TOKYO : March 31, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced the unveiling of the all-new Legacy sedan (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show (press days on April 8 and 9, open to the public from April 10 through 19). The new sedan will be introduced in the U.S. market as the 2010 Legacy.


In the 20 years since the introduction of the first Legacy model, FHI has remained committed to enhancing both sporty handing and safety technology and has made significant improvements to this fifth-generation Legacy sedan. Featuring Subaru’s core technology, symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), along with FHI’s original Horizontally-Opposed (BOXER) engine, the all-new Legacy sedan draws together superb driving performance and vital environmental considerations, while providing increased room and unparalleled comfort. The new Legacy sedan also features the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a new engine cradle design.


Larger midsize package for all occupants to enjoy
On an all-new platform, the new Legacy sedan offers roominess comparable to mainstream midsize sedans in the North American market that are built around comfort and space.

• The new Legacy sedan is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 80 mm higher than the previous model. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45 mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for additional rear legroom.
  
• The trunk is enlarged and offers larger volume than the previous model, while its opening is also wider and placed lower for easier access and utility. The trunk will accommodate four nine-inch golf bags.

Exterior design
Based on the design concept of Presence, the new Legacy embodies advances in the Legacy sedan styling, combining boldness and beautility into its sporty look.

• Overall exterior design, accentuated by sharp edges and character lines, highlights the vigor of the new Legacy.
  
• Prominently projected wheel arches express the power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, enhancing the presence of the Legacy.
  
• A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy makes a bold, powerful statement.
  
• The cabin with dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle a sporty appeal, while volume and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.
  
• Moldings around the windows accentuate the sleek design of cabin area with a quality feel.

Interior designs

For interior design development, Subaru focused on the key words, Active and Quality Feeling. A new interior design echoes the dynamic exterior lines and shapes and creates a more spacious cabin.

• The new instrument panel, accentuated by sharp edges, creates the impression of more laterally-opened space in the front.
  
• A sense of powerful presence and fine quality is expressed in the center console shapes and in the decorative hairline finish on the surfaces of the console.
  
• The incorporation of a new electronic parking brake eliminates the need for a side break lever and creates more space for the center console. The center console features two cup holders arranged side by side, and the console box and arm rest are enlarged to provide more inside storage space.
  
• Both front seats excel in comfort and support, and their stitched fabric emphasizes the Legacy’s sporty look. A 10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment, and 4-way power front passenger seat are available on premium-grade models.
  
• A newly-designed 3-spoke steering wheel provides a sporty feeling and comes with audio and cruise control buttons. Steering wheel paddle shifters are featured on models with automatic transmissions and Lineartronic™ CVT.
  
• The four dials on the instrument panel are outlined with aluminum-steam-plated meter rings, and, for immediate reading, their illuminated backgrounds are always on. A multi-information display with average-MPG indicator is located in the center of the dashboard.

Engine and transmission

The new Legacy sedan is powered by improved Boxer engines that provide outstanding fuel economy. Three engine types are available in the U.S. market.

Legacy 2.5i

• Engine displacement: 2,457cc
  
• Max. output/ max. torque: 170 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 170 lb-ft.@ 4,000rpm
  
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / Lineartronic™ CVT

Legacy 2.5GT

• Engine displacement: 2,457cc
  
• Max. output/ max. torque: 265 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 258 lb-ft.@2,000- 5,200rpm
  
• Transmission: 6-speed manual

Legacy 3.6R

• Engine displacement: 3,630cc
  
• Max. output/ max. torque: 256 hp@ 6,000rpm/ 247 lb-ft.@ 4,400rpm
  
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic

2.5-liter SOHC engine

• Employing a resin-based intake manifold, the engine is now lighter in weight and improves low speed range torque. Additionally, better fuel economy is achieved through engine cooling performance improvement in an engine head. Optimizing the specifications of its catalyst, the engine offers outstanding exhaust gas control.

2.5-liter DOHC Turbo engine

• Design changes in the turbocharger have raised performance and lowered emission levels.
  
• Peak torque is generated at levels as low as 2,000 rpm, and sustained smoothly at higher rpm ranges.
  
• The turbocharger unit is placed directly under the forward part of the crankshaft. This layout shortens the distance that exhaust gas must travel, increases response with smoother turbocharging and improves filtering of emissions. It also helps to lower the vehicle’s center gravity, which results in more efficient weight distribution.

3.6-liter DOHC engine

• Featuring the same external dimensions as the earlier 3.0-liter engine, the new 3.6-liter engine is compact and lightweight.
  
• The Active Valve Control System (AVCS), which incorporates variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves, optimizes power delivery across the engine’s speed range while helping to reduce emissions. Not only does the 3.6 engine offer greater performance than the previous 3.0-liter unit, but it does so economically by using regular grade fuel. The 3.0-liter engine required premium grade.

The Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) offers superb driveability and fuel economy.


Lineartronic™ CVT

• The 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine model is equipped with a chain-type CVT, the world’s first* longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. (*Claim based on Subaru research.)
  
• Chain-type CVTs boast higher torque delivery capacity and lower friction, helping provide better fuel efficiency than belt-type CVTs. The Lineartronic™ CVT employs smaller pulley cores, which makes the unit compact. And due to the significant size difference between the smallest and largest pulley core diameters, the CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.
  
• With a perfect balance of torque delivery and engine revolutions, the Lineartronic™ CVT provides smooth acceleration with a linear feeling in response to the accelerator pedal.
  
• The manual mode of the Lineartronic™ CVT, which a driver can choose to engage, uses six pre-selected steps that allow the driver to “shift” manually using steering wheel paddle controls. The shift response is always quick and smooth, comparable to the conventional sports AT models.

Five-speed AT

• Fuel economy is improved through the reduction of friction and weight in the AT unit.

Six-speed MT

• For the first time in the U.S. market, the six-speed manual transmission is offered with the 2.5-liter non-turbo Legacy model. The new 6MT provides excellent fuel economy and improved driveability, as well as quieter rides in high-speed ranges, thanks to its wider ratio coverage.
  
• The compact design of the modified 6-speed transmission for turbo engine models is made possible by optimizing the gear layout. This unit is also more than 25 kg lighter than the previous unit.

Chassis

A new engine cradle design not only helps reduce noise and provides more refined ride and stability but also improves front impact safety.

• The engine is mounted to the cradle frame, no longer installed on the chassis. The cradle system supports the engine on four mounts that utilize cushioning rubber filled with liquid material. By situating the engine in precise relation to the torque roll axis of the power unit, the cradle system helps reduce vibration. In addition, the cradle layout allows the turbocharger to be placed under the engine, which also helps reduce emissions.
  
• The MacPherson-type strut front suspension is mounted to the new engine cradle, further improving steering response and handling and adding to overall rigidity. By changing the layout of the stabilizers with increased diameter, roll rigidity is enhanced. This keeps the stroke in line and improves ride comfort.
  
• A new double-wishbone rear suspension is mounted to the sub frame. All suspension links and the rear differential are also mounted to the sub frame via bushes, while the link bushes and shock absorber mounts are optimized to suit the new Legacy. Those enhancements have significantly lowered overall noise levels.
  
• The 2.5-liter models feature standard 16-in. wheels, in optional aluminum alloy, and 205/60R16 tires. Premium-grade models are fitted with 17-in. alloy wheels with 215/50R17 tires. And the 2.5 turbo models are richly furnished with 18-in. alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires. On the Legacy 3.6-liter models, 17-in. alloy wheels with 225/50R17 tires are standard.
  
• All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), which is augmented by Subaru’s Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Further control is offered by Subaru’s Brake Assist safety system, which is available on all models.
  
• A new electronic parking brake eliminates the traditional parking brake handle and allows for more storage space in the center console. An electronic Hill Holder System in the parking brake is automatically activated if the vehicle stops on any hill with a slope of more than 5%.
  
• Also standard on all models is Subaru’s exclusive Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which further enhances stability and traction control capacity by optimizing the control time.

Body construction

• Use of high-tensile steel in critical body parts contributes to weight reduction and higher overall rigidity. The engine cradle design enables more efficient impact absorption, while keeping the body dimensions and weight virtually unchanged from the previous model.
  
• The hood and trunk lid are fitted with gas springs for greater ease of operation.

Safety

• In the event of front impact, the engine cradle frame folds inward and causes the power unit to slide downward, thus creating greater zone of protection for the cabin space. In combination with Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, which is designed for efficient absorption of impact, front impact safety has been significantly improved.
  
• Two impact beams have been added in each of the front and rear doors. With an optimized layout of its inner components, the door provides enough crushable space between its panels to afford another level of protection to the vehicle's occupants.
  
• Despite a shorter overhang, energy produced on rear impact is effectively absorbed through optimized frame construction.
  
• All models feature front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that insure additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect both the presence and weight of the front passenger and the driver’s distance from the steering wheel. And for optimal protection of occupants, the system determines deployment strength of front air bags. The side airbags and curtain airbags are enlarged to further enhance passenger protection.
  
• Newly designed high-strength front seat frames and energy-absorbing headrests provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.

Other equipment

• Headlights are governed by an automatic lights-on and -off function that responds to specific driving situations.
  
• A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat creates a wider passage to the truck compartment.
  
• A cup holder inside the rear seat armrest comes standard.
  
• Premium grade models offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a Harman-Kardon® audio system and a power moonroof with a tilt-up and slide mechanism.
  

Major Specifications:

• Body Styles 4-door, 5-passenger
  
• Body Size (length/width/height) 4,735 X 1,820 X 1,505 mm
  
• Wheel Base 2,750 mm
  
• Track (front/rear) 1,565/1,570 mm

[Source : SUBARU]
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STUTTGART : March 31, 2009 - The wait for the green light to Porsche’s one-make series will soon be over: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, begins delivering the new 911 GT3 Cup to the teams of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. For the 2009 season, the 420 hp racing sports cars underwent modifications to details, including a new air ducting to optimise the interior ventilation. Like last season, in the international Supercup the vehicles are fitted exclusively with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake PCCB.


Teams are working at high revs in preparation: For the Supercup pilots the fight for the first victory of the season gets underway on 25th April in Bahrain. A total of eleven championship rounds as support to the FIA Formula 1 Championship make up the 2009 calendar.

For the pilots of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland the season kicks off on 17 May on the Hockenheimring. At the renowned brand trophy series, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, two highlights are scheduled: Round two on the Eurospeedway Lausitz (31 May) marks the thousandth Carrera Cup race worldwide and on 11 October the race series makes a guest appearance in Dijon (France), which is historic ground for Porsche: Here Niki Lauda won the French Grand Prix in 1984 with the 900 hp McLaren TAG Porsche.


Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – 2009 calendar

25 / 26 April: Sakhir, Bahrain
10 May: Barcelona, Spain
24 May: Monte-Carlo, Monaco
7 June: Istanbul, Turkey
21 June: Silverstone, Great Britain
12 July: Nürburgring, Germany
26 July: Budapest, Hungary
23 August: Valencia, Spain
30 August: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
13 September: Monza, Italy


Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 2009 calendar

17 May: Hockenheim
31 May: Eurospeedway Lausitz
28 June: Norisring
19 July: Zandvoort, Netherlands
2 August: Oschersleben
16 August: Nürburgring
20 September: Barcelona, Spain
11 October: Dijon, France
25 October: Hockenheim



[Source : PORSCHE]
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TURIN : March 31, 2009 - At the recent Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo unveiled numerous major developments heralding the re-launch of the brand on the global stage. Protagonist of the event was the new Alfa Romeo 159 (saloon and Sportwagon versions). The new 159 is designed to express a sporting yet seductive personality and boasts road holding and performance that set new standards for this class of car. Two new engines in particular (a 200 HP, 1750 cc turbocharged petrol engine and a 170 HP 2.0 JTDM diesel) place the Alfa Romeo 159 firmly in market segment D, in the power range that accounts for over half of Alfa Romeo sales.


Under their fascinating and highly personal exterior, all Alfa Romeos offer a choice of superb engines, all packed with the latest technology and bursting with performance. Alfa Romeo engines are the perfect embodiment of the sporting soul that has always set the marque apart from the competition. The Alfa Romeo 159 is certainly no exception. Starting from April 2009, the new 159 will be available with a brand new engine: a 1750 cc turbocharged petrol engine that conforms to Euro 5 standards and develops 200 HP between 4,750 and 5,500 rpm with 320 Nm of torque at only 1,400 rpm.

The new 1750 cc turbo petrol engine (manufactured by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies) comes combined with a six speed manual gearbox and boasts advanced ignition control solutions including direct fuel injection, two continuously variable valve timing units, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system. The resulting performance is comparable to – or better than – that of many 3 litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit.

The force behind the development of any Alfa Romeo engine is the company’s determination to use technology to enhance driving pleasure. This certainly applies to the development of the new, Euro 5, “1750 Turbo Benzina 200 CV” unit destined immediately for the Alfa Romeo 159 and later on for the Alfa Romeo Brera, Spider and 159 Sportwagon.

This engine takes the Alfa Romeo 159, with its refined Italian styling and typical sporting elegance to an impressive top speed of 235 kph and accelerates it from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.7 seconds. The 200 HP Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi is therefore a true representative of Alfa’s exclusive motoring lifestyle. Far from being a mere ‘means of transport’, the new 159 is a real driver’s car. It delivers genuine sports performance and muscular acceleration thanks to generous torque and smooth response even at low revs and the extended power band of a modern, advanced petrol engine that minimises the need for you to ‘work’ the gearbox. The engine sound too is inspiring without ever becoming tiresome.

