MILAN, Italy : November 3, 2008 – A real, live runway, as those used during the Milan fashion week, set the scene for the entrance of the 2009 new additions in the Bologna manufacturer’s range. These dream bikes are the result of Italian genius and creativity and will capture the attention of everyone visiting EICMA 2008, Milan’s international motorcycle show being held at the city’s international exhibition centre in Rho, from 4 to 9 November. From here they will go on to setting new standards as they arrive on the international market.


A press conference brimming with information, technical details and new unveilings was held prior to the official opening of the show. Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, met members of the international press and presented the amazing sporting and sales achievements that the Bologna company has recently recorded, as evidence of the Italian manufacturer’s strength and performance.

Before the 2009 models were let loose, the press was also shown the new Ducati logo, an evolution of the historic brand name, which now includes a new red shield featuring a new graphic symbol, alongside the classic Ducati script. This replaces the previous, celebrated, stylised letter ‘D’ and makes this motorcycling logo even more eye-catching and unique in its representation of passion, competition and performance.

“Confidence and passion are the two key words for the coming year. – said Mr Del Torchio as he opened the conference – These words are directly inspired by the results we have achieved in 2008, during which we have continued to grow, despite the shrinking markets, to the extent that our sales have increased by 25% in just two years. Our confidence and passion come from having identified a series of strategic activities that we at Ducati are working on both internally and externally, in order to offer our customers all around the world increasingly innovative, reliable and distinctive products, which are guaranteed to make their dreams come true. We are convinced that by working in this direction, as we have underlined in our company mission, we can generate a positive future for our shareholders and our customers, as ambassadors of Italian products adding prestige to our worldwide standing.

The amazing new products that we have brought to EICMA 2008 represent the fruit of our technological research and development, which Ducati expresses through its updated range, confirming how much this company is focused on the product as well as supporting and sustaining our sales targets for the next few years.”


Claudio Domenicali, General Product Manager of Ducati Motor Holding, introduced the major and eagerly awaited new Ducati products for 2009. The motorcycles made their entrance on the runway ridden by Ducati factory racers and testers: Giulio Malagoli (Monster 1100), Niccol? Canepa (1198), Vittoriano Guareschi (Streetfighter) and Claudio Domenicali (1098 R Bayliss). It was a truly impressive, spectacular presentation that made the occasion even more thrilling.
The real star of the event was the new Ducati Streetfighter, which is already among the top contenders for the title “best bike of the show”.

Stripped to the bare essentials, its combination of state-of-the-art race technology, exposed styling and cultured design takes Ducati’s big naked concept to the very top of the fighter food chain.
With 155hp of awesome Ducati L-Twin muscle harnessed in a stripped-down, super-light bike that packs more punch for its weight than any other contender, this fighter is gloves-off and ready for action.
Whether laying down the miles on open roads or ripping up the urban asphalt, no other bike in town will roll with the same stylish fire-power.
This ultimate naked will be ripping-up the asphalt from Spring 2009.

Ducati Streetfighter is also available in a “S” version equipped with ?hlins suspension, lightweight forged Marchesini wheels, carbon fibre parts and a street-going Ducati Traction Control.

For 2009, the Ducati Superbike family has two major new additions, both made absolutely special by their engine size as well as equipment and components – these are two bikes that are sure to carry on and increase the success achieved with the celebrated 1098.


The new DUCATI 1198, while maintaining the same look as the previous 1098, is in fact a totally new bike. The 1198, which produces a powerful 170hp (125kW) from its new Testastretta Evoluzione engine, and has a dry weight of just 171kg (377lb), incorporates all of the World Superbike technology derived directly from the 2008 World Championship winning race bike of Troy Bayliss.

The Ducati Data Analysis, supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S model, enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from a track session or road trip. The innovative road-going Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction. DTC, which offers a choice of eight settings, provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration.


EICMA is also the first major opportunity to celebrate the great sporting results Ducati has achieved in 2008. Second place in the MotoGP series and Superbike World Championship titles, both for riders’ and manufacturers’, thanks to the victory of Troy Bayliss - in the debut year of the 1098 F08.
After his resounding victory, Troy announced his retirement from motorcycle racing and Ducati decided to celebrate his career by producing the limited edition ‘1098 R Bayliss’, a worthy conclusion to a career during which he won three World Championship titles aboard three different generations of Ducati Superbikes.
The newly crowned World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss will be at the Ducati stand the next Thursday 6th November to meet all his fans and see the new 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition version.


Ducati add the new Monster 1100 and 1100 S to the 2009 range, both icons of Italian excellence. Dedicated to those who want to make the ultimate expression, this jewel of style and performance is powered by the charismatic two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine, famous the world over for its legendary torque and acceleration.


The 2009 range is completed by the new pearl white colour for the Hypermotard 1100 and Multistrada 1100 S and the new black with white stripe livery version of the GT 1000, available also in a special Touring version.
In addition, Ducati presents many new accessories, special components and a new collection of Ducati clothing.

Images : 2009 DUCATI Line-up

DUCATI Streetfighter



DUCATI 1098R - Bayliss



DUCATI 1198



DUCATI Monster 1100



DUCATI GT1000 Touring



[Source : DUCATI]
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DEARBORN, Mich. : November 4, 2008 – With the addition of the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang, Ford Racing will have once again expanded its current stable of race-ready Mustang race cars.


This time, however, the Mustang is designed for drag racing.


The Mustang FR500CJ, known simply as the Cobra Jet, will be officially unveiled Nov. 4 at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It joins its road racing brethren: the Mustang FR500S, the Mustang FR500C and the Mustang FR500GT.

“The Cobra Jet is the newest offspring of the Ford Racing lineup of race cars,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “We started with the FR500C in 2005 and then followed by the FR500S in 2007.


“All along the way, we worked with Brian Wolfe, who, at the time, was really in the calibration activity. He oversaw worldwide calibrations, and he was a big supporter of Ford Racing, both professionally and personally,” Allison said. “He had always kind of asked us about our plans to do a drag race car and the time had just come early this year to, indeed, take all of the lessons we learned, all the processes, all of the relationships that we have inside with the plant and with the team and put together a sportsmen-destined drag race Mustang. Clearly, what we did in 1968 is the impetus for it, and we felt that it was time to bring back the Cobra Jet.”

The Cobra Jet is the drag racing equivalent of the Mustang FR500S, allowing those interested in NHRA sportsmen drag racing the opportunity to get involved with an affordable vehicle that can compete right off of the truck and run in the 10-second range.

“We are talking about designing and building competition-ready race cars,” added Allison. “These are not just the simple parts that we sometimes create. This is a full-fledged, ready to race vehicle. There is a lot of engineering that goes into the preparation, development, testing, and release of these cars. There’s a full team of engineers from Ford Racing who have been involved on the engineering side of the Ford Racing Mustangs, led by Andy Slankard who leads the group. On the Cobra Jet, that group was personally directed and overseen by Brian Wolfe because of his personal background of racing in the sportsmen class. So he’s been hands-on involved in the very specifications of the 40th anniversary Cobra Jet. ”


In addition to the Cobra Jet, the other Ford Racing Mustangs provide customers a racing ladder, all within one manufacturer, to climb up through the ranks of professional racing. The Ford Racing Mustang ladder in road racing begins with the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park featuring specially prepared school Mustangs.


The next step on the ladder is the Mustang FR500S, which is delivered as a race-ready vehicle complete with a racing seat and safety harnesses, and provides competitors with a base to hone their driving skills and an exciting year-long schedule to race against other semi-pro drivers in the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup.

Moving further up the ladder puts racers behind the wheel of the Mustang FR500C, which competes in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, and the FR500GT4, which competes in the GT4 European Cup. Both Mustangs are proven winners with each car having won championships in its first year of competition. The FR500C led drivers to championships in 2005 and 2008, while the FR500GT4 has won two titles in the GT4 European Cup in 2007 and 2008.


At the top of the ladder sit both the Mustang FR500GT and FR500GT3, which represent the ultimate race-bred road racing Mustang. The FR500GT is being homologated for Grand-Am Rolex GT and other applications, while the FR500GT3 has already competed in select FIA GT3 European Championship races.

[Source : FORD]
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• Best-in-class performance
  
• Best fuel economy in 2-liter class
  
• Compliant with next-gen Euro-5 emissions regulations

SEOUL : November 4, 2008 - On the occasion of the 8th Advanced Diesel Engine Technology Symposium held at the company's Namyang R&D Center, Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled details of its newest passenger diesel powerplant, the R-Engine . With an output of 184ps and 40kg of torque, the R-Engine is ahead of the rest of the class, surpassing all German and French competitors (200ps and 44.5kg-m for the 2.2-liter).



"R proves Hyundai's diesel development capabilities really are world-class. With diesels becoming cleaner and more fuel efficient all the time, there's a growing demand for diesel powerplants worldwide and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best diesel technology," said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, president of the Corporate Research and Development Division.

The R-Engine benefits from the third generation common rail system developed by Bosch whose piezo-electric injectors deliver fuel at 1800-bar for an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control. It also features an electronic variable geometry turbochargerand an advanced engine control unit (air system-based charge control).

Developed by a 150-man team at an investment cost of 250 billion won, the R-Engine harnesses Hyundai's newest and most advanced development tools. Computional flow dynamics, structural and thermal analysis were used to optimize its design while computerized simulation of the die casting process was employed to achieve the optimal balance of strength and low weight.

Over 500 prototype engines were built during the 42 month-long development period which encompassed a wide variety performance and emissions tests, endurance as well as NVH, cooling and lubrication studies. Finally, the engine was installed in vehicles and subjected to exhaustive testing under all imaginable environmental conditions.


Available in 2- and 2.2-liter displacements, the all-aluminum R-Engine is fitted with a 16-valve dual overhead camshaft which is driven by an internal steel silent timing chain. For reduced vibration and lower booming noise, the R gets a lower balance shaft which has been encased in a stiffened ladder frame housing for increased rigidity. Weight saving features include serpentine belt with isolation pulley, a plastic head cover, plastic intake manifold and plastic oil filter housing.

To achieve Euro-5 emission compliancy, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve

The R-Engine will enter production next year and will see its first application on the 2010 Tuscon and Sonata models which are due to be launched in the coming year.

The R-Engine brings Hyundai's diesel engine family fully up-to-date as it joins the U-Engine (1.1-liter, 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter), the A-Engine (2.5-liter) and S-Engine (3.0-liter V-6).

[Source : HYUNDAI]
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• Audi terminal opens in Japan
  
• New dealership architecture for international metropolises
  
• Board Member for Marketing and Sales Schwarzenbauer: "Audi's sales organization will invest EUR 6 billion by 2015"
  
• Additional marketing investments planned

TOKYO : November 4, 2008 - Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi Board Member for Marketing and Sales, today opened the first Audi terminal in Japan's capital. The trendsetting dealership architecture was designed by the renowned office of Allmann Sattler Wappner. It heralds a major investment campaign into the brand's international sales network, jointly undertaken by AUDI AG and its dealers.


The strategy for the Ingolstadt-based premium carmaker envisages high growth: Audi wants to expand its product range to 40 models, targeting to sell 1.5 million cars in 2015. This equals a 50 percent sales increase within seven years, for which the brand with the four rings wants to win customers in the USA and Europe as well as in the young Asian markets.

"We've got the right products in the pipeline for our ambitious growth plans", Schwarzenbauer said. "Now we're setting the course in sales and marketing. Audi's sales organization will invest six billion euros by 2015."

The campaign promoted by AUDI AG and its partners is currently unmatched within the industry. "The commitment of our dealers demonstrates that they are just as convinced of the strength of our brand and our products as we are," Schwarzenbauer added.

The most visible sign of the comprehensive quality of sales campaign is the Audi terminal. Its visionary architecture, with a multilevel design that can be flexibly adapted to the given conditions, was designed for downtown locations. With its help, Audi is moving from the periphery into the city -- and thereby follows its customers. Instead of a singular showpiece building at corporate headquarters, it brings sophisticated architecture to hundreds of dealerships worldwide.

"For us, it is about bringing the brand to our customers, with trendsetting dealerships that put people into the focus," Schwarzenbauer said. AUDI AG is accompanying the movement of the terminals into the cities with greater emphasis on advertising in metropolitan areas. Adds Schwarzenbauer: "We will communicate even more clearly what makes Audi the most progressive premium car brand in the world."

It is the tenth Audi terminal that opens in Tokyo today. Further examples of the new Audi corporate architecture are already located in cities such as Munich, Geneva and Sydney. By the end of 2012, more than 350 Audi terminals are to be created worldwide.

[Source : AUDI]
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TOKYO : November 4, 2008 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to build a new automobile transmission plant within its Hamamatsu Factory in order to strengthen production of automobile automatic transmissions (AT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), to meet growing global demand.


The new automobile transmission plant will utilize a portion of the factory site where the motorcycle plant is currently located (the transfer of motorcycle engine production to Honda's Kumamoto Factory will be completed in 2009). With relocation of the existing facilities within Hamamatsu Factory and introduction of a new production line, the plant will make full use of advanced technologies and establish a high quality and highly efficient production system. With the new plant, annual AT and CVT production capacity at the Hamamatsu Factory will increase from the current 700,000 units to 1.1 million units. The new plant is scheduled to become operational within 2010, and related investment is expected to reach approximately 14 billion yen.

Efforts to further improve production efficiency have already begun at the Hamamatsu Factory. Production processes for transmission gears, once spread around the factory, have been reorganized, and a synchronous production system has been introduced in the area of machining. A highly efficient production system will be further established by consolidating transmission assembly processes at the new plant and also by improving logistics system within the Hamamatsu Factory. Moreover, a new flexible production line installed at the new plant will be capable of adjusting production of AT and CVT based on market demand. With the new plant, Honda will enhance the overall competitiveness of its transmission production.

As a leader plant of Honda's global transmission production, Hamamatsu Factory also will continue to enhance coordination with other AT production plants in the U.S., Indonesia, and China, and further strengthen its function to evolve advanced production technologies horizontally to other Honda plants.

The new plant will be designed to address environmental issues from various perspectives including rooftop afforestation, promoting use of rainwater, and adoption of natural lighting.

[Source : HONDA]
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LAS VEGAS : November 3, 2008 – Infiniti’s first official exhibition at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show tomorrow will showcase the brand’s inspired performance with custom versions of the Infiniti G sports coupe and sedan, M luxury performance sedan, EX personal luxury crossover and QX full-size luxury SUV, all built by aftermarket vehicle suppliers and customizers.


The five specially modified Infiniti vehicles will be on display from Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7 within Infiniti’s display located on the upper level of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall (booth #34768). “Infiniti is proud to be at the SEMA Show for the first time, displaying customized versions of our model line,” said Ben Poore, vice president of marketing for Infiniti. “Infiniti automobiles are designed to inspire their owners at every turn, and the vehicles we’re showing at SEMA have been taken to an even higher level of performance and luxury.”

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G sports coupe and sedan, the M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. The all-new Infiniti G Convertible makes its global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19 and goes on sale in spring 2009.

[Source : NISSAN - INFINITI]
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• Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) taps into growing off-road enthusiast market and builds on the solid foundation of the new Ford F-150 to deliver the ultimate off-road performance truck – the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
  
• Industry-first internal bypass shocks by Fox Racing Shox help provide smooth ride; lower, wider design key to desert racing and off-road performance
  
• The F-150 SVT Raptor launches with the proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 with 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft of torque; a 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be available after launch

LAS VEGAS : November 4, 2008 - Ford, the definitive leader in tough trucks, is further building on its solid foundation of the new F-150 to deliver the all-new 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute.



“Ford trucks have been a mainstay on the off-road racing scene for more that 20 years because of our long history of capability and durability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we are delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven ‘Built Ford Tough’ capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150 and the best in performance thanks to the team at SVT.”
“Like its fighter jet and dinosaur namesakes, the F-150 SVT Raptor is tough, fast, aggressive, and built with the off-road enthusiast in mind,” he added.

Ford and off-road racing
Desert off-road racing is something Ford knows and does well, with eight championships in nine divisions in the 2007 “Best In The Desert” series and four more titles in CORR (Championship Off Road Racing). Ford has also shown its dominance at the Baja 1000 race – 12 Ford-powered vehicles have won the overall title for four-wheel vehicles, the most of any engine manufacturer.

With interest in off-road performance growing at a steady rate, the F-150 SVT Raptor was built to fulfill the desires of that highly demanding market. The high-performance off-road truck market is one that’s largely untapped, allowing the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to set the bar for this type of vehicle.

“Most of the major manufacturers have focused on-road performance, so when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited,” said Mark Grueber, Ford product marketing manager for pickups and large SUVs. “This was the perfect opportunity for Ford to further differentiate the F-150 from other trucks on the market.”


Looks tough and fast
The tough, chiseled look of the new Ford F-150 has been taken to a new level with F-150 SVT Raptor. The agile, performance truck was designed to give the impression it is always on the move.

Noticeable differences between the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and conventional F-150 include a distinctive grille that has the Ford name carved into it; front bumper, vented hood, front fascia and fenders, functional hood extractors, fender extractors with ‘SVT’ bored out, as well as visible FOX Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks available on a street truck.

Another key difference between the F-150 SVT Raptor and the base F-150 is it is more than seven inches wider. Ford designers took advantage of this difference and highlighted it with distinctive marker lamps. When turned off, the marker lamps are well-integrated into the F-150 SVT Raptor’s front end, as opposed to on top of the cab. When lit up, Raptor’s imposing stance is immediately recognizable.

While the exterior design of the F-150 SVT Raptor is about creating an image, the interior design is about creating the feel of the truck, and both must complement each other.

Design elements from the unique grille and front fascia have been carried through to the interior on the console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a molten-orange leather strip that serves as a centering sight line – which is especially useful in extreme driving maneuvers that can often cause the driver to lose perspective of the steering wheel’s center point.

Revved up and ready
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by the F-150’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new open-valve fuel injection strategy improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.

A new 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be available after launch. The 6.2-liter engine features all-new architecture specifically designed for robustness in a truck application.

Given reliability and longevity under harsh conditions are key to truck customers, the Ford team performed extensive testing to ensure the 6.2-liter V-8 engine would live up to the ‘Built Ford Tough’ promise. Fifty 6.2-liter V-8 engines successfully endured more than a dozen of the toughest engine tests at Ford’s dynamometer lab during development.

SVT used a specially designed, 62-mile durability loop in the desert of Borrego Springs, Calif., to replicate the conditions of the Baja 1000 race, to further test the engines’ performance.


Take off and landing
Building a high-performance off-road truck is not about the horsepower – it’s about the suspension. The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t disappoint, with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front.

“With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we changed the axle, the whole front suspension is different – new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rod, new half-shaft joints,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. “It’s well beyond what SVT has ever done with one of our vehicles.”

Raptor’s wider track and softer suspension mean it will comparatively glide over obstacles. And when it has to be “launched,” be prepared for a soft landing. “The suspension does all the work to keep the truck’s attitude stable,” Hameedi said.

In addition to a beefed up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal bypass Fox Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks on a street truck. The position sensitive dampening internal bypass feature allows the shock to become significantly stiffer as it travels, preventing the truck from bottoming out.

By working with Fox internal bypass technology and applying the Ford engineering methodology, there haven’t been trade-offs to assure extreme off-road handling over on-road ride comfort.

“This truck is also going to be a daily driver. We brought together a lot of experts to ensure the on-road steering precision and comfort was there, too,” said Hameedi. “That’s where Ford expertise really came to the table and complemented Fox’s off-road expertise.”

A tough truck needs tough tires, and a BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tire does the job.
To help improve the tire in a variety of conditions, the compound of the tread was altered. Engineers made the rubber softer for better performance on and off-road and for precise and predictable steering in a variety of conditions while the interior of the tire was modified to improve lateral firmness.

The tall sidewall on the 35-inch tire can handle rocks and irregular surfaces commonly experienced in an off-road environment. A 17-inch cast aluminum wheel is designed to absorb the impact of objects the truck could encounter in some of the most extreme environments.

Specialized Technologies
The F-150 SVT Raptor provides the complete package for off-roaders, including state-of-the-art technologies to keep it at the top of capability.

“For many years, enthusiasts have been struggling with the performance of electronic technologies in the extreme off-road environment since that was not the environment they were designed for,” Hameedi said. “What SVT has done is tailor technology to function in both an on-road and an extreme off-road environment.”


Technologies include:

• AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) predicts the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking safely on its intended path. If a significant roll rate is detected, the system applies additional countermeasures to enhance vehicle roll resistance.

The off-road enthusiast has the option to switch to two available settings – sport mode and full off-road mode depending on their driving situation. The sport mode shuts off traction control enabling the vehicle to have more yaw movement.

Full off-road mode shuts off all electronic stability programs and the ABS system switches to a special off-road setting. Widening the threshold of sport mode, the wheels will lock more which is helpful in off-road terrain. Also in full off-road mode, the locking rear differential is allowed to stay locked at elevated speeds to mimic a spool differential found on racing trucks.

• Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC and can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.
  
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is factory-installed and allows direct operation of the trailer’s electronic brakes by squeezing the control module on the instrument panel with more confidence than the typical aftermarket system.
  
• Electronic Locking Differential uses a true mechanical connection to lock the left and right axle shafts together so both turn at the same speed with the same amount of torque. This switch-controlled feature maximizes traction capability at the wheel with grip, without having to stop the truck.
  
• Hill Descent Control on the F-150 SVT Raptor is Ford’s first application of the technology. Utilizing ABS, the driver can control hill descent without applying the brakes. The speed is set for the truck to descend the hill by pushing a button and allows for the driver to concentrate on driving, rather than on how to modulate the brakes on a steep decline.
  
• Off-Road Mode engages a third throttle map and a third shift schedule for improved off-road performance. Third throttle map alters the throttle by changing the driver demand table so it is better suited to high and low-speed off-road driving conditions. A third shift schedule is a unique strategy for the off-road environment that holds the transmission in each gear for a longer period of time, allowing better engine throttle modulation to control the vehicle.
  
• Auxiliary Switch Board on the center console makes aftermarket customization easier, with four prewired switches attached to the power distribution box for electrical accessories. Also located on the auxiliary switch board are two switches for improved off-road performance – Hill Descent Control and Off-Road Mode.

The F-150 SVT Raptor will be built along side the new F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant at the historic Rouge Center in Dearborn, Mich.

Images : Ford F-150 SVT RAPTOR









[Source : FORD]
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• Camaro LS7 Concept – the spirit of COPO lives with a GM Performance Parts LS7 crate engine that delivers more than 500 hp
  
• Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept – customized to Dale Jr.'s style
  
• Camaro Black Concept – a sinister-looking exercise in bold design
  
• Camaro GS Racecar Concept – an homage to a road racing legend

LAS VEGAS : November 3, 2008 – Chevrolet introduces a quartet of stunning concepts based on the all-new, 2010 Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Show. The concepts join regular-production and accessorized models, along with a dream collection of vintage Camaros – including rare COPO, Indy Pace Car and early Z28 models – to mark the introduction of Chevy's re-born sports car. The Camaro is the official car of the 2008 SEMA show.


