depending on grade).

The Mazda2 1.6 MZ-CD turbo diesel will be introduced on the European market in early 2009.


Images : 2008 Mazda 2 Facelifted .. Euro. Spec.



Images : 2008 Mazda 2 SAP (Sports Appearance Package)













[Source : MAZDA]
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PARIS MOTOR SHOW - Mazda is unveiling the freshened Mazda MX-5 and Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. The facelift MX-5 embodies the purest form of Zoom-Zoom. With evolved sensory qualities, it continues to deliver the unchanging value of “Jinba-Ittai” (oneness between driver and car) despite the changing world. Marking its 20th anniversary next year, the new MX-5 offers a “lots of fun” driving experience underpinned by the untiring passion of Mazda’s engineers since 1989


Since launching the first-generation MX-5 in 1989, Mazda has stuck to the concept that driving enjoyment is the key value offered by the MX-5. Through two full redesigns and countless improvements, we’ve continued to heighten and improve the MX-5’s Jinba Ittai- focused “lots of fun” character. We expanded the MX-5’s appeal to an even broader audience in 2006 with the launch of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe. As demands for safety and environmental compatibility have grown amid major changes in the automotive environment, we’ve continued to incorporate new technologies and innovations without compromising the MX-5’s inherent lightness.

With the latest MX-5 facelift, Mazda engineers set out to combine an enhanced Jinba Ittai feeling with revisions that would further cement the MX-5’s reputation as the most enjoyable lightweight two-seat sports car in the world. The designers retained the well- known friendly facial expression while incorporating elements of Mazda’s latest design themes for a dynamic, athletic look that embodies the MX-5’s function and purpose as a sports car. With the Roadster Coupe, they strongly emphasized a premium identity in the look and feel of the body and cabin.

With regard to dynamic performance, the engineers enhanced characteristics that appeal to the emotions yet cannot be expressed in terms of catalogue specifications. For example, they optimized the engine potential for greater enjoyment, created a sportier engine sound that responds more crisply to accelerator inputs, and realized a brisk, high-quality steering feel that gives a more linear response to movements of the steering wheel. And at the same time, they enhanced the MX-5 in terms of comfort, convenience, fuel economy, and safety.

Updates at a Glance

Newly evolved look that’s functional and instantly recognizable, as Mazda, and as MX-5

• Exterior styling with greater dynamism & athleticism, which contributes to superior aerodynamics
  
• Strongly emphasized a premium identity in the look and feel of the Roadster Coupe

Enhanced engineering to enable the driver to enjoy the full potential of the engine performance

• 500 rpm higher rev limit and the raised engine speed at max power
  
• Introduced a forged crankshaft, fully floating pistons and newly designed valve springs

Sportier engine sound that responds more crisply to accelerator inputs

• Surge tank rigidity optimization, new forged crankshaft and ISE , Induction Sound Enhancer (for 6MT) Smoother shifting feel with brisk and high-quality steering feel.
  
• With 6MT, the meshing surfaces of the 1st–4th triple-cone synchronizers are now carbon coated, and the 3rd–4th synchronizer diameter has been increased.
  
• Linear & sporty 6AT that’s newly available for Europe incorporates two new control technologies, Direct Activematic (DAM) and Active Adaptive Shift (AAS).
  
• A lower front roll centre and retuned suspension make the car’s response to steering inputs more linear and enable the driver to precisely trace desired lines. The yaw and roll also feel more natural, producing a higher-quality ride

Improved quietness

• Roadster Coupe cockpit road noise with the roof closed is 2.1dB lower than before. Improvements include urethane filling in the front suspension member and damping material in the front roof section.
  
• Quietness is further promoted in the Roadster Coupe and soft-top version by stiffer door modules and by newly added reinforcements on the No. 2 crossmember.

Environmental, safety and conformability

• More convenient features, ie., improved Bose®sound system, 5 step adjustable seat heater, etc.
  
• Average fuel consumption display and outside air temperature is equipped.
  
• More models featuring DSC as standard equipment.

Images : Mazda MX-5 Facelifted





[Source : MAZDA]
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• Freelander 2 TD4_e introduces Land Rover's new intelligent Stop/Start system
  
• Fuel consumption improved by 0.7 l/100 km (3.8 mpg) and CO₂ emissions reduced by almost eight per cent over the standard EU4 drive cycle
  
• New gearshift indicator light signals when a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently
  
• Characteristic Land Rover durability and all-terrain performance uncompromised by Stop/Start technology
  
• The first Land Rover model to achieve full End of Life Vehicle Certification

COVENTRY : October 3, 2008 - The new Freelander 2 TD4_e is Land Rover’s most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. Featuring a new intelligent Stop/Start system, it is the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the company’s programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named ‘e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES’.


On the standard EU4 cycle, the CO₂ emissions of the Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8 per cent, compared with the outgoing manual diesel Freelander 2. Moreover, in additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20 per cent in heavy urban traffic.

The 8 per cent improvement equates to a CO₂ emissions reduction of 15 g/km compared with the standard Freelander 2 TD4 manual (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km). In terms of fuel efficiency, consumption is reduced from 7.5 l/100 km to 6.8 l/100 km, a saving of 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).

These gains, coupled with the added benefits of the gearshift indicator light, software developments and efficiencies from low-rolling-resistance tyres, make the Freelander 2 TD4_e the most fuel-efficient production Land Rover ever built.

Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director, said: “The Stop/Start Freelander 2 is the first production vehicle to benefit from the massive £700 million investment in sustainable technologies by Jaguar and Land Rover. From mid-2009, the Stop/Start feature will be included as standard on all Freelander 2 TD4 manual models, with no associated increase in list prices.”

Land Rover’s new Stop/Start system improves fuel efficiency in urban and stop-start driving. The vehicle automatically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and saving fuel that would otherwise be used idling the engine when stationary. When the driver is ready to move off, the engine instantly re-starts.

Sophisticated controls ensure that the Stop/Start system does not compromise the needs of either the driver or the vehicle. For the engine to shut down, the vehicle must be stationary, the gearbox in neutral and the clutch pedal raised. To re-start, the driver simply depresses the clutch and the enhanced starter motor engages the engine, ready for when first gear is selected.

The Stop-Start system is automatically activated each time the ignition is turned on, although there is a switch on the fascia to disable the system, if the driver so desires.

Added fuel economy benefits

Along with the intelligent Stop/Start system, the Freelander 2 TD4_e includes a series of additional enhancements that help to deliver fuel economy and CO₂ benefits.

A new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack advises the driver when to change gear if a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently. This is calculated by the Freelander 2 TD4_e’s fully mapped engine.

Software developments to the driveline systems on the Freelander 2 TD4_e generate CO₂ benefits without reducing Land Rover’s renowned capability.

Land Rover engineers are also collaborating with tyre suppliers to drive improvements to fuel economy through reduced rolling losses. Tyre characteristics including rolling resistance are optimised for the entire range of available tyre sizes on Freelander 2 models.

End of Life Vehicle Certification

The Freelander 2 is the first Land Rover to achieve compliance with the ‘EU Directive 2005/64/EC on the type approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reusability, recyclability and recoverability’ ahead of forthcoming legislation. This refers to the fact that 85 per cent of the vehicle is reusable or recyclable, while a further 10 per cent by mass is recyclable or recoverable.

THE LAND ROVER STOP/START SYSTEM IN MORE DETAIL

Behind the Stop/Start system lies an intensive engineering programme, which encompasses a surprisingly large number of the vehicle’s systems and components.

Refined Stop/Start operation

Land Rover engineers have invested considerable effort in safeguarding levels of engine refinement. To reduce the engine shake associated with some diesel engines when stopping, the Freelander 2 TD4_e features controlled throttle closing and ramps down fuel in a smooth fashion, while the alternator is also turned off during the shut-down procedure, reducing load on the engine. A software feature change and revised engine calibration further aid smooth shut-off, while engine shake on start-up is reduced by the Freelander 2’s optimised engine-mounting strategy and inherent tuning.

Uncompromised durability

The increased frequency of stop-start cycles over the lifetime of the Freelander 2 TD4_e will lead to increased use of the vehicle’s affected components, so enhanced durability of these components was a priority for the Freelander 2’s engineering team. They developed a new heavy-duty starter motor, a new ring gear, a new dual mass flywheel friction control plate and an absorption glass mat battery. These new features ensure that the Freelander 2 TD4_e delivers characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance and that the system’s operation is always rapid and reliable.

Enhanced starter motor
The more frequent stop and start activity means that demands on the starter motor are forecast to increase up to threefold during the lifetime of the Freelander 2 TD4_e. To accommodate the durability demands on the vehicle’s 2 kW starter motor, a number of changes have been made.

The grease seals have been enhanced significantly and new hard-wearing copper-tungsten contact material has been sourced and specified across the TD4_e range to enhance wear resistance within the starter solenoid.

New ring gear
An all-new ring gear is specified for all TD4_e models to cope with the increased frequency of starts. The ring gear is attached to the engine flywheel and comes into contact with the starter motor each time the engine is started. The new ring gear is manufactured from a harder grade of steel and contains over 25 per cent more carbon to improve durability.

Dual mass flywheel friction plate
Diesel-powered Freelanders with manual gearboxes have always featured a dual mass flywheel to ensure engine refinement at start, stop and low speeds. A new Polyetheretherketone friction control plate has been developed for the Freelander TD4_e. This is able to withstand seven times the pressure of the outgoing plate, to ensure greater levels of refinement under even greater start and stop demands.

Absorption glass mat battery
New absorption glass mat technology has been developed, which offers deeper discharge and recharge characteristics and reduces battery deterioration under much heavier usage. Fine glassfibre matting has been introduced to sit pressurised between the new absorption glass mat battery plates. This aids the battery’s longevity in two ways: by allowing the electrolyte to function normally under greater pressure and by providing mechanical support for the plates, reducing battery degradation.

Intelligent technologies

Land Rover engineers focus on the introduction of intelligent, appropriate technologies, and the Freelander 2 TD4_e is no exception. In congested traffic, when the Stop/Start technology will shut down the engine frequently, other features and technologies will not be compromised, so in-car entertainment, climate control, Bluetooth, driver information and other electronic systems will continue to function.

Technologies such as the new voltage quality module, the battery monitoring system, the brake vacuum sensor and the enhanced climate control system have been developed to ensure that such services continue uninterrupted in a stop situation.