	Alfa Romeo 159
Engine -Characteristics	1750 TURBO BENZINA, turbocharged petrol
Nr. cylinders, arrangement	4 cylinder in-line, twin cam, transverse forward mounted
Bore x stroke (mm)	83.0 x 80.5
Displacement (cc)	1742
Compression ratio	9.5:1
Max. power EEC kW (HP)	147 (200)
at rpm	5000
Max. torque EEC Nm (kgm)	320 (32.7)
at rpm	1400
Valve gear (drive)	Belt drive, 16 valves, hydraulic tappets with roller rocker arms
Fuel system	Turbocharger
Emissions control	EU5
CO emissions (g/km), urban cycle	273
CO emissions (g/km), extra-urban cycle	140
CO emissions (g/km), combined cycle	189
Electrical system (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah)	90
Alternator (A)	120
Transmission
Drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox	Manual 6-speed
1st gear	3.818 : 1
2nd gear	2.158: 1
3rd gear	1.475: 1
4th gear	1.067 : 1
5th gear	0.875 : 1
6th gear	0.744 : 1
Reverse	3.545 : 1
Final drive	3.941: 1
Wheels
Tyres	225/50R17 -235/45R18 -235/40ZR19
Steering
Steering system	Rack and pinion with hydraulic power steering
Turning circle between kerbs (m)	11.1
Suspension
Front	Independent double wishbone suspension and torsion bar with ball joint ends
Rear	Independent multi-link system
Brake (disc) diameter

[Source : FIAT-ALFA]
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SEOUL, Korea : March 31, 2009 - Followed the SM3 show car, Renault Samsung Motors, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has released the design sketches of its first concept car 'eMX (eco-Motoring Experience)', which is expected to be officially unveiled at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show 2009.


According to the first information, the 'eMX' concept was developed by more than 400 Renault engineers from South Korea, Japan and France.


[Source : AVING] continue reading »

MTM, German tuner revealed its second tuned version of Audi TTS to increase power up to 380 hp. with 494 max. torque. TTS tuned package featured with engine performance tuned, exhaust system, bodykit, suspensions, and brake system with 9 x 20" MTM bimoto forged alloy rims. MTM claimed the top speed will be raised to 265 km/h.







[Source : MTM]
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HERNDON, VA : March 31, 2009 — Volkswagen of America, Inc. welcomes back the Golf nameplate with the arrival of the sixth generation Golf.


“The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the Volkswagen Brand and it is known throughout the world,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Golf is Volkswagen’s best selling global nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries.”

“Making the change back to Golf is an important step in realigning with our global heritage” Barnes added. The new Golf had its world unveil at the Geneva Motor Show in February. The sixth generation Golf has been significantly redesigned and demonstrates Volkswagen’s product strategy to refine the brand in all model lines. The Golf will have its U.S. debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Golf will go on sale in the fall of 2009.









[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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• Dodge Challenger SE Rallye features unique design cues including dual body stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets and Micro Carbon interior accents
  
• Fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 now features a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
  
• Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious rear seat for up to three adults
  
• Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.: March 30, 2009 - With six-cylinder fuel efficiency delivering 25 highway mpg and an adaptive five-speed automatic with Auto Stick—new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the excitement of the new Challenger R/T Classic. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology.


The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye adds even more pony car excitement with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and bold accented exterior enhancements. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye starts at $26,490 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

“Featuring the transmission from our HEMI-powered Challenger models, the new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye earns its stripes with a five-speed automatic delivering an exhilarating driving experience and 25 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency,” said Mike Accavitti, Director—Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. “And with eye-grabbing details including 18-inch wheels with black painted pockets, deck lid spoiler, and heritage-inspired chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door—Dodge Challenger SE shows off its pony car bloodlines.”

Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is a unique breed and offers more than head-turning good looks. With its throw-back hood and deck lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents—the new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the Dodge DNA.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is the first six-cylinder Challenger model to offer accented dual stripes, and the first Challenger model to offer deck lid stripes. With seven exterior paint colors and two-color stripe combinations, Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers even more muscle-car excitement to the Challenger lineup.


Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include :

• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
  
• Bright Silver Metallic — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
  
• Deep Water Blue Metallic — with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes
  
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl — with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes
  
• TorRed — with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripesDark Titanium Metallic — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
  
• Stone White — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye model features an aluminum block 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m), this 24-valve engine delivers efficiency and performance.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye marks the introduction of the five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick for all Dodge Challenger SE models. With more responsiveness than the previous four-speed transmission, and an aggressive first-gear ratio, the five-speed automatic transmission provides outstanding launch performance and smoothness at any speed.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Inspiration from the past continues with a “four bomb” gauge cluster with deep easy-to-read white faces. Premium cloth bucket seats are well bolstered. For a more comforting and luxurious feel, heated leather seats finished with French-seamed stitching are available. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) for iPod connectivity is available on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared with the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.)—equal to the Dodge Charger—the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers comfort and functionality.


2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Production

Production of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye will start in April of 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

[Source : DODGE]
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TORRANCE, Calif. : March 30, 2009 - The new Acura's prototype teaser has released since the past 2 weeks. Today, Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.


“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. “The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand.”

The production version of the ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.

The ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth.







[Source : ACURA]
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The Bipper Tepee is a member of Peugeot’s Multispace family. Practical, easy to handle, compact and economic, it offers unrivalled versatility in use. It has 5 seats, a generous load capacity, low fuel consumption enabling it to benefit from the new ‘green’ road tax rates (4.5 litres/100 km and 119 g/km CO2 with the 1.4 litre HDi 70 bhp engine) and compact dimensions (length 3.97 m).


Its innovative, friendly and dynamic style will appeal to young city dwellers in search of a car that has multiple uses and is a little non-conformist, clever and frugal. To accentuate its playful character even more, the Bipper Tepee range welcomes a new version, called the Outdoor.

The name Outdoor is already used across the Peugeot range (it is already associated with the new Partner). It is featured again here to characterise a model with a personalised style, aimed at those who like to get the very most from their day to day activities and leisure pursuits.

This new version of the Bipper Tepee stands out by its specific exterior style that empasises the no-nonsense character of this versatile vehicle. An original and stylish tailgate underlines the model’s bold design. The Lion emblem, positioned very prominently on the centre circle of the tailgate, is highlighted by an elegant asymmetrical black capping. The latter ensures the transition between the glazed surface of the upper section and the lower part of the tailgate, a kaleidoscope of curves echoes the styling of the car’s wings and sills. This is the signature of the Bipper Tepee Outdoor.

This new version has rear quarter panel windows that extend naturally from the rear windows. The resulting dynamic shape accentuates the impression of motion created by the car’s flanks. All five passengers seated comfortably inside the car benefit from a special Trip cloth interior which also covers the door panels.

On the outside, this new model stands out also by a ground clearance raised by 15 mm, reinforced peripheral body-colour protective mouldings (wide side protectors and specific body sills) and a “Lion” grey painted protective plate under the engine. With this look, the Bipper Tepee Outdoor clearly shows its taste for adventure or leisure pursuits, while still retaining its clever and practical character.

Indeed its two sliding side doors and its 2/3 – 1/3 folding rear bench seat with head restraints, specific to this level of finish, give it a greatly appreciated modularity. Similarly, the generous load capacity ranging from 356 litres under the parcel shelf to 884 litres to the top of the seat back with the rear seats folded, can be put to multiple uses, whether for leisure or family activities. This capacity can even be extended to 2500 litres if the rear seat is removed! With an effective height inside the load area of 1.18 m, and a length of up to 1.60 m, a great many bulky items can be loaded inside the car.

In addition, the rectangular shape of the tailgate facilitates access to the load area, as does the low load sill located only 544 mm above the ground. For more demanding users, asymmetrical hinged rear doors opening to a wide angle (180°) are available as an option. For comfortable driving both in town and off the beaten track, the Bipper Tepee Outdoor is available with a five speed manual gearbox on the 1.4 litre 54 kW (75 bhp) petrol engine and 1.4 litre HDi 50kW (70 bhp) diesel engine. An electronically controlled gearbox is also available on the diesel version.

To confirm the low running costs and “green” credentials, the 1.4 litre HDi 70 bhp versions offer a class leading level of emissions of only 119 g/km of CO2 and a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres/100 km. With its personalised and assertive style, its practicality, its low running costs and its versatility, the Bipper Tepee Outdoor represents an original and environmentally-friendly offer for intrepid city dwellers in search of adventure.

The Bipper Tepee Outdoor will go on sale from 15 March according to markets.



[Source : PEUGEOT]
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The 2003 Le Mans-winning Bentley Speed 8 will take to the track at Silverstone with a spectacular demonstration of its power at the 60th Bentley Drivers Club race weekend in August, running on-track on the Saturday of the two-day meeting. The weekend promises to be an action-packed ‘moving museum’ of Bentley’s motor racing heritage, as Bentleys of every era appear on the circuit and in the paddock.



The Speed 8 was the first Bentley to win Le Mans for 73 years, evoking the glory days when Bentley dominated the 24-hour endurance event, winning it no fewer than five times between 1924 and 1930. After its 2003 victory in the hands of Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello and Guy Smith, the Speed 8 and its sister car (which finished second in the same race, driven by Johnny Herbert, Mark Blundell and David Brabham), retired from competition.

The mighty 600bhp, 217mph Speed 8 inevitably differs dramatically in appearance and power from the 200bhp, 125mph Speed Six Bentleys which won at Le Mans in 1929 and ’30, but each demonstrated the marque’s legendary reliability, and the victories have gone down in Bentley – and motor racing – history.

The presence of the Speed 8 at Silverstone is entirely appropriate for an event which mixes cars of all ages, and there will be a glorious array of the earlier racing Bentleys on show and on track, too, including other past Le Mans ‘works’ Bentleys. These will include the first ever, official Le Mans works Bentley, the 1925 3 Litre which ran as car no. 10 (earlier Le Mans cars were private entries). This will be joined by the 1926 3 Litre, ‘MK 5205’, another works entry which ran at Le Mans as car no. 8.

Plus there will be Brooklands cars and Bentleys that have raced at BDC events throughout the past 60 years – and nowhere will this mix be better seen than in the Bentley handicap race, where 75-year-old 3 Litres compete with more modern Turbo Rs.

The Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary Meeting is at Silverstone on August 8th-9th 2009.

[Source : BENTLEY]
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MELBOURNE : March 29, 2009 - Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes) drove from pole position to the chequered flag in the debut race of the Brawn GP team at Albert Park on Sunday, followed by team mate Rubens Barrichello.


The Honda team announced in December that they were pulling out of Formula One, but the team continued to develop the car while manager Ross Brawn organised a buy-out. The whole team's faith in themselves and their car was justified as the two cars dominated the race weekend.

The race was filled with drama, starting with a raft of technical changes to the formula that resulted in top teams like McLaren and Ferrari dropping well down the grid, and mid-fielders rising to the top. The changes were designed to make overtaking easier and there was certainly a lot more action on the track, including a late crash which took out the second and third-placed cars.

Not only were the first two places surprisingly filled by a debut team, but there were other surprises further down the order. Jarno Trulli (Toyota) started from the back of the grid in the pit lane after his car's rear wing was found to be illegal, and he put in a consummate performance to finish third.

McLaren had been written off by pundits after a poor showing in testing, but reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton overcame difficulties with low grip levels to finish fourth. Timo Glock brought the second Toyota home in fifth followed by Fernando Alonso's Renault.

World champions Ferrari had a weekend to forget. Both Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen started the race on soft tyres and were initially able to mix it near the front of the race, but once the tyres wore out there advantage was gone and both dropped back. Massa later suffered engine failure and Räikkönen ran off the track into the wall.

Button and Barrichello locked out the front row of the grid after dominating Saturday's qualifying, but Barrichello had a poor start to the race. His car got away very slowly from the start and he then hit Mark Webber (Red Bull Renault) in the side in the first corner, causing a multiple-car accident that saw a number of drivers having to return to the pits for repairs.

Meanwhile, Button opened up a lead of two seconds on the first lap as he led Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault), Nico Rosberg (Williams Toyota), Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber) across the line.

At the end of the first lap, Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) pitted for a puncture, Adrian Sutil (Force India Mercedes) needed a new front wing, as did Webber, and Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren-Mercedes) toured slowly back to the pits, all victims of the first corner accident caused by Barrichello who was still racing and in seventh place. Kovalainen's front wheel was awry and the damage was terminal.

With a four-second lead in place, Button came off the pace a bit as Vettel took aim at the back of the Brawn, setting a fastest lap time of 1'28.140. The German had a comfortable 12.4 seconds over Massa.

Barrichello was very keen to work his way back to the front of the race. Rosberg got past fifth-placed Räikkönen as the Ferrari's soft tyres went off, and Barrichello was next to barge through on the Finn with a minor collision pushing the Ferrari out onto the marbles. Räikkönen immediately pitted for harder tyres.

World champion Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) was working his way through the midfield and by lap 10 he was in eleventh place after starting 15th.


1 Button, Jenson Brawn-Mercedes
2 Vettel, Sebastian Red Bull-Renault +4.2
3 Rosberg, Nico Williams-Toyota +31.6
4 Barrichello, Rubens Brawn +32.5
5 Nakajima, Kazuki Williams-Toyota +36.1
6 Piquet, Nelson Renault +43.0
7 Buemi, Sébastien Toro Rosso-Ferrari +43.9
8 Fisichella, Giancarlo Force India-Mercedes +48.2
9 Alonso, Fernando Renault +48.8
10 Glock, Timo Toyota +49.4

On Lap 16, Vettel pitted from second place for fuel and tyres and was followed seconds later by Rosberg, but the German's left front wheel was problematic and it cost him a few extra critical seconds.

Back at the front, Button had clearly been driving well within his capabilities, and as the signal came from the pits to push, he set the fastest lap of the race - 1'28.020.