Each of the concepts represents a different interpretation of the new Camaro's performance, styling and personalization possibilities, from no-holds-barred high-performance to carefully crafted, street-savvy customizing.

"The new Camaro is a 21st century sports car for the young and young at heart," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "Wherever your automotive passion lies, the Camaro complements it with world-class design and an exciting driving experience. The concepts unveiled at SEMA accentuate those qualities and trigger the imaginations of countless enthusiasts."

In addition to the concept and classic Camaros, a production 2010 model showed off the range of appearance, performance and convenience accessories that will be available from Chevrolet when the car hits dealerships early next year. The accessories allow customers to personalize their vehicle with genuine Chevy components that are designed, tested and warranted to the same standards as the Camaro itself.

As for the Camaro concepts, they show the extreme possibilities of what the new sports car can offer. See below for highlights on all four vehicles.

Chevrolet Camaro LS7 Concept


Designed to highlight the capability of the new Camaro as a weekend bracket warrior, the Camaro LS7 Concept combines the power of a GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine and targeted bolt-on upgrades to deliver the wheels-up spirit of the legendary COPO Camaros.

Made famous by Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb in the late 1960s, the COPO cars were ordered for one thing: drag racing. They were quickly outfitted after delivery with the requisite tires, safety equipment and other accessories necessary for competition in popular Stock-class drag racing series.

The LS7 Concept honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels – and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver.

The LS7 crate engine (part number 17802397) uses a high-performance replacement camshaft from GM Performance Parts (part number 12480033) to help it produce approximately 550 horsepower. Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at the Camaro's launch in early 2009. The LS7 also is modified with a wet-sump oiling system; the production engine features a dry-sump system that requires an external oil tank.

Backing the LS7 engine is a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. Additional drivetrain details include:

• Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
  
• Lowered ride height
  
• Custom 20-inch wheels
  
• Driveshaft safety loop
  
• GM Performance Parts exhaust system

The Camaro LS7 concept is painted Victory Red, with matte black accents on the hood and taillamp panel. "LS7" logos are strategically placed and warn those in the know this Camaro means business when the Christmas tree lights count down to green. It's all business on the spartan interior, too, with base trim and few accessories to minimize overall mass for a quicker elapsed time.

Although the Camaro LS7 Concept is just that – a concept – its duplication by enterprising enthusiasts and racers is enabled by GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine package. It delivers a fully assembled, production version of the engine, complete from the intake manifold to oil pan. An oil reservoir for the standard dry sump system and GM Performance Parts' LS7 engine controller (part number 19166567) are all that's necessary to get the engine running in an enthusiast's project vehicle – well, that and a chassis capable of handling more than 500 lb.-ft. of torque!

Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept: NASCAR star Dale Jr. is fan of vintage Camaros – he cruises around in a Pro Touring-style '72 Camaro powered by a GM Performance Parts LS crate engine – and the heritage-inspired design of the 2010 Camaro appeals to him like a checkered flag at Daytona. His vision for the car was channeled to GM's designers and crafted in a multi-color combination of style, capability and comfort.

They started with a new Camaro SS that uses the standard 6.2L V-8, but modified to use E85. Taking advantage of E85's favorable octane rating, the engine was calibrated to deliver a few extra horsepower, with the exhaust exiting through GM Performance Parts' new headers. It's backed by the SS's available six-speed manual transmission and GM Accessories' short-throw Hurst shifter. Additional performance enhancements include a Brembo brake package and a lowered ride height, giving Dale Jr.'s Camaro a sleeker look to match its road-hugging capability.

A custom gray-over-white paint scheme blends the high-performance drivetrain with serious style. It is accented with an orange stripe separating the gray and white sections. Also generating attention on the exterior is a set of 21-inch, five-spoke wheels inspired by the Camaro Convertible Concept. They feature dark-painted center sections on the spokes that complement the body's gray color. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ZR-rated performance tires.

Additional exterior details include:

• Chevy Accessories grille
  
• Chevy Accessories ground effects and rear diffuser
  
• Chevy Accessories exhaust system
  
• Early Camaro-style "dovetail" rear spoiler
  
• Production high-intensity discharge headlamps
  
• Production RS taillamps

Similarly, the interior is outfitted for performance and style, including:

• Custom-trimmed leather-and-suede-covered seats with accent stitching
  
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob, door armrests and center console lid, with accent stitching
  
• Carbon-fiber treatment on the instrument panel and door panel inserts
  
• Racing-style aluminum pedals
  
• Production-optional four-pack auxiliary gauge cluster
  
• Revised gauge cluster with unique graphics and colors
  
• Custom sill plates

Chevrolet Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept


Dale Jr. also specified Chevy Accessories' upgraded audio system for the Camaro, which is matched with a Boston Acoustics speaker system, including amps and subwoofers.

Chevrolet Camaro GS Racecar Concept


One of the most iconic cars of the legendary Trans Am road racing series was the distinctive blue-and-yellow Camaro of Mark Donohue. He was a dominant racer in the series and drove his #6 1969 model to the series championship that year.

With the assistance of GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations, North Carolina-based Riley Technologies re-created the look and feel of that standout racecar with a tribute that looks, sounds and drives like it's ready to do battle with its contemporary pony car competitors. In fact, the heritage-inspired racer is more than concept. It is an early prototype for the Grand Am Koni Challenge GS racing class. Racecars like the GS Concept are offered and manufactured by Riley Technologies for the 2009 Grand-Am season.

The GS Concept features the race-ready suspension, reinforced chassis and drivetrain conform to the specifications required of racecars certified for the series. In fact, this racecar has already logged many hours on the racetrack as Riley team members worked to dial-in the chassis and powertrain. Additional features include:

• Seam-welded production Camaro body-in-white
  
• Carbon fiber hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders
  
• Production LS3 V-8 engine (used with solid engine mounts)
  
• Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with close-ratio gearing
  
• Three-inch exhaust system with Coast Fab mufflers
  
• C&R racing aluminum radiator
  
• Upgraded engine oil cooler
  
• Transmission and differential coolers

The GS Racecar Concept is shown at SEMA just as it was last driven off the track, with the grime, brake dust and body imperfections commensurate with a day's worth of racing. Indeed, it isn't a car that spent hundreds of hours in a body shop in a quest of sheet metal perfection. It displays the bruises of competition and wears them as badges of honor.

Like Donohue's '69 Camaro racecar, the GS Racecar Concept wears a deep blue paint scheme that is accented with yellow graphics, a yellow-painted interior and yellow racing wheels.

Chevrolet Camaro Black Concept


It's hard to go unnoticed in a 2010 Camaro, but the Camaro Black Concept suggests a stealthy approach to street style. From its matte black-finished hood and ground effects to its dark wheels and red-glowing HID headlamp halo rings, the Camaro Black Concept is a sinister-looking urban tuner vehicle.

The Camaro Black Concept prowls the streets with the following equipment:

• Chevy Accessories ground effects package and rear diffuser
  
• High-intensity discharge headlamps with unique red "halo ring" color
  
• Revised, darker grille finish
  
• RS tail lamps with dark-tinted lenses
  
• Color-matched exterior badging
  
• SS-model spoiler
  
• Matte black hood finish
  
• Tinted glass
  
• Chevy Accessories 21-inch wheels with darkened finish
  
• Brembo four-wheel disc brake package

The interior also carries a slightly sinister ambience, with:

• Red LED instrument lighting and red footwell ambient lighting
  
• Black chrome trim accents
  
• Dark-finished accents, including the shift knob, radio face, steering wheel ring, gauge trim and door handles
  
• Custom sill plates
  
• Leather-covered seats with grey accent stitching

The Camaro Black Concept also features Chevy Accessories' premium audio upgrade package, along with MTX speakers.

Under the hood is the production 3.6L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. A Chevy Accessories engine cover provides a suitable accent.

Images : Chevrolet Camaro LS7 Concept



Images : Chevrolet Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept



Images : Chevrolet Camaro GS Racecar Concept



Images : Chevrolet Camaro Black Concept



[Source : GM - Chevrolet]
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RICKMANSWORTH, Hertfordshire UK : October 3, 2008 - Nissan’s just-launched seven-seater Qashqai+2 has been named MPV of the Year in the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2008, adding to the Diesel Car of the Year accolade picked up last year by the original Qashqai.


It’s a further endorsement of Nissan’s bold decision to break the family car mould by creating a compact crossover that blends the best elements of family hatchback, MPV and SUV. As the first family crossover, Qashqai+2 opens up the concept to even more customers.

Speaking at the award ceremony held on Friday night (31 October), Bill Caven, president of the ASMW said that the Qashqai range has been one of the real success stories within the automotive industry in recent times: “Demand has never been greater and it is easy to understand why it is proving so popular. Not only is it a superb all-round performer but it also enjoys a broad appeal that few can match.”

And he readily praised the Sunderland factory’s production standards: “The quality of the build and materials used sets it well ahead of the field,” he said. “Furthermore it has evolved beautifully with the addition of a seven seater model that should prove a real winner with many families.”

Qashqai has already shaken up the market, proving immensely popular with over 250,000 units sold across Europe since its launch in March 2007. Combining even more practicality and the same fun-to-drive attitude within an attractive design, the larger Qashqai+2 looks set to do exactly the same.

“The ASMW have made an impeccable choice,” said Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. “This very welcome award is the first for Qashqai+2 and endorses our decision to build on the successful formula of the five-seater Qashqai with a model offering even greater space and flexibility without compromising the features that have made it so popular.

“We are already seeing an extremely positive response to the Qashqai+2 among customers who would not otherwise have considered the titleer model.”

The Qashqai+2 is longer and taller than Qashqai and can accommodate seven passengers thanks to a third row of seats which can be folded flat when not in use. There is a choice of three trim levels, 2.0-litre petrol (manual or CVT) or diesel (manual or automatic) engines and either two or four-wheel drive. All models are equipped with a panoramic roof, rear privacy glass, roof bars and ESP.

Images : 2009 Nissan Qashqai+2









[Source : NISSAN]
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PARIS : November 3, 2008 - 40 months after its first commercial launch, and having attracted more than 322 000 buyers, the 107 offers a new face. It now offers front with a new shield, giving strength and elegance to this very urban lifestyle.


The missile incorporates side gills feature a grid and a double blade decorative. A very tonic personality and this comes together through a wide chrome strip that underlines the new strip bumper.

The front of the eternal city, available in three and five doors, treats her dress with new body colors bright and sparkling orange and blue Mandalina Electra.

Its maneuverability and economy to use are the main reasons for choosing this small car, also known for its line and its purchase price control.

Consumption, already contained the 107 has been enhanced with emission of CO₂ in combined cycle of 106 to 109 g depending on the engine and consumption of 4.1 l to 4.6 l per 100 km depending on the version, Diesel or gasoline. 107 is a car that enables Peugeot to be the leader of vehicles emitting less than 120 grams of CO₂ in Europe in 2007 (six cars emitting less than 120g of CO₂ per km sold in Europe is a Peugeot).

Images : 2009 Peugeot 107








[Source : PEUGEOT]
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AUBURN HILLS, Mich.: November 3, 2008 - Chrysler LLC is streamlining three new 2009 model-year vehicle lineups to provide an added emphasis on higher value and content, expanded availability of fuel efficient engines, and upgraded exterior appearance and improved interior materials.


On three vehicles – Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Avenger – Chrysler LLC is providing customers with better-equipped, fuel-efficient, entry-level models with a value emphasis. These changes are in addition to the previously announced 2009 model-year packages and are effective for vehicle orders starting on Nov. 3.

“We know from our dealers and customers that fuel efficiency and value are the two most important criteria in purchasing a new car in this challenging economy. Therefore, we simplified key vehicle lines to deliver more value in our products with improved interiors and exteriors, as well as improved fuel efficiency,” said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and CMO, Chrysler LLC.

Essentially, entry-level models have been upgraded to higher trim and content levels at discounted pricing. Also, availability of fuel-efficient powertrains has been expanded on models for those customers who want more product features without sacrificing fuel economy.

New 2009 Vehicle Lineups

Chrysler Sebring Sedan


The Chrysler brand has dramatically simplified the Sebring lineup to create the segment value leader with the Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan. The Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan features standard leather interior, heated seats, power front driver seat and tortoiseshell accents, as well as chrome and brushed trim accents, all at the price of the previous Chrysler Touring model — $23,380 (including $740 destination) with the fuel-efficient 30 mpg, 2.4-liter I-4 engine. Add the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, six-speed Auto Stick transmission, dual exhaust tips and 18-inch chrome wheels for a MSRP of $25,630 (including $740 destination).


Chrysler 300


The Chrysler 300 lineup has been simplified with the Touring Edition becoming the new entry-level model. The MSRP remains at $27,415 (including $750 destination), yet the new base model includes the “Touring” interior and exterior as standard equipment, the more fuel-efficient 2.7-liter V-6 engine and a new front grille. The WPC Touring Signature Edition features a new lower MSRP of $31,825 (including $750 destination) and includes 18-inch chrome clad wheels, touring ride control, 60/40 rear folding seat, power adjustable pedals, Unlimited Powertrain Warranty, as well as available all-wheel drive, navigation and side airbags. The 300 Limited now features the same 300C exterior and interior looks with the fuel economy of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a MSRP of $36,035 (including $750 destination). The 300C offers the same legendary 5.7-liter V-8 performance with a MSRP of $37,585 (including $750 destination). With the 300 Limited and 300C, customers now have the choice of a V-6 or V-8 engine without compromising vehicle appearance.

Dodge Avenger


The Dodge Avenger lineup is changed to three models with the top of the line R/T model now featuring the fuel-efficient 30 mpg 2.4-liter I-4 engine along with standard leather, heated seats and heated, folding body color exterior mirrors at a MSRP of $22,790 (including $740 destination). The Avenger R/T with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Auto Stick now includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, performance tires, dual exhaust, sport tuned suspension and firm feel power steering with a MSRP of $24,995 (including $740 destination). This model is priced $1,160 less than the previous R/T 3.5-liter model. The Avenger SXT is the new entry-level model with a base MSRP of $21,255 (including $740 destination).



[Source : CHRYSLER]
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BRENTWOOD, UK : November 3, 2008 - The all-new Ford Fiesta has been named "Scottish Car of the Year 2008" at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awards dinner in St Andrew's, Scotland.



A jury of 17 Scottish automotive journalists reviewed every new car available and, in an exhaustive selection process, short-listed eight category winners. At the ceremony, the all-new Fiesta was crowned with the prestigious award thanks to its qualities of style, dynamic driving and value for money.

This is the second successive year that the ASMW has honoured Ford with the title of Scottish Car of the Year – in 2007 the award went to the Ford Mondeo. Also this year, recognition was given to the new Ford Kuga, which collected the category award for "best 4x4 crossover" vehicle.

The awards were presented by President of the ASMW, Bill Caven, who commented: "To win the Scottish Car of the Year once is a marvellous achievement for any manufacturer. However to triumph again the following year is absolutely unbelievable.


"The all-new Ford Fiesta was simply streets ahead of everybody else when it came to offering something fresh, dynamic and value for money. Within hours of getting our first drive in the car we were all blown away by the experience. And when you consider the high calibre of the other new models up for consideration it is a truly tremendous feat by the Blue Oval."

Bill added: "There is always a degree of trepidation amongst motor manufacturers when it comes to replacing a best-selling model with the next generation car. Will it live up to past reputation and appeal? Will it take the brand forward? Ford has maintained from the outset that the new Fiesta would set the benchmark in its sector. It has certainly delivered big time and been true to its word. This is going to be an enormous seller for them in the coming months, and deservedly so."

On receiving the award, Ian Slater, Vice-President Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe, said: "We are delighted the new Ford Fiesta has been voted the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year. I am especially pleased for the Fiesta project team of designers and engineers, that their vision and hard work has been so generously rewarded. Everyone at Ford joins me in thanking the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for this accolade."

[Source : FORD]
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MARTORELL : November 3, 2008 - The new SEAT Ibiza ECOMOTIVE has been awarded the “ECOBEST 2008” distinction for the best ecological car of the year. This prize is given every year by the AUTOBEST organisation, and is great news for SEAT in its commitment to preserving the environment by manufacturing vehicles with reduced CO₂ emissions.


The Ibiza ECOMOTIVE is the first homologated vehicle to register an emissions figure of only 98 g/km, featuring a five-door body and air-conditioning, two aspects that placed the new SEAT model in front of rivals such as the Ford Fiesta Econetic or the Toyota iQ.

AUTOBEST is the only independent panel centred on markets belonging to emerging nations, of which 15 are member states this year. The most important criteria in the selection process include factors such as vehicle price, service network, spare parts distribution, versatility, design and technology, among others.

Panel members also pay special attention to the efforts made by the automotive industry, and closely assess investments, new labour opportunities, ecological initiatives and the support given to emerging European regions.

Unveiled at the last Paris Motor Show, the new SEAT Ibiza ECOMOTIVE is the most ecological in its segment. Equipped with the 80 hp 1.4 TDI engine with DPF particulate filter, it provides a CO₂ emissions level below 100 g/km and provides an exceptional 3.7 l/100 km fuel consumption figure.

Images : New SEAT Ibiza ECOMOTIVE




[Source : SEAT]
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STUTTGART/LAS VEGAS : November 3, 2008 - Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading “Tuner Challenge”. Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire – the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range of tuning fantasies.


Tuning operations were tasked with highlighting the possibilities presented by the GLK’s wide-ranging talents through their ideas and designs. The four most convincing concepts were selected and the winners given the opportunity to implement their proposals. This process saw the creation of GLK models that are as leading-edge as they are unorthodox, and that now take centre stage in Mercedes’ participation at this year’s SEMA Show. “Widestar”, “The GLK Urban Whip”, “The GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer” and “The GLK Rock Crawler” will attract attention even at SEMA, which is not exactly short on highlights and is becoming increasingly important as a trendsetting springboard for the European tuning scene.

This presentation also represents the GLK premiere on the North American market, where sales are scheduled to begin in January 2009. “Our GLK is a character bursting with expressiveness, and a new model for us within a young market segment in the U.S.,” comments Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. “We selected SEMA in Las Vegas as the backdrop for its first appearance in North America because we want to take advantage of the show’s glamour and to underscore the highly individual character of the GLK. An SUV with an edge that is so refreshingly titleernative, demands a somewhat titleernative setting.”

Good market prospects are being forecast for the compact GLK in the U.S. The visual appeal and functionality of its exterior design make the GLK a distinctive and versatile vehicle, as do its exceptional handling and excellent safety characteristics combined with superb comfort both on and off-road.

GLK-Class freely interpreted four times
Four fundamentally different rebuilds make one thing abundantly clear – the GLK-Class is one of the most multi-faceted SUV models ever, and one that retains its distinctive character, even in the face of somewhat unconventional modifications. With each respective tuner fantasy and the help of some exotic ingredients, the SUV has been turned into an exclusive specialist for the road, beach, city or rally stage. “We wanted to see what kinds of interpretations were inspired by our GLK and how they would further sharpen this very strong character. The tuners opted for completely differing approaches, demonstrating the potential of our GLK concept,” continues Gorden Wagener.


With its GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer, RENNtech from Lake Park, Florida has created a motorsport vehicle inspired by the unlimited class of the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado. The drivetrain of the RENNtech GLK is complemented by a hybrid module that guarantees excellent acceleration figures.


BRABUS Widestar Mercedes-Benz GLK
BRABUS, based in Bottrop, Germany, represents the German element of this tuning fraternity and presents the Widestar, a production-ready, high-performance on-road vehicle that also pays tribute to the distinctive refinement of vehicles bearing the three-pointed star.

Images : BRABUS Widestar Mercedes-Benz GLK





Boulevard Customs Urban Whip Mercedes-Benz GLK
GLK Urban Whip is the name given by Boulevard Customs from St. Petersburg, Florida to its creation, which makes its entrance with a significantly widened bodyshell, massive 26 inch wheels and a mighty on-board entertainment system that, according to the figures, is likely to have an impact at full blast of seismological proportions.

Images : Boulevard Customs Urban Whip Mercedes-Benz GLK






Legendary Motor Cars Four Corners Rock Crawler Mercedes-Benz GLK
The team at the Legendary Motorcar Company from Ontario, Canada, which is more commonly associated with the restoration of American muscle cars, created The GLK Rock Crawler. The exotic design for snow and sand includes a winch system that can provide wakeboarders and snowboarders alike with the necessary impetus.

Images : Legendary Motor Cars Four Corners Rock Crawler Mercedes-Benz GLK





RENNTech Rally Racer Mercedes-Benz GLK
The base vehicle for Boulevard Customs, Legendary Motorcar and RENNtech is the series production GLK350 with a 3.5 litre V6 engine generating 200 kW/272 hp, while BRABUS opted for the diesel-driven GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC. The base versions of all models are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Images : RENNTech Rally Racer Mercedes-Benz GLK




Show vehicles with public voting
Mercedes-Benz is combining a voting program for the North American public with its appearances at SEMA and the subsequent Los Angeles Motor Show, where the customized GLKs will also be presented. At either show, or in the internet at www.mbusa.com, visitors can cast their vote for their favourite model. The winner of the “Tuner Challenge” will be announced on 2nd December.

The American trade body SEMA (Specititley Equipment Market Association) has been hosting the tuning show of the same name for over forty years. Starting out as a performance show for a specific few industry insiders, SEMA has grown to become the most important trade show in tuning, accessories, components and workshop equipment throughout the American continent, and is exercising an increasing influence on the European tuning scene. SEMA 2008 take place as always in the Las Vegas Convention Center, and is open exclusively to trade visitors from 4th – 7th November.

Images : Mercedes-Benz Tuner Challenge at SEMA 2008: The GLK Design in Las Vegas




[Source : DAIMLER]
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• Hyundai-Kia & Microsoft strengthen ties to lead global IT sector for automobiles
  
• Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman & CEO of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discuss cooperation opportunities

SEOUL : November 3, 2008 - Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Microsoft Corp. and Korea's Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA) opened an IT Center today to jointly develop new IT products and services for automotive application.


Kia Motors Corp. President Mr. Euisun Chung, Microsoft CEO Mr. Steve Ballmer and IITA President Mr. Sung-Ok Lee were joined by other government officials and corporate executives from Hyundai-Kia, Microsoft and other officials from the information technology industry for today's opening, which was held at Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG)'s headquarters in Seoul.

"The collaboration between the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and Microsoft will have a great synergy effect that will significantly raise our businesses' capabilities," said Mr. Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman & CEO of HKAG. "In particular, the IT center, which will be a new platform of cooperation between private companies and the government, will serve as a role model for other industries."

"Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group share a similar vision for the role that information technology will play in connecting people to information, communications, and entertainment while they are in their cars," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "We're excited by the opportunities this new Automotive IT Innovation Center will create for Microsoft, Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, and Institute for Information Technology to continue to work together to develop new innovations that will make the time that people spend in their cars more productive and enjoyable than ever before."

Before the opening ceremony, Mr. Ballmer met Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman and CEO of HKAG, to discuss cooperation between the automobile and IT industries. Kia Motors' Mr. Chung hosted the opening ceremony.