Voltage quality module
The voltage quality module maintains critical vehicle systems, safety and occupant comfort. It supplies a constant voltage around the vehicle’s electronic components during a stop-start, ensuring that key services continue uninterrupted by the sudden outrush of amps from the battery.
This technology is effectively a direct current converter, which can convert low voltages, such as that experienced during a stop, to a stable higher level for short but crucial boosts, ranging from one to five seconds in duration.

Battery monitoring system
This system monitors the battery’s ‘state of health’ to ensure that the Stop/Start feature functions reliably. The technology is constantly at work, measuring factors such as natural battery degradation, ambient temperature, charge and discharge activity and voltage, to make sure there is enough power available for an effective stop-start.

If any of these factors show a low measurement, the Stop/Start feature is overridden and the engine will continue running until more battery power is available.

Brake vacuum sensor
The Freelander 2’s brake system is specified with significant vacuum reserves, but these reserves can become depleted for a number of reasons, such as use of the brake pedal when the engine is switched off. Ultimately this would lead to vacuum reserves becoming exhausted, which would affect the brake servo’s operation and pedal loads, in some cases causing them to rise substantially.

To mitigate this, the brake vacuum sensor is specified on all Freelander 2 TD4_e models, and if vacuum reserves fall to a level that will affect brake pedal loads, the system overrides the Stop/Start function until the brake vacuum is replenished – ensuring brake pedal loads are maintained.

Enhanced climate control system
A number of changes have been made to the Freelander 2 TD4_e’s climate control system to help ensure occupant comfort and reduce misting during stop-start situations.

One significant change is the introduction of an auxiliary water pump. On conventional vehicles, the water pump shuts down with the engine, but on TD4_e models, the introduction of the auxiliary water pump maintains the flow of coolant during engine shutdown, keeping a steady cabin temperature.

The climate control system monitors cabin temperature and maintains fan speed at a level that will protect the battery’s state of charge when the engine is shut down. In extreme hot or cold conditions, extended stops, or if an occupant selects a higher fan speed during a stop, the engine will re-start if necessary to preserve occupant comfort.

Evaporator temperature, the factor that gives rise to screen misting, is also monitored and the enhanced climate control system will periodically cool the evaporator as necessary to mitigate misting during a stop-start. The system operates the windscreen defrost shutter and, if the evaporator is wet, the shutter will remain closed for a few seconds after an engine restart until the vapour is dissipated, again mitigating windscreen misting.

LAND ROVER e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES

The Freelander 2 TD4_e is just one element of Land Rover’s comprehensive green technology roadmap, which will drive the company to increasingly lower emissions and more sustainable technologies in the coming years. This is a key part of the £700 million investment in sustainable technologies being made by Jaguar and Land Rover.

Land Rover engineers are working on a series of advanced propulsion technologies and lightweight structures aimed at bringing CO₂ emissions down to class-leading levels. This doesn’t mean sacrificing core Land Rover values: the renowned all-terrain capabilities of its future vehicles could actually be improved by some of the exciting new powertrain technologies, such as the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) announced at the British International Motor Show in London earlier this year.

The company’s ambitious programme for continuing CO₂ reduction stretches well into the future. For example, Land Rover is developing future hybrid and other green technologies in conjunction with the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

Images : Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e







[Source : LAND ROVER]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - The result of close technological collaboration between Venturi Automobiles and Michelin, the Venturi Volage, presented for the first time at the “Mondial 2008” (Paris Motor Show), marks a major step forward in the evolution of the Automobile.


This new Venturi incorporates innovations which have enabled radical changes in terms of the vehicle’s architecture, style, dynamic behaviour and, more generally, the design of a modern vehicle.

All these changes constitute several world premières which, with the presentation of the Venturi Volage, reinforce Venturi’s capability for constant innovation, as well as its position as the most advanced company in the field of electric vehicles.

Power transmission & Active suspension
With 4 drive wheels with active suspension, the Venturi Volage has no equivalent. “Michelin Active Wheel” technology in fact incorporates 2 electric motors per wheel (1 for suspension and 1 for drive), ie. a total of 8 electric motors piloted in real time by spearhead electronics.

Like the mechanism of a watch, all the components, motors, gear reduction units and suspensions, are miniaturized and built into the wheels.

The active electric shock absorber system allows for total adaptation to the type of road surface and driving. Combining Michelin’s experience in the area of surface liaison with that of Venturi for the chassis, the Venturi Volage represents in its road holding, drivability and silent functioning, the summum of today’s automotive technology.

The car of the digital ERA
Playing down the mechanical aspect in favor of electronics, close to the concept of a robot, this car belongs to a new era, the digital era. Thanks to a dashboard touch screen, the driver can configure the vehicle entirely as he wishes. This total control marks significant progress in terms of management, particularly of the energy stored in the car’s batteries: the driver can, for example, decide to give preference in certain cases to range rather than power, comfort rather than speed, an important factor for an electric car.

A chassis unique worldwide
The only part that the Venturi Volage shares with the Venturi Fétish is its carbon fiber bodywork. Developed by the Venturi Design Office, this body is still a unique concept worldwide, as it is the only one to have been specifically designed to be that of an electric car and thus carry batteries within its very structure.

Thanks to this innovative design, both the Fétish and the Volage benefit from an unequalled level of safety, for both the cars’ passengers and also the batteries they carry.

The ideal distribution of the Venturi Volage’s masses - 45% at the front, 55% at the rear – and its perfectly mastered weight of 1,075 kilos enable it to attain 100 km/hr (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds.

Production models
A real demonstration of spearhead technology, the car presented in its world première is entirely operational and prefigures the production of a limited series of this model, scheduled as from 2012.

Like the Venturi Fétish assembled in our workshops in Monaco, the Venturi Volage will be assembled by hand, in the form of very limited production.

The technological repercussions of these two cars positioned at the very top end of the market are to be found on other vehicles bearing the Venturi brand, enabling as many people as possible to benefit from the firm’s advances in the field of sustainable mobility.

Design of Volage, by Sacha Lakic
“Like a light and sensual veil, the Volage’s bodywork clings close to its exceptional technical features.

Active suspensions and motors incorporated into the wheels, a flat bottom, aerodynamic tunnels: these choices and technological advances have enabled me to “design the void” usually occupied by the engine and suspensions, and thus explore audacious new paths in terms of styling.

The void is part of the Volage style; it has been designed by subtraction.

Volage has been fashioned by the wind. The science of aerodynamics is the main tool that has been used to elaborate its shape. It is easy and enjoyable to imagine the movement of flows of air, on and across its bodywork.

Volage finds itself in a totally original and decidedly contemporary formal category. The relationship with Venturi’s other models is obvious, though it is also possible to see, in a few details, a subtle tribute to certain icons among French cars of the pre-war era, the most elegant, the ones that were way before their time.

Volage inspires passion: its powers of seduction are immense.”

Images : Venturi Volage Concept






[Source : Venturi Volage]
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PARIS – October 3, 2008 : Clio Renault Sport R3 Access is the new entry level version of the R3 Maxi - developed for customers wishing to compete in rallies. Renault Sport Technologies has used the R3 Maxi as a base to produce an extremely competitive Access version which has opened up the world of rallying to an even wider audience.


The 2007 season saw Renault Sport Technologies introduce regular changes to the specification of Clio Renault Sport R3 Maxi in collaboration with its customers who in turn profited from the reliability and performance potential of the brand's latest rally challenger to secure some 20 two-wheel drive category wins, including two overall victories.

The 2008 season has seen the Clio Renaultsport R3 range extended with the introduction of the entry level Access version which enables rally drivers to compete for a lower initial investment and on a third of the budget required to campaign the Maxi-spec car.

Clio Renault Sport R3 Access shares many of the Maxi's basic features, including a Clio Renault Sport bodyshell strengthened by a welded roll-cage incorporating more than 40 metres of tubing. The clutch, six-speed sequential gearbox and limited slip differential are also common to both models, as are the steering rack, the electrical system and the Magneti-Marelli ECU which incorporates the data acquisition system. Clio Renault Sport R3 Access benefits from the very latest developments, including a new reinforced subframe. The 1,998cc F4R RS engine (4 cylinders in line, 16 valves), which is derived from the powerplant of Clio Renault Sport 197, develops peak power of 200hp and features a specific camshaft and exhaust manifold, while the flywheel is the same as that seen on the Maxi version.

Developed exclusively for tarmac rallying, Clio Renault Sport R3 Access uses the same suspension of the standard car with strengthened struts and specific kinematics for the independent steering axis front suspension. The newcomer is fitted with Bilstein dampers all-round and profits from the high performance braking system featured on Clio Renault Sport 197, with standard front discs and four-piston Brembo callipers.

The one-piece aluminium alloy 7x17-inch Speedline wheels and Michelin 19/62-17 tyres are identical to those of Clio Renault Sport R3 Maxi. There is no mistaking the competition pedigree of the Access version's upper-range interior which sees the gearshift control positioned right next to the steering wheel.

The kit also features Sabelt safety equipment, most of which is identical to that of the Maxi version. The standard pedal assembly has been reinforced.

To enable customers to improve the performance of their Clio Renault Sport R3 Access as a function of their ambitions and budget, it is possible to upgrade the basic spec thanks to Premium kits (chassis, brakes and engine) which ultimately permit it to reach the same specification as the Maxi version.

As with all Renault Sport competition cars, the Rally Customer Competition department provides a broad range of services, including the extranet website which provides all the documentation required to build the Access and Premium kits.

The Clio Renault Sport R3 Access kit, including all the specific parts to be fitted to the car, comes at a pre-tax price of €32,600 in France. The cost of competing is estimated to be €17 per kilometre.

Images : Clio Renault Sport R3 Access







[Source : RENAULT]
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PARIS : October 3, 2008 - At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki is unveiling the all-new Alto - the fifth and smallest member of its acclaimed lineup of world strategic models. The new Alto combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, thereby meeting the lifestyle needs of today's motorists and the pressing global need for environmental compatibility. Plus, it is one of the most fun-to-drive city cars available - a great new example of Suzuki's "Way of Life!" philosophy.


As the second model in the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy (a phase that's focused on user-friendliness and delivering expanded possibilities for family members), the new Alto offers good levels of comfort and convenience within a modest overall length.