On Lap 18 Kazuki Nakajima crashed hard between Turns 3 and 4 and left debris strewn across the track.

Barrichello pitted for tyres and fuel, and the Brawn team also replaced his damaged front wing. Button pitted next and exited the pits just in front of the safety car, deployed because of Nakajima's accident.

With the safety car leading the field around the circuit slowly, all the gaps between the cars were erased and race leader Button would have it all to do again.


1 Button, Jenson Brawn-Mercedes
2 Vettel, Sebastian Red Bull-Renault
3 Massa, Felipe Ferrari
4 Kubica, Robert BMW Sauber
5 Räikkönen, Kimi Ferrari
6 Rosberg, Nico Williams-Toyota
7 Piquet, Nelson Renault
8 Trulli, Jarno Toyota
9 Buemi, Sébastien Toro Rosso-Ferrari
10 Barrichello, Rubens Brawn

As the race got under way again, Nelson Piquet spun under braking into the first corner, the result of cool tyres and brakes, but he was not hit by anyone else. He was beached in the gravel trap and had to retire.

Hamilton got past Glock into P11 while Alonso also got past the Toyota.

Within two laps of the restart, Button had already reinstated a two-second buffer over Vettel, who had 1.2 sec in hand over Massa. Rosberg was still clawing back the disadvantage he suffered from his stuck wheel in the first pit stop, and was down in ninth place, closing rapidly on Sébastien Buemi (Toro Rosso-Ferrari).

There was an in-house duel between the Force Indias of Fisichella and Sutil as they swopped 13th place twice in two corners on lap 29.


1 Button, Jenson Brawn-Mercedes
2 Vettel, Sebastian Red Bull-Renault +3.9
3 Massa, Felipe Ferrari +6.2
4 Kubica, Robert BMW Sauber +7.3
5 Räikkönen, Kimi Ferrari +8.7
6 Trulli, Jarno Toyota +9.4
7 Barrichello, Rubens Brawn +12.0
8 Buemi, Sébastien Toro Rosso-Ferrari +15.8
9 Rosberg, Nico Williams-Toyota +16.4
10 Hamilton, Lewis McLaren-Mercedes +17.8

Massa made his second pit stop on lap 31, taking on enough fuel to see him to the end of the race.

Back at the front, Kubica decided to light up the battle as he attacked the two-second gap between himself and second-placed Vettel by setting a new fastest lap time of 1'27.989, following that up with a 1'27.988 on the next lap, four-tenths quicker than race leader Button 5.2 sec ahead of him.

As tyres and brakes all came into their optimum zones, Hamilton, Räikkönen and Glock all set their personal fastest times.


1 Button, Jenson Brawn-Mercedes
2 Vettel, Sebastian Red Bull-Renault +4.7
3 Barrichello, Rubens Brawn +23.9
4 Kubica, Robert BMW Sauber +25.3
5 Buemi, Sébastien Toro Rosso-Ferrari +27.0
6 Rosberg, Nico Williams-Toyota +27.6
7 Hamilton, Lewis McLaren-Mercedes +29.1
8 Räikkönen, Kimi Ferrari +32.2
9 Alonso, Fernando Renault +34.0
10 Glock, Timo Toyota +37.9

On lap 41, Glock tried to pass down the inside of Alonso, but spun off and was passed by Räikkönen.

Massa was catching Hamilton for eighth place, but rookie Buemi was more than happy to get mixed up in the scrap between last year's two championship contenders.

Räikkönen lost the back end of his Ferrari under acceleration and the car turned sharp right and slammed into the wall. He was able to continue in 16th place.

With a 22.7 sec lead over Vettel, Button made his last pit stop, but it was a botched attempt with the fuel hose not connecting cleanly. Meanwhile Massa's Ferrari trailed blue smoke as it circuited slowly back to the pits and retirement.

Rosberg was applying maximum pressure towards the end of the race, setting a new fastest lap of 1'27.706 as he took aim at Glock, 6.2 sec ahead in sixth.

Button's lead over Vettel was now just 1.6 sec with the German posting marginally faster times.

Barrichello made a late splash 'n dash pit stop on lap 51 and exited in fourth, 18.0 sec behind Kubica. Hamilton got past Glock to move into the points.

The leading trio were very close together - Button had 1.6 sec over Vettel, with Kubica a further 2.5 sec behind, but all three gaps were closing up, making for the possibility of a three-way dice for the race victory and a grandstand finish.

Fifth-placed Rosberg appeared to be slowing, and he made a poor defence against Trulli who surged past on lap 54. Hamilton up close behind the German next and plunged past into sixth place.

With the chequered flag beckoning, Kubica got alongside Vettel to challenge for second place and neither wanted to yield. They arrived in the braking zone of Turn 3 alongside each other, and turned right together, but Kubica (on the left) squeezed Vettel who had nowhere left to go and there was contact between the two cars. Kubica's BMW Sauber was turned across the track and hit by Vettel's Red Bull. Both drivers continued, but there was terminal damage to both cars. Vettel pulled off after a few seconds, while Kubica accelerated away and then had a big accident as his damaged car hit the wall. The safety car was deployed as a result of debris all over the track.

The result of the elimination of the second and third-placed cars elevated Barrichello to second and a fairytale 1-2 finish for Brawn GP on their race debut.

World champion Hamilton moved up to fourth place, while Buemi scored a point for eighth on his debut.

The final lap was completed behind the safety car and the race ended seconds after the safety car withdrew, allowing Button to accelerate for one last time down the main straight to take the chequered flag ahead of team mate Rubens Barrichello.







[Source : SuperWheels, Brawn GP]
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MELBOURNE/AFFALTERBACH : March 27, 2009 - The SL 63 AMG, as the Official F1™ Safety Car, and the C 63 AMG Estate, as the Official F1™ Medical Car, are to continue to help ensure maximum safety, this time for the 2009 Formula 1 season. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, will be on duty with the two specially prepared high-performance vehicles at all 17 of the new season's Formula 1 races, starting with a first appearance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (27 to 29 March 2009). The specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are responsible for the development, production and servicing of the vehicles.


The Official F1™ Safety Car is always deployed whenever the safety of a race is threatened by accidents, adverse weather conditions or other hazardous situations. Sitting behind the wheel of the exceptional SL 63 AMG will be Bernd Mayländer (Germany, 37 years of age). After receiving instructions from the race management, the former DTM driver must go to the head of the Formula 1 field and safely guide the world's fastest racing drivers around the circuit. Fast lap times are a must for the Safety Car, because otherwise the Formula 1 engines would overheat - and their tyres and brakes would also cool down excessively.

As in 2008, the role of the Official F1™ Safety Car is also being fulfilled during this year's new season by the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. Its distinctive driving dynamics are a basic requirement for its challenging Formula 1 assignment:
the AMG6.3-litre V8 engine has a power output of 386 kW/525 hp, providing acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. A newly developed AMG sport exhaust system with larger pipe diameter and special rear silencers allows the high-revving AMG naturally aspirated engine to breathe even more freely - and gives it an even sportier sound. Outstanding driving dynamics are guaranteed by the newly developed AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with column shift, which makes it possible to change gear in just 100 milliseconds.

Special coil-over suspension and cooling measures Optimum racetrack performance is guaranteed thanks to the specially developed coil-over suspension, which can be customised to a specific racetrack by means of individual suspension setup configurations. The combination of 3-stage ESP® and rear-axle differential lock with 30 percent locking effect provides optimum traction in all weather conditions. In the interests of reliability even at tropical ambient temperatures, the vehicle incorporates large-size, additional coolers for engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and power steering.

Special cooling measures and heavy-duty composite braking system

The front and rear axles feature 19-inch extra-light AMGforged light-alloy wheels. The 8.5-inch (front) and 9.5-inch (rear) rims are fitted with tyres of size 255/35 and 285/30, respectively. The design of the rims, with their intricately styled double spokes, optimizes both the cooling of the highly stressed braking system and the specially engineered cooling-air flow. Optimum fatigue resistance and best-possible deceleration values are among the self-evident characteristics of the AMGhigh-performance braking system, which is equipped all round with internally ventilated composite brake discs. The front axle is fitted with six-piston fixed callipers and discs of size 390 x 36 millimetres, while the rear axle features four-piston fixed callipers with brake discs of size 360 x 26 millimetres.

220 kilograms lighter than the series-production vehicle thanks to targeted lightweight design measures

Thanks to targeted lightweight design measures, the SL 63 AMGSafety Car weighs in lighter than its series-production counterpart - and this is despite additional cooling measures, lighting system and communications equipment. The engine bonnet, front and rear aprons, front wings and luggage compartment lid are produced from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, a material that has been tried and tested in motorsports. Since the Safety Car is always driven with its top up, the vario roof has also been dispensed with. The result is a weight reduction of 220 kilograms, with the Safety Car weighing in at just 1750 kilograms (with a full tank and without occupants).

Apart from its special roof attachments and F1 logos, the SL 63 AMG Official F1™ Safety Car is distinguished from the standard-production AMG high-performance roadster by a front apron with larger cooling-air openings. A prominent feature at the rear of the vehicle is the modified diffuser insert in the rear apron, which incorporates the active rear-axle cooling, this compensating for temperature peaks in the highly stressed differential housing. The white LED flashlights in the headlamps and tail lamps are always in operation whenever the vehicle is in use and have a neutral signalling function. The number plate with Safety Car lettering on the rear is illuminated by means of almost 700 LEDs and guarantees even greater safety, particularly in rain or darkness.

Interior with undiluted motorsport flair

The inside of the Safety Car is dominated by an atmosphere of undiluted motorsport flair. The workplaces of Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver feature two AMGsports bucket seats with 4-point seatbelts, trim parts in real carbon fibre, black leather appointments and the AMG performance steering wheel with its 365-millimetre steering wheel rim, flat underside and AMGaluminium shift paddles. The centre console is equipped with two monitors to enable the crew of the Safety Car to supervise the action on the racetrack, while the two-way radio system allows them to remain in contact with the race management.


C 63 AMG Estate: the Official F1™ Medical Car

In addition to the Safety Car, another permanent feature of each Formula 1 race is the C 63 AMG Estate Official F1™ Medical Car. At the start of every Grand Prix, the high-speed AMGestate car follows the Formula 1 field on the first lap. This is because the first lap represents a critical phase of the race in which the Formula 1 vehicles are especially tightly bunched. In the event of an accident during the race, the Medical Car is the first vehicle on the scene and is able to guarantee the fastest possible emergency treatment.

This C 63 AMG Estate has excellent credentials for such a challenging task, where literally every second counts: the high-performance estate vehicle is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which delivers 336 kW/457 hp and 600 Newtonmetres of torque. The AMG sport exhaust system boasts larger pipe diameters and new rear silencers, this resulting in a considerably more distinctive sound that comes out of the two chrome-plated dual tailpipes. In order to guarantee greater reliability, the cooling of coolant, engine oil, transmission oil and power steering has been optimized, this being visible also from the new AMG front apron with its considerably larger cooling-air openings. The power from the engine is transmitted via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which blips the throttle when changing down for even greater smoothness. Perfect traction is guaranteed by the combination of 3-stage ESP® and differential lock with 35 percent locking effect.

Coil-over suspension and AMG high-performance braking system

An adjustable coil-over suspension and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, measuring 8 and 9 inches wide and fitted with tyres of sizes 235/35 (front) and 255/30 (rear), respectively, help to ensure perfect contact with the road. The powerful AMGhigh-performance braking system, with its internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs on the front axle, guarantees extremely short stopping distances. The Official F1™ Medical Car differs from the standard-production C 63 AMG Estate with its new AMGfront apron with larger cooling-air openings as well as special brake cooling. The active cooling of the rear-axle differential is integrated into the diffuser insert at the rear. Like the Safety Car, the Medical Car, too, draws attention to its special role on the track through its F1 logos, roof bar and strobe-like LED flashlights at front and rear. Enhanced visibility in darkness or bad weather is ensured by the LED-illuminated number plate with Medical Car lettering on the boot lid tailgate.

The Official F1™ Medical Car is driven by racing driver Alan van de Merwe (South Africa). His co-driver is Dr. Gary Hartstein (Belgium), who is the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer. Both of them are accommodated in AMGsports bucket seats with 4-point seatbelts, as are the two medical assistants in the rear. Two monitors in the centre console help the crew to supervise the action on the racetrack, while an on-board two-way radio system is responsible for communication with the race management. The functional feel of the interior is marked by black leather appointments and aluminium trim parts. The 365-millimetre AMG performance steering wheel with its flat underside on the steering wheel rim and AMGaluminium shift paddles guarantees perfect control over the vehicle. With its unrivalled volume of 485 litres, the luggage compartment offers ample space for the full complement of emergency equipment, including defibrillator and respirator.

Transfer from motorsport to series production

Both the SL 63 AMG Official F1™ Safety Car and the C 63 AMG Estate Official F1™ Medical Car impressively document the transfer from motorsport to series production. With reference to the example of the SL 63 AMG, numerous components in the Safety Car are available straight from the factory. The AMGPerformance Package includes, for instance, the 360-millimetre composite disc brakes on the front axle; the rear-axle differential lock; the 19-inch AMG light-alloy forged wheels and the AMG performance steering wheel. The same is true of the Medical Car: the AMG Performance Package for the C 63 AMG (saloon and estate models) includes, for example, the composite disc brakes on the front axle, the rear-axle differential lock, the AMG performance suspension and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/alcantara. The 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels are optionally available.

AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO responsible for development

The development, track-testing and production of the two Safety Cars and the two Medical Cars - in both cases, there is one emergency vehicle and one replacement vehicle available - is carried out by the specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in close collaboration with the test team for AMGoverall vehicle development. This involves drawing on over 40 years of know-how from the field of motorsport as well as the wealth of experience in the design of high-performance sports automobiles. Numerous test drives were carried out on various Formula 1 racetracks in order to tune the suspension and verify all the systems and components. Two highly-qualified AMG technicians are also on hand to take responsibility for the deployment of the Safety Car and Medical Car at all 17 Formula 1 races.
Since 1996: eight generations of safety cars from AMG

For 12 years AMG has continuously provided the Official F1™ Safety Car and the Official F1™ Medical Car in the top flight of international motorsport.



As early as 1984, an AMG E-Class Coupé with V8 engine was used occasionally as the Medical Car. Consequently, the activities of the Affalterbach-based company are also evidence of Mercedes-Benz's long-standing commitment to Formula 1.




















[Source : DAIMLER - AMG]
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STUTTGART : March 27, 2009 - Opel, the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Combustion Engines and Motor Vehicles, Bosch and the Research Institute for Motor Vehicles and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart (FKFS) have developed a mild-hybrid CNG-electric version of the Opel Astra Caravan.


The CNG hybrid Astra, developed in a two-year project, uses a 1-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged CNG engine that produces 97 hp (72 kW) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. A 35 kW Bosch electric motor that develops 160 Nm of torque as well provides traction support. The Caravan emits 90 g CO₂/km.


The electric machine also functions as a generator to recharge the General Motors-developed NiMH battery pack. The latter has a capacity of 7 Ah at a rated voltage of 255 V.

The vehicle features a forward-looking hybrid coordinator, GPS-based system that determines the road type over the next two kilometers and adjusts hybrid system control accordingly—e.g., preparing for gradients, curves, stops, changes in speed limits and so on.

[Source : Green Car Congress]
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Followed the latest announcing of 22-inch wheel sets for 2009 BMW 7 Series, Hamann released the first images of the body kit that featured with its tuning programme for the new BMW 7 Series.


The body kit be running on 22-inch rims with the rear boot spoiler, rear roof spoiler, four exhaust-pipes and new side skirts. The interior upgraded with black leather sport seats, sport aluminium pedals and carpets stitched with the Hamann logo.

The current 7 Series comes in a choice of five different engine configurations, obviously depending on the market. The top unit is the 750Li V8 unit with a displacement of 4395 cmc and developing 408 horsepower and 442.5 lb-ft of torque. Producing around 266 g/km, the car accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

BMW offers the other 730d model, powered by 3.0-liter diesel that generates the max.power of 240 hp with 177.7 lb-ft max. torque between 1750 and 3000 rpm. This engine produces 192 g/km of CO2, with top speed of 152.2 mph and 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.

The previous-generation Hamann 7 (HM 7.1) was announced in 2005 and was based on the 760i/L. Hamman increased the factory V12 engine capacity from 6.0-litres to 7.1-litres and managed to release 510hp (375kW) and 728Nm of torque. The 0 - 100km/h time improved to 5 seconds while top speed went up to 312km/h (194mph).

Other models in the 7 Series range that were tuned are the 745i and the 745iL. These received a 5.2-litre V8 with increased power to 412hp (303kW).





[Source : HAMANN]
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BOTTROP, Germany : March 27, 2009 - Concurrent with the market launch of the new Mercedes E-Class of the W 212 model series, BRABUS presents an exclusive tuning program for the new sedan. Highlights in the product lineup are the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW for the E 500 (E550 in the US), a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches, matching suspension solutions, a high-performance brake system and exclusive interior upgrades. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles.


To add sporty emphasis to the striking lines of the new Mercedes E-Class the BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit manufactured from Pur-R-Rim plastics in OEM quality. The BRABUS front apron replaces the production bumper in its entirety. It sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle and gives the sedan an even more striking face. For further improved driving safety the apron features LED daytime running lights and auxiliary headlights, either high beams or fog lamps, depending on customer preference.

BRABUS aluminum front sport quarter panels improve venting of the wheel houses. Their integrated lateral clear-coated carbon-fiber air outlets add a decidedly sporty flair. The BRABUS rocker panels calm the airflow between the wheel houses and feature integrated LED entrance lights for added style and utility.
The rear apron with centrally located rear deflector provides the perfect backdrop for the two chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system on either side. The styling concept is rounded out with a rear spoiler.

Just as important for the exclusive appearance are the BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels, available in various designs with diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The largest version for the new E-Class features one-piece or multi-piece wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 10.5Jx20 in back. The corresponding high-performance tires come from Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 285/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.
Various BRABUS suspension solutions from a lowering kit to sporty yet comfortable complete suspensions and even a special control unit for the AIRMATIC air suspension were developed to match the conversion to high-performance tires.

BRABUS also offers a special high-performance brake system for the new E-Class. The system consists of 375 x 36 millimeter (14.8 x 1.4 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 millimeter (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston calipers.

The eight-cylinder model E 500 (US: E550) can be elevated to new performance levels with the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. Installing a special crankshaft and larger pistons increases swept volume to 6.1 liters (372 cu. in.). Additionally the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with special camshafts. High-efficiency metal catalysts are also part of the engine conversion.

The impressive results of the conversion are a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm. In order to transfer this power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers an anti-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Powered by the BRABUS 6.1 engine the sedan turns in excellent driving performance: The sprint from 0 -100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.7 seconds, top speed is 305 km/h (191 mph).

The BRABUS engineers are hard at work developing BRABUS ECO PowerXtra performance kits for the various CDI BlueEFFIENCY turbodiesel models and a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra BLUE tuning kit for the Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC. As the ‘ECO’badge indicates, the main development goal is an optimal symbiosis of added power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions by way of a notably increased peak torque.

BRABUS stainless-steel sports exhaust systems with four chrome-plated tailpipes are available for all engine variants.

Luxurious and customized interiors are also part of the BRABUS product lineup for the new E-Class. The list of available accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors made from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

As a pioneer in the development of multimedia systems on wheels BRABUS offers custom-tailored seatback consoles for the front seats of the new E-Class. They come with integrated seven-inch LCD displays and DVD player.



[Source : BRABUS]
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• Peugeot tops European sales of low CO₂ vehicles
  
• In 2008 one in every six vehicles sold in Europe and in the UK, with CO₂ emissions below 121g/km, was a Peugeot
  
• Peugeot range features 36 vehicles with CO₂ emissions below 121g/km
• 
  

Peugeot’s long term commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles has paid huge dividends with sales figures in 2008 placing Peugeot at the very top as the leading low CO₂ car company, both in the UK and across Europe.



Peugeot cars, identified to customers through its Blue Lion standards (which includes all sub 131g/km) is the most popular brand for economical and low CO₂ vehicles (of sub 121g/km and 131g/km) in the UK and throughout Europe.

In the UK throughout 2008, the best-selling low CO₂ vehicle in the sub 111g/km sector was the Peugeot 107 – recently enhanced with even lower CO₂ emissions of 106g/km – with 16,701 sold (15,333 in 2007). Impressively, sales of sub 121g/km vehicles also saw the107 joined by the 207 and 308, placed fifth and ninth – three cars in the top ten of all cars - placing Peugeot firmly at the top of this combined category with 38,458 (18.6% of all <121g/km)>

2008 UK sales of cars with CO₂ (121g/km)- <131g/km>

Across Europe, a similar and equally positive story shows Peugeot comprehensively leading the sectors for sub 121g/km and 131g/km vehicles, where sales of some 315,805 (15.5%) and 441,385 (13.7%) cars were sold – more than any other marque in the lowest CO₂ categories. The Peugeot 107 was the best-selling, low CO₂ car in the sub 111g/km category, while the Peugeot 207 was the best-selling, low CO₂ car in both the sub 121g/km and 131g/km sectors.

2008 European sales of cars with CO₂ <121g/km>- <131g/km>


Due to an extensive range of low CO₂ vehicles, Peugeot offers drivers a wide choice when looking to make an environmentally conscious decision. The benefits of choosing a low CO₂ car mean that it is correspondingly economical too, be it the 107 city car with emissions of just 106g/km or the five-door 308 family hatchback, which in 1.6-litre HDi 90 guise has CO₂ emissions of just 120g/km. Peugeot has some 36 vehicles across its 107, 207 and 308 ranges with CO₂ emissions less than 121g/km, and 48 (within its Blue Lion standards) with CO₂ emissions less than 131g/km. Christian Stein, Marketing Director at Peugeot in the UK, said; “Peugeot has long held a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles and these sales statistics for 2008 show us to be at the very top as the leading low CO₂ car company, both in the UK and across Europe.

Peugeot cars, identified to customers through its Blue Lion standards is clearly the most popular brand for economical and low CO₂ vehicles throughout Europe. We are delighted to be comprehensively leading the ‘green race’ with the benefit of lower running costs for our customers.” The source of this information is the AAA (Association Auxilaire de l’Automobile) who is the official supplier of automotive information to the European Commission.

[Source : PEUGEOT]
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• New Golf GTD with 170-PS TDI 5.3 liter fuel economy and 222 km/h redefine the idea of sportiness
  
• Advance sales begin early May
  
• GTD and new GTI are conceptual soulmates

WOLFSBURG / LEIPZIG : March 27, 2009 - After the Polo, the BlueMotion offensive and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is pulling the next arrow out of its quiver: this time it is the Golf GTD. It is extremely fuel efficient yet exceedingly sporty, and it is debuting as a world premiere at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig (March 28 to April 05). The GTD code letters carry on a tradition: the first Golf GTD appeared back in 1982 – it was the GTI among diesels. Now Volkswagen has perfected the various aspects of sportiness.



The new Golf GTD with its 125 kW / 170 PS is aimed at all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. This is where the GTD shows a clear affinity to the new GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in its own league with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the same performance as far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its appearance with phenomenal fuel economy. Every 100 kilometers, just 5.3 liters of fuel flow through the piezo injection valves of the common rail engine that can hardly be pegged as a diesel. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. This contrasts with a top speed of 222 km/h and 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.

Range of about 1,000 kilometer

As on the GTI, the GTD’s 6-speed manual transmission may be swapped out for an optional 6-speed DSG – which in the eyes of many experts is the most efficient automatic of our times. The Golf GTD with DSG reaches a top speed of 220 km/h; it accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes 5.6 liters diesel on average (147 g/km CO2). These low fuel consumption values take both GTD variants to distances of about 1,000 kilometers on one tank of fuel (55 liters).

The GTD equipped with standard sport chassis and 17-inch alloy wheels (“Seattle” type) bears a close relationship to the GTI, in its highly agile handling properties as well as in its parallels in appearance and features.

GTD exterior

The exterior clearly indicates that this is the sportiest Golf with a diesel engine. Take the front end, for example: the bumper, radiator grille and headlights are a 1:1 match with the GTI. However, the red horizontal stripes in the radiator grille are styled in chrome on the GTD. At the rear, the turbo-diesel sports a modified diffuser. Even though no GTD emblem comes with the car purchase, the diesel version of the Golf can be recognized by its dual chrome tailpipes on the left side of the diffuser (the GTI has one tailpipe on the left and one on the right).

GTD sound

Sound – sporty sound – has not traditionally been a particular strength of diesel engines. However, the GTD’s new common rail engine is different. Since it no longer has a superimposed “hammering” sound that was previously typical of diesels, engineers were able to fine tune its acoustics for the first time. This is accomplished by a special sound generator, which outputs a sonorous tone, especially in the lower engine speed range. The electromagnetic sound generator evaluates engine speed, momentary power demand and vehicle speed data obtained via the car’s CAN bus and tunes the engine sound that can be heard in the interior.

GTD interior

Volkswagen’s GT philosophy is also reflected in the interior. It expresses itself in standard high-end sport seats, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel whose curvature flattens at the bottom (GTD signature in the center chrome badge), leather parking brake lever and leather gearshift boot with stitching in contrasting color. However, unlike in the GTI the color is not red but light gray. The same applies to the sport seats in “Jacky” pattern: The color chosen for the flat-felled seams are an elegant light gray (“Art Grey”) instead of red (“Flash Red”). The seats themselves are styled in a “Black-White” color combination.

GTD safety and convenience

Other standard features of the Golf GTD include details such as a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, special interior accents, seven airbags including knee airbag on the driver’s side, automatic climate control (“Climatronic”), front fog lights with chrome framing, daytime running lights, ESP, a winter package (with heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats, headlight cleaning system and low washer fluid indicator light) and the RCD 210 radio system. Nonetheless, the most important component of standard GTD equipment is still the Common Rail TDI with 170 PS being used in the Golf for the first time.

TDI technology in detail

The 1,968 cm3 displacement engine is from a new TDI generation. It delivers its maximum power at 4,200 rpm. The engine – as sporty as it is fuel efficient – develops its 350 Newton-meter maximum torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Its specific torque is 177.8 Newton-meter per liter engine displacement. The upshot is that in practically any driving situation, the sixteen-valve four-cylinder engine offers power equivalent to that of a six-cylinder sports car engine.

About the technology: Fuel induction is handled by a common rail system. Fuel injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar and special eight-hole injection nozzles achieve exceptionally fine atomization of the diesel fuel. The eight-hole injection nozzles are driven by what are known as piezo in-line injectors. In this process, electrically controlled piezo crystals – boosted by hydraulics – initiate injection in fractions of a second. Compared to conventional solenoid valves, piezo technology enables more flexible injection processes with smaller and more precisely metered quantities of fuel. The results are a very quiet and pleasantly soft running engine, exceptionally quick response and the excellent fuel economy and emissions values already mentioned.