The jointly-formed Automotive IT Innovation Center (AIIC) will be located within HKAG's new research facilities in Uiwang City, south of Seoul.

Automotive IT Innovation Center

Today's opening of the AIIC builds on the HKAG and Microsoft joint announcement made in May to cooperate on the development of the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.

The AIIC will focus on uncovering new IT technologies for automobiles by supporting research and development activities of small and medium IT companies based in Korea. HKAG will provide the facilities and cars for technical testing and vehicle application, while Microsoft will assume responsibility for software development and launch into the global market. IITA will extend financial support to eligible small and medium IT enterprises. The Center will support about 20 companies a year for three years, helping the the most promising candidates develop into global players in the automotive IT sector.

The technologies developed at AIIC are scheduled for gradual application in Hyundai and Kia cars beginning in the second half of 2010. The IT center will focus on developing technologies such as auto telecommunication, telematics, navigation systems and Location Based Service (LBS), and improving the Human Machine Interface (HMI).

The IITA will provide as much as 200 million won per project in funding for outstanding small- and medium-sized companies, as well as working with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy to provide more policy support.

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group & Microsoft

HKAG and Microsoft entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems in May. The two companies agreed to deliver new and innovative solutions based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of in-car technology to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

[Source : HYUNDAI]
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HERNDON, Va. : November 1, 2008 - Audi of America today released pricing for the highest performing TT models ever brought to market – the 2009 TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the TTS Coupe will start at $45,500 and $47,500 for the TTS Roadster.


“The Audi TTS Coupe and the TTS Roadster are genuine sports cars that provide remarkable driving experiences and striking design,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America. “When these top-of-the-line models reach dealerships later this year, consumers will quickly discover that TTS also stands for exceptional value compared to its competition in the sports car segment.”

Building on TT innovations, the TTS models deliver unparalleled performance with the most powerful engine in the TT lineup, superior traction with standard quattro all-wheel drive, extraordinary shift times with the standard S tronic dual clutch transmission, and enhanced driver control with TTS-specific Audi magnetic ride. Audi will begin selling the TTS models in late 2008.

The ultra-efficient, direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0 TFSI engine rewards TTS Coupe owners with both class-leading acceleration and fuel economy. The TTS Coupe races from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and achieves a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. The TTS Roadster offers comparable performance with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a class-leading combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. Both versions of the TTS achieve an exceptional 29 mpg in highway driving and 21 mpg in city driving based on government fuel-economy ratings. The electronically governed top track speed for the TTS is 155 mph.

The new 2.0 TFSI engine in the TTS produces excellent horsepower (265 hp @ 6000 rpm) and exceptional torque (258 lb.-ft. @2500-5000 rpm), while meeting California’s rigorous ULEV II ultra-low emissions standards. With that kind of performance the TTS models demonstrate Audi’s strategy of offering cars that respect the environment without sacrificing the thrill of driving.

To transfer that performance to the ground, the standard quattro all-wheel drive system has been specifically matched to the TTS to allow for even faster response times. The TTS models also come standard with Audi’s advanced S tronic dual clutch transmission with Audi launch control which is capable of 0.2-second shift times and optimized acceleration from a standstill. In addition, new suspension treatments for the TTS models result in heightened driver control and handling characteristics. The TTS models benefit from new lightweight aluminum suspension components and modified suspension mounts resulting in a 10-millimeter lowered chassis. The Audi magnetic ride system, standard in the TTS, has been modified specifically for the TTS models to enhance driving dynamics while still retaining occupant comfort. The system features continuously adjustable damping along with “Sport” and “Normal” modes for further driver control. Audi has also updated the TTS steering system to match the suspension modifications. As with all TT models, the TTS is built with an aluminum and steel Audi Space Frame, which offers high torsional rigidity, better load distribution and is up to 48% lighter in weight than equivalent steel construction.

Of course, TT models have always presented stunning design, and the TTS maintains that tradition. The new models feature xenon plus headlights with Audi’s signature LED daytime running lights. In addition, as with all S series models in the Audi family, TTS models feature distinctive characteristics indicative of the S model bloodline. These include larger front air intakes, Platinum Gray grille with chrome optic finish, aluminum optic exterior mirrors, extended rocker panels, Platinum Gray rear diffuser with silver blade, quad exhaust pipes, TTS painted brake calipers with sport-rated brake pads, TTS badging, and a TTS-specific 18-inch wheel with summer performance tires. A unique 19-inch quattro GmbH wheel is also available. The marriage of form and function continues throughout the interior of the TTS with features such as brushed aluminum inlays, a die-cast magnesium flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls, aluminum optic S tronic shift paddles, a unique TTS instrument cluster, a driver information system with digital lap timer, a redesigned S tronic shift knob, racing inspired leather Alcantara sport seats, contrasting color stitching and TTS badging throughout the interior. Distinctive two-tone Silk Nappa leather seating surfaces are available as an option.

Images : 2009 Audi TTS Coupe




Images : 2009 Audi TTS Roadster




[Source : AUDI]
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PARIS : November 3, 2008 - The nimble, dynamic and ingenious C1 is easy to live with and a practical all-round performer. The city car's innovative compact design, economy and environmental respect underline Citroën’s creative approach. The C1 earned the highest mark in the “essential car” category in a 2008 survey conducted by JD Power and L’Automobile Magazine on customer satisfaction in France.


Since launch in June 2005, Citroën has sold 310,000 C1s worldwide. The Marque is taking advantage of the years’ end to unveil an upgraded version of its popular city car. The new model keeps all the assets that made the original such a success – compact, appealing and playful body styling, excellent roadholding, uncompromising safety and impressive quality levels – while gaining a redesigned, more expressive front end. Fuel consumption and emissions remain outstanding. The 68 bhp 1.0i petrol model equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox consumes just 4.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle, emitting a mere 106 g/km of CO₂.

Spirited and refined styling

The redesigned C1 is set for launch in November. The styling upgrade enhances the car’s cheerful, curvaceous looks with several changes to the front end, including stronger bumper outlines that underline the C1’s get-up-and-go spirit.
Citroën has made several changes inside, notably in terms of trim and interior design scheme. The C1 is now available, depending on the market, with a third, particularly refined trim level that adds to the car's seductive powers.

Economical and environmental prowess

The C1 is fitted with high-performance engines that make it equally at home in the city or out on the open road.
Combined with the light weight of the C1, these powerplants also ensure low fuel consumption. The 68 bhp 1.0i petrol model equipped with a 5-speed gearbox is an environmental benchmark, consuming a miserly 4.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle and emitting just 106 g/km of CO₂.

The upgraded C1 retains all of the strong points that made it a success, namely excellent road manners, top-level safety, compact proportions for city driving and low retail price and running costs.


More sparkling and refined styling

Like the original model, the new C1 is part of Citroën’s strategy to market a range of compact vehicles with different styles and concepts. This is why the revamped model remains available in two body styles:

• a 3-door version for people who mainly used the front seats,
  
• a 5-door model to make life more practical for four passengers.

Singular body styling

The C1’s restyled front end gives it more vitality and punch. The new bumper, larger and more curvaceous, confers a snappy, energetic look and a touch of elegance. From the second trim level, the new model sports a chrome strip that highlights the curves of the bumper and confirms the vivacious, contemporary feel.
The new C1’s revitalised look is further enhanced by new wheel embellishers with more emphatic and sculptural lines.

The three- and five-door versions also retain the innovative transparent styling feature at the rear. Designed to be as big as possible, the all-glass tailgate is framed by harmonious crystal and anthracite lights that merge naturally with the bumper.

Depending on the country, the new C1 ships with two new body colours, Mica grey and Electra blue, rounding out the range of paint options.

Attractive interior design

Several upgrades have also been made to the C1 cabin, particularly in terms of the interior design scheme.
Two new fabric trims in dominant dark blue and Bordeaux red lend vitality and elegance to the cabin.
Depending on the market, a third trim level, in leather and alcantara, is now available. This interior scheme tops up the existing offer and enhances onboard sophistication. The new trim level also features a leather steering wheel and gearstick knob, together with gloss black surrounds for the speedometer, rev counter, air vents and door handles. Air conditioning, alloy wheels and a CD audio system are fitted as standard on this trim level.

The barrel-shaped display below the central console features new screen-printing for more clarity and modernity. This upgrade applies to all models in the range. In other changes, boot access has been optimised through greater clearance for the rear parcel shelf.


Boundless creativity

Perfectly proportioned for city life

At 3.43 m long, 1.63 m wide and 1.47 m high, the C1 is perfectly proportioned for the city. Considering these exterior dimensions, the interior is impressively roomy, with plenty of space for four passengers. A the front, elbow room of 1.38 m and head room of 0.87 m enhance the well-being of occupants. Rear passengers are treated to generous leg room and 0.84 m head room.
The C1 houses some 12 stowage compartments, fitted in the dashboard, central console and doors. All of them keep objects exactly where drivers and passengers want them to be.

Exemplary road manners

The C1 boasts impeccable road manners and is as pleasant to drive in the country as in town. Its running gear provides excellent roadholding and contributes effectively to active security. Other top-level safety features include ventilated front brake discs, ABS, EBD and cornering stability control (CSC), together with standard-fit driver and passenger airbags from the first trim level.

Efficient engines that respect the environment

To respond to the diverse needs of its customers, the C1 is available in petrol and diesel versions, mated to an automatic gearbox or a SensoDrive 5-speed automated manual. This kind of complete offering remains rare in the city car segment.

• The HDi 55 diesel unit develops 40 kW at 4,000 rpm and torque of 130 Nm at 1,750 rpm. It boasts impressive combined-cycle fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km and emits just 109 g/km of CO₂. The HDi 55 is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
  
• The 68 hp 1.0i petrol engine is a flexible performer offering enthusiastic, linear acceleration. It generates power of 50 kW at 6,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This unit boasts lower fuel consumption – 4.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle – and lower CO₂ emissions, at just 106 g/km for the 5-speed manual version and 107 g/km for the 5-speed SensoDrive model.

Low retail price and running costs

The C1 is attractively priced and inexpensive to run, with low fuel consumption and reasonable maintenance costs (service frequency is 30,000 km for the diesel). During development, major focus was placed on low-speed impact to protect vehicle parts and keep repair times to a minimum. The C1 priced from €8,850 to €13,750

[Source : CITROËN]
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COVENTRY : November 1, 2008 - The Jaguar XF has won 'Best Luxury Car' and 'Best Diesel' at the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year Awards, voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).


Bill Caven, President of the ASMW, said: "The new Jaguar XF is an extremely impressive beast in more ways than one. It not only looks strikingly different from anything currently on the market but has all the classic Jaguar qualities of luxury, refinement and power.

"The entire judging panel was left mesmerised by this magnificent machine and it is a worthy winner in both the luxury and diesel categories."

Geoff Cousins, UK Managing Director for Jaguar commented: "It's always great to receive such recognition within the industry, particularly in Scotland which continues to be a significant market for us.

"Scottish dealers have sold more than 500 XF's since launch, contributing to the UK's total of 7,500 units. Worldwide, we have sold 27,000 XF's meaning Jaguar is currently 'bucking the trend' as overall sales were up 3.4% in September and 10.3% year-to-date."
Scottish born, Jaguar’s Design Director Ian Callum attended the award ceremony in St. Andrews, he said: "It is always an honour to receive recognition from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers and I feel very proud to have led the team that designed the award-winning XF.
"We are creating a new generation of cars that started with XK – ASMW 'Car of the Year' winner in 2006 - and now continues with the XF, a four door saloon that has the heart and soul of a sports car and the looks of a grand tourer."
These latest accolades from the ASMW bring the tally of awards to 19 for the XF since its global debut in Frankfurt last year. The XF has been voted 'Car of the Year' by What Car? magazine, Auto Express magazine, The Sun motoring and What Diesel magazine since its launch. Top Gear magazine also named it their 'Limo of the Year' in 2007. More recently, a panel of female judges named the XF 'Best Executive Car' in the eve-cars.com 2008 honours.

Priced from £33,900 for the 2.7-litre diesel, the XF comes as standard with a generous specification featuring a host of innovative, industry-leading equipment. Highlights include the all-new JaguarDrive Selector™ and JaguarSense™ – a smart technical solution introducing touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and glovebox.

Images : 2009 Jaguar XF












[Source : JAGUAR]
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SAO PAULO, Brazil : November 2, 2008 - McLaren's Lewis Hamilton roared into the record books as Formula One's youngest champion on Sunday when he snatched the title in last lap drama at the Brazilian Grand Prix.


The 23-year-old, needing only a fifth place finish in the season-ending race to become Britain's first champion since Damon Hill in 1996, was seconds from failure for the second year in a row as Ferrari rival Felipe Massa swept to victory.

Hamilton entered the last lap in sixth place after a late shower forced a change to wet weather tyres and saw Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso overtake the McLaren.

With the title disappearing as fast as Massa's Ferrari approached the chequered flag, Hamilton had Toyota's Timo Glock to thank after the German stayed out on dry tyres and was unable to hold on to his fifth place.

Hamilton powered past as the final corner approached.

"Amazing, I can't even get my breath back," said the astonished Briton, who embraced his father and brother before being mobbed by the team.



Home Winner

Massa, Hamilton's sole title rival, won his home race for the second time in three years to chalk up a record 16th constructors' title for the Italian team.

Hamilton, who missed out by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in Brazil last season, ended the 18-race season one point clear of Massa.

"He scored more points than me, he deserves to win the title," said the disappointed race winner. "I know how to win, I know how to lose.

"This is another day of my life that I'm going to learn a lot from."

At 23 years and 301 days old, Hamilton broke the age record set by former McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard who won the first of his two titles with Renault in Brazil at the age of 24, one month and 27 days.

Hamilton's title was the first for Mercedes-powered McLaren since Finland's Mika Hakkinen in 1999.

Massa, the first driver since Alain Prost in 1989 to miss out on the title after winning more races than anyone else, led from pole position after a start delayed for 10 minutes by a sudden downpour while the cars were waiting on the grid.

The safety car was then deployed for two laps after a collision that sent Britain's David Coulthard crashing into retirement after 15 seasons in Formula One.

The Scot's Red Bull tangled with the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima and Renault's Nelson Piquet, who was also eliminated from the race.

Alonso took second place in the race, with Raikkonen joining him on the podium to seize third place overall from BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica on race wins.

Congratulation : The Youngest F-1 Champion - Lewis Hamilton





2008 Brazilian Grand Prix : Race result


Driver Championship Standings :


Constructor Championship Standings :


[Source : Super Wheel]
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SAPPORO, Japan : November 2, 2008 - To be remembered in rallying's record books as the day Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed their fifth consecutive world title, a unique feat in the history of the sport. Indeed, the pair has reigned supreme since 2004, initially with the Citroën Xsara and, more recently, with the Citroën C4. As in 2005, they made sure of the crown in Japan, this time with one round remaining. The curtain is scheduled to come down on the season in three weeks' time in Wales where Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Martí will be out to secure the Manufacturers' title, too, at the wheel of their respective C4 WRCs.



Although the final leg of the 2008 Rally Japan featured just 96.43km of competitive action (divided into nine stages), everyone in the French squad found the day extremely long as they waited to pop the champagne to celebrate today's historic occasion.

As was the case on Friday and Saturday, Sébastien and Daniel made no attempt to deal their rivals an ipponstyle knockout blow, especially since the conditions were once again wet and muddy. Not surprisingly, the state of the stages produced a certain amount of anxiety within the team's ranks. In the end, however, the Citroën pair completed the rally in third place which was enough to hand them their fifth world title in just six full WRC campaigns! This score takes Sébastien and Daniel clear of the record they previously shared with Juha Kankkunen and, more especially, Tommi Mäkinen, who was the only driver before them to succeed in
racking up four consecutive championship wins (1996 to 1999).


"It's a fantastic feeling," beamed Sébastien at the finish. "Along with Daniel and everyone in the team, the objective we set ourselves for this year was to win another world crown, and it's tremendously satisfying to have met that target today. I really wanted to wrap up the title here in Japan to enable us to go into Wales Rally GB with a totally free mind. That made the weekend very long and very frustrating, and I have to say that it wasn't much fun. Our C4 and our Pirelli tyres functioned very well together on this event, though, and we did what we could to keep any thoughts about the championship out of our minds, but it wasn't easy. The title just seemed to loom larger after every stage, and it was well worth the wait in the end!"


"I cannot say whether this year's title is any finer than the others," said the now five-time World Champion. "I will always have special memories of our first crown and I don't want to give the impression that winning is something you get accustomed to; it's just that each title feels different. One thing that has been the same each time is the thrill of being able to share our joy with everyone in the team. They have always given us a car with the potential to challenge for victory, and this is their title, too. That includes Dani Sordo and Marc Martí whose own results contributed to our success. Our thoughts now turn to Cardiff where we will try to make it a championship double for Citroën…"


"It's been a long year, but winning the title is such a great feeling," agreed Daniel Elena. "This is our fifth world crown together, and each one has given me tremendous pleasure. I'm not interested in the statistics, though; what counts the most is enjoying the stages, profiting from the terrific atmosphere within the team
and working with Seb."


"I am very pleased for 'Sébastian' and 'Danos'," added Dani Sordo. "They have scored ten wins so far this year and they fully deserve the title. It's an honour for Marc and me to be in the same team as them. There is still one more round to come and we will do our best to score the points Citroën needs to take the Manufacturers' crown and for us to finish third in the Drivers' championship." The Spaniards failed to finish the Rally Japan, however. Following their turbo trouble on Friday, the team asked them to stop before the finish to enable them to run a new engine on the Wales Rally GB, in accordance with the regulations.

After today's podium ceremony, Olivier Quesnel was clearly moved by his first title as the new boss of Citroën Sport: "It's very, very satisfying," he smiled. "The fact that Sébastien and Daniel have sewn up the Drivers' title means we have now achieved half the target we set ourselves before the start of the season. We will take time to celebrate today's result with all the Citroën Sport staff back at our base in Satory, but we will then immediately re-focus with a view to wrapping up the Manufacturers' crown in Wales where the skill of our crews and the motivation of everyone in the team promise to be valuable allies…"

[Source : CITROËN]
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SAPPORODOME,Sapporo, Japan : November 2, 2008 - Mikko Hirvonen completed the short final stage in Sapporo this afternoon to take victory on Rally Japan, while third place for Sebastien Loeb was enough to secure him the 2008 WRC drivers’ title.


Hirvonen crossed the finish line with a winning margin of 31.1sec but even the best possible result this weekend wasn’t enough to prevent Loeb sealing the series. However the Finn was quick to pay tribute to his rival at the end of the stage: “That’s it, it’s over. But okay, he won 10 events before coming here so he deserves it. I did all I could. Now we need to try again next year.”

After their heart-stopping spin on the penultimate stage, Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena climbed onto the roof of their C4 at the finish control, waving a French flag in celebration. “It’s incredible!” said Loeb. “But that was a terrible rally - it couldn’t have been trickier! It’s a great moment. It’s perfect. I’m so relieved this weekend is over now. Last year Daniel and I equalled the record with four wins, so being the only ones to do five we are very happy!”

Jari-Matti Latvala finished second, helping Ford to a maximum 18 point haul in the manufacturers’ championship, and ensuring the battle would go to the final round in Wales. “It’s very good for the team and very good for me,” he said. “After such a bad time in August I can be happy. There was a time when our good result in Turkey seemed a long way away, but now I can be happy again.”

Chris Atkinson finished fourth in his Subaru World Rally Team Impreza WRC2008, while the Suzuki World Rally Team celebrated its best ever result with sixth and seventh. “It’s been fantastic,” said P-G Andersson, who was sixth. We made a great start but after losing the tyre yesterday I though that was it - but we got ourselves together and pushed hard again today.” Toni Gardemeister said: “I’m really happy this rally is over - it’s not so nice at all! But it was a good result for our team for sure.”

Matthew Wilson brought his Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus to the finish in seventh place, while Subaru driver Petter Solberg was eighth, the last points winning place.

Result : PIONEER carrozzeria Rally Japan



WRC Drivers Championship Standings :



Manufacturers' championship standings :



[Source : WRC]
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. : October 31, 2008 - New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18


Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.

“Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It’s our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help.”

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.


”The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car,” said Carolin.

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

* Based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP’s in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.

Images : 2008 Nissan Versa





[Source : NISSAN]
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LAUPHEIM, Germany : October 31, 2008 - The serial Mercedes-Benz SLR is already one of the most impressive cars on our roads - but compared to the HAMANN VOLCANO it still looks rather harmless. Once again, HAMANN-Motorsport proves its cutting edge when it comes to refining superb sports cars. From a lift-reducing body design to a powerful performance enhancement to a lavishly styled interior, HAMANN focuses on all components of this luxury car and makes the automobile dreams of its exclusive clientele come true.



The total makeover of the Laupheim-based refiner is made of extremely light full carbon and consists of front- and rear wing extensions and also new side skirt attachments and sheathings. The front view of the Volcano is optically perfected with a newly designed bonnet which enhances the overall impression by its integrated hood scoop. But also for the rear, the refining technicians implemented new ideas giving the SLR appearance its finishing touch. Under the boot lid cover, HAMANN placed a strong diffuser which improves the car?s output in combination with the large rear wing. At the front axle, a newly developed front spoiler renders the necessary contact pressure. If desired, an especially developed overall paint for the VOLCANO in either aluminium/chrome or white/matt completes the striking appearance of this bolide.


The 21-inch rims named EDITION RACE with tyres measuring 255/30ZR21 at the front and 345/25ZR21 at the back render an optimal road grip. The design of the extraordinary light forged wheel thereby combines vitality and elegance and also perfectly fills out the wheel houses.


The HAMANN makeover is not only sportive, but also has a lot to offer under the bonnet. The HAMANN motor technicians get the most out of the Mercedes Benz V8-aggregate (5.4 litres, 626 hp, 780 Nm): 700 hp / 515 kW and a maximum torque of 830 Nm at 3,300 crankshaft revolutions per minute. The therefore necessary modifications include a newly programmed control unit, especially developed high performance exhaust manifolds and an amended belt pulley combination for the serial compressors. In order to facilitate the increased motor performance, HAMANN adds a second water pump and adjusts the gearbox electronics. Invigorated in this way and with the adequate sound from the six end pipes of the sport exhaust system, the VULCANO accelerates from naught to a hundred in only 3.6 seconds. With a maximum speed of 348 km/h, the HAMANN VOLCANO is 14 km/h faster than the serial model.


The HAMANN product even beats the factory-provided performance-enhanced special series SLR 722 by impressive 11 km/h.


A skillfully refined interior is waiting for the VOLCANO-pilot and also the exterior does not rank behind. The overall makeover contains pedals and foot rests in aluminium as well as noble door sill protectors and headrests with embossed embroidered HAMANN-Logos. They can also be found on the exclusive floor mats. The overall makeover can be enhanced with a HAMANN interior set containing custom-made carbon parts for the dashboard and centre console. If desired, also the roof interior, all pillars, the cockpit including the steering wheel and the sun visors can hereby be adjusted in terms of colour. Therefore, HAMANN solely uses the high-quality material Alcantara.