Plus, a design that combines sporty, European-inspired looks with great aerodynamics means the new Alto is the most stylish car of its size.

The new Alto reflects the unparalleled knowledge of small-cars that has made Suzuki so successful with minivehicles in Japan and compact cars like the Swift all over the world. Alto is a definitive response to the need for enjoyable, eco-friendly motoring. Suzuki aims to achieve annual sales of 60,000 units in Europe following a sales launch in spring 2009.

Concept

• Eco-friendly
  
• Low CO₂ emission and low fuel consumption
  
• Lightness achieved through downsizing
  
• Stylish and sporty design
  
• Ample roominess and comfort as a city commuter within compact dimensions

The new Alto is aimed mainly at urban people who want a small car that offers style and enjoyment together with great environmental credentials, and it reflects the ideals of the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy. At the heart of the concept for the new Alto is Suzuki's belief that people should be able to enjoy economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance. Compact dimensions (the new Alto is the smallest of Suzuki's world strategic models) play a large part in realising outstanding environmental credentials by keeping weight to a minimum, but without detracting from user-friendliness.

Design, Comfort and Practicality

• An aerodynamically efficient form
  
• Stylish, sporty and youthful design reflecting European tastes
  
• An environment that prioritises front-seat occupants
  
• Ample storage spaces and a roomy, user-friendly luggage area within the compact dimensions

The new Alto has a sporty, solid look that exudes urban energy despite the body's compact dimensions. The design is elegant and beautiful thanks to aerodynamically efficient contours that combine tautness with evocative curviness. It is ideally matched to European tastes and with a drag coefficient of just 0.30 promotes fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions.

The cabin layout apportions most of the space to the front seats but still provides ample space for four adults. Handy storage spaces for small items are located all around the cabin. Notwithstanding the new Alto's compact exterior dimensions, there's a usable amount of luggage space behind the rear seats, and folding down the rear seatback expands the space into a roomy luggage area suited to daily use.

Dimensions
The new Alto has an overall length of 3,500mm, width of 1,600mm, height of 1,470mm and a wheelbase of 2,360mm.

Performance and Environmental Compatibility

• Euro 5 compliant 1.0-litre petrol engine
  
• Combined fuel consumption: 62.7mpg (4.5l/100km)
  
• CO₂ emissions: 103g/km
  
• Front MacPherson strut suspension with high rigidity
  
• Rear suspension in Suzuki's proprietary 3-link rigid axle design
  
• A minimum turning radius of 4.5m

Engine and Transmissions
The new Alto is powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine successfully launched as an engine of the Splash. This unit is light and compact with low friction characteristics. Maximum power output is 68PS (50kW) with maximum torque of 90Nm. Fuel consumption is low at 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions are just 103g/km. Standard transmission is a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission (uncommon among one-litre cars) with gate-type shifter is available as an option.

Suspension
The front suspension is of MacPherson strut type and the large, high-rigidity suspension frame is complemented by further strengthening in the strut mounting areas for superior handling. The rear suspension has Suzuki's proprietary 3-link rigid axle design, and incorporates numerous refinements for the new car. The coil springs and dampers were tuned for optimum handling stability through extensive testing on roads in Europe.

Suzuki targeted handling that makes driving enjoyable on urban roads, so drivers enjoy linear response, gentle roll movements, light steering feel, and good absorption of shock and vibration. These benefits reflect the experience Suzuki has gained in motorsport around the world.

The new Alto has a minimum turning radius of just 4.5m making it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces.

Safety
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Crushable structure, energy-dispersing frame and a high-rigidity body combined with lightness.
Six airbags (SRS dual front airbags, SRS dual front-seat side airbags and SRS dual curtain airbags)

To help the driver avoid hazards on the road, the new Alto is available with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which modulates the engine performance and applies the brakes during cornering and under aceleration.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, the new Alto's body reflects Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy, frame members that disperse impact energy away from occupants and a strong cabin structure. Use of high-tensile steel for major body parts means the resulting high level of occupant safety does not add excessive weight to the body.

SRS front, side, and curtain airbags are available to reduce the severity of impacts suffered by occupants in the event of a collision. Energy-absorbing trim materials provide further head protection.

Note: Figures are not yet homologated. The information in this press release is based on the specifications of the Alto for Europe. The Alto may have different specifications in other markets and full UK specifications will be released closer to the launch date in March 2009.

Images : 2009 Suzuki Alto





[Source : SUZUKI]
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PARIS : October 3, 2008 - Following the new Dacia Sandero in June ,New Dacia Logan in early September and Dacia Sandero diesel engine in September. Dacia is launching a new version of Logan MCV, the best-selling station wagon in France.


With fresh body styling adopting the new visual identity of the brand, an upgraded Lauréate model and the arrival of a Prestige version, New Dacia Logan MCV is an integral part of the renewal of Dacia, a generous and clever brand.

New Dacia Logan MCV obviously retains its successful formula of unbeatable cabin room for the price, impressive modular design and versatility in use, along with recognized reliability (sales of nearly 45,000 units since launch in France in January 2007).

New Dacia Logan MCV be launched in France today (Oct.3), naturally with the three years/ 100,000 km warranty. The entry-level price is as attractive as ever at just €8,900 in France.

New Dacia Logan MCV is produced at Dacia's ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania. The new model is 95% recoverable and contains 5% recycled plastic. The 70 hp dCi and 85 hp dCi models, emitting 140 g/km of CO₂ and 137 g/km of CO₂, respectively, both carry the Dacia eco₂ signature.

Images : New Dacia Logan MCV










[Source : RENAULT - Dacia]
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• Vauxhall ecoFLEXmodel range expanded
  
• Uncompromiseddriving qualities with 160PS and 380Nm of torque
  
• Class leadingaerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.26
  
• Under 140 g/km in CO₂emissions

PARIS - The new Insignia ecoFLEX, debuting at the Paris Motor Show, offers environmentally friendly driving without compromise. In contrast to manyother competitors, it is not a low-end model, but rather combines powerfulpropulsion and driving fun with highest efficiency. Vauxhall's newestecoFLEX model features a powerful single turbo-diesel with 2.0-litredisplacement and output of160PS.



"We designed theInsignia as a particularly efficient car from the beginning. By making amultitude of detailed improvements to the powertrain and to the road and windresistance factors of the ecoFLEX model, our engineers are able to minimise fuelconsumption without affecting driving fun," says Hans Demant, VicePresident of Global Engineering at General Motors Europe. "Though we arestill developing the new Insignia ecoFLEX with the 2.0 CDTi ECOTEC engine, weare confident it will emit CO₂ gases well below 140g/km."

Compared tocompetitor's cars with similar fuel consumption, it is clear why theVauxhall Insignia ecoFLEX watchwords are economy without compromise. TheInsignia ecoFLEX sprints from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and reaches a topspeed of up to 135mph. Ensuring excellent pulling power even at low rpm, themaximum torque of 350Nm is available from 1750rpm, and can be temporarilyincreased for 15 seconds to 380Nm via an 'overboost' function.


The new 2.0-litre common-railfour-cylinder unit uses the innovative Clean-Tech process to ensure the lowestpossible emissions are precisely maintained over its life span. This controlscombustion via an electronic closed-loop system, adapting fuel injection tocombustion development in real time. Piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensorsintegrated in the glow plugs are used to measure combustion pressures as high as180 bar in each individual cylinder up to one million times per minute, withinan accuracy of ninety-eight percent. The data is sent to the central enginecontrol system, which adjusts the volume and timing of the fuel injectionsaccordingly. This closed loop system ensures the engine always operates withoptimum efficiency and minimal exhaust emissions. Over the entire lifecycle ofthe Insignia, it compensates for wear factors such as inaccuracies in the fuelmetering, component tolerances, varying fuel qualities and operating conditions.

Other factors contributing to thelow consumption and emission figures include the 10 mm lower body to reducethe car's frontal area, and the fitting of low-resistance Primacy HP tiresfrom Michelin. Like all Insignia models, the new ecoFLEX variant is Euro 5certified and will be available as a hatchback and saloon in the second half of2009 with prices announced closer to the launch.

Further improvedaerodynamics

Thanks to theirstreamlined design, sporty roofline and finely-tuned details, the regularInsignia variants feature an exemplary drag factor of 0.27. The Insignia ecoFLEXundercuts this figure still further. Its drag co-efficient of CD 0.26makes it one of the most aerodynamic production saloons in the world and in thisrespect, the best Vauxhall saloon ever. As such, it requires less engine powerto overcome air resistance than considerably smaller cars. This is key, becausewhen doubling speed the engine power necessary to overcome aerodynamic dragincreases by a factor of eight. So if 13PS are necessary to overcome aerodynamicdrag at 50mph, 107PS are needed at100mph.

The aerodynamics experts atGME optimised the Insignia ecoFLEX in many areas using traditional methods likeadding paneling under the tank in front of the rear axle, which improves dragcoefficient and increases downforce. They also partially closed the radiatorgrille to send more head-wind around the body for betteraerodynamics.


The exterior mirror isa good example of the Insignia's aerodynamic excellence: compared to itspredecessor, the Insignia's wing-shaped exterior mirrors create 45 percent less aerodynamic drag. During numerous computer simulations and more than650 hours in the wind tunnel, numerous other details were fine-tuned for evenbetter aerodynamic performance, including:

• adding a flexiblefront spoiler lip
  
• rounding frontbumper corners
  
• slightly changingthe windshield wiper position
  
• rounding theA-pillar
  
• ensuring roof airflows without separating
  
• integrating the rearspoiler lip
  
• integrating aseparation edge into the tail lights
  
• separating the edgeon the rear bumper
  
• optimising the shapeof the lower control arm in the rear suspension
  
• adding a spoileredge at end of door sill in front of rear wheels and wheelcaps.

In the process,many of these modifications also benefited the Insignia's aero-acoustics,resulting in an interior cabin that is quieter than any Vauxhall before.Engineers already focused on noise reduction during initial development,adopting a new method at this early stage: a completed 1:1 scale clay model wasused for noise measurement. The new Insignia also has additional door sealingcompared to past models. The side windows' thickness was increased to 4.85mm, further contributing to the low noise level in the interior compartment.