Another feature having a positive effect on the car’s acoustics is the maintenance-free toothed timing belt for the camshaft. The conversion to common rail technology and many other acoustic measures, such as a noise-damping film in the windshield, make the new Golf GTD one of the quietest diesel models in its class. In addition, the GTD will fulfill limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard. Advance sales of the Golf GTD in Germany will already begin in early May. And the prospects for a successful market launch look good. Because this sporty Volkswagen fits in perfectly with our times.










[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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• Model S sedan has anticipated base price of $49,900
  
• Up to 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability

HAWTHORNE, Calif. : March 26, 2009 - Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge.


The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike *and* surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

“Model S doesn’t compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it’s truly the only car you need,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we’re developing.”

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology

Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

“Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it’s a better value than much cheaper cars,” Musk said. “The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. I’m positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers.”

The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.

Tesla is taking reservations online and at showrooms in California. Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and plans to open stores in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich later this year.










[Source : TESLA]
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AMSTERDAM : March 26, 2009 - Honda will debut its latest TV ad ‘Let it Shine' in April to support the launch of its new hybrid car, the Insight. The advert is part of an integrated marketing campaign to work towards the company's aim of environmental leadership across the EMEAR* region by 2015.


The 60, 30, 20 and 15-second TV spots marks the global launch of the all-new Insight – the most affordable hybrid on the market – which aims to make cleaner car technology accessible to a wider audience. The new Insight goes on sale at the start of April in most of Europe.

The advertisement opens on what appears to be the world’s largest LED screen displaying an animated sequence of simple dot matrix graphic stories that depict the notion of ‘good’. The animations show hugs and kisses, frowns turned into smiles, and general goodwill – all aiming to convey people’s inherent wish to be good. As the animation plays it is slowly revealed to the viewer that it is actually being created entirely by the headlights of hundreds of Honda Insight cars. The spectacle is set to a bespoke recorded version of ‘This Little Light of Mine’ created by Berend Dubbe.

‘Let it Shine’ has been created by Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam for use across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia. The European debut of ‘Let it Shine’ takes place on March 28 in Belgium.


The campaign extends Honda’s strategy of continuing to be at the forefront in environmental technologies and communications. This new approach underpins a communications plan which will run alongside the expansion of Honda’s hybrid range with a coupe based on the CR-Z concept and a Jazz hybrid set to join the new Insight and existing Civic Hybrid in the next two years.

Chris Brown, Head of Marketing for Honda Motor Europe comments: “We would like to become the most admired company in the world, and to do this we need to have the most admired brand and communications across our region, EMEAR. This is a continuation of our journey.”

This latest campaign is truly integrated; with print, outdoor and digital in addition to TV. The theme ‘Everyone Wants to Be Good’ is incorporated throughout, as well as the iconic ‘Honda Eco’ flower - a visual cue to the ‘Eco Assist’ system within the Insight which encourages and rewards efficient driving.


In the end, although the team discovered that the idea was logistically feasible, they were concerned about the carbon footprint that a shoot of that magnitude would leave. After doing the work to see what was possible W+K and Honda made a conscious decision to look at a more environmentally friendly alternative. The result was a fusion of modelling software for animation, a small number of Insight vehicles for scale and a few hundred Insight headlights. The vehicles and headlights were precisely spaced and wired together while a specially created computer program created the two separate halves of the animations. These animation halves were subsequently married together in post-production.

This approach allowed the team to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the shoot. To further limit carbon output they relied on vehicles already located in South Africa, grouped shipments of props and lights as much as possible, and mandated group transportation of personnel to and from shoot. For further good measure, the shoot’s carbon output that could not be prevented was entirely offset through carbon credits purchased through the Carbon-Neutral Company’s Unity Portfolio.

‘Let it Shine’ was directed by Erik van Wyk and creative directed by Jeff Kling, John Norman and Sue Anderson. It debuts across Europe in April and will be shown in 14 countries initially.
First air date is Belgium on 28th March.

Other country dates include:
UK - 14th April, France - 4th April, Switzerland - 6th April, Italy - 10th April.

* Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russian region




[Source : HONDA]
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TOKYO/PARIS : March 27, 2009 - Signed on March 27, 1999, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has built a unique business model that has created significant value for both companies. For 10 years, employees at Renault and Nissan have worked as partners with attitudes of mutual respect and company pride while keeping separate brands and corporate identities.


“From the beginning, the Alliance has been based on the premise of trust and the pursuit of strategies aimed at profitable growth,” says Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and Nissan. “We continue to honour these principles, even as we are continually adapting to the current operating environment, which is severe. The Alliance is equipping Renault and Nissan not only to survive the global financial and economic crisis, but to be in a better position to compete effectively after this crisis ends.”

Key indicators illustrate benefits the Alliance has delivered to both companies:

Profitability and market capitalisation

The Alliance has led to greatly increased profitability and market capitalisation for both companies, from 1999 until the current global economic and financial crisis.

In terms of market capitalisation, Renault’s more than tripled, growing from 8.4 billion euros to 27.6 billion euros. Renault ranked sixth in the car industry in 2007, compared to its eleventh-place ranking in 1999. Over the same period, Nissan’s market capitalisation quadrupled, from 9 billion yen to 34.2 billion yen. The company ranked at fifth position in 2007, compared to tenth in 1999.

The average operating profit for the period of 1999 to 2007 increased significantly compared to the period of 1990 to 1999. Operating profit was multiplied by five for Renault, from 442 million euros to 2.126 million euros, and multiplied by eight for Nissan, from 79.6 billion yen to 636.1 billion yen.

Cash contribution

Initially, Renault made a cash contribution of 6.4 billion euros to Nissan. Nissan has since contributed more than 11 billion euros to Renault’s bottom line. There has been a substantial exchange of cash, capital, profit and dividends between the two companies.

Ten achievements in 10 years of the Alliance

1. Sales
Combined sales increased from 4,989,709 units in 1999 to 6,090,304 (without Avtovaz sales) in 2008.

2. Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organisation (RNPO) scope is 100%
RNPO is the Alliance’s largest common organisation, negotiating on behalf of Renault and Nissan. From April 1, 2009, its joint purchasing activities will account for 100% of Alliance purchases, compared to a scope of 30% at its creation in 2001.

3. Common platforms and common parts
Shared platforms and common parts (parts that are not visible to the customer such as gearboxes or air-conditioning systems) are tools used by the Alliance to make economies of scale and reduce development and production costs.

The common platforms, namely the B platform (notably Nissan Tiida/Versa and Renault Clio) and C platform (notably Renault Mégane/Scénic and Nissan Qashqai), represented more than 50% of the vehicles sold by Renault and Nissan globally in 2008.

4. Exchanges of powertrains and common powertrains
To capitalise on the powertrain expertise of both partners (Renault for diesel and Nissan for gasoline), the Alliance co-developed common engines and gearboxes, including a six-speed manual gearbox and a new V6 diesel engine. The Alliance also exchanges existing engines or gearboxes – for example, the Nissan 3.5-litre gasoline engine for Renault Laguna and Renault 1.5-litre diesel engine for Nissan Qashqai). In total, eight engines are commonly used.

5. Expansion of the portfolio of advanced technologies
Renault and Nissan are cooperating on strategic fields of research and advanced engineering. Renault and Nissan have a common technology plan based on four common pillars: Safety, Environment-CO₂, Life-on-Board and Dynamic Performance.

Concerning zero-emission technology, Renault and Nissan are focusing on electric vehicles: so far, nearly 20 agreements have been signed with governments and corporations to launch the first electric vehicle in 2010 and to mass market a full range of electrical vehicles in 2012.

6. Manufacturing standardisation
The Renault Production System (RPS), the standard used by all the Renault plants, borrowed extensively from the Nissan Production Way. Since it has been implemented, Renault productivity has improved by 15 percent.

Using the best practices of Renault and Nissan, the Alliance partners have developed the Alliance Common Process or Alliance Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS), which will initially be used at greenfield sites in India (Chennai) and Morocco (Tangier).

7. Cross production
Within the Alliance, each company has the opportunity to use the manufacturing capacities of its partner. Today, Renault’s plants produce Nissan vehicles in Korea (Almera Classic) and Brazil (Livina), whereas Nissan assembles Renault vehicles in South Africa (Sandero), Mexico (Clio) and Spain (Trafic).

8. Global footprint
Due to geographical complementarities, Renault and Nissan cover key markets on all continents. Renault’s historical territories are Europe, North Africa and South America; Nissan’s major markets are Japan, North America, Mexico, China and the Middle East. Since 2005, Renault and Nissan have been entering new territories together, such as India, in order to expand their global footprint.

9. Expansion of product line-ups
The Alliance has contributed to the expansion of product line-ups. Nissan has increased its LCV range in Europe by badging Renault products: Renault Kangoo/ Nissan Kubistar, Renault Master/ Nissan Interstar, Renault Trafic/ Nissan Primastar. On Renault side, Koleos has been designed by Renault but developed by Nissan and is using advanced Nissan 4x4 technology.

10. Cross-cultural management
As a global industrial and economic actor, the Renault-Nissan Alliance built a unique experience in multi-cultural management at all levels. Each year, more than 30 teams with Renault and Nissan employees from all regions and functions work together to identify synergies and best practices. Thousands of people with cross-cultural experience have been in collaboration since the beginning of the Alliance.

“We are proud of all we have achieved in the past 10 years,” says Carlos Ghosn, “and we are looking forward to realising even more of our potential in the future. Leveraging our partnership fully in the Alliance, we will be taking further steps to deepen synergies between Renault and Nissan that will contribute to the profitable growth of each company.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance will announce the complete list of synergies (as announced in February) in May 2009.

[Source : RENAULT]
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• Ulm drives smart by the minute: from now on innovative mobility concept available to the public and on a 24/7 basis
  
• Enlarged: rental car fleet with 200 smart fortwo cdi
  
• Internationalization: car2go starts in Austin, Texas, in the fall

STUTTGART / ULM : March 26, 2009 – Good reasons for rediscovering city driving can now be found literally on every corner in Ulm. Daimler AG sees to it with car2go – its new mobility concept that makes driving a car as easy as using a mobile phone. Following the successful completion of the internal pilot phase, car2go with a fleet of 200 smart fortwo cdi is available from now on to all registered residents and visitors to Ulm – every day, around the clock, and at low rates. From Ulm, car2go goes straight to the international level, to the USA: Daimler plans to launch car2go in Austin, Texas, this autumn.


"The very promising results of the first, internal pilot phase in Ulm show that with car2go we have found another answer to current and future mobility needs in metropolitan areas. Our project in Austin is the next logical step," says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

With car2go, on 24 October 2008 in Ulm Daimler AG kicked off a pilot project for a new, flexible and environmentally compatible form of mobility concept of the city. car2go is another important element of the Daimler strategy on the road to sustainable mobility.

The principle is as simple as can be: whenever a car is needed, it can be rented spontaneously in passing out on the street, or it can be pre-booked via mobile phone or internet. The car then can be used as long as one likes, and can be returned to any unoccupied public parking space within the area of operation. The cost structure is clear and the use is simple: the 19 euro cents charged per minute covers taxes, insurance, mileage and even fuel. There are low rates for rental by the hour or day: 9.90 euros per hour or 49 euros per day. Sole condition for use is one-time free registration as a customer and a valid driver's license, to which a small seal is affixed. Once a person registers, he or she can open any car2go by means of a card reader placed behind the windshield.

From inside to outside

In the first pilot phase that began last October with 50 smart fortwo, some 500 employees of the Daimler Research Center in Ulm, plus 200 family members, participated as test drivers. The aim was to test the technical systems and gather initial experience with acceptance, user behavior, and effort for service in practical operation.
Robert Henrich, responsible project manager at Daimler AG, sums up: "The success of the first pilot phase surprised even us and shows how much importance already is attached to forward-looking mobility concepts today. In just two weeks more than 500 customers had registered with car2go – a number we had not anticipated. Sometimes I could see from my office window how employees sprinted to the parking lot after work to get a car2go before they were all gone." Their enthusiasm and the interest of the people of Ulm persist. In peak periods the entire fleet of 50 smart fortwo was being used to full capacity and could have been greatly expanded based on the user demand. Since the start, 8,000 rentals have been registered, and per day as many as eight customers have used one and the same vehicle.

Without exception user feedback was positive, and users were surprised how easy the system works in practice. The per-minute charging also was felt to be very customer-friendly. Moreover, from the beginning the project met with national and international interest. In the meantime numerous inquiries have been received from cities all over the world that also would like to offer car2go to their residents.

As intermediate step, in February the clientele was extended to include the employees of the Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlet Ulm/Neu-Ulm and the local Daimler subsidiary EvoBus. In line with this the number of car2go vehicles was raised to 100. This increased the overall number of car2go users to more than 1,000. The successful start has encouraged all parties to take the next step: today begins the public testing phase in Ulm, in which car2go is available to all 120,000 residents and people visiting the city. For this purpose the car2go fleet is being doubled to 200 vehicles.

"From the outset we saw car2go as an absolute enrichment and a great opportunity for the science city Ulm. The city profits tremendously from the public interest in car2go, and we hope to reduce the traffic load especially in the downtown streets and parking areas," says Ulm's mayor Ivo Gönner.
Everybody interested can immediately register in the internet at www.car2go.com or at the registration office in the Ulm city hall, right next door to Ulm cathedral. Here they also get the car2go seal for their driver's license.

Internationalization – from Ulm to Austin

The pilot project in the southern German city of Ulm will not be the only one – from the start the concept was planned for international use. Whereas in Ulm the purpose is to test the general acceptance of the concept and stabilize the technical systems, the second pilot project is designed to generate know-how for the international use of car2go. The demands include applicability to other cities, language regions and mobility trends as well as adaptation of the business processes to the legal requirements in other countries.