Images : Hamann Volcano








[Source : HAMANN MOTORSPORT]
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SHENZEN, China : October 31, 2008 - A new Rolls-Royce showroom was officially opened today in Shenzhen, Southern China by Jenny Zheng, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ General Manager for Greater China. The new showroom, the seventh for Rolls-Royce in Greater China, is conveniently located at the Tian An Cyber Park in the Central Futian District of Shenzhen, a major commercial centre. It is managed by SCAS Investment Group Co. Ltd.


Speaking at the showroom grand opening, Zheng said, “Rolls-Royce is on course to complete its expansion plan in Greater China. Only last month, we opened a new showroom in Hangzhou and expect to open another in Ningbo within the next few months.”

Other Rolls-Royce showrooms in Greater China are located at Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

At the opening, Zheng also unveiled the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, the first time the two-door, four-seater grand tourer has been shown in Shenzhen. The car is the most driver-oriented of the Rolls-Royce Phantom family, combining meticulous design, craftsmanship and advanced engineering which has led to more new buyers embracing the brand – nearly two-thirds of Coupé customers worldwide have not owned a Rolls-Royce before.

Also attending the ceremony were key executives from SCAS Investment Group Co. Ltd.

In 2008, Rolls-Royce has a four model line-up, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. Phantom remains the best-selling super luxury car in the world and a new Rolls Royce model series, RR4, will be launched in 2010.

[Source : Rolls-Royce]
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NEW YORK : October 31, 2008 - POPULAR MECHANICS, announced today the winners of the 2009 POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards. Chosen by the magazine's expert editorial team, these awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2009 model year vehicles in ten specific categories.


"Our Automotive Excellence Awards honor the newest cars and trucks in the industry today," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, POPULAR MECHANICS. "Our automotive team spends months with hands-on testing and research before honoring vehicles with our award. This year we are proud to recognize the ten best and brightest vehicles ever produced."

The recipients of the fourth annual POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards :

• Design : Dodge Challenger
  
• Value : Honda Fit
  
• Fuel Efficiency : VW Jetta TDI
  
• Performance : Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
  
• Versatility: Ford Flex
  
• Fun to Drive: BMW 135i
  
• Off-Road Ability : Hummer H3T Alpha
  
• Technical Innovation: Cadillac Escalade With Platinum HID Headlights
  
• Luxury : Jaguar XF
  
• Workhorse : Ford F-150

Each year, to determine the winners of the POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards, PM's editors drive more than 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. Through their experiences on extended test drives around the world, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the auto team nominates a list of vehicles in each category.

Those selections are put to a vote and the top recipients in each category win an Automotive Excellence Award. The auto team is led by Automotive Editor Ben Stewart, working with Senior Automotive Editor Mike Allen, Detroit Editor Larry Webster and Editor-in-Chief James Meigs.

[Source : POPULAR MECHANICS]
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STUTTGART/LAS VEGAS : October 31, 2008 - Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading “Tuner Challenge”. Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire – the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range of tuning fantasies.


Tuning operations were tasked with highlighting the possibilities presented by the GLK’s wide-ranging talents through their ideas and designs. The four most convincing concepts were selected and the winners given the opportunity to implement their proposals. This process saw the creation of GLK models that are as leading-edge as they are unorthodox, and that now take centre stage in Mercedes’ participation at this year’s SEMA Show. “Widestar”, “The GLK Urban Whip”, “The GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer” and “The GLK Rock Crawler” will attract attention even at SEMA, which is not exactly short on highlights and is becoming increasingly important as a trendsetting springboard for the European tuning scene.

This presentation also represents the GLK premiere on the North American market, where sales are scheduled to begin in January 2009. “Our GLK is a character bursting with expressiveness, and a new model for us within a young market segment in the U.S.,” comments Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. “We selected SEMA in Las Vegas as the backdrop for its first appearance in North America because we want to take advantage of the show’s glamour and to underscore the highly individual character of the GLK. An SUV with an edge that is so refreshingly titleernative, demands a somewhat titleernative setting.”

Good market prospects are being forecast for the compact GLK in the U.S. The visual appeal and functionality of its exterior design make the GLK a distinctive and versatile vehicle, as do its exceptional handling and excellent safety characteristics combined with superb comfort both on and off-road.

GLK-Class freely interpreted four times
Four fundamentally different rebuilds make one thing abundantly clear – the GLK-Class is one of the most multi-faceted SUV models ever, and one that retains its distinctive character, even in the face of somewhat unconventional modifications. With each respective tuner fantasy and the help of some exotic ingredients, the SUV has been turned into an exclusive specialist for the road, beach, city or rally stage. “We wanted to see what kinds of interpretations were inspired by our GLK and how they would further sharpen this very strong character. The tuners opted for completely differing approaches, demonstrating the potential of our GLK concept,” continues Gorden Wagener.


With its GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer, RENNtech from Lake Park, Florida has created a motorsport vehicle inspired by the unlimited class of the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado. The drivetrain of the RENNtech GLK is complemented by a hybrid module that guarantees excellent acceleration figures.


BRABUS Widestar Mercedes-Benz GLK
BRABUS, based in Bottrop, Germany, represents the German element of this tuning fraternity and presents the Widestar, a production-ready, high-performance on-road vehicle that also pays tribute to the distinctive refinement of vehicles bearing the three-pointed star.


Boulevard Customs Urban Whip Mercedes-Benz GLK
GLK Urban Whip is the name given by Boulevard Customs from St. Petersburg, Florida to its creation, which makes its entrance with a significantly widened bodyshell, massive 26 inch wheels and a mighty on-board entertainment system that, according to the figures, is likely to have an impact at full blast of seismological proportions.


Legendary Motor Cars Four Corners Rock Crawler Mercedes-Benz GLK
The team at the Legendary Motorcar Company from Ontario, Canada, which is more commonly associated with the restoration of American muscle cars, created The GLK Rock Crawler. The exotic design for snow and sand includes a winch system that can provide wakeboarders and snowboarders alike with the necessary impetus.


RENNTech Rally Racer Mercedes-Benz GLK
The base vehicle for Boulevard Customs, Legendary Motorcar and RENNtech is the series production GLK350 with a 3.5 litre V6 engine generating 200 kW/272 hp, while BRABUS opted for the diesel-driven GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC. The base versions of all models are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Show vehicles with public voting
Mercedes-Benz is combining a voting program for the North American public with its appearances at SEMA and the subsequent Los Angeles Motor Show, where the customized GLKs will also be presented. At either show, or in the internet at www.mbusa.com, visitors can cast their vote for their favourite model. The winner of the “Tuner Challenge” will be announced on 2nd December.

The American trade body SEMA (Specititley Equipment Market Association) has been hosting the tuning show of the same name for over forty years. Starting out as a performance show for a specific few industry insiders, SEMA has grown to become the most important trade show in tuning, accessories, components and workshop equipment throughout the American continent, and is exercising an increasing influence on the European tuning scene. SEMA 2008 take place as always in the Las Vegas Convention Center, and is open exclusively to trade visitors from 4th – 7th November.

[Source : DAIMLER]
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• 315-Horsepower Crossover with WRX STI Engine, 6-Speed Transmission
  
• DCCD All-Wheel Drive and Brembo Brakes from WRX STI
  
• Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension
  
• Custom Bodywork and Paint

CHERRY HILL, NJ : October 31, 2008 - Subaru of America today revealed the Forester XTI Concept. It will be unveiled to the public at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, which runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. The Forester XTI Concept combines the versatility of the all-new Forester 2.5XT with the all-out street performance of the rally-bred Impreza(R) WRX STI.


All new for 2009, the Forester was named MOTOR TREND magazine's SUV of the Year. The magazine applauded the new Forester's combination of performance, utility, comfort, safety technology and value in giving it the award. MOTOR TREND editor Angus MacKenzie, citing the judges' unanimous decision, said, "The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times." The new Forester XTI Concept is an SUV for 0-60 times, estimated to hit the mark in less than 5 seconds.

Practically Wicked
Can a vehicle be both wicked and practical? The Subaru Forester XTI answers with a roomy interior and a lot of turbo boost. The Forester XTI ultra-performance CUV inherits the full STI treatment, with parts developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

The "Wicked" portion starts with the styling, which is set off by a custom Atmospheric "Re-Entry" paint scheme. The front lower spoiler and Sport Mesh Grille are from the Subaru Genuine Accessory catalog and are joined by a JDM body kit, including side skirts, a rear skirt and a gate spoiler.

Designed and built by Subaru of America technicians, the crew installed the engine and entire drivetrain from the Impreza WRX STI. In the Forester XTI, a custom stainless steel cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog helps to raise output of the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine to 315 hp (from 305 stock) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (from 290 lb.-ft. stock). As in the WRX STI, power flows through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The DCCD system offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential-locking settings.

The 18 x 8-in. S204 forged alloy wheels are by STI and are wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires. The Forester XTI also features an adjustable coil-over suspension by STI. The powerful Brembo brakes come right from the stock WRX STI, with 4-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, Super Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Inside, the Forester XTI features leather and Alcantara sport seats, a special instrument cluster, front dash and center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

[Source : SUBARU]
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• Designed as an over-the-top First Responder Vehicle for Ski Areas
  
• All-New Forester Named MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year for 2009

CHERRY HILL, NJ : October 30, 2008 - Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Mountain Rescue Forester® Vehicle, built for the National Ski Patrol (NSP). It will debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show that runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. Working with Subaru of America, Detroit-based Specialized Vehicles built the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept as the ultimate first responder vehicle, bolstering its trail-driving capability and equipping it with essential Ski Patrol rescue gear.


Based on the 2009 MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year Subaru Forester 2.5XT turbo crossover utility vehicle, the Forester Mountain Rescue Vehicle is designed to help Ski Patrol crews conduct rescues in difficult terrain and weather conditions. The men and women of Ski Patrol risk their lives in the mountains, fighting avalanches, performing daring rescues and keeping unruly skiers and snowboarders from endangering others on the slopes.

Ready for Rescue Missions
Subaru and skiing have gone together since 1974, when skiers first discovered the all-weather traction of Subaru models with 4-wheel drive. In stock form, the 2009 Forester 2.5XT combines Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, more than other crossover SUVs, which are typically in the 6.5-7 in. range. The Forester Mountain Rescue Concept delivers more than 14 in. of ground clearance through an Air Lift custom adjustable ride height air suspension system. Added off-road and snow traction is provided by Yokohama Geolandar MTS 30 x 9.5-in. tires on special 15-in. Subaru custom-reversed near-zero offset steel wheels.

For extra protection on the trails, the Forester Mountain Rescue Concept is equipped with custom front and rear skid plates by DeeZee and custom Trail Armor by Bushwacker, including fender flares, lower door cladding, a rear gate guard and tail light guards. Skiers won’t have trouble seeing the Forester Mountain Rescue Vehicle coming: an emergency light package, augmented by Subaru Genuine Accessory Baja Sport Activity Lights, ensures visibility from a distance and in all types of weather.

To illuminate a rescue site, the vehicle is equipped with roof mounted Visi Light LED spotlights – five in front and two in the rear – by Hamsar Diversco. Topping off the concept vehicle’s distinctive styling, a DeeZee custom grille guard helps protect the Sport Mesh Grille from Subaru Genuine Accessories.

Once on the rescue site, the Ski Patrol crew can use an Ultimate Performance 9.5i Thermometric 9,500-lb. winch by WARN. Remote rear door openers and external quick-access utility compartments play a vital role when time is of the essence. Extra wide round crossbars help secure the Subaru Yakima ski carriers, which on this vehicle hold Nordica snow skis. A rescue toboggan from Cascade rounds out the rescue equipment.

Subaru is proud to be the official vehicle of the NSP, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado and dedicated to serving the public and the ski industry by providing education on emergency care and safety. Subaru has been the Official Vehicle of the NSP for many years and for good reason – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, robust construction and durability make any Subaru ideally suited to tough winter conditions.

[Source : SUBARU - Image courtesy of Newscom]
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HIROSHIMA : October 31, 2008 - Mazda Motor Corporation will display the Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) at the “Japan Car” exhibitions to be held in London and Paris during November 2008.


Intended to showcase Japanese culture and innovative Japanese design and technology to Europe, the exhibitions will focus on Japanese car design. Seven automobile manufacturers and several famous artists will contribute to the display, which will include 14 vehicles. The exhibitions will explore the concept of the vehicle in terms of “size,” “the environment” and its role as a “mobile urban cell.”

First launched in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 design features elements with a sense of harmonious beauty that has universal appeal. This was achieved on the first generation MX-5 by incorporating a traditional Japanese sense of beauty through a Noh mask design motif. This design has helped to boost the MX-5’s popularity all over the world; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s highest production two-seat open top sports car, with over 800,000 units built. From the first to the current third generation model, 854,554 units have been produced as of September 2008, demonstrating the global popularity of this iconic sports car.

The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight modern sports car that offers maximum driving pleasure with eco-friendly features and the latest in safety technologies, developed under Mazda’s technology vision, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.

Opening first in Paris at the “Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie,” the exhibition will run from November 1 through November 9, 2008, at which time it will move to the Science Museum in London for the period November 29, 2008 to April 19, 2009.

[Source : MAZDA]
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Shipments to Mideast, S. America Part of Optimizing Global Supply System


TOKYO : October 31, 2008 - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it plans to export the "Sequoia" SUV made at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. to the Middle East and South America, and the "Tundra" pickup truck made at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. to South America.


The planned exports, scheduled to start in December 2008 and to be conducted through Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, Inc., are part of an ongoing TMC effort to optimize global production and supply structures to allow TMC to better respond to changes in market demand; they also reflect increasing demand for full-size SUVs in the Middle East and South America and for full-size pickup trucks in South America.

Annually, TMC will export to the Middle East approximately 15,000 units of the Sequoia, and to South America, approximately 150 units of the Sequoia and approximately 1,000 units of the Tundra.

Holding a long-term view, TMC plans—by uniting research and development, procurement, production and sales functions to more-flexibly meet changes in demand—to establish a stable global supply system based on strengthened production and supply structures.

[Source : TOYOTA]
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WOLFSBURG : October 30, 2008 – Volkswagen AG hasn’t raced in its first Baja 1000 yet, but it already is promising to do better the next time around.


Motorsports Director Kris Nissen is realistic about the auto maker’s chances in its first go-around at the Baja 1000 race next month but vows 2009 will be a different story.

VW will unveil its specially built Touareg TDI Baja racer at the Los Angeles auto show Nov. 19 before heading off for the Nov. 20-23 event, which starts and finishes in Ensenada, Mexico.

The racecar is powered by the same 5.5L V-12 turbodiesel used in the Audi R10 Le Mans racecar. It generates 550 hp and 627 lb.-ft. (850 Nm) of torque in the 4,850 -lb. (2,200-kg) Touareg.

“We don’t expect to win the first race,” Nissen says here at a media backgrounder on VW’s expansive racing program. “It’s a new vehicle, with rear-wheel drive; a heavier vehicle.

“We’ll do our best to finish the race, then work hard in the winter – and I promise we’ll be a winner in 2009. Our goal is to go to the 2009 Baja 1000 next November and have a good feeling we can win the race.”

Although it is outspent on racing by sister Audi AG, Nissen says he believes VW has built over the past four decades the auto industry’s most expansive racing program.

In addition to this year’s entry in the Baja 1000, VW races in the Dakar Rally Series, 24-Hours of Nurburgring, the Formula 3 Euro Series and the Formula ADAC Masters.

It also operates its own racing circuits, such as the Polo Cup in Germany and Jetta TDI Cup in the U.S., in eight countries worldwide and is looking to continue expanding into new markets.

“Our goal is to have national cups in as many countries as possible,” Nissen says. “Our goal is to add one new country a year.”

The Cup programs give young drivers a chance to race VW-provided vehicles at relatively low investment costs.

In the U.S., for example, racers pay $35,000 per season, with VW providing the track-prepped Jetta TDI sedans, maintenance and training. Drivers are responsible only for their helmets and travel expenses. The season’s winner gets $100,000, but that is hiked to $150,000 if he is signed to a professional contract within six months of the final race.

Next year’s Jetta TDI Cup already has drawn interest from more than 1,000 potential drivers, and VW has yet to officially solicit applications. The eventual list will be culled to 100 who will be invited to a Sonoma, CA, track to select the circuit’s 30 drivers. These will be judged not only on their driving abilities but also for their media-friendly skills and how well they would handle other off-track duties.

For now, VW is getting ready for the Dakar Rally, which Nissen says is the auto maker’s No.1 racing program. Slated for Jan. 3-18, the 5,600-mile (9,000-km) race starts and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with about 90% of it run over sandy terrain and under the most extreme conditions.

VW is entering the race with the Touareg 2, powered by a 5-cyl. turbodiesel generating 280 hp and 443 lb.-ft. (600 Nm) of torque. It features a 5-speed manual transmission and permanent 4-wheel drive.

Two similar Touaregs competed in VW’s first foray in Baja in 2007, finishing a surprising 11th and 16th overall in the 500-mile (805-km) Baja 500.

Weighing in at 3,942 lbs. (1,788 kg), the Dakar-bound Touareg 2 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 6.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).

“This is the hardest race on people and technology,” Nissen says. “It’s absolutely incredible.”

Participating gives VW the chance to prove its mettle in front of some 600 million people who watch the race worldwide, he says.

[Source : Volkswagen via WardsAuto]
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BEIJING : October 30, 2008 - As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.


Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.

The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: “China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing ‘savoir-vivre’ in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini’s future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale.”

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% ( 28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia.

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli’s career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years’ assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market.

Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

[Source : LAMBORGHINI]
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TOKYO : October 30, 2008 - The head of Mazda said on Thursday he did not expect any change in the Japanese automaker's relationship with Ford Motor, amid reports that the struggling U.S. automaker would sell part of its controlling stake.


"We've had a relationship with Ford since the 1970s," CEO Hisazaku Imaki told a news conference.

"Our ties are so close that you can't tell how much of the company is Mazda and how much of it is Ford. We don't expect that there will be any change in this relationship."

Shares in Mazda have been the worst performer of any Japanese automaker in the past month, punished for the company's vulnerability to a stronger yen since it ships most of its cars sold abroad from Japan. The share price has fallen more than 50 percent in the past month, compared with a 28 percent drop in Tokyo's transport sector subindex.

[Source : Reuters via Automotive News .. Sub. Req.]
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WOLFSBURG : October 30, 2008 - Volkswagen presents its vision of the car of tomorrow with Internet access at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB), which is being held from 29 through 31 October at the Allerpark in Wolfsburg. The centre of attention will be a Tiguan prepared by Volkswagen Group Research and a WLAN network created by the research cooperative "Wireless Wolfsburg". The interaction of the pair provides the driver with selected information pertaining to life in the city directly in the display of the navigation system.


In the research cooperative "Wireless Wolfsburg", Volkswagen, Wolfsburg AG, the AutoUni and WobCom together with a group of partner companies have set up a WLAN network for testing mobile Internet access. The Tiguan with the name "auto@web" is in constant contact with the Internet portal, which provides it with current, pertinent information. This all happens unnoticed by the driver. The city's events calendar and various search machines serve as additional sources of information.

The spectrum of information is broad: from the cultural programme to interesting destinations in the city of Wolfsburg, the Tiguan receives a constant overview of the subjects "City Life", "Travel" and "Wellness". This selection of information appears neatly in the display of the navigation system.

The auto@web and the "Wireless Wolfsburg" portal have still more innovative features: you can check, for example, whether the car's doors are locked or if the tank is full from your PC at home or your iPod. Furthermore, it is possible to load a map for your walking route from your parking space to your final destination on your mobile device or display the place where your car is currently parked.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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Volkswagen’s miniature Up! seems to be spawning little ones of its own. Audi is planning to unveil a new city car based on the Up! concept in 2012. The Audi will likely compete with top-end versions of the Ford Ka and Fiat 500.


The car will likely feature Audi’s hallmark trapezoidal grille, clear headlamps, and beefier wheelarches than the VW. Under the hood, Audi will place a pair of 600cc two-cylinder turbocharged units – one gas and one diesel. Audi has high hopes for fuel economy and is aiming for an impressive 95 MPG (with CO₂ emissions of less than 100g/km.)

Audi is not the only one to borrow from this new micro-car platform. Lower market brands Skoda and SEAT are expected to get versions as well.

[Source : Topspeed]
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TORRANCE, CA : October 29, 2008 - The restyled 2009 Honda Element entry-level SUV builds on its spacious and versatile character by adding a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design with an expanded selection of available high-tech and functional features. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP¹) starts at $20,175 for the 2009 Element 2WD LX, plus a destination and handling charge of $670.



For 2009, Honda has enhanced each of the three unique Element styles that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC. Available new features on the Element EX and SC include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² with Voice Activation and a rearview camera (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only); USB digital media connectivity; and improved overhead console storage areas with modular compartments.


Significant exterior styling changes include a new front grille and bumper design, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations.

"The Element's key strength is a spacious, versatile and rugged interior that adapts quickly and conveniently to people and cargo," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2009, the enhancements strengthen the totally unique original concept with more refinement and functionality."

New interior changes include new, brighter color schemes with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and revised switchgear designs and meter graphics. A restyled low-profile center console is standard on the Element LX.

The Element EX adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box while the Element SC retains its exclusive center console. For additional storage, the Element EX and SC are equipped with a modular three-compartment overhead console based on the Railport™ Vehicle Personalization System, expanding the vehicle's hidden storage versatility compared to the previous version. The new overhead console includes two large storage bins that can accommodate CD cases and similar items and a rear storage area for sunglasses.

The 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. The Element LX and EX continue to be available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, while the sport-tuned Element SC continues to be available exclusively in two-wheel-drive. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings³ range from 20/25 for two-wheel-drive models with an automatic transmission to 18/23 for manual transmission models with either two-wheel-drive or Real Time 4WD.

Versatile and Accommodating Interior with Available High-tech Features
The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed titleogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element LX and EX have a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture; the Element SC has a carpeted passenger area. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models.

The Element LX has a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player. The Element EX and SC feature a 270-watt high-output audio system, an AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA™⁴ capability, auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, seven speakers including a dynamic linear phase 6.5-inch subwoofer (located in the bottom center of the instrument panel). XM® Satellite Radio⁵ is standard on the Element EX and SC.


The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System becomes an available feature for 2009 on the Element EX and SC (automatic transmission models only), and includes a rear backup camera and a USB audio interface⁶. The navigation system features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA® files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system contains more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.

Numerous storage bins and beverage holders provide places for cell phones, CDs and super-size drinks. Available storage areas include: a large three-bin tray above the glove box (ideal for mobile phones and portable music players); a modular 3-compartment overhead storage bin (EX, SC); seat back storage (EX, SC); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors.

Exclusive Element SC interior appointments include passenger-area carpeting, a center console with storage, piano black trim pieces and unique fabrics and patterns. The center console provides an enclosed storage area in the vehicle and integrates the auxiliary audio input jack and two beverage holders. Meter styling color on all Element SC models is copper-hue, replacing the blue backlit illumination on the other models.