[Source : GM - Vauxhall]
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• Colourful option packs help all-new Ka owners stand out from the crowd
  
• Three striking design themes: Digital, Tattoo and Grand Prix
  
• Collection of exciting equipment options also available

BRENTWOOD, Essex : October 2, 2008 - Ka-crazy customers who want to make their new 'pride and joy' stand out from the crowd will be able to choose from a tempting array of option packs when the new model hits the road in January 2009.


Three factory-fitted packs have been specially developed for the all-new Ka, offering a combination of exciting interior and exterior designs based on very different themes:

Ka Digital - Vibrant 'street fashion' style, using a fresh, high-contrast green as the base colour. The exterior pack features patterned body stripes and solid green grille surround and door mirror cappings. The interior pack includes seats with patterned inserts and green headrests, green door panels, and a solid green finish to the centre console bezel, door pulls, instrument cluster shroud, steering wheel and the rings around the air vents. Finishing touches include a gear knob and handbrake handle combining green leather with an aluminium finish, and velour floor mats with green stitching.

Ka Grand Prix - An exciting motorsports theme with a chequered flag motif based on either a red or white exterior colour scheme. The exterior pack comprises patterned body stripes with solid colour grille surround and door mirror cappings, and can be combined with a rear spoiler and white alloy wheels. The interior pack features red seats with an embossed white pattern and white headrests, red door panels and red leather trim on the steering wheel. A gear knob and handbrake combining red leather with an aluminium finish, and velour floor mats with red stitching complete the package.

Ka Tattoo - A fashionable and fun tattoo design with a heart at its centre, created in bold metallic colours. The exterior pack includes a large decal of the tattoo logo on the roof and a smaller decal on the fender. The interior pack features seats with silver-grey fabric inserts and the tattoo logo embossed on the backrest, silver-grey headrests and door panels, and anthracite leather trim on the steering wheel. Velour floor mats with silver stitching and embroidered tattoo emblem round things off, along with a gear knob and handbrake combining anthracite leather with an aluminium finish. There is also a unique leather seat option which has a special metallic finish on the insert panels and an embossed tattoo emblem.

All three option packs are available on the standard Zetec model only and prices will be announced closer to the on sale date.

Extensive Ka personalisation choice
There is also a full range of options that can be ordered individually, and these include:

• Chrome door handles and tailgate handle, and chrome exhaust trim
  
• Leather seats with a choice of colours to match light or dark interior environments
  
• Leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake
  
• Unique centre console storage unit with elastic nets, finished in a choice of coordinated colours
  
• Premium velour floor mats with Ka logo
  
• Body-colour rear spoiler
  
• 14-, 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels in a range of styles, including a white 15-inch design

"The new Ford Individual range for the Ka provides customers with a very attractive choice of high quality, factory fitted parts to customise their vehicle," said Bernhard Mattes, Vice President of the Customer Service Division, Ford of Europe. "Using its bold design as their starting point, our designers have created a unique selection of features for the cheeky new Ka, giving owners an expressive array of interior and exterior options."

Images : Ford KA Digital




Images : Ford KA Grand Prix




Images : Ford KA Tattoo




Images : Ford KA James Bond Set





Images : Ford KA Gallery







[Source : FORD]
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KEMPTEN : October 2, 2008 - The very first Scirocco was the absolute star amongst compact sport coupes, reminisces Hans-Juergen Abt. The manager of the renowned car tuner is just as fascinated with the great-grandson of the Wolfsburger trend-setter.



The Scirocco looks really dynamic and the handling is very agile." All the more so with the Kempten modifications. They really make a storm out of a desert wind: The ABT Front spoiler makes the unmistakable face of the coupe even more distinctive. Even while stationary it is clear, who the "king of the ring" or the street is, as the ABT Scirocco seems to virtually lie in ambush of the kilometres ahead of it. This impression is supported by the lines on its sides, where the ABT Side skirts absorb and continue the sleek design. The indicated air inlets and edges in the doors underline the verve of the bodywork which rises at the back. The ABT Scirocco looks aggressive and very dynamic. The view from behind is also impressive: The ABT Rear skirt set, consisting of a rear skirt and a diagonally attached 4-pipe rear muffler, forms a sporty unit together with the ABT Rear wing. ABT Sportsline recommends either its BR or AR alloys as an ideal complement to the extravagant body kit of the shooting star. The wheels are available in 18 to 20 inch and of course with fitting tyres and wheel spacers.

ABT also has, of course, springs in its product range. They make the Scirocco up to 30 millimetres lower -- and thereby even more agile -- on the road. The complete Upgrade Kit consists of the design pack, the 4-pipe rear muffler, the springs and complete wheel sets (19 inch AR alloys, diamond-machined and black, plus tyres and wheel spacers) is available at the launch of the ABT Scirocco in January 2009 for a reasonable 5,990 Euros.

Anything that has such dynamic charisma must also have convincing performance. ABT has therefore also developed power refinements for the VW engine. The 1.4 TSI now offers 200 HP (147 kW) on the road with ABT Power instead of 160 hp (11 kW), and the turbo diesel with two litre capacity 170 hp / 125 kW (standard: 140 hp / 103kW) The ABT Scirocco will be available with these upgrades from the start. Later on in the year the compact sports coupe will also be available with an increased-power 2.0 TSI. With it the car has 240 hp / 177 kW (standard: 200 hp / 147 kW).

The brake pads of the ABT Braking system are able to cope with any situation, and with a diameter of 345 always grip powerfully. As is normal at ABT, all the details fit perfectly together and thereby result in a fascinating top range car. You can see that it comes from the very top of the range and want to drive it straight off.

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

• Engine: 1.4 TSI, 1390 cc
  Power enhancement: ABT Power
  Performance: 200 HP/147 kW (basis: 160 HP/118 kW)
  
• 
  
• Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1984 cc
  Power enhancement: ABT
  Power Performance: 240 HP/177 kW (basis: 200 HP/147 kW)
  
• 
  
• Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1968 cc
  Power enhancement: ABT Power
  Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (basis: 140 HP/103 kW)

[Source : ABT Sportline]
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Bolloré and Pininfarina have entered into a partnership featuring all the expertise required to launch serial production of an electric car which, thanks to its technical characteristics and its attractive styling, is bound to make waves in motoring circles.


This car will not be a prototype. It will be a mass production model, with the first units coming off the production line at the end of 2009, after which production will be ramped up gradually based on the availability of the batteries. Built in Turin by Pininfarina-Bolloré, a joint venture formed by the two family-owned groups, the B0 electric car will be powered by Bolloré’s proprietary LMP technology, using a combination of batteries and supercapacitors manufactured in Bolloré’s plants in Quimper, France and Montreal, Canada. The B0 will be a fully-electric vehicle without any carbon dioxide production, having been designed from the ground up with that aim in mind. Its batteries will be housed in a compartment specially designed for that purpose and located under the car, between its axles, lowering its centre of gravity and providing it with outstanding road-holding properties.

With its superb body styled by Pininfarina, Italy’s renowned vehicle design shop, the B0 electric car will be an elegant four-seater, four-door hatchback with an automatic gearbox. Its LMP battery, which will be rechargeable in a matter of hours from a standard domestic main socket, will provide it with a range of 250 km (153 miles). The B0 will have a top speed that is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80 mph) and will feature potent acceleration, reaching 60 km/h from a standing start (0 to 37 mph) in 6.3 seconds. The B0 will also feature solar panels on its roof and hood, so as to help recharge its electrical power reserves.

LMP: revolutionary battery technology
At the heart of any electric car, lies the battery. Bolloré is a highly diversified group of companies with a combined yearly turnover of 10 billion US dollars and 35,000 employees. For the past 30 years, the group has been the world’s leading producer of components for capacitors. Thanks to its acquired know-how in extruded polymers and the storage of electrical energy, Bolloré has been working for 15 years through its subsidiary, Batscap, to develop a solid-state lithium polymer battery. This battery is able to store, weight-for-weight, and it can be recharged in just a few hours.

The battery does not require any maintenance and has a lifespan of around 200,000 km (125,000 miles). Another key benefit is its unmatched safety while in operation. Added to that, the B0 electric car does not emit any exhaust gases, nor any fine particles. The car’s LMP batteries thus help combat air pollution. The batteries of the B0 also contribute to reducing noise, another nuisance which affects people’s quality of life in urban environments.

Supercapacitors: boosting acceleration and recycling power
Supercapacitors are sophisticated energy storage components developed by the Bolloré Group. In an electric car, supercapacitors draw and store energy generated while the car is braking and feed it back into the system when the car moves off again. The result is greater acceleration, increased range and a longer lifespan for the car’s battery. The electric cars powered by BatScap’s LMP batteries and supercapacitors have a range of over 250 km. They are fast (with a top speed of 130 km/h), pleasant to drive, safe, and long-lasting.

Natural energy from solar panels
Because it is 100% electric powered, the B0 does not generate any pollution. But the process of generating the electricity which the car uses must also, as far as possible, not have produced any atmospheric pollution. That is why the creators of the B0 have designed it to incorporate every possible solution designed to optimise the car’s energy efficiency and use of clean energy sources. For instance, the B0 electric car is fitted with supercapacitors, which enable it to store and recycle the energy that is generated while braking. Similarly, the car’s roof and part of its hood are covered with highperformance solar panels which help power some of its equipment. It goes without saying that a responsible environmental approach must be coherent throughout. Which is why all the materials used to build the car’s body, battery and interior trim have been carefully selected for their low environmental impact. All are recyclable or reusable. The Bolloré Group is also in the process of developing straight-forward panels of photovoltaic cells which might be installed by individuals or in public places to fully or partly recharge the B0 electric car’s batteries using solar energy.

Images : Pininfarina B0





[Source : PININFARINA]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - With GT by CITROËN, a show-car presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to cross over to the virtual worlds.


An original take on a road car, GTbyCITROËN is a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world. The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation 3. Already shipped in more than 50 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo is renowned for its quality, design and realism. In the game, GTbyCITROËN features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions. It is a car designed to square up to the strongest competition.

“GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car. To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world. I just hope I can get behind the wheel of GTbyCITROËN and drive it on a real race track!” Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo

Performance first and foremost

GTbyCITROËN is geared to the world of motor racing, with its dynamic styling, sculpted lines and sharp graphics. The rear end is oversized, made exaggeratedly long in order to create an effect of retinal persistence. The idea is to make the concept car even faster visually. The white-to-grey gradation on the body side further underlines this impression of continuous movement.