Jérome Guillen, director of the Business Innovation department at Daimler that developed the car2go concept comments: "We deliberately chose a large American city. In the USA the car sharing market has the highest growth rates in the world. For this reason we see very good chances of success there for car2go, especially because car2go offers many advantages over the known car sharing offers." For instance, car2go is distinguished by free availability of the vehicles in the city area without obligation to use certain parking spaces, on-the-spot rental for as long as one likes, as well as a simple and clear price structure.

The capital of Texas with its 750,000 residents is appreciably bigger than Ulm and is distinguished by its open-mindedness and its very involved citizens. "We very much look forward to becoming the first international partner of car2go," says mayor Will Wynn. "Our city is known for its strong sense of environmental responsibility. car2go fits this wonderfully because we can then offer the residents of Austin an intelligent mobility concept with a high positive environmental factor. The project has our full support."

As in the first phase of the German pilot project, car2go will begin in Austin with a defined group of users, for example city employees. It is then planned to make car2go accessible to the public in Austin in a second step.

Other factors predestining Austin to be the first international car2go city are the city's size and its up-to-date economic structure. Among other things it is the location of the fourth largest university in the USA. Beginning in autumn 2009 a fleet expected to number 200 smart fortwo mhd vehicles with automatic start/stop function will be put into operation there.



[Source : DAIMLER]
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TOKYO, March 26, 2009 - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned "Crown Majesta". The fifth-generation Crown Majesta—the Toyota brand's top sedan—features a high-quality interior with enhanced comfort and safety features, all designed to offer the highest levels of satisfaction to both drivers and passengers.



Specific improvements include a longer wheelbase and exterior styling that exudes presence and energy. The 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine provides ample power and is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, powerful cruising and response. In addition, three world-first1 technologies—the Front-side Pre-crash Safety System, Pre-crash Seatbacks and a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) rear-seat center airbag—enhance safety and improve overall vehicle performance.



Vehicle Outline

Enduring presence and high-quality


Package
The extended wheelbase, 75mm longer than the previous series, creates a roomy and comfortable interior.

• Longer wheelbase creates ample legroom for rear-seat passengers
  
• Total vehicle length under 5 meters ensures greater maneuverability in cramped traffic environments

Exterior
Based on the Toyota brand "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, horizontal accents create a flowing silhouette, while the long wheelbase generates a style both commanding in appearance and expressive of vitality.


The wide instrument panel creates expansiveness, while individual components from the center cluster to the console are clear-cut, emphasizing the quality of the materials used.

The steering wheel, shift knob and ornament panel feature carefully selected, fine-grain wood to create a luxurious cabin atmosphere.

Optitron Meters (standard) and thin film transistor LCD Finegraphic Meters (optional) provide vivid and clear information to the driver.

• Speedometer displays in both digital and analog format; lane and other information also displayed
  
• Steering-wheel-affixed switch allows changing screen display to show fuel efficiency, Eco Zone Indicator (for environmentally considerate driving) and Night View system (see "Safety" section)

Seat frames can be finely adjusted to provide comfortable seating even during long periods of driving.

• Type G and Type G "F Package" feature premium Japanese leather seats
  
• Power Easy Access System slides driver's seat back and tilts steering wheel upward and forward, facilitating smooth ingress and egress for driver

The HDD navigation system is compatible with the G-BOOK mX Pro telematics service and is equipped with multi-media and other advanced functions such as Map on Demand, which provides automatic map and information updates.
A rear-seat entertainment system features a high-resolution 9-inch monitor built into the cabin ceiling.
The Toyota Premium Sound System, with a 19-channel amplifier and 20 speakers, offers sound quality comparable to a live performance.

Enhanced performance and advanced technologies


Performance
The two-wheel-drive models feature a 4.6-liter V8 engine that enhances driving performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with an 8 Super ECT transmission with a driving response and acceleration management system to achieve smooth and powerful cruising.

• Four-wheel-drive models employ 4.3-liter V8 engine with 6 Super ECT
  
• 4.6-liter engine uses advanced D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) fuel injection system, coupled with electrically controlled Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system (VVT-iE) for improved driving performance and fuel efficiency
  

Electronically controlled air suspension, standard on all models, provides comfortable handling through the advanced control of vehicle roll. The suspension system receives cornering information and accumulated road surface-difference information from the navigation system and then optimizes shock-absorber damping force to enhance handling, cruising stability and ride quality.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which coordinates control of drive power, steering and brakes, comes standard on all models to ensure excellent vehicle stability and preventive safety performance even on slippery road surfaces.

The use of noise-reducing glass and optimal body-structure design, together with best placement of vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials, achieves outstanding interior quietness.

Safety
The TMC-developed, world-first Front-side Pre-crash Safety System (part of overall Pre-crash Safety System) uses millimeter-wave radar to detect probable front-side collisions at intersections with good visibility.

The TMC-developed, world-first Pre-crash Seatbacks bring reclined rear seats to an upright position when the vehicle's Pre-crash Safety System detects a high probability of a front- or rear-end collision, thereby positioning rear occupants appropriately to lessen injuries caused by impact.

A stereo camera can detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle, with a warning displayed to the driver when necessary.

The "Night View" system uses a near-infrared camera to display difficult-to-see pedestrians, objects and sections of the road in front of the vehicle. The system also comes with a special pedestrian detection and display function.

The vehicle employs an advanced Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) collision-safety body.

Ten SRS airbags, including rear-seat side airbags, are standard on all models.

Driver Support
The advanced car navigation system facilitates the entering and exiting of highways.

• Using road-map data, system enables smooth acceleration when merging into highway traffic from on-ramps or service areas by controlling gear-change timing, as well as increasing engine braking for smooth deceleration when exiting highways or approaching tollbooths
  
• System uses road-map data to inform driver of upcoming stop signs, issuing warning if driver is late in decelerating; navigation-system-linked brake-assist function supports driver in emergency braking, helping reduce vehicle speed

The Intelligent Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors installed in the front of the vehicle to detect parking-space parameters. The system then helps the driver when parallel parking or when backing into the parking space by informing the driver when to turn the steering wheel and where to start backing up.

Product lineup aims to satisfy all occupants

The number of trim grades in the series has been increased from five to six.

The Type A "L Package" includes Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), which optimizes the angle of the front wheels in relation to steering wheel turn and vehicle speed, thereby enhancing driving pleasure by providing excellent handling response in line with the driver's intent.

The four-seat Type G "F Package" provides a safe and comfortable rear-seat space.

• One of total of 11 SRS airbags in vehicle is world's first SRS rear-seat center airbag, which was designed to lessen secondary injuries caused by rear-seat passengers colliding with each other in side-on collisions
  
• Controls for such functions as air conditioning, audio and seat-reclining are all located on large, rear-seat, center console
  
• Rear-seat passengers can adjust large wing-type headrests to their preferred angle and enjoy audio via inlaid headrest speakers
  
• Rear "air seats" can blow warm or cool air, while left rear seat boasts automatic leg rest that allows leg extension and comfortable support for passenger

Environmental impact reductions

Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The Type A model achieves a fuel efficiency of 9.4km/l (CO2 emissions: 247g/km). The Type G, Type G "F Package", Type C and Type A "L Package" all meet the 2010 fuel efficiency standards specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy. In addition, all vehicles in the series achieve emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

An Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation and an Eco Zone Indicator that shows throttle use aim to raise driver awareness toward environmentally friendly driving. Both are standard on all models.

Toyota employed its Eco-Vehicle Assessment System (Eco-VAS)—a comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—to efficiently achieve overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.

A review of the materials, processing methods, and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde. The review also helped reduce the sometimes discomforting odors emitted from such materials to below the values outlined in the JAMA2 "Vehicle Cabin VOC Testing Methods (for Passenger Cars)", which are voluntary industry standards.

1. As of February 2009, as surveyed by TMC
2. Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association





[Source : TOYOTA , Live Images courtesy of CAR WATCH, Japan]
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• U.S. consumers one step closer to experiencing the Ford Fiesta with arrival of European-specification “Fiesta Movement” vehicles at ports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif.
  
• More than 3,300 Fiesta Movement “agent” applications received and total views of video submissions on YouTube exceed 580,000
  
• The new Fiesta already is the No. 2 selling car in Europe and is on track for its best sales month yet in March. Early Fiesta sales in China and other Asia-Pacific markets are exceeding expectations

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2009 – The arrival today on U.S. shores of 100 new Ford Fiestas marks an important step in the rollout of the first of Ford Motor Company’s new generation of global small cars.



The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.” Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The new Fiesta already is the second-best selling vehicle of any make across Ford's 19 major European markets, and is headed for its best month yet in Europe in March. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets already is outstripping company expectations.

“In the midst of the toughest economy many of us have ever seen, the Fiesta is becoming a legitimate global success story,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Fiesta Movement is all about introducing a new kind of small car to a new generation of buyers.”


The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show.

“We’re really excited to be able to get our U.S. customers behind the wheel and experience this car,” said Sam De La Garza, small car marketing manager. “It’s all part of a plan to build excitement about the new Fiesta with the next generation of Ford customers.”

Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement.

Before coming to the U.S., special permission was granted by the EPA and the European-spec vehicles were modified for American drivers.

The language in the vehicles’ instrument panel message center was changed from German to English and the speedometers were changed from kilometers to miles per hour. The voice piping from the Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, however, retains its British accent. All the Fiesta Movement vehicles feature keyless entry with push-button start, EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, 16” or 17” wheels, and many other features typically found on larger or premium vehicles.


Agents on a mission

Beginning in late spring, the chosen participants, or “Fiesta Movement” agents, will be asked to complete monthly missions in their vehicles, capture their experiences digitally and share them with Ford and others through social networks.

Ford is aiming the Fiesta Movement at Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1985 that will total 70 million new drivers in 2010 – the largest class of any generation. Making up 28 percent of the driving age population, the potential size of the market serves as an opportunity for Ford to connect with a group that hasn’t yet established brand loyalty and is very connected to the use of technology and social networking.

For Millennials, social media is a part of everyday life. Statistics show that for those born after 1980, 62 percent of the content they consume comes from someone they know personally. The missions will be designed based on monthly themes that will take them to new places, to meet new people and to experience new things in their Fiesta.

Collecting data about how the car performs in the U.S. market is an integral part to the vehicle’s launch. With this program, Ford aims to gather valuable customer input on how they perceive the vehicle prior to the next year’s North American launch. It’s the first opportunity Ford has ever had to get a wealth of feedback so early on prior to launch – unique in content and unfiltered from a multitude of sources.

The movement already is catching on, with more than 3,300 agent applications to the www.fiestamovement.com website and 580,000 views of applicant videos on YouTube.

About Fiesta

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding performance, design and value. The new Ford Fiesta takes that three-decade heritage to a new level with eye-catching styling and exemplary driving dynamics for U.S. consumers.

The vehicle is also winning awards, including being named Car of the Year 2009 by the authoritative What Car? magazine in the U.K. and was awarded a prestigious “red dot” award for international product design.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

[Source : FORD]
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KEMPTEN : March 26, 2009 With the ABT Q5 the world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the VW group continues a series which has been extremely successful both technically and optically. This is because the classy yet sporty SUV is the latest in a range of exquisite vehicles, whose success began with the Touareg and was continued by the AS7 and Tiguan.


The company from southern Germany has also developed a design for the new Q5, which makes the diverse car appear as powerful, confident and very harmonic. Pure class in every situation – that is precisely what this sublime SUV from ABT also stands for: the front spoiler and the prominent front grill find their equivalent in the fender extensions and door trims. Each detail is optically harmonised up to the crowning “finish”, formed by the rear wing and rear apron.

The design also continues in the interior: decorative inserts made of carbon leather improve the ambience and also give the “work place” a stylish and classy look. The ABT muffler is also part of the perfect appearance of the ABT Q5, and with its four tail pipes precisely indicates the sporting pedigree of the SUV. The use of BR alloys is also recommended, which look particularly good on the car in 22 inch form. The ABT Q5 looks impressive everywhere, be it at the golf course, by the opera or on the promenade. But the diverse sports car really wants to be driven, as thanks to the engineering art of the German company the engines are in even better condition: with ABT POWER, the 2.0 TDI offers a powerful 190HP (140kW) instead of 170HP (125kW).

The Q5 goes about its work powerfully with the 3.0 TDI: with ABT POWER S it provides 310HP (228kW) on the road. Thanks to the enormous torque of 610Nm the engine can cope with ease in any situation. The 2.0 TSI is also excellently harmonised with the vehicle: with ABT POWER it offers a sporty 240HP (177kW) instead of the standard 211HP (155kW) and is soon going to be upgraded to 275 HP (203kW). In order to ensure that the SUV remains controllable, the ABT technicians have developed a finely tuned packet to lower the centre of gravity of the car and have attached corresponding springs. The ABT Sports braking unit (disc diameter: 380 millimetres) is responsible for providing perfect braking performance. Its built-in flexible steel brake lines, together with the large brake discs, provide lower fading in repeat braking manoeuvres.







[Source : ABT]
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SUZUKA, Japan : March 25, 2009 - Honda's cost-cutting efforts were on display Wednesday at its plant for the new Insight, where 600 of the hot-selling hybrid models are churned out each day.


The Insight has sold briskly in Japan, largely because it is cheaper than archrival Toyota's longtime hybrid champion, the Prius.

But media reports that Toyota will set the price of the remodeled Prius lower than expected will force Honda to make even more cost cuts, says Norio Ano, who oversees the Insight's development.

"We will have to go back to scratch and review all our procedures from step one," he said.

Honda Motor Co. is out to make the Insight an affordable hybrid at $19,800 in the U.S., where it is set to arrive later this month. Starting at 1.89 million yen in Japan, it has been a hit since going on sale here in February, drawing more than 21,000 in advance sales orders as of March 23, according to Honda. That's about four times the company's target.