Restyled Exterior with Stronger Character Lines
For 2009, exterior styling changes to the front of the vehicle provide a more substantial and bolder look. Changes to the front fascia and side profile involve a new hood line that follows a continuously horizontal plane extending from the A-pillar to the front of the vehicle. The new design replaces the downward slope that began mid-fender on the previous models and results in a more vertical front appearance. Steel front fenders replace the composite body panels on all models (the rear fenders retain composite construction). The new grille design provides a consistent appearance similar to other Honda truck models. The rear skylight, previously exclusive to Elements equipped with Retitleime 4WD, has been discontinued.

The Element SC provides an exclusive appearance with street custom-inspired styling with a lowered stance and exclusive premium features. The Element SC's exterior styling exhibits a performance-oriented attitude with a monochromatic color scheme and exclusive features that include custom front and rear painted bumpers, large alloy wheels, custom grille, and a lowered stance. The lowered stance is achieved by lowering the ride height and by using uniquely shaped painted side sills and slimmer roof moldings.

Refined Chassis Design
The Element's fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size and an ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet (36.9-feet, Element SC) provides maneuverability in tight places.

Chassis safety highlights include Vehicle Stability Assist (also known as Electronic Stability Control) and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Assist helps sense oversteer and understeer, and can adjust brake pressure at each wheel and/or reduce engine power to help restore the driver's intended course. Electronic Brake Distribution helps to balance braking forces depending on dynamic loading. Brake Assist helps apply full braking force in some emergency braking situations. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the driver when tire pressure is significantly under-inflated.

Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars (30.0x4.5 mm tubular front / 21.0 mm solid rear). The Element SC adds 18-inch alloy wheels, P225/55R18 tires, exclusive spring and damper tuning (30 percent firmer), a lowered ride height (approximately 0.7 inches) and increased rear stabilizer bar size (25.0 mm, solid). Compared to Element LX and EX, the solid front stabilizer bar is 25 percent stiffer and the rear stabilizer bar is 30 percent stiffer. The steering rack also provides a 6 percent faster ratio (2.94:1 compared to 3.26:1).

Efficient Powertrain
An all-aluminum, 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC engine produces 166-horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Element's i-VTEC system combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) and a cam position-adjusting Variable Timing Control (VTC) system to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. The result is a broad torque curve that starts early at low RPM's while still delivering high-RPM horsepower.

The five-speed manual transmission features a lightweight and rigid aluminum die-cast housing. Multi-cone synchronizers used on first through fourth gears contribute to a smooth, fluid shift feel while reducing throw distances. Inside, the instrument panel- mounted shift lever facilitates quick, direct gear changes. The five-speed automatic transmission (available) delivers exceptional smoothness, economy and intuitive shift points. Grade Logic Control minimizes "gear hunting" on hilly roads.

Available on Element LX and EX, the Real Time 4WD system aids traction in snow, rain and sand. Real Time 4WD sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels experience traction loss.

The vehicle maintenance schedule is calculated by the Maintenance Minder™⁷ system. Maintenance Minder automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU) and minimizes the guesswork in determining standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. The Element requires no scheduled tune-ups for 100K+/- Miles.

Honda Safety
The Element is equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags for the driver and front passenger. The airbags are designed to minimize the potential for airbag injury while providing head and chest protection for the occupants in the event of a frontal collision. The front airbag system features front passenger seat weight sensors and a driver seat position sensor designed to further enhance occupant protection.

Seat-mounted front side airbags help safeguard the driver and front passenger from side-impact injury. An innovative Occupant Position Detection System is used to assure that the passenger's side airbag has a clear path for deployment. In the event that a child (or a small-statured adult) leans into the deployment path of the side airbag, a seven-segment "antenna" system built within the seat back signals this condition to an electronic control unit (ECU) and the passenger's side airbag is switched off.

Both rows of occupants are protected by Honda's Side Curtain Airbag with rollover sensor system. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the headliner in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll rate sensor and multiple G-force sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.

Both front seat belts have automatic tensioners and load limiters that work together to help protect the driver and front passenger in a collision. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat mounting system is standard for the two rear seat positions, allowing two outboard child seats to be installed. For pedestrian injury mitigation, design features in the front of the vehicle can help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian to help minimize injury. New for 2009, active front seat head restraints have been designed to help reduce the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact.

The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $670.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on Element EX and SC models in the United States, except Alaska. See your Honda dealer for details.

3 Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

4 Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

5 Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Installation costs and other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

6 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

7 May vary with driving conditions. Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Exact mileage is determined by actual driving conditions. Please see your owner's manual for more details.

Images : 2009 Honda Element EX







Images : 2009 Honda Element SC







[Source : HONDA]
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DEARBORN, Mich. : October. 29, 2008 - A choice lineup of gas-powered engines will deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan mid-size sedans, which already stand out for their strong reliability and driving dynamics.


For 2009, the 2010 model year Fusion and Milan will offer Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 horsepower; an enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 263 horsepower on the Fusion Sport model.

Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10 percent fuel economy improvement and a host of other industry-first technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy.

"Customers want it all exhilarating performance, continuing fuel economy improvements and low emissions -- all for a price that offers great value," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Product Development. "Ford intends to deliver on every expectation as we migrate advanced technologies from shelf to showroom."

Recent internal research shows that fuel economy continues to top customers' purchase-consideration lists, with 38 percent of new-vehicle intenders citing that they would be willing to sacrifice performance for better fuel economy.

Ford's powertrain strategy is built on a no-compromise proposition, using affordable engine, transmission and vehicle system technologies in large volumes so millions of customers can enjoy the best of both worlds -- class-leading fuel economy and high-quality driving performance.

The all-new 2010 Fusion and Milan are the latest vehicles in the Ford lineup to benefit from the company's push to improve the commonality of its powertrain products globally. Ford's strategy is to create a smaller number of flexible engine and transmission architectures, resulting in more consistent quality for customers and manufacturing cost efficiencies for the company.

Ford already has invested millions of dollars to develop advanced powertrain technologies and convert engine plants to flexibly produce high-technology smaller-displacement engines. These investments are helping Ford make good on commitments to upgrade or replace nearly all of its North American engines by the end of 2010; power one of every five products in North America with its fuel-conscious-yet-great-performing 3.5-liter V-6; and offer fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions on 98 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

An array of 2009 products already is the best or among the best for fuel economy in their respective segments, including the Ford Flex (best highway at 24 mpg), the Ford Focus (unsurpassed for best highway at 35 mpg) and the Ford Escape (best-in-class for the small SUV segment with 28 highway/20 city mpg).

The 2010 Fusion and Milan are expected to deliver similar fuel economy achievements in the mid-size car segment, helping build upon a stellar quality reputation that includes Best Buy recommendations from several top consumer publications.


The 2.5-liter I-4

First launched on the fuel-economy segment leader 2009 Ford Escape, Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 gives the 2010 Fusion 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, 14 more horsepower and 16 more lb.-ft. of torque than the preceding year's 2.3-liter engine.

The 2.5-liter uses intake variable cam timing (iVCT) technology to optimize valve timing, creating a broad torque curve that helps deliver increased power along with improved efficiency.

The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC), dual-mode crankshaft damping, new intake and exhaust manifolds, and a new underbody-only catalyst, which refine performance and contribute to greater fuel efficiency.

The 3.0-liter V-6

The improved 3.0-liter V-6 available on the 2010 Fusion delivers 19 more horsepower and 23 more lb.-ft. of torque for a total of 240 horsepower and 228 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 3.0-liter features a new air induction system and ETC as well as an industry-first Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) iVCT technology that uses available camshaft torsional energy rather than pressurized oil to phase the camshafts. This allows for a smaller displacement oil pump versus traditional hydraulic VCT systems for improved fuel economy.

"With this technology, we are taking energy that is in your engine today -- energy that was previously wasted -- and using it to make an engine more efficient," said Steve Wilkie, supervisor of Cam Drive/VCT Design. "The cam torque actuated technology is a significant player in the 3.0-liter's ability to provide customers fuel economy and performance."

This innovative method uses torsional energy to move the camshafts similar to the way a hydraulic ratchet works. The system takes oil from one side of the phaser and channels it to the other side, rather than draining one side and filling the other as with a traditional hydraulic system. This allows the CTA system to work more efficiently at all engine speeds and it requires a smaller oil pump, which equates to lower parasitic energy loss.

CTA reduces oil pump flow requirements by approximately 25 percent, producing a fuel economy benefit up to 0.4 percent. In addition, the CTA-based system responds more quickly than a traditional hydraulic oil actuated VCT system, improving tip-in performance feel and contributing to horsepower gains.

The 3.0-liter is also flex-fuel capable and can run on E85, helping Ford deliver on a pledge made to double annual production of vehicles capable of running on renewable fuels by 2010.

The 3.5-liter V-6

The award-winning Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 joins the Fusion lineup for 2010, powering the Sport model with a beefy 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs. This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high airflow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine's ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy, along with low emissions.


The Six-Speed Trans

The new pairing of Fusion's engines with the 6F35-Mid automatic transmission further drives the mid-size sedan's competitive advantage, especially when compared to the outgoing five-speed gearbox that was offered with Fusion's I-4 models. A five-speed is still the gearbox-of-choice for the 2.0-liter varieties offered on segment contenders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

When the six-speed is paired with the 2.5-liter engine, for example, the Fusion powerpack delivers a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency along with increased power. The 3.0-liter configurations gain a 4- to 6-percent efficiency.

The Ford transmission team made several specific modifications to the 6F35-Mid to optimize its performance for Fusion, including using unique final drive ratios for the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter, developing an improved converter lock-up for lower operating temperatures and efficiency, recalibrating the converter clutch to accommodate a fuel-saving aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off system as well as other tweaks to diminish parasitic losses.

A SelectShift function on the 3.0-liter applications was also added to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

Other Fuel Savers


The Fusion gas powerpacks incorporate other advanced fuel-saving and performance technologies, including:

• Electric Power Steering (EPS). The 2010 Fusion has a rack- or belt-driven EPS system. Available on the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter engines, energy consumption of an EPS system is typically less than 7 percent of a conventional hydraulic rack and pinion power steering system, contributing to less fuel consumption. Ford has committed to fit up to 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products with EPS by 2012 and first introduced a column-based EPS system on the 2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
  
• Adaptive Spark Ignition. Included on the V-6 configurations, this system can sense what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and communicates the information to the powertrain control module (PCM), which adjusts the spark accordingly. The ignition system features two knock sensors rather than one to further improve performance. These two sensors detect the presence of uncontrolled burning in the chambers more accurately, so the control module can retard engine timing as needed to eliminate the potential for engine knock and pinging.
  
• Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-off. The 3.0-liter V-6 also regulates its gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off for an efficiency improvement of approximately 1 percent. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal to slow down, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the vehicle reaches a low speed or when the driver accelerates again. The system uses the transmission to keep the engine running at a low, more efficient operating point whenever possible. This system will be added to the 2.5-liter lineup later in the 2010 model year.

[Source : FORD]
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• Five Axis "Project GS" luxury sport sedan
• Five Axis "Project IS F" with a newly fortified engine
• F-Sport-equipped IS 350 with a new concept body kit
• Four new projects based on the IS F high-performance sport sedan
• A specially modified LX 570 luxury utility vehicle

TORRANCE, CA : October 29, 2008 - marks its return to the SEMA Show with another selection of exciting project cars following its official debut at the 2007 show.


All of the vehicles will be available for viewing at the Lexus exhibit tent, located outside between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tent sits next to the Motor Trend Proving Ground powered by Lexus, where the 416-horsepower IS F and an F-Sport equipped IS 350 will be available for test drives.



Project GS by Five Axis

After wowing the SEMA Show crowd in 2007 with the amazing Project IS F, Troy Sumitomo makes a return engagement, this time with a fresh take on the Lexus GS 460. Sumitomo brings the considerable expertise of his Five Axis automotive design company to bear on this exciting GS concept. The car will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 4 inside the Lexus SEMA Show display where Troy will be on hand to discuss his latest creation with members of the media.

Highlights:

Exterior

• Five Axis widebody conversion
  
• PPG custom formulated Satin Titanium Pearl paint by Five Axis with onyx and papaya accents

Exhaust

• Custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers by Five Axis

Wheels

• FIVE:AD ONYX R5:F alloy wheels
  
• o Front: 20x8.5", ET25
  o Rear: 20x10.5", ET22

Tires

• Yokohama Advan concept tires with tread design by Five Axis
  
• o Front: 245/30- ZR20
  o Rear: 295/25-ZR20

Suspension

• Sport shocks
  
• Performance lowering springs

Brakes

• High-Performance Big Brake Kit - Front
  
• o 355mm x 32mm rotors
  o Six-piston opposed, 2- piece fixed, bolt-in-bridge caliper

• High-Performance Big Brake Kit - Rear
  
• o 345mm x 28mm rotors
  o Four-piston opposed, fixed, bolt-in-bridge caliper

Project IS F by Five Axis

Following its stunning debut in 2007, the Five Axis Project IS F went back to the shop for another makeover, this time in the engine compartment. With 416 hp on tap right out of the box, the standard IS F is no slouch. But the Project IS F concept brief included exploring the performance potential of its direct-injected 5.0-liter V8, so it now sports 5.8 liters while receiving ported and flowed cylinder heads, a new exhaust system and changes to the electronic controls. The upshot is enough power and torque to put an evil grin on even the most jaded enthusiast's
face.

Highlights:

Engine

• Bored to 100 mm and stroked to 91.5 mm to yield 5.8 liters
  
• Forged JE Pistons
  
• 12.8:1 compression ratio
  
• Titanium intake and stainless steel exhaust valves
  
• Nitrided crankshaft
  
• Dyers connecting rods

Exhaust

• Custom fabricated low restriction system with dual finishers

Exterior

• Five Axis Design 6" wide body conversion
  
• Five Axis custom satin black pearl paint with satin bronze accents

Interior

• Five Axis Design Sculpted Front and Rear Seats Upholstered in Alcantara with Garrett Basket Weave Leather and Stainless Steel Woven Inserts
  
• Material Specifications by Zing Design by Turinmodel, Inc.
  
• Uniquely Appointed Five Axis Design Interior Trim and Color Enhancements
  
• Chilewich floor mats

Wheels

• FIVE:AD S5:F Wheels with Satin Bronze Finish
  
• o Front: 20x8.5", +25mm offset
  o Rear: 20x10.5", +33mm offset

Tires

• Yokohama Advan Sport
  
• o Front: 245/30-ZR20
  o Rear: 295/25-ZR20

Suspension

• TEIN Adjustable Coil-over Suspension

Brakes

• Brembo GT Brake System

IS 350 with F-Sport Accessories

The IS 250/350 is Lexus' entry point into the luxury sport sedan arena. It's a tuner-friendly and robust platform that responds extremely well to performance upgrades. This car is fully loaded with all the offerings from the F-Sport performance accessory catalog. It also sports a new concept ground-effects body kit designed to complement the increased performance and aggressive stance provided by the F-Sport components.

Highlights :

Exterior

• Four-piece ground-effects body kit and grille by Five Axis
  
• Lexus Genuine Accessory rear spoiler
  
• PPG Vibrance Orange Glow 3-stage paint with satin accents

Interior

• Custom leather interior appointments by Five Axis and Turinmodel, Inc.
  
• F-Sport floor mats

Engine

• F-Sport Performance Air Intake
  
• F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Exhaust

• F-Sport Performance Exhaust

Suspension

• F-Sport Bilstein Shocks
  
• F-Sport Lowering Spring Set
  
• F-Sport Sway Bar Set
  
• F-Sport Under Chassis Brace

Wheels

• F-Sport 19" Forged Aluminum Wheels
  
• o Front: 19"x8"
  o Rear: 19"x9"

Tires

• Yokohama Advan Sport Ultra-high Performance Tires
  
• o Front: 225/35-ZR19 88Y
  o Rear: 255/35-ZR19 96Y

Brakes

• F-Sport Performance Brake Upgrade Kit (Fr)
  
• o 355mm x 32mm Rotor
  o Six-piston opposed, 2 piece fixed, bolt-in?bridge caliper

• F-Sport Performance Brake Upgrade Kit (Rr)
  
• o 345mm x 28mm Rotor
  o Four-piston opposed, fixed, bolt-in-bridge caliper

IS F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance

Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves the numerous bodywork changes, which enhance rather than rethink the lines of the IS F, making it look even more muscular in the process. 'Aggressive' can be applied to the engine which gets the full twin-turbo treatment. Fox expects the changes will yield something north of 600 horsepower.

Highlights:

Exterior

• BASF Glasurit Sunset Orange Pearl paint
  
• Webasto Hollandia 9001 sunroof
  
• BodyKits.com Licensed Fox Marketing front bumper
  
• BodyKits.com Licensed Fox Marketing side skirts
  
• BodyKits.com Licensed Fox Marketing rear valance
  
• Custom fender flares
  
• Lightwurkz BASF Black painted HID headlights
  
• Lightwurkz BASF Black tinted taillights
  
• Impressive Signs graphics
  
• Meguiar's Car Care Products
  
• Paint & body by Powell Customs

Interior

• Black leather seats with blue stitching
  
• Callaway golf clubs in the trunk

Engine

• Artisan Twin-Turbo kit
  
• Artisan air intake with AMSOIL filter
  
• Artisan front mount intercooler
  
• Brian Crower connecting rods
  
• JE Pistons
  
• Mishimoto radiator
  
• AMSOIL 0w-30 synthetic engine oil
  
• AMSOIL transmission fluid
  
• Tuned by Kenny Strickler - TurboChargers.com

Exhaust

• Artisan cat-back exhaust

Suspension

• Eibach Pro Kit

Wheels

• Front: 20x9.5 iForged FS Imola
  
• Rear: 20x11.5 iForged FS Imola

Tires

• Front: 255/35-20 Toyo T1R
  
• Rear: 305/30-20 Toyo T1R

IS F by Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN

Import Tuner Magazine and TEIN suspension company put their collective heads and expertise together to create an IS F that's focused on track performance, while still remaining practical for the street. Weight reduction, added chassis stiffness, special suspension and big sticky tires take care of the corners, while a comprehensive nitrous system boosts the engine for bursts of overtaking power. Coming soon to a track near you.
Highlights:

Highlights:

Exterior

• Five Axis dry carbon front lip
  
• Black chrome dipped emblems and front grill
  
• Smoked headlights
  
• S&A Design vinyl

Interior

• Bride racing seats (Brix II for driver, Xax II for passenger)
  
• Custom tinted interior trim
  
• TEIN Dampachi mascot
  

Engine

• NOS 12.8 lbs composite bottle
  
• Nitrous bottle opener
  
• Single fogger wet nitrous system
  
• Quick release bottle bracket
  
• Ntimidator dual LED purge kit
  
• Nitrous bottle heater
  
• P.O.D. system
  
• Nitrous pressure gauges
  
• K&N intake
  
• Tom's Linear Throttle Controller

Exhaust

• Fujitsubo custom full titanium dual exhaust

Suspension/Chassis

• TEIN re-valved Comfort Sport monotube coilovers with Electronic Damping Force Control (EDFC)
  
• SPD Metal Works adjustable fr. upper cont. arms
  
• M1 Fabrication stitch-welded body seams (strategic locations)
  
• Tom's upper performance rod
  
• Tom's front and rear suspension member braces
  
• Tom's rear body strengthening brace

Wheels

• Volk RE30s
  
• o Front: 19x9"; +38 offset
  o Rear: 19x10"; +38 offset

Tires

• Yokohama Advan Sports
  
• o Front: 255/35-19
  o Rear: 275/35-19

Brakes

• Brembo GT Big Brake kit
  
• o Front: 6-piston calipers and two-piece rotors
  o Rear: two-piece rotors
  
• Baker custom rear stainless steel brake lines

With track performance a common theme among IS F builders, 0-60 Magazine ups the ante on their IS F project with a supercharger to tease out another load of horses from the big V8. Carbon fiber body components reduce weight while lowering the center of gravity and a custom roll cage adds stiffness and protection. A beefy brake-upgrade kit was added to balance the performance equation.

Hilights :

Exterior

• Seibon Carbon Panels: Hood, Fenders, Trunk, Spoiler

Interior

• Design Craft Fabrication custom roll cage
  
• Sparco Chrono Road Seats wrapped with interior-matching leather

Engine

• Greddy MP92 Supercharger w/ custom aluminum intake manifold
  
• Greddy Intelligent Informeter Touch
  
• Greddy Intake and filter
  
• Braille Carbon Battery

Exhaust

• Custom system using Greddy Spectrum Elite components

Suspension

• Tein Super Street Coilovers w/ EDFC Kit

Wheels

• Yokohama Advan Racing RZ Wheels
  
• o Front: 19x9"
  o Rear: 19x10"

Tires

• Hankook Ventus EVO V12:
  
• o Front: 245/35-19
  o Rear: 275/30-19

Brakes

• Performance Friction Lexus IS F Z-Rated brake upgrade kits (front and rear):
  
• o Forged 4--piston monobloc calipers
  o Radial mount caliper brackets
  o 2-piece rotor/hat assemblies (372mm front; 355mm rear)
  o Z-rated Carbon Metallic ? multipads specifically for IS-F chassis
  o Stainless steel braided brake lines

IS F by MotorworldHype.com

MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce some unwanted mass and a well-rounded package of suspension, brake, engine and cosmetic changes provide sharper responses in all directions.

Highlights:

Exterior

• Carbon fiber aero package featuring carbon front chin/splitter and rear diffuser
  
• Weight reduction package featuring carbon fiber replacement trunk lid
  
• Lexus Starfire White paint
  
• Gloss black emblems
  
• Gloss black window sills and roof
  
• Matte black tips

Interior

• Blue Alcantara seat inserts

Engine

• Custom air intake system

Exhaust

• Borla high performance exhaust system

Suspension

• Tein Full Suspension System w/ EDFC

Wheels

• Rays Engineering Volk Racing TE 37 in matte black
  
• o Front: 19x8.5"
  o Rear: 19x9.5"

Tires

• Michelin Pilot Sport 2
  
• o Front: 235/35-19
  o Rear: 265/30-19

Brakes

• Brembo GT Big Brake Kit w/ 6 piston front calipers and floating rotors

LX 570 by ICON 4x4 Design

ICON specializes in 4x4s that are typically off-road oriented. But they envisioned something different for the plush yet rugged LX 570. Their approach here is to give the LX a clean and stealthy appearance through clever use of colors and trim, then top with performance improvements to further enhance the appeal of Lexus' premier luxury utility vehicle.

Highlights:

Exterior

• Matte two-tone gray paint
  
• Black chrome trim and emblems
  
• Side trim removed, roof rack deleted

Interior

• All wood panels replaced with carbon fiber surface effect coatings
  
• Window tint

Engine

• Custom intake system

Exhaust

• Stainless steel exhaust system

Wheels

• Custom finish 24" MOZ Calgary wheels

Tires

• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 285/35R-24

Brakes

• 6-piston front, 4-piston rear performance brake system

[Source : LEXUS]
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REDWOOD CITY, CA. : October 29, 2008 - EA and Nissan shift into high-gear this holiday! TheNeed for Speed series continues the tradition of featuring the most desirable cars as Black Box, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Nissan today revealed the highly-anticipated all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z. This marks the first time an auto manufacturer has partnered with a videogame company for the world premiere reveal of a car. The Nissan ZÒ will be available exclusively in this holiday’s hottest action driving title, Need for Speed™ Undercover, available in North America on November 18 and in Europe on November 21.