Top-level driving

The cabin of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat two adults, expresses the grand touring vision behind this show-car. The on-board ambience allies premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position. The layout of the low driving position was dictated by driving pleasure. The aim is for the driver to be able to concentrate on the road, assisted by a head-up display clearly displaying driving information.

RACING SPIRIT BY CITROËN

Power and flowing lines

The design of GTbyCITROËN reflects a quest for optimal aerodynamic design. The show-car is a vehicle of flowing, taut lines, stretched to the extreme. The cleanly drawn sides, ribbed at the top, and the pearlescent shade of the bodywork enhance the vehicle's sleekly muscled looks.

The determined look of the front end is enhanced by wide air intakes and clear-cut horizontal headlamps. The headlamps feature penetrating blue LEDs in order to light the road effectively and keep rivals at a respectful distance! The chrome chevrons on the smooth bonnet express the Marque's identity. The carbon rearview mirrors on their finely profiled supports appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air, giving GTbyCITROËN an excellent on-road stance. The large wraparound windscreen flows seamlessly into the roof and on into the rear mobile airfoil with its exaggeratedly long shape. The fast-flowing lines create the impression of a car in perpetual movement. The whole body expresses performance and continuous movement.

GTbyCITROËN also expresses strength and power through generous volumes, (length: 4.960m, 2.080m and height: 1.090m) underlined by strongly marked wheel arches. The diamond-effect 21-inch aluminium wheels enhance the car's sporty personality.

Exceptional handling

The interior design confirms the vehicle's dynamic and powerful style. The interior of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat a driver and co-driver, expresses the racing spirit of this concept. The on-board ambience allies rich, premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position, inspired by the world of motorsports.

Looking beyond the spectacular visual effect, the gullwing opening of the two doors gives GTbyCITROËN a level of accessibility rarely seen on this type of vehicle. The driver and co-driver can therefore slip into their seats and get out on the track as quickly as possible.

The dark interior of this show-car is a surprise, compared with the light bodywork. Upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel, the cabin of GTbyCITROËN is distinctly sporty.

Two padded racing seats upholstered in dark leather, each fitted with a four-point harness, enfold the driver and passenger for exceptional driving sensations. Placed low down to highlight the impression of speed, the elegant seats are a perfect fit with the rest of the interior. The top-stitched leather of the door panels and floor adds to the opulence of the interior.

The driving position expresses the spirit of competition. The design was objectively guided by the motivation to win. The dashboard, with its clean uncluttered design, flows into the receding lines of an imposing copper sculpture. The thrusting modern lines of the sculpture become the central tunnel of the vehicle, illustrating the power of GTbyCITROËN and appearing to catalyse its strength. Created in a twist of this same copper sculpture, the leather-and-steel steering wheel also reflects the sporting spirit of the cabin.

To promote maximum concentration, the driver of GTbyCITROËN has a head-up display for driving information. Using red LEDs, this system projects key driving information – such as speed and navigation data – onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision. The head-up display makes a significant contribution to safety with its direct read-out. Drivers assimilate data more quickly and do not have to look away from the road.

Aerodynamics optimised to combine performance and driving sensations

Special emphasis was placed on the aerodynamics and flowing design of GTbyCITROËN, these being key Citroën values. The objective was to enhance the vehicle's dynamics and to create exceptional driving sensations.

Looking beyond its taut, dynamic lines, this racing car features innovative equipment such as enlarged air intakes at the front, a flat underside, and a mobile spoiler and air diffuser at the rear. All these features play an active role in reducing lift and – above all – drag, to pin the car to the ground.

With its flowing lines, original architecture and its use – in the game – of what is potentially the best environmental technology, GTbyCITROËN embodies the sporting spirit as seen by Citroën and underlines the Marque's ambitions to meet new challenges.

Images : GT by CITROËN







[Source : CITROËN]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - Having starred in the World Series by Renault's premier saloon car championship since the creation of the WSR in 2005, Mégane Trophy has undergone a raft of radical modifications in readiness for the 2009 campaign. The most visible change concerns its new body design which takes its inspiration from the lines of New Mégane Coupe. Under the bonnet, a fresh look has also been taken at the Renault-Nissan Alliance's V6 3.5 24V powerplant which now delivers 360hp.


At the same time, Renault Sport Technologies has carried over many of the acclaimed features of the current Mégane Trophy to produce a reliable, competitive and affordable racing car. There can be no mistaking New Mégane Trophy's resolutely sporty calling and pedigree thanks its stunning looks which are based on the design of New Mégane Coupe. The front and rear light units and windscreen are those of the road car, while the designers at the Renault Technocentre have made full use of digital simulation technology in the realm of fluid mechanics to hone the flowing lines of the bodywork. New Mégane Trophy also carries over the ground effect aerodynamics of the existing car:

• The front splitter channels airflow to the extractors,
  
• Rear downforce is generated by the diffuser and wing.

Refinements to the set-up have produced a 20% improvement in downforce and a 15% reduction in drag which, together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car's aerodynamic performance over the previous generation machine.

New Mégane Trophy is equipped with butterfly doors redolent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. Under its composite outer skin, New Mégane Trophy features the same mechanicals as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, a mid-rear V6 3.5 24V engine, a semiautomatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tyres, etc.

A new inlet manifold, which is fed by roof-mounted air-ducts, has taken engine power from 330 to 360hp. The new car's reliability is as excellent as ever with rebuild intervals of every 5,500km. Combined with the aerodynamic gains, the extra power output of the V6 3.5 24V engine will enable New Mégane Trophy to lap in times similar to those of a Porsche GT3.

After completion of its development programme, New Mégane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of a kit that will enable existing cars to be upgraded. The modifications required to adapt the chassis to the new bodywork will be carried out by the Alpine factory in Dieppe. As in previous years, the Eurocup Mégane Trophy will form part of the World Series by Renault programme and its calendar takes in some of Europe's most prestigious venues. This single-make series, which is a hit with drivers and teams alike, is based on the same core strengths that have forged the success of Renault Sport's race championships, namely:

• A perfectly level playing field thanks to rigorous scrutineering checks and the outlawing of tuning of the majority of components,
  
• Contained costs thanks to restrictions relating to tyres and private testing,
  
• Extensive media coverage thanks to live television, plus the opportunity to race in meetings that have attracted two million spectators since 2005.

In the course of each race weekend, drivers contest two races of a duration of approximately 40 minutes each and which include a mandatory refuelling stop. Mégane Trophy has been widely praised for its simplicity and the ease with which drivers are able to familiarize themselves with the cars, while the series is aimed at upcoming youngsters who have come up through the ranks of single-seater formulae and gentleman drivers.

Images : New Renault Mégane Trophy




[Source : RENAULT]
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PARIS : October 2, 2009 - The Mégane Coupé Concept unveiled at the Geneva Show in the spring of 2008 paved the way for the release of a new C-segment model line-up with real character. Today, following the recent introduction of New Mégane in September, it's the turn of New Mégane Coupe to take front stage at the Paris Motor Show. The New Renault Mégane family's designs are the product of a desire to produce an immediately eye-catching car. Its elegant styling takes its inspiration from the passion associated with the automobile, including cues from the world of sport.


Renault Mégane Coupé lives up every bit to the high standard promised by its looks, with precision, control and efficiency combining to deliver a particularly enjoyable and reassuring ride. A broad, extensivelyrenewed range of dCi and TCe powerplants combining performance and respect for the environment is available for the hatchback and coupe versions, with four diesel engines that can claim CO₂ emissions equal to or less than 120g/km (118g/km for dCi 85 et 90, 120g/km for dCi 105 and 110).

New Mégane Coupe will comprise the 1.6 16V 110hp, as well as the 2.0 16V 140hp and the TCe 180. The 2.0 16V will be available from launch with a six-speed manual gearbox, while continuously variable transmission will be introduced with this powerplant at a later date. Renault's latest petrol engine, the TCe 130 will be added to the catalogue in the spring of 2009. Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the latter is a perfect illustration of the expertise that has been acquired in the realm of
downsizing. This new, fuel-efficient 1,397cc block packs the power of a 1.8-litre engine (130hp) and the torque of a 2.0 (190Nm), yet its CO₂ emissions are less than those of a 1.6, making it particularly respectful of the environment. Depending on version, these engines can drive through five- or sixspeed manual or automatic transmissions.

Images : New Renault Mégane Coupé




[Source : RENAULT]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - In parallel to its new TCe and dCi engine ranges, Renault is furthering its strategy aimed at curbing CO2 emissions with the development of electric vehicles. Since the beginning of 2008, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed agreements with several states and regions (Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Japan's Kanagawa prefecture, the state of Tennessee in the USA), which will lead to the mass marketing of this form of vehicle from 2011.


Z.E. Concept ('Z.E.': Zero Emission) is Renault's vision of the electric vehicle as an efficient, userfriendly zero-emission car. Based on the brand new Renault Kangoo be bop, Z.E. Concept features a design which has been adapted to the spirit of an electric vehicle, with the focus on minimizing energy consumption while at the same time providing core comfort features.

The energy consumption of auxiliary functions such as lighting, heating, climate control, etc. is a key factor when it comes to an electric vehicle's range, so special attention has been paid to optimize energy management. Z.E. Concept also incorporates several interactive information features which are easy to use. Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries.

Energy saving management at the heart of Z.E. Concept's design
Z.E. Concept is based on Kangoo be bop and its compact dimensions (length: 3.95m, height: 1.85m) favour manoeuvrability in and about town. This electric vehicle was designed to minimize energy consumption, without forgetting modern comfort-related refinements. The employment of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations which traditionally prompt the use of climate control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimized by the use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.

The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air. This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car. Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system. Cooling the inside of a vehicle uses a great deal of energy, but this system permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained in the cabin, even at standstill or when parking, and avoids having to switch on the climate control when starting the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been thought through to produce a particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt on the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is 15?C but warmth can be channelled as close as possible to key zones (a heated steeringwheel, for example), the driver will feel comfortable while using less electrical energy. The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility, especially when manoeuvring. The low-drag full-disc aluminium alloy wheels also improve aerodynamic performance. The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.

Optimizing energy management is consequently a key aspect of the research that has gone into the technology employed for this concept car.