A price war is expected to heat up once Toyota Motor Corp. rolls out its new Prius later this year.

The current Prius, which is a bigger car than the Insight, starts at about $22,000 in the U.S. and 2.3 million yen in Japan.

Japanese media reports have speculated that Toyota will not only set the new Prius price lower than initially expected at about 2 million yen but that it will also continue to sell the current Prius, matching Insight's price.

It would be an unusual move in the industry, where old models are discontinued. Toyota declined comment on the reports.

"Those are prices we would never have imagined," Ano said of the reported Prius prices, adding that Honda would likely not be able to further lower Insight's price.

Reporters got a rare look at the assembly line producing the Insight at Suzuka factory, central Japan, which also makes the Civic, Fit and other models.

To reach production volumes unprecedented for a hybrid -- and lower costs at the same time -- Honda automated some production procedures, said Fujio Hara, a Honda official who oversees production.

In one corner of the plant, a special robotic arm was rapidly screwing in parts of the hybrid battery, a process previously handled by human workers.

In another cost-cutting move, the number of parts were also reduced for what Honda calls the "intelligent power unit," made up of the hybrid battery and computer parts that control the hybrid system, he said.

The line for the Insight was flowing briskly, allowing just 65 seconds for each procedure, according to Honda.

Honda began work on cutting costs about four years ago, studying the hybrid Civic, its previous hybrid model, to come up with the low-cost Insight, officials said.

[Source : Yahoo Finance]
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LISBON, Portugal : March 25, 2009 - The new Toyota Urban Cruiser offers customers a unique, urban all-road driving experience through the successful combination of three key attributes: Toyota’s proven expertise in rugged, all-road vehicle design, the comfort and versatility of a compact urban hatchback, and the class-leading fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of Toyota Optimal Drive technology.


The new Urban Cruiser’s robust, durable design incorporates Toyota’s Active Torque Control AWD system, the highest levels of occupant safety, and improved on-road traction, stability and agility in all weather conditions for enhanced driving enjoyment.


Despite its compact, urban-friendly dimensions, the Urban Cruiser benefits from state-of-the-art Toyota packaging knowhow, honed in cars such as the iQ and the Yaris. It offers all the 5-seat spaciousness, practicality, versatility and loadspace flexibility of ingenious compact cars, reflecting the increasingly diverse, active lifestyles of today’s highly discriminating B segment customers.

Recognising B segment customer demands for increasingly environmentally responsible vehicles, Toyota Optimal Drive combines numerous, innovative technological solutions to offer significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions without compromising the Urban Cruiser’s lively performance and engaging driving dynamics.

The Urban Cruiser will go on sale in Europe in May 2009. Full-year sales objectives target over 25,000 units, with All Wheel Drive vehicles accounting for 30% of the mix.


A distinctive new car in a diverse segment

The new Urban Cruiser has been designed for Europe’s highly competitive B segment market, recently fragmented into several sub-segments. These sub-segments have more than doubled in size since 2002. This growth has been driven by an increasingly diverse cross-section of customers seeking more distinctive vehicles to support a more active lifestyle.

Adventurous, active-lifestyle customer base

The Urban Cruiser is designed for an adventurous, active-lifestyle customer base. Dissatisfied with conventional B segment hatchbacks, these customers require a vehicle that expresses a greater sense of value and individuality. Typically, they are singles and couples in their 30s and 40s. Urban Cruiser customers will include a significant number of those who want to combine an active lifestyle with a high level of environmental awareness.

Distinctive design: rugged exterior, refined interior

The Urban Cruiser meets the needs of its target customers with a unique, stylish design that offers the rugged good looks of an all-roader within a compact, urban friendly package. The high quality interior combines all the 5-seat spaciousness, practicality, versatility and loadspace flexibility of a conventional hatchback with greater comfort and refinement than is usual in the B segment all-roader market.


Compact, urban-friendly dimensions

The compact dimensions of the Urban Cruiser -3930mm long, 1725mm wide and 1525mm tall (1540mm when equipped with AWD)- make it ideal for driving in city streets. However, despite this compact exterior, the Urban Cruiser’s long, 2460mm wheelbase provides spacious accommodation for five people and ample luggage space.

The Urban Cruiser delivers agile, stable and firmly balanced driving performance, which is further improved by the option of AWD on 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engined models. The appeal of the new urban all-roader is further enhanced by top-class active and passive safety.

Class-leading CO₂ emissions with no-compromise driving dynamics

Through the application of Toyota Optimal Drive technology, the Urban Cruiser meets a growing demand for socially responsible vehicles. Whilst Toyota’s new urban all-roader offers a marked reduction in fuel bills and responds to the pan-European introduction of CO₂-based vehicle taxation with exceptionally low CO₂ emissions within the 130g/km threshold, it still delivers a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience both in and out of the city.

The Urban Cruiser is available with a choice of two advanced and highly efficient new engines: a 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start technology, and a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine. The latter’s AWD powertrain generates CO₂ emissions of just 130g/km; the world’s lowest level for an all-wheel driven passenger car.

“While the overall length is less than four metres, the vehicle’s form emphasises a feeling of security and firmness. This is created by its unique wide stance, supported by projecting bumpers and large diameter tyres. The design projects a distinctive, innovative image the moment it is seen.” Kiyokatsu Miura, Urban Cruiser Chief Engineer


Rugged styling in the Toyota all-road tradition

The Urban Cruiser combines the rugged, muscular appearance of a Toyota all-roader with compact, urban-friendly dimensions and five-door practicality. The new urban all-roader’s striking looks meet demanding B segment customer desires for a car that stands out from the crowd. The high belt line, prominent lower doorsills and muscular wheel arches accentuate the Urban Cruiser’s robust, eye-catching stance. Emphasising the car’s all-roader credentials, underbody components including the front bumper underguard, side rocker panel mouldings and rear bumper underguard are blacked-out.

Further reinforcing this rugged appearance, the Urban Cruiser is also available with a body kit that encompasses the entire underbody. Instantly identifying the Urban Cruiser as a member of the Toyota family, frontal design elements such as the large horizontal bar integrated within the front grille, headlamps which flow back and outwards into the wings, and a deep, sculpted front bumper with integral foglamps all combine to accentuating the urban all roader’s broad, purposeful stance.

In profile, the Urban Cruiser’ rugged muscularity is further reinforced through the strength of prominent wheel arches, broad shoulder surfaces and deep door panels. Large, bodywork

coloured door mirrors ensure excellent rear visibility and are designed for optimum aerodynamic performance and low wind noise.

A low-profile rear window, powerfully sculpted bodywork and wide track with large tyres combine to accentuate the Urban Cruiser’s broad rear stance. Matching that of the front bumper, a blacked-out rear bumper underguard reinforces the vehicle’s urban all-road credentials.

Rear combination lamps, with integrated fog lamps, feature two-tone red and white outer lenses. A high-mount, LED stop lamp is integrated within the tailgate trim.

The Urban Cruiser is equipped with large, 16” wheels, fitted as standard. Terra grade models feature 16” steel wheels with wheelcaps. Luna grade models boast 16” matt aluminium alloys, and Sol grade versions are complimented by dramatic, 16” super chrome metallic alloy wheels.


Advanced aerodynamics, Cd 0.315

Despite its rugged exterior design, the Urban Cruiser displays admirable aerodynamic characteristics, with a drag coefficient of only Cd 0.315. This was made possible by the careful tuning of airflow over the bodywork. Particular attention has been paid to the airflow over the ‘pagoda’ roof and rear spoiler, and optimisation of the angle of the roof sides. The lower section of the front bumper and the door mirrors have also been shaped for optimum aerodynamic performance, whilst the addition of front and rear wheel spats significantly reduces wheel arch air turbulence.

High quality interior, styled at Toyota’s European Design Studio

The Urban Cruiser’s interior was designed by Toyota’s ED2 European Design Studio, to provide levels of quality and refinement unprecedented in the B segment all-roader market.

The strong horizontal emphasis of the dashboard emphasises the Urban Cruiser’s bright, spacious interior design. Its careful integration with the concave door trim surfaces reinforces the urban all-roader’s class leading occupant safety attributes.

Within the driver’s instrument binnacle, the speedometer and tachometer are combined in a concentric circle behind a smoked glass plate with a non-reflective coating, creating the impression of a high-tech radar screen.

The design of the ‘floating’ centre cluster combines flair and originality with outstanding switchgear ergonomics and functionality. The centre cluster, front console and door switch panels are finished in metallic silver finish, underlining the quality and refinement of the interior. Helping to promote environmentally responsible driving, a Gear Shift Indicator recommends optimum gear-shifting for maximum fuel efficiency and minimum CO₂ emissions.

Space, flexibility and practicality

The Urban Cruiser’s long, 2460 mm wheelbase and short, 785 mm and 685 mm front and rear overhangs combine to award the new urban all-roader a remarkably spacious interior despite its compact external dimensions. A loadspace capacity of 314 litres may be increased to 749 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Complementing a dark grey interior, the seats are upholstered in a high quality jersey material, available in three grades. The sporting front seats benefit from a particularly thin profile, which greatly improves rear passenger leg room.

Two types of rear seats are available, each with an improved folding mechanism: the 2WD model has a 60:40 split seat with slide, recline and tilt-down functions, the AWD version has a 60:40 split seat with recline and double-fold functions.


In recognition of the active lifestyles of B segment customers, the Urban Cruiser features a wide range of storage compartments. These include lower and upper glove box compartments, front door pockets which hold A4 sized documents or a bottle, rear door pocket bottle holders, a rear centre bottle holder, a utility box next to the hand brake, a front driver’s side utility box, twin front centre cup holders and a front passenger’s side cup holder conveniently located in front of the air vent for effective cooling during warm weather driving.

The new Urban Cruiser benefits from the latest Toyota Optimal Drive technology, a range of powertrain innovations introduced to strengthen Toyota’s lead in environmental responsibility and sustainable mobility. Incorporated, as standard, in every Toyota, it is fundamental to achieving the company’s whole-fleet CO₂ average target of below 140g/km.

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging, advanced technologies designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions. These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development: the reduction of engine weight, the reduction of unnecessary mechanical losses and the maximisation of combustion efficiency. The Urban Cruiser powertrain line-up features a new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start technology, a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine and a new six-speed manual transmission for both engines. Every powertrain benefits fully from the low friction components, super-lightweight compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency inherent in Toyota Optimal Drive.


New 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine

Featuring innovative “Stop & Start” technology, the new 1.33-litre petrol engine is equipped with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) and a remarkably high compression ratio of 11.5:1. It generates 74kW/101 DIN hp and maximum torque of 132 Nm at 3800 rpm, combining excellent dynamic performance with fuel consumption of just 5.5l/100km and CO₂ emissions of only 129g/km.

Profiting from Toyota’s extensive motorsport experience, the unit is exceptionally lightweight and compact, with a small bore and long stroke, resulting in a very high power-to-weight ratio. It features a resin-type cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and the intake channel has been streamlined to optimise airflow for improved combustion efficiency.

Dual VVT-i helps boost response levels across the entire rev range by varying the air-fuel intake and exhaust valve timing to suit the conditions at any given time. In addition to improving torque at low and medium engine speeds, the system also reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.

New Stop & Start technology

Available with the 1.33 litre petrol engine, a new Stop & Start system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. Under urban driving conditions, the system delivers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions (up to 4%).

Toyota’s Stop & Start system features the world’s first permanently engaged starter motor gear mechanism. This equips the system with two major benefits: outstanding quietness and rapid restart.

The Stop & Start system turns off the engine whenever it is not needed. When the car comes to a halt, the engine stops when the shift is in neutral position and the clutch pedal is released. In addition, and in order not to affect driving comfort and safety, certain other conditions must be fulfilled. For example, the engine will not stop if the desired cabin temperature has not been reached. When that temperature is reached, the air-conditioner will switch to “ECO-run loading”, allowing the engine to automatically stop. The engine will automatically restart in the event of low battery charge, or if the vehicle begins to move, in the interests of safety.

Revised 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine

Available with either a 2WD or AWD drivetrain, the 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel engine has been comprehensively re-engineered. Equipped, as standard, with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), the intercooled turbodiesel employs the very latest piezo electric technology.

Benefiting from an exceptionally high injection pressure of 160 MPa, the piezo-electric injectors can supply larger, more precise volumes of diesel at twice the speed of conventional fuel injectors. Because of their high operating speed, they can deliver multiple injections per combustion cycle, optimising the combustion process for responsive performance with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

The unit generates 66kW/90 DIN hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm. Front wheel drive versions return fuel consumption figures of 4.5l/100km and CO₂ emissions of only 118g/km. The AWD version returns fuel consumption figures of 4.9l/100km, and CO₂ emissions of just 130g/km; the world’s lowest emissions for an all-wheel driven passenger car.

New 6-speed manual transmission

Also benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology, a new 6-speed transmission has been developed for the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D engines. Gear changes are exceptionally quiet and smooth, and the new transmission achieves world-class levels of efficiency and improved fuel economy due to a wide sixth gear ratio.


Active Torque Control AWD

The Urban Cruiser’s 1.4-litre D-4D diesel powertrain is available with Active Torque Control AWD. Integrated with the vehicle’s other traction control systems, Active Torque Control AWD is seamlessly flexible, providing an optimized torque distribution ranging anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50 front to rear depending on driving dynamics and the prevalent road conditions.