“For the past 15 years, Need for Speed has helped define contemporary automotive culture by bridging the gap between gamers and the world’s hottest cars. As such, we are very excited to partner with one of the automotive powerhouses today to exclusively reveal the all-new Nissan ZÒ,” said Keith Munro, vice president of Marketing at Electronic Arts. “Need for Speed is about style, fast-paced action and power; this is definitely a car made for Need for Speed fans. Come November, they’ll be able to test drive the all-new 370Z in the game before the car is released on the market.”


“Our relationship with EA has been instrumental in bringing the Nissan brand to a passionate and unique audience,” says Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing. “By launching the all-new 2009 Nissan ZÒ first through Need for Speed: Undercover, we also gain the spirit and energy that EA gamers experience so strongly. Together with EA, we have truly integrated the all-new 370Z in the overall game experience in a meaningful, multi-layered and profound way.”


With the signature boomerang headlights and taillights to the enhanced powertrain, Need for Speed Undercover designers worked closely with Nissan to accurately replicate the overall look, feel and performance of the all-new Nissan ZÒ. From the game’s opening moment, players will be thrust right into the action with gamers whipping the 370Z in-and-out of traffic at high speed.

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z is a super evolution of the iconic Nissan ZÒ, building on the strengths of it’s predecessor, finding the sports car “sweet spot” in performance, style, and value. The 2009 Nissan Z marks the first full redesign of the Nissan ZÒ since its reintroduction as a 2003 model.

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19, hitting dealerships in early 2009.

VIDEO :

See : Renault Megane Coupe in EA's Need For Speed "UNDERCOVER"

[Source : NISSAN - Electronics Art]
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. : October 29, 2008 - Today! Nissan has released 3 official images of the new Nissan 370Z. No details about the fresh 370Z released with these images. The new 370Z will be shared with Infiniti G37's 3.7 litres V6 engine with 6-speed manual or 7-speed semi-automatic transmission.

Nissan offers the first look at the upcoming 2009 370Z Coupe, which makes its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19th.


The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value. The all-new 370Z will go on sale at Nissan dealers in early 2009.


[Source : NISSAN]
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STUTTGART : October 29, 2008 - The American environmental authority EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has put the smart fortwo at the top of its current list of the most economical cars without hybrid drive. The US authority confirms independent European studies that had already established the clever two-seater as the most economical car.


According to findings by the American environmental authority EPA, the smart fortwo boasts the best fuel efficiency of all vehicles without hybrid drive approved for the USA. In addition, the two-seater already exceeds the US standards for fleet consumption (CAFE = Corporate Average Fuel Economy) which are planned for 2020 and it has already been classified as an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) in California.


The model available in the USA with 52kW/71 hp and the current smart fortwo mhd models with 45 kW/61 hp and 52 kW/71 hp consume 4,3 litres of fuel per hundred kilometres (CO₂ emissions of 103 g/km). The smart fortwo cdi with a 33 kW/45 hp engine is, with a combined consumption of 3.4 litres per hundred kilometres (NEDC), still the most fuel efficient series production vehicle worldwide and with emissions of 88 g /km remains CO₂ Champion. At the same time they take up an unrivalled small amount of road and parking space and yet bring two people including luggage to their destination very comfortably and extremely safely. In this way smart provides a unique answer to many questions concerning individual urban mobility.

Thanks to its outstanding features and its fresh design that combines functionality with joie de vivre, the smart fortwo has become a sought-after cult car in many countries. The sales figures also demonstrate this. Since the start of 2008 the number of smart fortwos delivered to customers worldwide rose by 53 percent to 101,900 cars. In the USA, 19,000 smart fortwos have already been delivered to customers since its launch in January 2008.

[Source : DAIMLER - Smart]
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• Audi brand launches in Vietnam
  
• Exclusive importer opens first Audi dealership in Ho Chi Minh City
  
• Sales chief Schwarzenbauer: “We expect to achieve annual growth rates of 20 to 30 percent in the region.”

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam : October 29, 2008 - Yesterday’s opening of the first Audi dealership in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) marked the Ingolstadt-based company’s official entry into the Vietnamese market. By launching its sales programme in Vietnam, AUDI AG is reinforcing its position in the region, where the brand is currently scoring its highest growth rates.


“The developing markets of South East Asia represent a great opportunity for us,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales. “This year we’ll sell around 40 percent more cars than in 2007. For the next few years I anticipate constantly high growth rates of 20 to 30 percent in the region.”

In 2007 the brand with the four rings sold 1,390 automobiles in South East Asia. In Vietnam, Audi is venturing into one of the region’s most dynamic economies: The economic boom of the past few years has been especially beneficial to the premium market in Vietnam, which experienced a disproportionately high growth rate. Audi’s most important location in South East Asia to date has been Singapore, where AUDI AG is represented by a wholly owned National Sales Company.

For this year, Audi is projecting total sales of about 1,300 cars in the city state – effectively doubling its unit sales in just two years. This makes Audi the fastest-growing premium brand in Singapore, with a market share of 11.2 percent (January – September 2008; 8.0 percent in 2007).

In the Vietnamese market, Audi will cooperate with the Automotive Asia group, which will sell the premium cars with the four rings as the exclusive importer. Initially Audi will introduce two top-of-the-line models: the Audi A8 4.2 L TFSI, the brand’s flagship with a long wheelbase, and the Audi Q7 4.2 TFSI. Next year the model range will be increased by the Audi A6, the Audi Q5 and the Audi A4. In addition to the showroom, the Ho Chi Minh City facility offers customers with the brand’s exclusive Audi Service and Audi Genuine Parts in its 1,600 square meter (over 17,000 square feet) dealership.

[Source : AUDI]
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COLOGNE : October 29, 2008 - Unmistakable quality, Scandinavian design and innovative technologies at an attractive entry price: The Volvo V70 is now in a new variety from the initial 29,900, - Euro. The engine program consists of a four-gasoline car, a four-common-rail diesel and a special economic FlexiFuel variant.


"The Volvo V70 is not only a classic , it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in the premium segment and Patterns in its class is the clear number one among imported automobiles," said Thomas Viehweg, managing director of Volvo Car Germany GmbH

Sporty dynamism, extremely comfortable space, elegant design and unique security solutions such as integrated child seats adjustable two-tiered draw the wagonnation of premium. With the new equipment variant, the Swedish car manufacturer is now a very attractive entry opportunity for price-sensitive wagon-lovers. This equipment variant convincing performance, best security, excellent design and perfect functionality, to the squareest detail mature.

The initial version of the new Volvo V70 is available in three engines. As a Volvo V70 2.0 petrol engine with cylinder, 2.0 liter engine capacity, 145 hp (107 kW) and five-speed manual gearbox. The Volvo V70 2.0 accelerates in 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, reached a maximum speed of 200 km / h and consumes an average of 8.6 liters per 100 km. The four-common-rail diesel bears the name Volvo V70 2.0D, also has two liters engine capacity, makes 136 hp (100 kW) and has over a standard six-speed manual gearbox. He needed for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km / h 11.4 seconds, reaches 195 km / h speed limit itself and, on average, with 5.9 liters per 100 km.

The third engine variant is a FlexiFuel version with five-speed manual gearbox and 145 hp (107 kW), which titleernatively with bio-ethanol (E85) or gasoline can be operated. The Volvo V70 2.0F accelerated in 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and reaches a top speed of 200 km / h.

The standard equipment of the new base model includes air conditioning, the audio package "sound performance" and decorative deposits in the interior. As a supplement is also an optional "comfort package" available, inter alia, to the 16-inch alloy wheels, a speed control device , A multifunction leather steering wheel and leather switching selector belong.

Overall, for the Volvo V70 four gasoline engines with a capacity of 145 hp (107 kW) and 285 hp (210 kW) to choose from, including two six-cylinder. Three powerful and economical common-rail turbo diesel particulate filter including serienmäßigem with an output of 136 hp (100 kW) to 185 hp (136 kW) and two FlexiFuel versions with 145 hp (107 kW) and 200 hp (147 kW) round out the offerings.

V70 has great potential as a trendsetter in the premium segment of the combos proves the Volvo V70 in several areas. With its intelligent cargo system and the threefold Backseat bank, he has the character of a multifunction model that the needs of families as well as those needs of professional users that their vehicles for various purposes. High-quality materials and first class series provide scope for a luxurious ambience.

In addition, the Volvo V70 has a highly developed network of interactive safety. While the patented body structure, the impact energy absorbed in an effective manner, the interior offers a multitude of advanced systems optimized SIPS head and shoulder airbag until Whips whiplash protection system all passengers the best possible protection. Complemented the range of safety equipment by modern driver-information systems, such as IDIS, or the emergency system Volvo On Call.

Traditionally, the Swedish premium manufacturer with a strong focus on child safety. For the premium combo are optional two unique in the backseat Bank and two-height adjustable integrated child seats available.

The Volvo V70 is also a testament to the fascination of modern Scandinavian design. Its harmonious proportions underline the strong character and give him individual class. The Volvo V70 impressed by versatility and driving dynamics. In addition strengthens the model of success with a fine, but discreet luxury its position in the premium segment.

Images : 2009 Volvo V70








[Source : VOLVO]
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LUSTENAU, Austria : October 28, 2008 - The time has come! Austrian tuner O.CT Tuning has completed development on power upgrades for vehicles with the new ECU class MED 17 using the OBD II connection.


All power kits are uploaded to the OBD connection using IPRO (Intelligent Programming). Like all O.CT upgrades, the new MED 17 kits are developed by O.CT personally and are tailored to each engine's specifics, guaranteeing maximum durability and performance. Opening the engine control unit is no longer necessary. Every customer can have power upgrades performed by one of our worldwide dealers – including models with the MED 17 ECU.

One of the first vehicles using this system that O.CT has modified is the 1.4 TSI engine by VW. This engine is offered in two trims from 140 to 170 horsepower. An additional 125 or 122 horsepower version is also available for many VW vehicles. Using a revolutionary concept of direct injection combined with a supercharger and turbocharger, Volkswagen has extracted commendable performance from this 1,4 liter engine, while drastically reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

However, O.CT Tuning still saw room for improvement.

As a result, O.CT developed a 193 horsepower power upgrade. Combined with the increase in torque (up to 65 Nm), the engine now offers noticeably improved acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from standstill 1,2 seconds quicker than the 140 hp stock version. Even more impressive: the difference to 180 km/h. The O.CT 1.4 TSI reaches this speed a breathtaking 12 seconds quicker. That translates into 110 car lengths! More importantly, this performance offers increased comfort and safety when passing slower cars on the freeway or a country road. Top speed rises from 205 to 225 km/h – while beiing just as frugal with fuel as the standard car.

O.CT also offers power upgrades via OBD for the 150, 160 and 170 hp versions of the award winning 1.4 TSI engine family.

O.CT paid particular attention to the 150 hp VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI 4 Motion. With an additional 40 hp and 40 Newtonmeters of torque, the small SUV sprints to 100 km/h a full second faster and reaches 180 km/h a whopping 10 seconds sooner than the standard vehicle – an 86 car length advantage. The small sports utility vehicle transforms into a big performer with O.CT Tuning.

Images : VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI - Tuned by O.CT Tuning




[Source : O.CT Tuning]
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SCHWABACH : October 28, 2008 - Hot camshafts? In the age of chip tuning, that sounds like a relic of the Eighties. Incorrectly, as there is not much extra power to be gained electronically from a naturally aspirated engine.



Mechanical measures continue to be the first choice there, and more effective than ever before in combination with an adjustment of the engine management. One particularly successful example is the C 350 Limousine from Sportservice Lorinser, an almost irresistible temptation for everyone with petrol in their blood: special camshafts and a modified engine control unit kindle here far more fire than the series version of the extremely successful 3.5-litre V6. 305 HP (224 kW) instead of 272 HP (200 kW) are an end result that can be more than seen in a non-charged engine, especially since the fast Mercedes accelerates powerfully with 380 instead of 350 Nm, even at very low RPM. As a result of the tuning measure, the interval between opening the exhaust valve and closing the intake valve becomes bigger. The result is a "hot" overlap, which is where the camshaft modification gets its name from. On the other hand, the Lorinser lowering kit is responsible for the "hot" handling in the bend. An additional bonus in the driving-fun account.


Digital or analogue? Music fans may argue about this point, but not car enthusiasts.. Of course, the Lorinser sports exhaust system plays music purely mechanically, and develops such a crescendo when the accelerator pedal is pushed enthusiastically that even eardrums get goosebumps. But the optical charms of the C-Class also easily arouse the desire to own one. Is it the well-designed exhaust tailpipes integrated into the Lorinser rear apron that the sporty roof and rear spoiler soar above? The muscular side sills or the striking front apron? An abundance of details that add up to a fascinating automobile. The model RS 8 matt black 19-inch light-alloy wheels draw attention to themselves as they provide exciting contrasts in combination with the white bodywork colour. An additional stylish titleernative is the silver-coloured light-alloy wheel RS 9 from the Lorinser assortment. An offer that repeatedly proves in its totality that the Winnenden customiser won't be losing steam any time soon when it comes down to stirring up passions for automobiles.

Images : New Lorinser C-Klasse 305 HP Tuned!




[Source : LORINSER]
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DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2008 – America’s best-selling pickups for 31 consecutive years are also the most accessorized vehicles in the aftermarket, and this year’s Specititley Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show brings new options aplenty for the 2009 Ford F-150.


Four F-150 project trucks – running the gamut from a rolling work shop to a functional fun machine – debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which runs Nov. 4-7.

The F-150 Heavy Duty DEWtitle Contractor Concept was designed to be the “ultimate contractor’s truck,” according to Jennifer Ervin, director of Business Development for DEWtitle.

“At DEWtitle, we are obsessed with developing innovative solutions for the professional contractor that will deliver productivity on the job site,” she said. “We have thoroughly thought through how a contractor uses his or her truck on the job, and we’ve worked hard to integrate every application into the truck.”

The DEWtitle Contractor includes features such as a built-in charger for battery-powered tools that is hidden in the center console, a customized storage area beneath the second-row seat and Ford Works Solutions™ Tool Link™ from DEWtitle.

“Tool Link will enable contractors to know if they have the right tools for the job in the truck when they leave in the morning, and it also helps prevent loss of tools at the end of the day,” said Ervin.

Mike Duval, owner of X’Treme Toyz, had something else in mind for the F-150 he dubbed “Fahrenheit F-150°.”

“I ride motorcycles, mountain bikes and four wheelers, and I like to go camping,” he said. “I wanted to transform the truck into a functional, fun vehicle for outdoorsmen like myself.”

In addition to “hot flame” exterior graphics, the Fahrenheit F-150° includes features including a 9,000 lb. winch hidden behind the license plate at the front and rear of the truck; a bike rack across the top rail; and a Bedslide sliding cargo drawer equipped with a toolbox, tire and small compressor.

“You can basically put all of your toys in the truck, hook up the trailer and go,” said Duval. “And with the winch on both ends of the truck, you can get pulled in either direction if you get stuck.”

Duval says he usually “goes crazy” with the interiors of his show cars, but he didn’t see a reason to tamper with the interior of the 2009 F-150.

“I didn’t do a whole lot to the interior because the factory did such a fantastic job with the vehicle right out of the gate,” he said. “It’s got a great stereo system, Ford SYNC™ and a variety of other creature comforts.”

In addition to a well-appointed interior, the 2009 F-150 offers customizers like Duval a variety of different options straight from the factory to build upon. The vehicle is available with three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels -- a total of 35 different configurations in all.

Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt says he believes the F-150 is so popular in the aftermarket because in addition to all the “built-in” options available on the vehicle, there are still countless ways for customization enthusiasts to change it up.

“Whether it’s adding big tires for off-roading or lowering the truck to give it more of a street performance look, the F-150 is like a blank canvas that you can do almost anything with,” said Betancourt. “It all depends on the personality of the owner.”

The 2009 Ford F-150s featured at this year’s SEMA show include:

2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DEWtitle Contractor
When there is a job to do, Ford F-Series trucks are the leading choice for the men and women who need to get it done. The 2009 Ford F-150 continues this work truck leadership with even more capability and smart pickup features than ever before.

The Heavy Duty DEWtitle Contractor turns the 2009 F-150 into the ultimate tough truck for any job site with features that will drive productivity and help contractors achieve their peak performance. This rugged, durable, hard-working truck is equipped with powertrain mods to improve performance and efficiency plus a long list of custom features that turn it into a rolling work shop. To ensure that they have the right tool at their fingertips for any job, contractors can effectively store and manage their tool inventory through Tool Link and Customized On Board Storage.

2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 by X-Treme Toyz


The 2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 is “Built Ford Tough” for hard work or for rough play. Starting with this extremely capable pickup X-Treme Toyz turns up the heat with its “Fahrenheit F-150.”

This highly functional fun machine is totally tricked out for the active outdoor lifestyle enthusiast. With a radically rugged-looking exterior, a luxuriously refined interior plus a full array of functional upgrades and accessories, this truck will put true weekend warriors in the zone. It lets them play rough all day, hose off the mud, then hit the nightspots in style.

2009 Ford F-150 by Street Scene Equipment


The new Ford F-150 Lariat is built for those who don’t believe in compromises. It combines “Built Ford Tough” performance and capability with a surprising level of comfort and luxury.

Drawing on years of experience and success in the sport truck market, Street Scene Equipment has taken the no-compromise attitude of the 2009 F-150 Lariat Supercrew to the next level. The result is the perfect combination of head-turning style and tough performance with the level of comfort now expected by today’s demanding truck owners. Whether it’s putting in a hard day at work, towing a large boat to the lake for a weekend of family fun or a taking friends to a black tie event, the Ford F-150 by Street Scene will get you noticed and get you there in comfort and luxury.

Hi-Pa Drive™ F-150


What’s been taken out of this Ford F-150 hinges on what’s been put in. The engine, drive train, gear box and all the related parts have been replaced it with the game-changing Hi-Pa Drive™ system. The four electric in-wheel motors that power the fully-electric Hi-Pa Drive F-150 will deliver more than 600 horsepower as well as more torque than the 320 horsepower V-8 engine it replaced. Hi-Pa Drive is helping car designers eliminate oil dependency, carbon emissions and costs, while adding more power, room, performance and design options.

[Source : FORD]
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According to 925.nl for the images of the new One-77 super car from Aston Martin. The One-77 is the fastest (7.3 liter V12 engine) and expensive (for tax £ 1,050,000) car ever made by Aston Martin. Deliveries start from the end of 2009.


Technical Specification


Engine

• Front mid-mounted, 7.3 litre manually aspirated V12 engine incorporating dry sump lubrication system Front mid-mounted
  
• Max Power - over 700 bhp (710 PS, 522 kw)
  
• Max Torque - over 750 Nm (553 lb ft)

Transmission Transmission

• Read mid-mounted, 6 speed Automated Manual Transmission with Auto Shift Manual/Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM) electro-hydraulic control system

Body

• Two door sports coupe with two seats
  
• Available as left or right hand drive
  
• Carbon fibre monocoque body structure
  
• Hand crafted aluminium exterior body panels
  
• Active aerodynamics with deployable rear spoiler
  
• Approximately 1500kg vehicle weight

Suspension and brakes

• Front and rear, pushrod actuated, adaptive ride height suspension
  
• Carbon Ceramic Matrix breaking system
  
• Dynamic stability control and traction control system

[Source : 925.nl]
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COLOGNE (GERMANY) / BRIDGEND (UK) : October 28, 2008 – Ford is announcing a new investment programme at its high-tech Bridgend engine plant in Wales to produce next generation low CO₂ 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines.


This latest investment totals £70 million for the plant, where this year employment rose to over 2,000 for the first time in its 28-year history.

Investment at Bridgend has amounted to £315 million in the last five years alone. This additional investment increases the plant's production capability to almost 1,000,000 units per annum. Today's announcement includes Welsh Assembly Government support of £13.4 million.

Investment in global technology
The new 1.6-litre engines will go into production within two years and demonstrate how Ford is meeting future global customer needs by delivering affordable and relevant new technology. They will be among the first of a new generation of global petrol powertrains, known as EcoBoost, featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology.

Ford EcoBoost petrol engines will deliver improved fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance and providing an alternative route to hybrid or diesel efficiency.

Compared with current larger displacement petrol engines of similar power, these new engines are expected to provide up to 20 per cent better fuel economy, 15 per cent lower CO₂ emissions and superior driving performance.

EcoBoost engines will join the existing Ford ECOnetic range of frugal, ultra-low CO₂ diesel engined vehicles launched this year – the Focus ECOnetic (115g CO₂/km), the Mondeo (139g) and all-new Fiesta (98g) capable of over 76mpg (European Drive Cycle)*. A new Ford Ka ECOnetic has also been confirmed.

Bridgend's expanding plant
The last new engine added at Bridgend plant was a premium 3.2-litre power unit in 2006. Used by Volvo in its vehicles, the compact in-line six-cylinder engine (SI6) is assembled on a Bridgend line that also produces V8 units and features flexible technology – enabling operators to switch between different products. The SI6/V8 flex line installed in 2004 represented a £245 million investment.

This illustrates the breadth of production at Ford Bridgend: four-, six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines with capacities ranging from 1.25 to 4.4 litres, which will be supplemented by this important new low CO₂ engine.

John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO, said: "We're pleased to be able to invest further in the Ford Bridgend facility. The Bridgend team will play an important role in delivering these new engines, which add an innovative ingredient to petrol engine technology and deliver a combination of low emissions and efficient performance that will be vital to meet future customer needs around the world."

Graham Edwards, Ford Bridgend plant manager, added: "We are in an extremely challenging and competitive industry and our employees have demonstrated the ability to deliver continued progress which has been rewarded with this investment.

"The new engine programme will help preserve existing jobs and skills – this has been a real team effort. The joint works council, regional and national unions and our employees worked hard with the management team to secure this new engine. The Welsh Assembly Government provided us with valuable support and assistance."

* Note: Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.

[Source : FORD]
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• Trazo C1.8 by Dodge is the first sedan for the Dodge brand in key Latin American markets
  
• Offers exceptional value, fuel economy and dependability for customers new to the Dodge brand
  
• Trazo C1.8 is powered by a fuel-efficient, E-100 ethanol-capable 16-valve 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
  
• Exterior and interior designs exemplify elegant simplicity and efficiency
  
• Trazo C1.8 gives Chrysler LLC immediate access to new vehicle segments in high-growth markets

SAO PAULO, Brazil : October 28, 2008 - Chrysler LLC launches into a new segment in Latin America with the introduction of the new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge today at the São Paulo Motor Show. Trazo C1.8 will be offered as a four-door sedan with exceptional value and fuel efficiency in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Trazo C1.8 will be built by Nissan Motor Co., providing Chrysler LLC a high-quality entry into these fast-growing markets.