An interactive, user-friendly vehicle
The Z.E. Concept concept car offers motorists and passengers a pleasant, relaxing ride and this sensation is enhanced by a number of interactive communication features. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes its occupants as they approach. Z.E. Concept illustrates Renault's vision of mobility in the future. As a socially responsible vehicle, it is equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers, for example. These deform easily to soak up minor knocks, while pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides a visual indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets into the vehicle. This display is redolent of a cell phone charge-indicator. As a vehicle of the future, Z.E. Concept is seen as a simple link in the overall mobility chain. To facilitate getting around in areas where space is a premium, an electric scooter is packed into the boot and is charged via the car's own system. To make loading easier, the rear hatch-type tailgate combines with a wide, folding sill which enables this scooter -- or any other item -- to be slid into the boot.

Z.E. Concept contains very few fluids that need recycling at the end of its lifecycle.

The smart navigation interfaces feature an innovative approach to alleviating the vehicle's energy requirements. Indeed, electricity can be saved by making journeys easier. The MMIs (Man Machine Interfaces) are able to pinpoint the nearest car parks equipped with charging stations as a function of the remaining range, making Z.E. Concept a car which not only warns and calculates, but which also thinks ahead... Information is relayed from the vehicle to the driver and vice-versa via a cell phone which connects directly to the dashboard. Using a cell phone-based navigation system avoids the necessity for an energy-consuming onboard computer. The dashboard itself takes the form of two distinct functional units :

• a new-format minimalist display which provides specific data relating to the electric motor,
  
• a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the keying in of data.

All-electric power, zero emissions
Z.E. Concept is equipped with a 70kW electric motor which delivers torque of 226Nm, making it particularly flexible, responsive and comfortable to use. Batteries are lithium-ion type. Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of the Renault electric vehicle which will be easy to use, practical and efficient.

Images : Renault Z.E. Concept







[Source : RENAULT]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - Nuvu is literally a 'new view' at the future of the city car. It is electric, of course, but as far as Nissan is concerned, for tomorrow's city cars that is a given. No, the most important aspect of Nuvu is the interior design which provides great comfort and space in an intelligent package designed to make best use of our crowded roads and limited parking slots. Pixo's arrival coincides with an ever-increasing demand for cleaner, greener cars as a result of the volatility of oil prices and, as a result, the global economy.


NUVU: RESHAPING THE CITY

Within just a few years, cities all over the world will be at near bursting point. If mankind wants to retain the level of personal mobility it currently enjoys -- and if the city is to survive -- the only way forward is for a radical rethink of the type of cars driven there. One solution could be a car like Nuvu, designed for the city of the not-too-distant future.

Overview
There is about to be a seismic shift in the urban landscape. Within the next five to seven years, some 55 percent of the world's population will live in the city, threatening total gridlock. Unless something is done, the irony of the phrase 'personal mobility' will be self-evident.

Look around at the cars in a typical city traffic jam today and the vast majority will have only one occupant and four empty seats. Some might have two occupants, a few three. But find one with four occupants or more and you'll be doing very well.

Today, we buy a family car knowing that we'll only ever need to use it to its full potential one or perhaps two percent of the time. Tomorrow, things will be different. Tomorrow, things have to be different.

"There is a new generation coming up who, finally, are questioning why we do the things we do. They are asking themselves, for example, why they are buying a large car when they know that for 99 percent of the time they will be in it on their own," says Franc,ois Bancon, General Manager, Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"It is our job to provide personal transportation that is better suited to people's needs and to what the environment -- in all senses -- can cope with."

Nissan's vision for the future of urban transportation is encapsulated in Nuvu, a 'new view' of the type of car we will be driving in the middle of the next decade. Compact -- it's just 3 meters long -- Nuvu is a concept vehicle with unique 2+1 seating. It is aimed at urban dwellers who don't want to compromise on their personal freedom or their comfort, yet who appreciate that 'something has to give.'

Nuvu is agile, easy to drive, even easier to park. And it is, of course, an electric vehicle (EV). As Bancon says: "We believe zero emission vehicles are one of the key solutions for tomorrow's city car."

Nuvu is described as a moving oasis, a haven of green tranquility in the urban jungle. To underline this message, Nuvu incorporates a witty representation of its green credentials: across its all-glass roof are a dozen or so small solar panels. Shaped like leaves on a branch, the power they generate is fed to the battery using a 'tree trunk' within the car as a conduit. Nuvu also uses natural, organic and recycled materials within the cabin.

Nissan has already announced plans to introduce an all-electric car in Japan and the US in 2010 and to mass-market it globally in 2012. Nuvu is not that car, though it does share some of the technology that will feature in the planned production vehicle. Rather, it is a concept of how a Nissan EV might look in the near future.

In the longer term, Nissan foresees a future based around a line-up of zero emission vehicles regardless of their size, category and usage. Nuvu -- or its production equivalent -- is just one element of this emission-free future.

Nuvu in detail
The central thrust behind the development of Nuvu is not its motive power but its layout and use of space. Nuvu has been created for a city of the future, one that's even more crowded than today.

That's why it's compact on the outside yet roomy on the inside. Built on a unique platform, it's just 3 meters long and sits on a wheelbase of 1980 mm but is 1700 mm wide and 1550 mm tall to create a large and airy cabin.

Interior package
These dimensions provide all the interior room needed for the vast majority of city journeys. Nuvu has two regular seats and a third occasional chair that can be folded down when required. But, unlike some two-seater city cars currently on the market, it is a thoroughly practical proposition with an integral luggage area providing sufficient space for a typical supermarket or shopping expedition.

"It is a real car," says Bancon. "There would be no disadvantages to using a Nuvu everyday. For the vast majority of users, three seats are more than enough most of the time."

The packaging is designed to give priority to driver comfort with C-segment levels of space and the flexibility to invite one or two passengers on board. Cabin layout places the regular passenger seat beside but largely behind the driver's seat, allowing the passenger to stretch right out. Ahead of this seat is a third occasional chair which, when not in use, is folded away into the dashboard assembly. But even when the third seat is in use, there remains sufficient legroom for both passengers.

In the interests of saving both weight and space, the third seat has a center section made from hardwearing yet comfortable netting. This hammock-like approach also has the benefit of allowing cool or warm air to circulate around the occupant's body for extra comfort.

Shopping bags, briefcases and smaller items of luggage can be stowed behind the driver's seat while if the driver is traveling solo, larger items can be stowed in the passenger footwall.

City car research
"We did a great deal of research into how people use their cars in the city. We found that for 90 percent of the time, the driver was alone. For five percent of the time there was one passenger and for four percent of the time there were two passengers. You can do the math to find out how often four or more people were in the car!" says Bancon.

"We gave the second seat much more room than normal because when you take one passenger in your car it is usually someone you love and you want to make sure he or she is being carried in outstanding comfort," he adds.

Natural materials
Many of the materials used inside Nuvu reflect an increasing concern for the environment. The floor is made from wood fibers pressed into laminate sheets and is studded with rubber inserts made from recycled tires for grip. To create a light and bright interior, the windscreen and roof merge into one extended panel running virtually the entire length of the car. But undoubtedly the most unusual feature of the interior is the 'energy tree' which rises from the luggage compartment floor to the roof behind the driver's seat.

Solar panels
The energy tree is shaped like a thin trunk. As it reaches daylight it branches out under the glass roof providing occupants with protection from bright sunlight... just like a real tree. And providing a visual reminder of Nuvu's green credentials, covering the branches are dozens of small solar panels shaped like leaves.

The panels absorb energy from the sun which is then fed back down the energy tree and used to help recharge the battery and provide an extra power boost for the electric motor. As well as being genuinely green energy, it is estimated that the power generated via the solar panels will save the equivalent of one full overnight charge from mains electricity each month.

Driver controls are as simple as possible. All the major functions -- steering, braking, transmission and throttle -- are 'By-Wire' while the steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke: with just one turn from lock to lock, the steering is very direct for agility and maneuverability in the city. Nuvu's turning circle is just 3.7 meters. Thanks to its wide track and the use of 16 inch 165/55 tires mounted on lightweight, almost transparent, wheels, ride comfort, stability and agility is of the highest order.

There are two pedals -- for stop and go -- stalks for minor controls and a digital instrument panel with dials for speed, distance covered and battery range. The instrument panel itself is formed of layers -- rather like an onion -- and like the energy tree is another example of design inspired by nature. "We call it bio-mimicry," says Bancon.

Rear view/parking monitor
Two screens on the dashboard display the view behind the car -- there are no door mirrors to disturb the airflow, but small cameras -- and double as monitors for the Around View Camera which give a bird's eye view of the car when maneuvering or parking.

Saving energy was the guiding force behind the use of low-energy LED head and tail lamps, while Nuvu's heating and ventilation system filters and cleans the city air as it passes through the vehicle. Not only does it produce no emissions at source, but Nuvu actually helps clean up the city environment.

Exterior and interior design
"Nuvu's design is further clear evidence of Nissan's continued desire to challenge convention and to explore all the possibilities that the EV could bring us. In many ways it was inspired by our two most extreme EVs of recent times: Mixim and Pivo 2.

"Significantly, though, Nuvu delivers a more realistic interpretation of two of the most important aspects of its forerunners -- the 'Friendly Innovation' found in Pivo 2 and the 'Sports Dynamics' central to Mixim

"The result? We have designed a radical concept car that with just a few changes could go into production tomorrow," explains Masato Inoue, Chief Designer, Product Design Department, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Developed by designers at Creative Box Inc. -- Nissan's design think-tank -- Nuvu's green house has flowing lines with gentle curves inspired by nature. The distinctive shape of the door glass on either side gives the impression of a hot air balloon that's being gently inflated by pressure from within, while tropical fish inspired the profile of the side window graphics as a whole.

This contrast between the natural, fluid shape of the green house and the strength implied by the solidity of the lower body gives Nuvu a feeling of quality rarely found in a compact car.

Color and materials
Nuvu's visual impact is further enhanced by its unique body color. Developed by Nissan Design, the shade is officially called Soft Feel Sandy Gold.

Matching the ecological values of an electric vehicle, the molded plastics and synthetic elements found inside a typical production car have been replaced by natural materials and organic Titleernatives, such as the wood fibers and rubber from car tires used for the flooring. The result helps create a relaxed, warm atmosphere within Nuvu's cabin.