“The new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge allows us to enter into a segment in which we currently do not compete,” said Mike Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “The Trazo C1.8 offers customers a high-quality vehicle with great value and provides our dealers with further opportunities to expand their business.”

The exterior of the Trazo C1.8 provides an athletic, yet modern design that is consistent with the rapidly growing Dodge brand. Trazo C1.8’s maximized 102.4-inch (260-centimeter) wheelbase and short front- and rear-overhangs create perfect proportions for city streets, while expressively long rooflines highlight the comfortable and spacious interior.

Trazo C1.8’s grille features intricate louvers that create a contemporary look while integrating the new Trazo emblem. Large halogen headlamps wrap around to front fenders and provide a striking appearance while improving illumination. These elements, combined with a sporty, integrated body-color front fascia, reinforce Trazo C1.8’s youthful looks.

Trazo C1.8’s side profile illustrates aerodynamic efficiency while highlighting generous passenger space within. A raked-back windshield improves Trazo C1.8’s drag coefficient to a low 0.31 Cd while offering a higher roof height for passengers seated in the front and rear. Clean and crisp body-side forms provide a look of sophistication and give balance to the large side glass that gives Trazo C1.8 passengers great visibility.

A well-tailored rear end completes the exterior design while hinting at Trazo C1.8’s cargo versatility. An efficiently shaped deck lid is sandwiched by large jeweled taillamps and provides a strong, integrated look with the wide C-pillar. The deck lid also sits nicely below the large rear window to avoid blocking the driver’s rear view. A large chromed license plate brow and centered Trazo line emblem atop the deck lid ensures the Trazo C1.8 is not a bland, run-of-the-mill four-door.

Space utilization and high-quality interior materials provide Trazo C1.8 with a generously sized interior, rewarding its passenger with comfort and craftsmanship.

Utilizing its longer wheelbase, an interior length of more than two meters front to back makes Trazo C1.8 by Dodge roomy and provides the space needed for an active lifestyle. An up-right seat height position in both front and rear seats allows plenty of leg room. Front-row seats are larger and more comfortable than most C-segment vehicles and deliver comfortable leg room at any position with little compromise to rear-seat passengers. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat accommodates larger items, while adjustable head rests and a folding arm rest add comfort for up to five passengers on longer road trips.

The instrument panel of the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge duplicates the exterior’s elegantly simple design with a horizontal layout and very efficient use of space. The instruments are housed in three chromed ringed pods, nested in clear view through the sporty three-spoke steering wheel. The center stack contains easy-to-reach climate controls and audio system in addition to a covered storage compartment. A center console, with additional storage features and an ergonomically designed shifter location, flows seamlessly from the instrument panel and defines driver and front-passenger seating areas. Metallic accents on the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel and other touch points finish off Trazo C1.8’s modern look.

The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be available with a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder gasoline and E100 ethanol-capable engine with both automatic and manual transmissions. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) powertrain offers fuel efficiency along with fun-to-drive excitement the Dodge brand is known for.

Quality is a priority for the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge. A three-year, 50,000-kilometer limited warranty is standard on Trazo C1.8, providing ownership confidence.

Chrysler and Nissan’s OEM Agreement
In January 2008, Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. formed an agreement for Nissan to supply Chrysler with a new car for sale in select Latin American markets. The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be supplied to Chrysler by Nissan on an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) basis in mid 2009.

The OEM supply agreement is the second product exchange between Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan affiliate JATCO has been supplying Chrysler with transmissions for various front-wheel-drive vehicles since 2004. The two companies have also agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities.

Images : TRAZO by Dodge





[Source : CHRYSLER - Dodge]
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TORONTO, ON : October 27, 2008 – Three Mercedes-Benz Canada vehicles received awards at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) annual Canadian Car of the Year “TestFest” in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. This year, a record-breaking 80 top automotive journalists from across Canada participated in this annual competition. After a week of intensive testing, it was announced that the Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG tied for first place in the Best New Prestige Car category, and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class BlueTEC diesel was named Best New SUV / CUV (over $60k).



For 2009, the CL550 4MATIC and new generation SL63 AMG both offer sporty, luxurious driving characteristics and unparalleled levels of safety and advanced technology. The CL550 4MATIC is powered by a 382 hp V8, and the new-generation 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive system, innovative four-wheel electronic traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integrated with the seven-speed automatic transmission work together to provide greater directional stability, even when road conditions are poor.


The SL63 AMG roadster is powered by a 6.2 litre V8 engine that produces an impressive 518 hp and 465 lb.ft of torque. With special software programming for the Active Body Control (ABC) system, AMG struts with firmer damping and enhanced AMG chassis, the SL63 AMG provides exceptional handling that is consistent with its legendary racing roots.

“We are very pleased that AJAC members have selected both Mercedes-Benz vehicles to receive this prestigious award,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “For many years the legendary SL-Class and powerful and luxurious CL-Class have had the distinction of being benchmarks in their respective classes. The first place tie for the SL63 AMG and CL550 4MATIC in this important category re-affirms their place at the pinnacle of the premium luxury segment.”


The ML320 BlueTEC diesel is powered by a 210 hp V6 engine that develops 400 ft-lb of torque. Achieving 20%-40% greater fuel efficiency then comparable gasoline engines, the BlueTEC engine offers four cylinder fuel consumption with V8 output; providing impressive acceleration and excellent pulling and towing power.

“The M-Class has always been a trailblazer in the premium SUV segment, and now the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC offers customers more aggressive styling, a more luxurious interior, and the world’s cleanest state-of-the-art BlueTEC diesel that meets the most stringent BIN5 and ULEV emissions requirements. The ML320 BlueTEC diesel is versatile and fuel-efficient without compromising either performance or the environment,” Breitschwerdt added.

[Source : DAIMLER]
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LAUPHEIM : October 27, 2008 - HAMANN knows how to refine compact sport cars. And with the M aerodynamic package for BMW 1series E 82 Coupe. Hamann once again confirms its supremacy as a manufacturer of sport accessories and thrilling body design.


The aerodynamics package included with front spoiler, rear end panel 4-tailpipes and sport rear muffler 4-tailpipes







[Source : HAMANN Motorsport]
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Simbol Design designed the Lavazza GTX supercar using their 30 year road and racing automotive experience. On the road since May of 2006, and after about 30.000 kms of tests, Simbol reached speeds of about 320 kms/h with excellent stability and braking in every condition.


This result, combined with the overwhelming interest achieved throughout the world, has led to development of the GTX with modified design and improved performance.

It will be equipped with a V12 6.0 cc. Engine achieves 100 hp/litre (this permits a perfect connection between power and reliability) and a speed of 360 kms/h. reaching 620 hp.

Chassis is made with special steel and the body is made with carbon kevlar for greater safety in case of crash (not sprinter as it happens with carbon fibre).

The new brake system and the studied aerodynamics with a coefficient cx 0,19 and variable geometry ensures perfect performances and safety at high speeds.

Electro gearbox with direct grafting without pre-selection ensures a fast and accurate gear insertion. Simbol used a new gearbox with only four gears, in order to reach maximum speed as fast as possible along with faster stopping time.

Simbol offers different engines and fittings according to costumer’s choise, and are also available in rolling chassis in countries where the car is not approved.

As requested by some American devotees, Simbol can install custom engines from their own motor-mechanics, the GTX-R is designed to support up to 1000 hp.

The car will be available in the spring of 2009 in limited production, in order to ensure axclusivity and a secure investment for the buyers.

Images : 2009 Simbol Lavazza GTX




[Source : SIMBOL via All world cars]
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SAO PAULO : October 27, 2008 - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.


The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the
types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, "with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region." Chevrolet GPiX

Dynamic and daring design

The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.

Versatile on the inside with space for four

The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.

The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.
It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.

Images : Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept





[Source : GM - Chevrolet]
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The `Dakar' Rally 2009 promises to be the most demanding test yet for the Volkswagen Motorsport team, as it prepares to take on some of the harshest and most challenging terrain on the planet in its Race Touareg 2.


The four factory-prepared Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 models will be piloted by Spaniard Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers (South Africa), Mark Miller (USA) and Dieter Depping.

The racers are powered by a 2.5-liter TDI diesel engine producing 280hp. They are currently under construction at Volkswagen Motorsport in Hanover, Germany. From there, the support and service trucks plus parts and equipment needed to compete in the world's toughest motorsport event, will be transported to Le Havre, France for scrutineering, which takes place on November 26. They will then be shipped to South America for the race.


For the first time in the event's history, the 2009 race takes place across the South American continent following last year's terrorist threat. Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 3 January 2009 and covering more than 5,625 grueling miles over 15 stages, the teams will travel through Argentina and Chile from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and back again.

The stages include passage through the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world with the highest dune fields. It will also cross the Andes twice, encountering altitudes of up to 15,000ft.

In preparation for these extreme conditions, both men and machines have been specially prepared. The drivers have completed altitude training in the Alps, while the 2.5-liter TDI engines have been subjected to thousands of miles of durability testing in an environment chamber designed to simulate extreme altitudes.


The constantly changing landscapes and varying terrain along the route are not only an extremely demanding test for the vehicles, drivers and co-drivers, but they also provide a new set of challenges for the technicians and engineers in terms of vehicle set-up and maintenance.

The Race Touareg `Dakar' prototype has scored nine wins over 24 events and 29 podium finishes. With two victories and a second place in three races during 2008, the Race Touareg 2 is one of the most successful cars of its type and each team will be hoping to build on this success in 2009.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN via Eurotuner]
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Motorsport is very important for KTM, as indicated by the company slogan 'Ready to Race'. It was therefore entirely logical that at the same time as the plans for the series production were developing, KTM was planning to run the X-Bow competitively on the racetrack.


KTM X-Bow is officially ready to go racing for real. KTM has introduced an FIA-homologated “Race” version of the ultralight roadster that’s upgraded based on KTM’s experiences this past racing season. Pricing starts at €82.900; customer deliveries start in January ’09. The X-Bow trounced the competition in the GT4 European Cup series, taking the top three places in the Sports Light class as well as helping Christopher Haase to claim the GT4 Sports Light title.

The X-Bow took on other lightweights in GT4, including Lotus and Donkervoort, and the experience resulted in about thirty modifications to the road car that are incorporated into the Race version. Most of the changes are safety-related: steel rollbars replace the aluminum ones, the mudflaps are extended, and there’s additional side-impact protection both for the exposed wheels and the driver’s compartment. A six-point harness, quick-fill fuel nozzle, dry battery and fire-suppression system are also installed. The X-Bow Race is built to the same safety standards as open-wheel and ALMS racers.

Working changes to the X-Bow Race include racing semi-slicks, track brakes and pads, a racing catalytic convertor, the removal of some extraneous body parts like the license plate holder and front fins, and a low-profile windscreen. KTM will also offer upgraded parts, including track brake discs, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, air jacks, a 2D data logging system with display and racing mirrors. The turbocharged 240ps Audi four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission are unchanged.

KTM also plans to offer a Customer Racing Service (CRS), which will provide a support crew, spares (excluding crash damage) and engineering support for any driver at the wheel of an X-Bow. KTM hopes to help make racing more accessible to owners, as well as increasing the popularity of and competition in the Sports Light category. KTM’s single-make X-Bow Super Sport Cup series is scheduled to start in Europe in 2009.

Technical Data

• Bodystyle: Mid-engined two-seater open extreme sports car
  
• Chassis: Carbon composite monocoque with transverse mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and fully independent suspension
  
• Structure
  
• o Monocoque: Carbon composite construction
  o Torsional rigidity: 35000Nm per degree
  o Nosebox: Carbon construction
  o Rear subframe: Ultralight reinforced aluminium
  o Exterior panels: Carbon fibre
  o Underfloor: Ultra light carbon composite construction with rear diffuser
  
• Engine
  
• o Make: Audi TFSI
  o Type: Turbo-charged, 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection
  o Capacity: 1984 cc / 2.0-litres
  o Bore & Stroke: 82.5 x 92.8 mm
  o Max power: 240 ps (177 kW) at 5500 rpm
  o Max torque: 310 Nm (229 lb ft) from 2000 to 5500 rpm
  o Valves: 16 (4 per cylinder)
  o Materials: Cast iron block, aluminium alloy cylinder head
  o Emissions class: Euro 4 compliant
  
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
  
• Suspension
  
• o Front: Fully independent double wishbones with twin push-rod operated concentric coil spring/damper units (adjustable) mounted on top of the monocoque, Anti-roll bar
  o Rear: Fully independent double wishbones with concentric coil spring/damper units (adjustable), Anti-roll bar
  
• Brakes
  
• o System: Hydraulic (unassisted)
  o Front: Brembo 305 mm ventilated discs with 4-piston fixed calipers
  o Rear: Brembo 262 mm ventilated solid discs with 2-piston fixed calipers
  
• Wheels & Tyres
  
• o Front: 17 x 7.5 inch alloys with 205/50 tyres
  o Rear: 18 x 9.5 inch alloys with 235/40 tyres
  
• Performance
  
• o 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph): 2.86 sec
  o 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.90 sec
  o 0-120 km/h (0-75 mph): 5.27 sec
  o 0-140 km/h (0-87 mph): 6.61 sec
  o 0-160 km/h (0-99 mph): 8.51 sec
  
• Lateral Acceleration / Speed
  
• o Racing: 1.8 g max
  
• Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
  
• Braking to standstill (warm brakes)
  
• o 100-0 km/h (62-0 mph): 32.9 metres
  o 160-0 km/h (99-0 mph): 77.9 metres
  
• Aerodynamic Performance - Downforce
  
• o at 100 km/h (62 mph): 48 kg
  o at 200 km/h (124 mph): 193 kg
  
• Dimensions
  
• o Length: 3738 mm
  o Wheel base: 2430 mm
  o Width : 1900 mm
  o Height: 1205 mm
  o Dry weight: 825 kg
  

Images : KTM X-BOW Race Model





[Source : KTM]
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• Designed by Renault Design America Latina - the design center of Renault in Brazil Sand'up concept car Concept is presented at the Salon de Sao Paulo on October 27.
  
• Sand'up Concept is based on Sandero Stepway, vehicle "urban sports" launched in Brazil in October 2008.
  
• Sand'up Concept Coupe is a versatile 2 2 combines the pleasure of cabriolet at the convenience of pick-up.
  
• For this study style, Renault shows once again the attention to the new trends on his car in various markets worldwide.

SAO PAULO : October 27, 2008 - Sand'up Coupe Concept is a versatile 2 2. Coupe, convertible or pick-up, Sand'up concept is transformed according to the wishes of its passengers. Derived from Sandero Stepway - a vehicle "urban sport" only available in Brazil and Argentina, Sand'up Concept "discovered" and allows its 4 passengers to enjoy a trip to convertible. The concept car is distinguished by its two poles of aluminum roof, from the flag before and extending to the rear lamps. In folding rear seat, Sand'up Concept is pick-up. Finally, Sand'up Concept can also become a cut by positioning its "hard top" red on the pole.


With its gray color effects, Sand'up Concept evokes sophistication and strength while the various inserts red underline the sportiness of the vehicle. The front of Sand'up Concept and differs from that of Sandero Stepway by a red bull bar integrated front bumper. At the rear, two exhaust outlets are trapezoidal in shape to ski integrated protective red. This

bright color is also an elegant border flow throughout the vehicle and separated into two parts. The more fluid design of the upper differs from the more robust lines of the lower part: wheel marked bavolets and 18-inch aluminum wheels. These rims five categories - involving the shiny black to gray lead and the red-caliper brake give a decidedly sporty look to Sand'up Concept. The optical front and rear receive a black mask projector, enhancing sportiness Sand'up Concept.

On the inside, we find the spirit of modernity and sportsmanship that emerges lines outside of the vehicle. Two shades of gray are giving mixed contrast and movement within that concept car. The red details (like the seat) combine harmoniously gray of the dominant carrier. Aluminum inserts on broadcasters and the seats combine again refinement to sportiness.

Sand'up Concept: intelligent solutions

To meet the multiple uses of this vehicle, Sand'up Concept enjoys many innovations. In pick-up configuration, so that the dump offers the flexibility to transport various objects, Renault Design America Latina has created a clever mechanism which lengthens the floor of the vehicle (up to 40 cm). Then presents the bowl 1.7 meter long for a loading capacity of 500kg, to transport motorcycles, jet skis, bicycles or surfboards. But the dump may also close with a black hard cover to protect the loading of weather. Finally, access to the rear is made by the "clamshell" (found on Renault Koleos), whose opening is done in two stages.

The configuration is obtained easily cut through the roof rigid "hard top" to be fixed manually through strong attachment points. The whole is very harmonious, consistency between the design of the "hard top" and that the body had been particularly careful.

Other systems simplifying the life of the driver and passengers. At the rear lights use LEDs to replace traditional light bulbs, which increases the level of visibility at night. On the sides, the traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced by two small cameras. The images captured by these cameras are transmitted to a LCD trapezoidal installed on the dashboard which is also a GPS (Global Position System). For easy access to the vehicle, opening doors is a Elytra through an electro-hydraulic system, a mechanism similar to that used on Laguna Coupe Concept. The doors are glass: the driver and passengers have a full side and enjoy a remarkable brightness inside the cabin. Even within the versatility remains the highlight of Sand'up Concept. The two front bucket seats slide on rails. Two small bags are integrated into the front seat and can be removed and used as a bag or suitcase.

With Sand'up Concept, Renault shows once again the attention to the new trends on his car in various markets worldwide.

Designers Renault Design America Latina were influenced by the market pick-up, and the "sport chic", both very present in Brazil. Buy fundamentally emotional and irrational, the pick-up is essentially sought to Brazil to its look. Furthermore, Brazilians are attracted by vehicles "sport chic", an expression of a sportsmanship and urban youth.

Images : Renault SAND'UP Concept





[Source : RENAULT]
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BERLIN : October 26, 2008 - Automaker Porsche said Sunday it had boosted its stake in Volkswagen AG to 42.6 percent as part of its goal to take a majority hold in Europe's biggest car maker before the end of the year.


Porsche Automobil Holding SE was already Volkswagen's biggest shareholder, with just over 35 percent, and said this month that its stake had increased, without giving an exact figure.

Porsche said it wanted to announce its holding now, given the ongoing turbulence on financial markets. It also said it held an additional 31.5 percent in cash-settled options, that would give it indirect control of 74.1 percent of VW shares.

"The goal remains, as long as the financial conditions are right, to increase (the stake) to 75 percent in 2009 and clear the way for a controlling stake," the Stuttgart-based company said.

As part of that goal, Porsche said it was sticking to plans to lift its VW stake above the 50 percent mark before the year's end.

Porsche has slowly been increasing its stake in VW, which enjoys a special status in Germany under a law that allows the state of Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is based, a blocking minority right although it holds a stake of just over 20 percent. The European Union has sought to overturn that law, which effectively protects the automaker from being taken over.

The head of Volkswagen's employee council reacted angrily to Porsche's announcement, saying that VW's bylaws stipulate that an 80 percent stake is needed to reach a controlling stake.

"Even if Porsche always disputed it, it was clear that their goal was a profit transfer and controlling stake," said Bernd Osterloh said in a statement.

[Source : Associated Press via Business Week]

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TOKYO, October 27, 2008 - Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) and its motor sports subsidiary MMSP have entered an all new turbodiesel Racing Lancer (FIA Group T1 Super Production Class) for Portugal's Baja Portalegre (Thursday October 30-Sunday November 2), round six of the 2008 FIA Cup for Cross Country Bajas.



The all-new Racing Lancer will be driven on the Portuguese event by Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's Stephane Peterhansel (France) and loyal co-driver Jean Paul Cottret (France), with whom Peterhansel has shared all his cross-country rallying successes on four wheels. Peterhansel won six Dakars on two wheels before switching to cars in 1999. Since joining Mitsubishi in 2002, the Frenchman has claimed three further Dakar victories with different iterations of the Pajero/Montero Evolution (in 2004, 2005 and 2007) to become one of the annual marathon's top stars.

To boost power output at all engine speeds, the new Racing Lancer's diesel engine is equipped with a two-stage turbocharger which calls on small and large turbines in accord with engine speed and load. In addition, the team's partner Valeo contributed to the development of a particularly efficient cooling system to cope with the hot climates frequently encountered in cross-country rallying. The 3.0-liter V6 powerplant delivers maximum power of more than 280ps (206kW) and peak torque of 66.3kgm (650Nm). The new car's more aerodynamic body styling is derived from that of the production-model Lancer Sportback*1 in order to cope with the increasing speeds of cross-country rally events.

Other differences compared to the previous car include reduced weight thanks to a new, fully-integrated multi-tubular steel frame, and a lowered positioning of the fuel tank for a lower overall center of gravity. Handling has been further enhanced by the reduced moment of inertia resulting from the revised location for the spare wheels, as well as by significant modifications to the suspension geometry. Performance on rough terrain has been improved, thanks to BOS dampers which can be adjusted through a wider range of settings.

The Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart-run Racing Lancer is equipped with Valeo-developed lighting and Brembo brakes with 16-inch ventilated discs and six-piston calipers all around. Mitsubishi's new cross-country rally challenger sits on 7JJx16 OZ aluminum alloy wheels and BFGoodrich low rolling resistance competition tires (245/80-16).

Images : Mitsubishi Racing Lancer






[Source : MITSUBISHI]
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GOTHENBURG : October 27, 2008 - Volvo Cars has engaged world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors in the work with the company's next concept car, which will be a first taste of the next-generation Volvo S60. The joint creation, a floating centre stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal, will be shown for the first time at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009.


In the concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest.

"It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car," says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.

The crystal panel appears to float above the centre console's smart functionality. It rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal's shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver's mood.

"If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are also very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency," says Steve Mattin.

He adds: "In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality."

Handicraft down to the tiniest detail


The experts at Orrefors were keen to accept the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and handicraft-intensive objects in the company's 110-year history. Producing the stack was in itself a challenge beyond the ordinary - even for the experienced experts at Orrefors.

Traditionally, the moulds for the crystal are first chiselled by hand from thick planks of alder wood. After casting, the glass is carefully polished to produce its final, crystal-clear lustre.

"The undulating, slightly twisted shape and the precise dimensional requirements were two exciting challenges we had to face. Crystal is a living material, shaped by living people. We are not used to working with tolerances of tenths of a millimetre. What is more, we're talking here about an exceptionally large piece of glass," explains Orrefors design manager Gunilla Arvidsson.

Crystal-like future plans


In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops.

"The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We'll have to see how our customers respond," says Steve Mattin.

Creativity and functionality

Although the material in the centre stack radiates uninhibited artistic freedom, the functions that are integrated have been thought through in every single tiny detail.

• Beside the driver's seat, the crystal console cuts straight through the instrument panel and its upper section forms a navigation screen at the precise height of the driver's combined instrument.
  
• At the bottom, the four iconic rotating controls protrude from elegant matt-polished recesses in the glass panel. In the middle there is a removable remote control.
  
• The gear selector has a versatile new shape. In the horizontal position it offers drive in automatic mode. If the driver is in the mood for sporty manual gearchanges, the lever can be flipped up into the vertical position. Beside the gear selector there is also a starter button and parking brake.
  