During the design development stage, key targets were to develop an EV that encompassed obvious modernity with engaging ambience and a playful aspect -- hence the energy tree. "You don't need to be a car lover to fall in love with Nuvu," adds Bancon.

EV drivetrain
Nuvu is more than a styling concept of a future EV. It is a fully working mobile test bed for much of the technology that will be used in Nissan's production EV to be launched in 2010. For this reason elements of its technical specification are being kept secret for the time being.

The electric motor used in Nuvu is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and drives the back wheels, though neither its exact specification nor the power and torque figures are being released at this stage. A driving range of 125 kms and top speed of 120 km/h are being made public, however.

Li-Ion battery
Similarly Titlehough it can be revealed that the batteries used are of the latest laminated lithium-ion type and have a capacity of 140 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram), the total capacity of the batteries and number of modules are not being disclosed at this stage.

Nissan began research into high output Li-Ion cells as long ago as 1992, but today development is carried out by Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), a joint venture company set up by Nissan and NEC Group.

Unlike a conventional lithium-ion battery with its bulky cylindrical cells, the laminated Li-Ion battery as used in Nuvu has thin laminated cells and fewer components overall. This boosts its power by a factor of 1.5 at the same time as halving its physical size. It also remains twice as efficient as a conventional cylindrical Li-Ion battery even after five years or 100,000 kms of continuous usage.

Another bonus of the compact cell construction is that a thin modular design is possible with a commensurate improvement in battery cooling efficiency. Higher power outputs are achieved through material improvements made to its lithium manganate positive electrode and carbon negative electrode. The use of chemically stable spinel-structured manganese for the positive electrode also helps ensure safe operation.

Its compact size allows the batteries to be mounted under the seats and the vehicle's flat floor, thus helping to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.

A quick charge from empty to full should take between 10 to 20 minutes while a full charge should take between three to four hours from a domestic 220v socket.

Typical users
"The people who will be drawn to a car like Nuvu are many and varied," says Bancon. "It is a cross generational car and not a signature vehicle for one generation.

"There will be common threads, however. They will be early adopters but more importantly they regard themselves as urban citizens. They don't just work or live in the city; they are part of the city. They want a car that somehow expresses who they are and which reflects their personal ideology."

Conclusion
Titlehough clearly a concept vehicle exploring aspects of future vehicle design, Nuvu nevertheless embodies many messages for today. Its clever interior provides ample headroom, legroom and comfort for most everyday needs without occupying more road space than it needs.

The use of recycled and natural materials underlines Nuvu's environmental message and while the energy tree might be considered as a piece of whimsy, the use of solar energy is an entirely sensible and practical technological solution to aid an emission free future.

"Nuvu is a concept car, for sure, but it is an entirely credible vehicle," says Bancon. "It is light, clean and easy to drive. It is practical and a sensible size, yet it is also embodies an element of fun: the future doesn't look so bad, after all."

Images : Nissan NUVU EV Concept






Nissan PIXO : Accessible Green Urban Driving From Nissan


Against a backdrop of record oil prices, fears of a global recession and demand for ever lower greenhouse gas emissions, buyers are looking for an inexpensive and fuel-efficient car with a low CO₂ output. They need look no further. The new Nissan PIXO, a four-seater producing 103 g/km of CO₂, will offer genuinely environmentally-conscious motoring at an accessible price.

"Motorists all over Europe are seeking a car with excellent fuel economy and low emissions but they believe they shouldn't have to pay a premium for that. PIXO delivers on all levels. It's the car to meet the needs of customers who are increasingly economically and environmentally conscious." Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Limited

Overview
With oil prices fluctuating in a volatile global market and governments worldwide agreeing to set ever lower targets for emissions from all sources, the arrival of the PIXO underlines Nissan's commitment to providing affordable, urban transport which is efficient in terms of consumption and emissions. Its arrival on the Nissan range complements the Micra and Note, giving the company a strong, diverse selection of compact, spacious and efficient cars which are well equipped for the reality of modern urban driving. And when it is launched in Europe, the PIXO will wear the newly announced Pure Drive badge, which will help car-buyers to identify the most efficient models in Nissan's range.

Thanks to exceptional fuel economy and with CO₂ emissions that are among the lowest in comparison with its competitors, PIXO makes a strong case for itself.

And when the price position is taken into account, this combination becomes very compelling. It will compete head-to-head with popular small city-cars but at a price that will bring eco-friendly motoring to an even wider audience given its accessible price.

PIXO is a five-door, four-seater with a roomy interior and generous luggage space thanks to its efficient design and packaging.

It wants for little in terms of standard equipment, either. There are two versions of PIXO available: Visia and Acenta. Power steering, anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags are standard on every model while keyless entry, power front windows, split folding rear seats, side airbags and front fog lamps are standard on Acenta.

Options include manual air conditioning, electronic stability control and curtain airbags, while a four-speed automatic transmission is also available. And with the Nissan badge on its nose, PIXO benefits from the company's strong brand image, which is backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty.

But alongside these big car features, PIXO enjoys small car attributes. Thanks to its lively three cylinder 1.0-litre engine and lightweight construction, it produces just 103 g/km CO₂ and delivers fuel economy of 4.6 l/100km (61.4 mpg) on the combined cycle. These figures will position PIXO among the most affordable eco-cars in the small city car category.

"There can be little doubt that our attitudes to the car are changing. Thanks to the spiralling cost of fuel we want better economy and we want to reduce our personal impact on the environment as much as possible. But at the same we are unwilling to sacrifice space, comfort and safety or forgo the trust we have in a brand such as Nissan," says Pierre Loing, Nissan's European Vice President of Product Planning.

"With PIXO, there need be no sacrifices. It has many of the attributes of a larger car but with low emissions and excellent economy all at an extremely competitive price."

PIXO in detail
The birth of PIXO represents a collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation, enabling Nissan to bring PIXO to market as quickly as possible.

Built in state-of-the art facilities in Delhi, India, PIXO is a brand new four-seater competing in the fast growing A-segment. Unlike some of its immediate rivals, however, PIXO is far from a micro car. It has five doors to ease ingress and egress to and from the rear seats but remains sufficiently compact to be agile to be ideal for city driving.

PIXO is 3565 mm long, 1470 mm tall and 1600 mm wide. It has a wheelbase of 2360 mm. It weighs about 855 kg (depending on grade and specification), making it one of the lightest cars in its class, with resulting benefits in performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

The result offers ample interior space for four adults and their luggage. With the rear seats in place, load space is 129 litres (VDA).

Design
The PIXO's unique design elements include the front end styling, which features the Nissan family double-deck six slot grille either side of a centre U-shaped section housing the Nissan roundel. Either side of that is a pair of bold headlamps.

Following the lead set by Micra and NOTE, the top of the tall triangular-shaped headlamps are slightly raised so they can be easily seen from the driving seat to help the driver 'place' the car when parking. The light assemblies sit above a full width bumper bar, coloured black in contrast with the body colour. The bumper itself is located within a deep front spoiler incorporating an air intake.

Giving PIXO a visual dynamic edge, the beltline gently rises towards the rear of the car, where it wraps around the upswept rear side window. This is further accentuated by the lower swage line which links the extended wheel arches, underlining the car's wide footprint and long wheelbase.

The PIXO also has a distinctive downward sweep of the roofline towards the rear of the vehicle from its highest point just ahead of the B-Pillar. The large greenhouse helps outward visibility and ensures an airy interior.

At the rear, similar treatment to the front end sees a wide black-coloured bumper bar stretching the full width of the vehicle to give protection from bumps and scrapes. As with the front, one of the most striking styling features is the bold treatment of the light assemblies, helping to give PIXO a distinctive character. The entire bumper and lower valence section is unique to the Nissan version of the car.

The exterior story is completed by the split-spoke styling of the wheel covers on the standard 14 inch wheels, which are designed to make the wheels look like alloys... alloy wheels are available as an option, however.

Interior
With its roomy interior, PIXO is spacious, practical and comfortable. The instrument panel is comparatively simple in its layout, the two-tone grey/black treatment and modern styling match the air of sophistication of the car.

A single dial faces the driver and incorporates an easy-to-read conventional circular speedometer with digital read-outs for fuel level plus overall and trip mileages. The dashboard also incorporates a centre stack with integrated single DIN audio system and heating and ventilation (HVAC) controls. Fresh air vents can be found in the centre of the dash with two further vents at either end. When fitted, the air conditioning system comes with a pollen filter.

There's ample storage space, with an upper box ahead of the front seat passenger and a box and cup holder in the centre of the console ahead of the gear lever. There is a further practical cubbyhole -- this time illuminated -- in the middle of the stack above the HVAC controls.

Great attention has been paid to ensuring passenger comfort. The fabric-covered seats are wider than usually to be found in this class of car, and benefit from thicker seat cushions. The front seats have long slide bars making them easier to adjust and are covered with a subtle contrasting stripe pattern for their centre sections.

Grades and equipment
There will be two versions of PIXO available when sales start in the second quarter of 2009: Visia and Acenta. The entry grade Visia, includes power steering, anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX child seat fixings and a rear wiper. Other standard features include a rear parcel shelf, tilt adjustable steering column and no fewer than four cup holders -- two in the front and two in the rear.

Move up to Acenta grade and standard equipment also encompasses keyless entry with power locking, an MP3 compatible CD player, electric front windows, split folding rear seats, front fog lamps, and body coloured door handles and mirrors. The safety story is enhanced further by the inclusion of side airbags as standard.

Principal options include electronic stability control (ESP), manual air conditioning, curtain airbags, alloy wheels and metallic or pearlescent paint.

Drivetrain
There is just one engine option available for PIXO. It's powered by a compact 1.0-litre three-cylinder all-alloy 12-valve petrol unit developing 65 PS (48 kW) at 6,000rpm and 90 Nm at 4,000rpm.

More significant, however, are the exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions figures. The five-speed manual version uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle, 4.3 l/100km on the extra urban cycle and only 5.1 l/100km on the urban cycle. Equivalent figures for urban, extra urban and combined cycles are 55.4, 65.7 and 61.4 mpg. CO₂ emissions are just 103 g/km.

Unusually in this class, PIXO is also available with a full four-speed automatic, reinforcing its suitability as a town car that's perfectly capable of longer journeys when needed.

Chassis layout is a combination of tried and trusted components that provide stable handling with good ride comfort characteristics, especially when linked with a long wheelbase and 14 inch wheels. The front suspension uses a MacPherson struts while at the rear, a three link isolated trailing link arrangement can be found.

Power assisted rack and pinion steering is standard, while the braking system has front discs and rear drums with the latest anti-lock software. Electronic stability control (ESP) is an option.

Market
PIXO marks Nissan's first venture into the A-segment of the European market and its arrival coincides with a huge increase in sales. In France, for example, sales of A-segment cars sales jumped 36 per cent from January to June this year compared to the same period in 2007. Overall, the European market saw a rise of 30 per cent between 2005 and 2007. This was partly due to new models stimulating showroom traffic, but also can be linked to rising fuel prices and environmental concerns.

More than half of the cars sold in the segment produce between 60-70 PS. PIXO develops 65 PS, right in the heartland of the sector. And while the vast majority of the sales are of cars with manual transmission, that is more down to the lack of availability of an automatic than a lack of demand. With the option of a 'real' torque converter automatic, PIXO is perfectly placed to dominate a potentially lucrative niche within the sector. At launch, PIXO is expected to be Europe's most affordable automatic.

More importantly, however, are PIXO's low CO₂ emissions. At just 103 g/km, PIXO is currently among the most efficient petrol-powered cars in the segment,

"PIXO makes a strong environmental statement but also represents an affordable, city car. It will play a key role as part of a wider Nissan strategy to offer a broad selection of cars which are fuel efficient and low emitters," says Simon Thomas, Nissan's Senior Vice President for European Sales and Marketing.

Images : All new Nissan PIXO





[Source : NISSAN]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - Making its world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the new IS 250C combines the sporting elegance of the IS sedan with superlative engineering ingenuity to create a unique fusion of top-down driving pleasure and uncompromised closed-top dynamic performance in the premium sedan segment. Its lightweight, aluminium folding roof structure boasts the fastest three-part roof opening time of just 20 seconds. Through the remarkably compact packaging of its roof mechanism, the IS 250C offers a large boot space, generous rear seat access and spacious rear passenger accommodation.


Sharing the IS 250's 153kW/208DIN hp, 2.5 litre ultra-smooth V6 powerplant and 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Lexus convertible has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence when driving with the hard top stowed. The enhanced torsional stiffness of the IS 250C design promotes ride comfort appropriate to the marque and, in coupe configuration, reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics on a par with those of the IS sedan.

Images : 2009 Lexus IS250C







[Source : LEXUS]
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• World Debut of the Honda Insight Hybrid Concept Car
  
• European Debut of the all-new Honda Jazz
  
• World Debut of restyled Civic Hybrid, Type R Special Edition, Type S and 5-door
  
• World Debut of Honda's i-DTEC Automatic gearbox
  
• FCX Clarity and CR-Z show Honda's Low Emission Future

PARIS : October 2, 2008 - Honda's Paris motor show stand is packed with models that show the brand's current and future commitments to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles. Paris sees a production and concept world debut and both demonstrate Honda's long-standing passion for and commitment to the Environment.


The two major debuts will be for the long awaited Insight Concept, which shows the direction of Honda's latest addition to its petrol electric hybrid line-up. Making its debut alongside the Insight Concept, will be the eagerly anticipated all-new Jazz, which brings even greater fuel economy and lower emissions than ever before to the astonishingly flexible B-segment hatch.

Insight Hybrid Concept


Pride of place on the Honda stand will go to the Insight Concept car, which heralds the return of a dedicated hybrid to the Honda model line-up. The Insight Concept is the start of a new phase of Honda's hybrid strategy, with it showing a glimpse of the first of three new hybrid models that will appear within the next four years. The Insight Concept shows a car which offers a practical and flexible family car that has ample space for both passenger and luggage as well as low emissions and excellent fuel economy.

A key part of the Insight Concept is to bring hybrid vehicles into a price bracket where a broader range of people can afford them. This strategy is driven by the company's desire to see the wide spread adoption of lower CO₂ in order to bring about a meaningful reduction in overall CO₂ output. The Insight Concept is the culmination of over 20 years of hybrid development and more than 35 years of lower impact petrol engine development, which started with the CVCC engine in 1972.
*See the Insight Hybrid Concept after click..

All-new Honda Jazz


Visitors to Paris will also be able to see the full range of the Honda Jazz for the first time. Customers who visit the Honda stand will be able to see the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.4 i-SHIFT Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) models. Those who venture into the new generation of Honda's award winning 5-door hatchback will find it offers a tempting proposition for those looking to downsize to a more efficient vehicle.

The new Jazz packs an incredible amount into a small package, with class leading luggage and interior space and the newly improved one-motion operation Magic Seats giving the car practicality only usually found in the segment above. With 399 litre of boot space even before the seats are folded, the latest small Honda, can easily cope with the huge range of tasks customers will utilise it for.

The new model's practical interior is complimented by a pair of new i-VTEC engines, that give more power, better fuel economy, lower emission and improved NVH performance.

Restyled Civic Hybrid, Type R, Type S and 5-door


With the influx of new hybrid models due in the Honda line-up, the award winning Civic Hybrid hasn't been pushed aside. The 4-door sedan has been given a restyle as it continues to shatter sales targets across Europe. The fuel sipping family car will benefit from cosmetic changes, including tweaked front and rear lights, a more aggressive bumper and a new design of alloy wheel.

The changes to the Civic Hybrid will also carry across to the conventionally powered 1.8 litre 4-door Civic sold in selected regions across Europe.

Also debuting at Paris is the Civic Type R Special Edition, restyled Type S and 5-door Civics. This model change brings a number of exciting new developments to the Civic range, with an LSD for the Civic Type R Special Edition, a new 1.4 engine and additional transmission options.

i-DTEC Automatic Gearbox


Paris will also see the debut of Honda's new automatic gearbox for the i-DTEC diesel engine. This new gearbox has been developed in response to European customer demands for an automatic option for the 2.2 litre diesel. The new gearbox has been developed exclusively for the i-DTEC turbodiesel, in order to compliment its flexibility and broader spread of torque. Honda's thorough approach to engineering would not allow the use of a third party gearbox, which might compromise the effectiveness of its newest engine.

CR-Z Hybrid Sports Concept Model


The Paris stand will also see the CR-Z, a small sports concept car, which shows Honda's future direction of offering small petrol electric hybrids across a number of niches, in order to broaden their appeal. The CR-Z will form the basis of a new small coupe hybrid that will join the growing Honda hybrid line-up and further broaden the appeal of low CO2 vehicles. The sporty 2+2 uses the split level glass rear window, which has been used through three decades in the CR-X, the original Insight coupe and more recently the Civic 3 and 5-door.

FCX Clarity Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car


The French show will also play host to Honda's production fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity, which was delivered to the first customers in the US at the end of July. Early adopters who have seen the potential of a car that emits only water vapour from its tailpipe include Actress and Environmental Campaigner Jamie Lee Curtis and Film Produicer Ron Yerxa. The FCX Clarity began production in Japan in June and the first lease customers in Honda's home country will receive their cars towards the end of this year.

The presence of the Civic, Insight Concept and CR-Z petrol electric hybrids alongside the FCX Clarity, gives an indication of Honda's vision of the future. The Japanese manufacturer sees the Hydrogen fuel cell as the zero-tailpipe emission solution for automobiles while the hybrid powertrain provides an excellent lower CO2 solution in the medium term, until the FCX Clarity becomes a mass produced vehicle.

Imges : CR-Z Hybrid Sports Concept





Imges : Honda FCX Clarity




Imges : iDTEC Automatic Gearbox



Imges : Restyled Civic Hybrid




Imges : Honda Civic Type R, Type S and 5-door











Imges : Honda Jazz European Version














[Source : HONDA]
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PARIS : October 2, 2008 - Today at the Paris Auto Show the world will get its first full view of Honda's Insight Concept model, which shows the design direction that the new dedicated hybrid model will take.


Honda has always intended Hybrid vehicles to be a bridge to a hydrogen powered future, the potential of which has already been demonstrated by the FCX Clarity. The Insight Concept has clear stylistic links to the world's first production fuel cell car, with both vehicles' forms shaped to maximise the efficiency of their respective drivetrains.

The 1.3 litre Insight is powered by Honda's acclaimed IMA system, which has been extensively modified to reduce its cost and weight. With careful engineering of key components and refinement of manufacturing processes, the cost of the hybrid system has been significantly reduced. This ensures that Insight can be sold at a very competitive price without compromising ability, quality, environmental performance or profitability.

The Insight will benefit from a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components resulting in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and built on a newly developed platform. Engineers have mounted the compact control unit and battery beneath the boot space to give the Insight both a low centre of gravity and the practicality of a conventionally powered hatchback.

This reduction in cost has not been brought about by compromising the quality of the Insight, instead the Japanese manufacturer has tasked its engineers with finding more intelligent cost reduction solutions.

Insight will utilise various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving giving customers a further improvement in real world fuel consumption. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan which recently has expanded hybrid motor production line.

A cornerstone of the cost reduction is the refined version of Honda's award winning IMA system, combining an electric motor with a refined, low emission and efficient petrol engine. This petrol-electric engine and CVT gearbox together give low CO₂ and NO_x emissions, and also achieves inherently excellent refinement.

Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan which recently has expanded hybrid motor production line.

CO₂ emissions and fuel economy are targeted to be at a similar level to the existing Civic Hybrid, giving drivers a flexible and highly practical lower environmental impact car. At its expected price point, Insight will have a unique combination of passenger space, luggage capacity, emissions and economy.

"The original Honda Insight launched in 1999 was the pioneer of hybrid technology in Europe and remains an iconic symbol of Honda's environmental innovation," said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. "This new Insight will also break new ground by providing an affordable hybrid to an expanded number of customers craving great fuel economy and great value."

The Insight will form the first part of Honda's new hybrid strategy, which will see a further dedicated hybrid model, derived from the CR-Z show car and a hybrid version of the Jazz. The strategy will make hybrids both more accessible and more appealing to a range of customer types.

The Insight Concept is the culmination of two decades of hybrid petrol electric hybrid research and development. The Insight production vehicle will go on sale in Europe, Japan and North America during the first half of 2009.

Images : Honda Insight Hybrid







Images : Honda Insight Hybrid Revealed at 2008 Paris Motor Show




Video Preview : Honda Insight Concept



[Source : HONDA]
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