• The centre console runs all the way to the rear seat backrest, and under the crystal panel between the individual seats there are two drinks holders that slide elegantly forward when required.

"We've put the focus on ergonomics and safety. With the combined instrument at the same height as the navigation screen, all it takes is a horizontal eye movement to switch between sources of information. Another example is that the controls used when you start and stop driving are a few centimetres from each other near the gear selector," explains Steve Mattin.

Mutual inspiration

At the Volvo Cars design centre, exploring the glassworks in the deepest forests of southern Sweden has been a stimulating adventure.

"The clean lines of the Orrefors products have been a true source of inspiration for many years. This was perfect timing for using crystal as a material in a concept car too," says Steve Mattin. For the Orrefors glassworks, the debut as a supplier to the car world has also served as a new creative inspiration.

"Volvo's thin centre stack is an industrial product with an artistic yet at the same time functional form. It immediately inspires you to think of other application areas. Why not an elegant hanging ceiling light or a table-top ornament of some sort? We'll just have to see," says Gunilla Arvidsson.

[Source : VOLVO]
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HOCKENHEIM : October 26, 2008 - In front of the DTM record crowd of 165,000 fans, the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg was the scene of a heart-beat finale.



At 3.02 pm, fireworks accompanied Audi driver Timo Scheider on his final metres towards the finish line and towards his most important title in motorsport to date, the 2008 DTM champion. After a perfect race with an excellent start, tactically planned pit stops and a margin of 3.062 seconds after 37 laps, the 29-year old could hardly believe his luck. “This is the most important day of my life in motorsport. I thank my family and my team. To my son, I want to say: ‘Loris, I love you’“, said the emotional winner. Audi’s motorsport director Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich was also excited and already planned his activities for the evening: “Tonight, we will have a party, and a good one.” For Scheider, it eas his third win in his 88th DTM race in seven years. Scheider’s main rival Paul di Resta from Scotland finished second. The Mercedes-Benz driver closed up to the new champion until the final lap, but couldn’t overtake him and thus became runner-up, both in the race and in the final points’ standings. Third place went to British driver Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz). DTM record champion Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz) ended his 237th and last DTM race in sixth place.

The final started with a bang. Scheider had an excellent start and took the lead from third on the grid. Pole sitter and fellow Audi driver Mattias Ekström from Sweden stayed ahead of the di Resta, who was now third. On lap three already, the Scot overtook Ekström, who eventually came home seventh, and started catching up Scheider. But although di Resta was up to seven tenths of a second faster at times, strong nerves and a tactical masterpiece enabled Scheider to retain his position and to secure the winner’s trophy for 2008 in the most popular international touring car series. The race was attended by numerous VIPs like Reiner Calmund, Sven Ottke and Mika Häkkinen.

There is also reason to celebrate for two more drivers. Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller was the best-placed driver with a year-old car in the DTM final and ended up ninth. British driver Gary Paffett had scored the best results over the season with a used car and got the prize for the best-placed driver with a year-old car.


In the final standings of the 2008 DTM, Timo Scheider is first with 75 points from di Resta (71) and Mattias Ekström (56 points), the 2007 champion. In the teams’ classification, the title went to Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG with 109 points from the Audi Sport Team Abt (102).


Timo Scheider (2008 DTM champion, Audi Sport Team Abt): “This is the most beautiful day of my life in motorsport. The final lap was full of emotions, a feeling one can hardly describe. I have also thought about the guys in my team, who have put in a night shift today to get my car ready. And, of course, about my family. They have witnessed how I have been thinking every second of the past few weeks only about this race. I have wished nothing more than this title and I didn’t want to loose it in the last race. Now, I would rather be standing somewhere at the back and realise what I have achieved. I knew how difficult it would be and therefore, I had put everything at the start. That worked out fine. I have a hard time behind me and I thank Dr. Ullrich, who has given me a chance at Audi.”


Paul di Resta (2nd place, AMG Mercedes): “Of course, first of all, I want to congratulate Timo. We have made a strong comeback during the season, but unfortunately, we just weren’t strong enough. It was not nice that Mattias Ekström tried to push me off the track twice. But I am happy with second place as well. Moreover, I can be back again next year and do one better. But now, all this is finished and tonight, we will have a party for Bernd Schneider before he retires.”


Jamie Green (3rd place, Salzgitter AMG Mercedes): “Also from me congratulations to Timo for this well deserved title. I am quite happy with my results, but with two wins in one season, one also wants to battle for the title. In today’s race, Mattias Ekström has made the way clear as he blocked Paul di Resta and I just went through. Later on, I backed off, because I wanted to give Paul the best possible chance to attack Timo.”

Audi-Motorsportchef Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich: “There were ups and downs. Yesterday, Timo damaged his car while hopping over the kerbs, which is not the best way to start into the decisive race. In front of this great crowd, the situation was really tense, and of course, we wanted to stage a great performance. Timo had it all in his hands to decide it all himself. He succeeded and that makes him a worthy champion who has done an excellent job against the strongest rival one can imagine. Here, we have established a new record crowd and that underlines the status of this championship. Nevertheless, we will soon sit down and see what we can still improve.”

Mercedes-Benz motorsport director Norbert Haug: “I am genuinely happy for Timo as he has had a really hard time. Timo is a good and amiable guy and a worthy champion, but one couldn’t have said much else about Paul. But I am also happy with this season and with our performance, the spectators got to see a great final. Paul’s car was slightly damaged after the collision with Mattias Ekström. But it is hypothetic to guess what could have been without that problem. We have claimed the silver medal for drivers, but the gold medal for teams and with our C-Classes we have scored more points than our rivals. We can be proud of that and we will celebrate it. We really have been fighting hard for it.”

Final round of the DTM at Hockenheim : Race result


Driver Championship Standings :


Constructor Championship Standings :



Images : DTM - 2008 Final Round - Hockenheim








[Source : DTM]
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• SEAT achieves the overall victory in the FIA World Championship for the first time and the first world title of a diesel-engined car in the history of motor sports.
  
• SEAT does also secure the drivers' world title since two of their drivers, Muller and Tarquini, will be fighting for the World Championship in Macau.
  
• The victories achieved today in Japan with two different car models, the petrol WTCC and TDI WTCC, were the key for the final triumph

MARTORELL : October 26, 2008 - As the final highlight of an excellent season, SEAT has become 2008 World Touring Car Champion today, at the Japanese racetrack of Okayama



SEAT's triumph in the manufacturers' standings, is moreover the fulfilment of a pending subject for Spanish motor sports, since an award like this had never been attained before. The Spanish make has mathematically secured the manufacturers' and drivers' title, since only two drivers of SEAT, Yvan Muller and Gabriele Tarquini, have chances to become world champions in the last race to be held in Macau on 16th November.

The Spanish make, which takes part in the championship with a team of five official drivers, Jordi Gene' (Spain), Tiago Monteiro (Portugal), Yvan Muller (France), Rickard Rydell (Sweden) and Gabriele Tarquini (Italy), has counted on the Leo'n TDI WTCC, the best car of the championship that has been able to clinch 11 victories so far.

The penultimate round of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) staged today on the Japanese racetrack, allowed SEAT to achieve the necessary points to secure the title mathematically, with excellent wins in both races that proved their technological ability. Rickard Rydell won the first race on the Okayama racetrack at the wheel of the Leo'n TDI WTCC and Tom Coronel succeeded in the second race with the petrol-engined Leo'n WTCC.

The finishing touch of this fantastic season for SEAT will take place on the urban racetrack of Macau on 16th November with the proclamation of the name of the driver to become Drivers' World Champion.

Jaime Puig, SEAT Sport Director: "The excellent teamwork of all people working at SEAT Sport, both those making up the race team, as well as all those who support us from Martorell, has been the key for this success. I want to say a big thank you to all of them, because it was their working capacity and their team spirit that has allowed us to achieve such an significant success".

Images : SEAT : 2008 World Touring Car Champion






[Source : SEAT]
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BANGKOK : October 25, 2008 - Hino Motors has pledged to invest substantially in Thailand to reflect that the country is the Japanese truck and bus maker's most important overseas manufacturing base and biggest marketplace.


"From now on, capital, equipment, technology and human resources will be pouring into Hino's Thai unit in line with its international business expansion plan," said Yoshio Shirai, the new president of Hino Motors Japan.

Speaking in Bangkok during a visit to Hino's Thai operations, he said the company planned to invest up to 200 million baht retooling its production line to make trucks that can run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

As well, Hino Motors Manufacturing (Thailand) Co has been designated as Hino's regional manufacturing base for export. Additional machinery and technology will be available to support the production of medium-sized trucks for exports throughout the region.

Hino currently runs three factories, two at Samrong and Bang Phli in Samut Prakan and one at Bang Pakong in Chachoengsao. The facilities are Hino's largest production base outside Japan.

Last year was the first year that Hino's overseas sales of 65,000 trucks and buses exceeded those in the local market, which totalled 50,000. Overseas sales are forecast to exceed local sales again this year and Hino is aiming for total sales worldwide to reach 200,000 units by 2015.

Average sales of Hino trucks and buses in the Thai market alone over the past six years accounted for 19% of its total exports worldwide.

Yoshinori Noguchi, president of Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd, said Hino aimed to sell 7,500 trucks and buses in the Thai market this year, representing 41% of the total market projected at 18,300 units.

Sales are projected to increase to 8,700 units next year, of which 2,700 units would be CNG trucks to be launched early next year and the remaining 6,700 units diesel trucks and buses.

Total truck and bus demand in 2009 is expected to reach 21,000 units, a 15% increase from this year driven mainly by CNG-powered vehicles, while demand for diesel vehicles would be steady. Of the total, 3,000 units would be CNG trucks made by Hino and other brands, and the remaining 18,000 units would be diesel-powered.

Mr Noguchi admitted that high diesel prices, the uncertain political outlook and higher demand for CNG conversions were negative factors for the truck and bus market through the third quarter.

Sales of trucks and buses from January to September this year dropped 16% year-on-year to 13,436 units. Hino truck sales in the first nine months fell 18% year-on-year to 12,916 units but its market share rose by three percentage points on stronger bus sales of 520 units, up 70% from the year before.

Mr Shirai said the FM and FG models of Hino tractor trucks with 260 horsepower would be the first CNG models made in Thailand starting next April.

Hino also plans to export Thai-made trucks to India.

[Source : Bangkok Post]
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Bangkok : October 24, 2008 - Automobile production to grow 10% next year. Automobile output should increase 10% next year, according to the director of the Thailand Automotive Institute, Vallop Tiasiri.


Vehicle production should reach 1.5 million units next year from 1.43 million units this year, as export growth is expected to push production expansion.

Exports next year should reach one million units, an increase from this year's forecast of almost 800,000 units, he said.

''However, growth in the domestic market will not be as exciting as local political conflict holds back consumer confidence,'' Mr Vallop said.

This year, the industry's total output is expected to increase 10% to 1.43 million units from 1.29 million last year.

The export market claims 56% of vehicle output and that market should grow over 20% this year while the domestic market is expected to have less than 10% growth. Next year, exports will have a 60% share.

''It is important to notice that even in a slow economy or during the crude price crisis, our automobile industry has never stopped growing,'' he said. ''This is because we are competitive and able to launch new products in time to satisfy market demand.''

He expects the one-tonne pickup to remain a bestseller next year and hopes the new eco-cars will be a trendy choice for fuel-efficient consumers. The first eco-cars will be available next October.

''That is the period when manufacturers will be able to benefit from excise tax privileges, so whichever manufacturer can serve the eco-car market first will have the advantage,'' he said.

Manufacturers remain tight-lipped on their eco-car development, but Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda already have their plants ready.

''Suzuki is done with land purchasing but has not yet set up their plant while the Indian-based Tata Motor is still looking for land,'' Mr Vallop noted.

The institute is preparing to train 100,000 skilled labourers to serve expansion into eco-car manufacturing.

Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (Tapma) president Prasartsilp On-Aht led members in a meeting with Industry Minister Pracha Promnok to call for training support. The automobile industry employs over 300,000 workers.

Another 100,000 personnel should join in the next seven years when eco-car production should be at full capacity.

''The personnel should come from new graduates and workers from other industries,'' Mr Prasartsilp said.

Mr Vallop also expressed confidence that the industry's earlier goal to produce 1.8 million units by 2011 is achievable, despite the global economic slowdown.

''This forecast is possible as the downturn in the global economy and domestic political problems were taken into consideration at the time of evaluation,'' he said.

[Source : Bangkok Post]
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BOLOGNESE : October 25, 2008 - Automobili Lamborghini has today announced The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo – the world’s fastest one-make series. The series will debut in May 2009, and feature Lamborghini’s Super Trofeo: a lightweight version of the Gallardo LP 560-4 super sports car launched earlier this year. The Super Trofeo will come with a reworked chassis, significantly reduced weight of only 1300 kg, and power output of 419 kW (570 hp) from its V10, ‘Iniezione Diretta Stratificata’ engine. Lamborghini has a clear objective to ensure the Super Trofeo is the fastest one-make series in the world.


The race car will feature Lamborghini’s permanent four-wheel drive, making the Super Trofeo the only one-make, all-wheel drive motorsport series. Lamborghini will build cars for a 30-strong grid, available to individual professional and ‘gentleman’ drivers, as well as Lamborghini dealer teams. One factory car, reserved for celebrity ‘guest drivers’, will be included in the line-up at each round.

“We’re delighted to announce The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo,” said Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “Both on-track and off, our championship will reflect the Lamborghini brand, with extreme, high performance racing and stylish and luxurious trackside facilities. This gives our Lamborghini clients, as well as professional and gentleman racing drivers looking for a new challenge, the opportunity to experience Lamborghini in the ultimate driving environment.”

The first competition of the 2009 provisional calendar will run on 3 May at Silverstone Circuit in the UK, followed by Adria in Italy on 17 May; Nuremburg’s Norisring in Germany on 5 July; Spa in Belgium on 2 August; Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in Spain on 20 September; and culminating on 4 October in Monza, Italy. At Monza in ‘the world’s fastest one-make series’.

With the Swiss watchmaker as title sponsor, The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo will run over European race weekends alongside other prestigious series such as the FIA GT Championship, DTM and FIA WTCC (World Touring Car Championship). Either one or two drivers can register for each three-day race weekend, comprising of free practice and qualifying sessions, and three 40-minute races during Saturday and Sunday. The results of the three races are added together: no success ballast is added to winning cars, and the cars cannot be modified during the season.

The Super Trofeo car and parts package is offered at 200,000 euro plus tax and entry fee, via Lamborghini dealerships, with support and parts trackside. The prestigious ‘Lamborghini Village’ will provide a luxurious paddock package in true Lamborghini style, for drivers, sponsors and guests.

The Super Trofeo car

The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4, powered by the new 5.2 litre V10 direct injection ‘Iniezione Diretta Stratificata’, engine, generating an increased output of 419 kW (570 hp). Its power flows through the e.gear six-speed robotized gear box to the permanent all-wheel drive with viscous traction.
The Super Trofeo is a top-class race car in every detail. Its chassis, featuring double wishbone suspension all round, has been reworked specifically for the purpose. The slick tyres are supplied by Pirelli and a specialist racing brake system provides brutal stopping power. The race car weighs in at only 1,300 kg dry, despite its additional safety cage. Additional body components such as the large, fixed rear wing are made from carbon-fibre composite. The cockpit includes ultra-light racing seat, racing steering wheel and specialized instruments.

Images : Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Super Trofeo Series Launch Hockenheim @ October 25, 2008




Images : Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Super Trofeo - Studio Shot




[Source : LAMBORGHINI]
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BRENTWOOD, Essex : October 23, 2008 – Ford is to introduce the sporty Zetec S badge to its acclaimed Focus line-up for the first time.



This new addition to the UK's best selling car range is now available in Ford dealerships and is based on the existing Zetec model but with the addition of a full sports styling kit, of front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions, 17in alloy wheels, aluminium-style foot pedals and hand brake cover, and an exclusive "S" badge on the front fender.


The Ford Focus Zetec S is available in three-door and five-door versions and is offered with the same wide choice of engines as the existing Focus Zetec with the addition of a 1.6 Ti-VCT 115PS petrol unit. Other available engines are the 1.8 125PS and 2.0 145PS petrol units and the diesel 1.8 TDCi 115 PS, 2.0 TDCi 136PS, and 2.0 TDCi 136PS with diesel particulate filter (DPF) which can also be specified with Ford's acclaimed six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.


The Ford Focus Zetec S is priced just £750 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as separately, the additional features are worth over £1,600.


Two optional styling packs are additionally available. The Sport pack (£500) includes 18in alloy wheels and privacy glass, and the WRC pack (£200) includes World Rally Championship 'chequered flag' decals and WRC scuff plates.



[Source : FORD]
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BOLOGNESE : October 24, 2008 - A private ceremony was held today at the Viminale Palace where Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated a police version of the company’s newest super sports car, Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli.



The new Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, which replaces the previous Gallardo in use by the Italian police force since 2004 has a 560 horsepower engine that can reach speeds of up to 203 mph. The car will begin service with the Lazio Highway Police Department in order to continue accident and crime prevention to sustain security on the Italian roads.

Proof of outstanding reliability


Its predecessor is proof of Lamborghini’s outstanding product quality. Since 2004, Rome’s police force has had the first-generation Gallardo in regular police service. The sports car has clocked nearly 87,000 miles of patrol duty on the motorways of central and southern Italy, as well as on emergency medical transport detail.

A second Gallardo, painted in blue and white police colors, has been in service around Bologna, Italy since 2005. Its odometer already shows more than 62,000 miles. Aside from regular servicing, neither of the super sports cars has required major repairs.

In addition to the clearly effective deterrent offered by the presence and visibility of a Lamborghini on the highway, the technological equipment on board these vehicles makes them highly effective in the control of hazardous behaviour on the roads (high speeds, driving in the emergency lane, dangerous over-taking); the automatic recognition of number plate tracking and real-time transmission of images to the control rooms.

High-tech video system with real-time retrieval

The cabin of the super sports car is fitted with the latest advancements in police technology to immediately document the evidence of any transgression. The video system is positioned in the center of the cabin with a camera fitted next to the rear view mirror and a computer and recording equipment behind the seats. As soon as police officers discover a suspicious driver, they activate the “Proof Video Data System.” With the help of GPS data, the device can calculate the location, direction of movement and speed of the Lamborghini. This combined with the distance and time before intercept, accurately determines the speed of the vehicle being pursued.

Using radio data transmission, the video system in the Gallardo Polizia transfers its images in real time to the relevant police station. There, the videos are stored and used for automatic number plate retrieval. This information can be used for immediate identification of stolen vehicles.

The “classic” array of police equipment on board too

In addition to its high tech equipment, the Gallardo is also fitted with the “classic” array of police equipment, such as a gun holster, police radio equipment and the “Paletta,” the traditional hand-held stop sign used to advise motorists and traffic offenders to pull over. Officers can then use a removable screen to show offenders their misdeeds immediately, complete with an overlay of all the associated data.

Rapid response in medical emergencies

The Lamborghini is used regularly for urgent medical transportation too. The luggage compartment in the front of the vehicle is equipped with a specialized refrigeration system for safe transportation of donor organs. For extreme emergencies, there is also a defibrillator used to restore a normal heart rhythm to patients by delivering an electrical shock to the heart to stop massive cardiac arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation, and thus save lives.

Officer training

The 30 police officers permitted to drive the Gallardo Polizia receive special training in the use of the Gallardo’s medical equipment. Each person on the special operations team – which includes three women – has undertaken several days of driver training with Lamborghini, under the leadership of the Lamborghini test drivers. The basis of trouble-free everyday operation is the exceptional safety of the Gallardo LP560-4 with its permanent all-wheel drive and its refined chassis, which maintains stability even at the highest speeds. Lamborghini’s extremely high standards for product quality and reliability ensure that the Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is always ready for duty.

Even the blue light is designed for speed

Now the successor is ready – a new generation Gallardo LP560-4 with the very latest in special equipment. The Lamborghini wears its uniform with pride, painted in accordance with requirements in “blu Polizia” – whereby the white stripes and lettering follow the Gallardo’s dynamic design angles. Its main patrol beat will once again be central and southern Italy, primarily on the motorway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria.

The police beacon on the roof of the Gallardo had to be aerodynamically optimized being that the new police car reaches a considerably higher top speed than regular service vehicles.. Despite the extremely flat construction of the signal lighting, blue LEDs are fitted round the base to ensure the visual signal cannot be missed. The roof-mounted lighting is supported by further blue LED signals on the front, sides and rear of the light’s aluminium shell. A total of four sirens integrated into the front and rear of the Gallardo generate unmistakable audible warning signals.

On duty even in New York

Just like its predecessor, the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is destined to be not only the fastest, but also the most famous police car – even beyond Italian borders.

The Italian State Police uniform, and the unquestionable attraction of the Lamborghini brand, continue to arouse curiosity and interest. Thousands of citizens have the possibility to see the car for themselves during the many events organized to promote the vehicles in use.

Alongside its daily operational duties, the Gallardo also has regular public appearance obligations, such as its role as parade leader every year in Rome’s traditional “Festa di Polizia,” or its escort responsibilities at events with historical vehicles, like the Targa Florio and the Milan – San Remo Rally. Its predecessor even represented the Italian police in New York City at the 2005 “Columbus Day” parade.

Images : Italian Police's Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4





[Source : LAMBORGHINI]
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SEOUL : October 24, 2008 - Hyundai’s president believes his firm’s future lies in MPVs and more derivatives of its existing models.


Kun-Hee Ahn, chief of the Korean firm’s European operation said: 'The world is currently a very unfriendly place for SUVs. For us the future has two directions. We will do more MPVs: our smaller B and C segment i20 and i30 will each have a people carrier version built on their platform.' The i30 MPV, reportedly very close to the i-Mode concept (pictured right) from earlier this year, is expected to be unveiled in 2010. A vehicle based on the newly launched i20 supermini will follow it.

Ahn added: 'We don’t think the future is in opening new niches. We’ll let other companies do that. We will offer people more choice with our existing cars. So each model will have a larger number of engine sizes and trim levels.' As part of this, the firm will have a warm hatch version of its i20 with a 128bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine to compete with the forthcoming Skoda Fabia vRS.

Is Hyundai being hit by the curernt economic climate?
Despite the global downturn Hyundai and sister company Kia still have ambitious sales targets. Ahn claimed: 'Currently our world-wide sales are just below four million annually and we want to sell six million cars a year by 2010 – and make money on those we sell. We think it’s possible because we’ll achieve growth through emerging markets such as India.'

Hyundai is also to launch a replacement to its Sonata saloon, the i40, next year but hasn’t yet decided on its BMW 5-Series rival, the i50. Ahn said: 'In America (where the i50 is called Genesis) we are stealing customers from Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. But people aren’t as brand sensitive there. Here if we price a car at more than 30,000 Euros (£23,600) customers can’t handle it so we still have some thinking to do.'

Images : Hyundai i-Mode MPV Concept





[Source : CAR Magazine On-line]
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