Employing an electronically controlled coupling placed in front of the rear differential, the new AWD system affords enhanced traction performance and cornering stability. When accelerating or starting off on a low-grip surface, torque is provided to all four wheels to guarantee optimum acceleration with minimal loss of traction. During low speed cornering, torque distribution to the rear wheels is reduced to avoid tight corner braking. When braking, the electronically controlled coupling is disengaged to optimize ABS control. Under normal cruising conditions, torque is apportioned to the rear wheels only when necessary, reducing fuel consumption.

Active Torque Control AWD is fully automated. However, via a switch on the instrument panel, the system may be locked to further improve traction in mud or snow. When locked, the system distributes maximum torque to the rear wheels. When vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h, “Lock mode” is released and switched to “Auto mode” automatically.

MacPherson strut front - torsion beam type rear suspension

The new Urban Cruiser features a high rigidity, compact, L-arm type MacPherson strut front suspension system which combines excellent ride comfort with minimal body roll and dynamic, agile handling performance.

Chosen for its compact, lightweight design offering minimal intrusion into the loadspace, the rear suspension system features a torsion beam with integral anti-roll bar. The system combines outstanding packaging efficiency with first class ride comfort and handling.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

The Urban Cruiser’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) offers variable assistance for maximum urban manoeuvrability combined with optimum weight and feel during high speed driving. This advanced system uses electric power only when steering assist is needed. As a result it achieves higher fuel efficiency than conventional hydraulic power steering systems. Moreover, because it does not use hydraulic fluid, EPS does not generate waste oil, and is thus a more environmentally friendly system.


Impact absorbing body

The new Urban Cruiser has been designed to offer the highest levels of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety performance. Its lightweight yet high rigidity, impact-absorbing body shell incorporates a significant percentage of high tensile steel. To reduce the impact force on passengers’ backs and chests during a side collision, impact-absorbing material is positioned in each part of the door trim. A crushable door armrest structure further absorbs side collision impact forces.

The new Urban Cruiser’s bonnet features an energy absorbing structure and a crushable cowl at its rear edge. The bonnet hood lock is well distanced from the upper bonnet surface, and the vehicle front incorporates upper and lower leg impact absorbers. Additional absorbers located where the rear edge of the bonnet meets the upper fender and a front wiper motor engineered with a collapsible bracket further minimise pedestrian impact injuries.

Seven SRS airbags

All Urban Cruiser versions are equipped, as standard, with seven SRS airbags; driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags and full-length side curtain shield airbags.

3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts

All front and rear seats feature three-point, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with a pre-tensioner and force limiter function. The ELR is designed to lock up the seatbelt when excessive load is applied over a preset value. During a collision, the force limiter fractionally reduces seatbelt tension to lower occupant chest impact forces.

Active front headrests

The Urban Cruiser is fitted with active front seat headrests to reduce whiplash injuries during rear end collisions. Should a rear impact of sufficient velocity occur, the headrests are operated automatically, moving forwards and upwards to support the heads of the driver and front passenger.

Powerful front and rear disc brakes

The Urban Cruiser is fitted with 275 mm ventilated disc brakes to the front. To the rear, 2WD models are equipped with 259 mm discs and AWD models 279 mm discs.

ABS, EBD, BA, TRC and VSC (Active Safety Systems)

The new Urban Cruiser is fitted, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

EBD works with ABS to ensure that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions. By preventing the wheels from locking, EBD helps to maintain sure-footed stability during cornering and braking. BA identifies the need for, and applies, additional braking force if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking, or releases brake pressure too soon.

TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car’s wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels is about to lose traction it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.

VSC is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually.

Lower servicing costs

The Urban Cruiser’s 15,000 km service interval maximises component lifetime efficiency, ensuring parts such as brake pads are only changed when they have been fully used. The new urban all-roader features a maintenance-free timing chain, a low cost oil filter in which only one component has to be replaced and long-life spark plugs. The use of synthetic oil is not required, further lowering maintenance costs.

The Urban Cruiser also benefits from Toyota’s already excellent record of low repair costs. Many components have been developed specifically to reduce impact repair costs. These include headlamp mounting brackets which are designed to break on impact before the lamp itself is damaged and the large front bumper, which reduces damage to the bonnet during collisions.

The body structure has also been designed to reduce repair costs when a minor collision occurs. This is expected to receive a class 17 listing (1.4-litre D-4D AWD version) in damage testing set by the German Insurance Industry.

Oil Maintenance Monitoring System (OMMS)

The Urban Cruiser’s 1.4 litre turbodiesel features an Oil Maintenance Monitoring System (OMMS) which continuously monitors engine use and determines the optimum oil change interval. In addition, the adoption of automatic valve adjusters on the 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i engine removes the need to periodically adjust valve clearances throughout the engine’s lifespan.

Clutches are self-adjusting, and an automatic tensioner avoids the need for periodic checking of the auxiliary belt tension. Auxiliary belt life is 105 000 km and the engine coolant will last 150 000 km.

Low CO₂ taxation and fuel costs

Through the adoption of Toyota Optimal Drive technology, both the Urban Cruiser’s petrol and diesel engines are highly efficient. As a result, customers benefit not only from lower fuel bills, but also, due to lower CO₂ emissions, lower taxation in many European countries.


Proven Toyota quality

Benefiting from over 50 years of Toyota all-roader expertise, the Urban Cruiser bodyshell has been designed to remain corrosion free throughout the life of the vehicle. The use of galvanized steel sheets on most of the body components enhances anti-corrosion characteristics. And an underbody undercoating further prevents corrosion damage as a result of paint chipping.

Environmentally friendly production

Often heated and cooled using solar power, surrounded by native trees and committed to “zero land fill” operations, Toyota manufacturing plants are some of the most environmentally advanced in the world. The quantity of environmentally harmful VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials used in parts throughout the interior of the Urban Cruiser has been reduced. Acrylic-based material is used for the undercoating material of the underbody, thus avoiding the use of polyvinyl chloride.

Easy end-of-life dismantling

To ensure easy recycling, dismantling marks are included on large components such as the front bumper, instrument panel lower, front and back door trim, deck side trim, and back door trim. In addition, materials of components which weigh less than 100g are marked as this can help simplify dismantling work.

Available in Terra, Luna and Sol model grades, the new Urban Cruiser offers a comprehensive standard equipment specification,even on entry level models.

Terra

The Terra entry grade Urban Cruiser is equipped with: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), seven airbags, active front seat headrests, electric windows, remote central locking, a six speaker radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, tilt and telescopic steering, driver’s seat height adjustment, Electric Power Steering, Optitron instruments, a gear shift indicator, 16” pressed steel wheels, a roof spoiler and body coloured door mirrors with turn indicators.

Luna

To the comprehensive Terra grade specification, Luna adds 16inch matt alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, a six speaker radio/CD with aux-in connection and Bluetooth® connectivity, rear electric windows, a leather steering wheel with audio and telephone switches, and a leather gearshift knob.

Sol

To the Luna grade specification, Sol adds exclusive Sol trim, 16-inch super chrome metallic alloy wheels, a full-map satellite navigation system, push start button and smart entry, automatic air conditioning and an electro chromatic rear view mirror.
















[Source : TOYOTA]
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• All-new concept car to be unveiled at Seoul Show
  
• Lithium-Ion batteries and a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine
  
• Solar panels boost battery range

SEOUL : March 25, 2009 -Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of an innovative plug-in hybrid concept car. Due to be revealed at the Seoul Motor Show which opens on April 2nd, the "BLUE-WILL", has exceptionally advanced technology crammed inside its striking bodyshell.



Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plants extract rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai's parallel hybrid drive architecture.

Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is neatly bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximise luggage space.


Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year.

A further expression of the concept's design flexibility is found on the panoramic roof. The glass area integrates dye-sensitized solar cells which can generate power for the batteries from the sun without impeding visibility.

Further details of the concept will be revealed at a press conference on Hyundai's stand at the Seoul show.

[Source : HYUNDAI]
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• Young people unite high tech and tradition
  
• Alternative drive systems as a training topic

STUTTGART : March 25, 2009 - In a hitherto unique project bridging various fields of profession, the trainees of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant have built a Roadster with fuel cell drive. For about a year, more than 150 trainees and dual education system students worked on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the F-CELL Roadster.


This project involved junior employees from the fields of automotive mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology, manufacturing mechanics, product design, and interior appointments. The prime objective of the project was to integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into training with hands-on experience.
"This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training," said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. "I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project."

Tradition meets the future

The F-CELL Roadster uniquely combines state-of-the-art technologies with the history of vehicle construction. As an allusion to the Benz Patent Motor Car from 1886, the vehicle is fitted with large spoked wheels. Moreover, the F-CELL Roadster incorporates stylistic elements from diverse eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the distinctively styled fiberglass front section, based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The F-CELL Roadster is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of a conventional steering wheel. The vehicle is powered by the emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear. With a power rating of 1.2 kW the F-CELL Roadster reaches a top speed of 25 km/h and has an operating range of up to 350 km.



[Source : DAIMLER]
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STUTTGART : March 25, 2009 - Introducing an exclusive series of models to be produced only in a limited edition, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is expanding its successful range of SUVs: Production of the Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 with its exclusive features will be limited to just one thousand numbered units.


With this new model, the Cayenne is continuing the innovative design line already initiated successfully with the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2. The clear handwriting of the Porsche Design Studio based in Zell am See, Austria, one of the world leaders in industrial and product design, comes out clearly from the start in the choice of the Cayenne’s paintwork colour, Lava Grey Metallic emphasising the sporting and purist look of the car, design stripes at the side and on the engine compartment lid highlighting the exclusive origin of this very special Cayenne. The 21-inch SportPlus wheels featured as standard are also finished in this special exterior colour.

The elegant look of this new model is rounded off by bi-xenon headlights featured as standard as well as dark privacy glazing to the rear of the B-pillar and the “Cayenne GTS“ model designation in black with a red “S” at the rear. An extended roof spoiler with its double wing profile fixed in position is available at no extra cost.

Exclusive black leather upholstery with red contrasting seams on the instrument panel and doorsills further enhances the appealing looks of the 405-hp Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. The padded three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, in turn, raises the car’s unique sporting character to an even higher level.

Electrically adjustable sports seats with a comfort memory package and high-rising side supports offer the driver and front passenger optimum seating comfort and very good support at the sides. The front headrests proudly boast an embossed Porsche logo, the centre seat sections front and rear are finished in slip-proof alcantara. The same material gives parts of the centre console and door linings as well as the inner sections of the door handles and the complete roof lining a discreet but sophisticated touch of class and elegance, while carbon trim bars bear clear and convincing reference to motorsport. The Porsche Design Edition 3 model designation, finally, stands out clearly on the rev counter, the front door entry trim and the placard in the glove compartment with the serial number of the vehicle embossed on the surface.

The unique experience in sound so typical of a Porsche comes, first, at the touch of a button from the sports exhaust system featured as standard and, second, from the Bose 5.1 Surround Sound System with no less than 14 loudspeakers and overall output of 410 W.

Not only this kind of sound, but also the outstanding performance of this special model with its 4.8-litre 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) V8 arouses particular emotions. On the road, this means acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h with six-speed Tiptronic S featured as standard in the Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 in just 6.5 seconds, as well as top speed of 251 km/h or 156 mph.

By tradition, every Porsche Design Edition comes as standard with unique Porsche Design accessories. The Porsche Design Chronograph exclusively matching each model, for example, stands for particular class and style. In the case of the Porsche Design Edition 3, the Porsche Design Studio has created a Type P’6612 automatic chronograph featuring a light titanium casing measuring 42 millimetres in diameter and further enhanced by a metal strap with DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. This special coating carried over from racing engines gives the titanium body of the watch its characteristic colour, while the exclusive face of the chronograph takes up striking design features from the interior of the Cayenne.

Another perfect match for this very special vehicle is the four-piece luggage set bearing the Porsche Design Edition 3 label and made up of three trolley cases varying in size as well as a functional briefcase. With the exception of the largest trolley case – offering a capacity of 62 litres – all items may be used on aircraft as carry-on travel baggage.

The market launch of the Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 in Germany starts at the end of May. The base price in the Euro area including the chronograph and the complete set of cases is Euro 79,100.-, the retail price in Germany including 19 per cent value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 94,344.-.














[Source : PORSCHE]
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• Audi Tradition celebrates “A Century of Audi” at the world’s largest classic car show
  
• Seven historic Audi models from nine decades

INGOLSTADT : March 25, 2009 - Audi is taking an outstanding display of its cars to the world’s largest classic car show, the Techno Classica, which is held in the German city of Essen. To commemorate the centenary of the brand, Audi Tradition will have exclusively Audi models on its stand in Hall 7 from April 5, 2009 onwards. The absolute highlight, reconstruction of which has just been completed, is the 1935 Audi 225 Front Roadster. It is on loan for the occasion from the recently opened special exhibition “Horch – an Audi!” at the museum mobile in Ingolstadt.


The Audi stand is displaying seven cars covering no fewer than nine decades of the company’s history. From the Audi Type C “Alpine Champion” of 1919 to the Audi R10 TDI that won the Le Mans 24-hour race in 2008, each of them, whether production model, racing car or prototype, contributes an exciting story of its own to the Audi centenary celebrations.

As before, Audi Tradition will be displaying its 1:43 scale “model of the year” on the stand: an Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak with orange paintwork, of which a limited edition of only 333 has been produced. And from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday April 4, the authors of the “Edition Audi Tradition” books published by Delius Klasing will be on the stand to sign copies.

Visitors to the Essen show can look forward to seeing the following Audi vehicles: the oldest is the Type C “Alpine Champion” with which company founder August Horch won the Austrian Alpine Rally in 1912, 1913 and 1914 – the Audi brand’s first motor-sport successes. The Type C was an open tourer with a 35-horsepower engine and a top speed of 80 km/h. Possibly an even greater eye-catcher on the Audi stand is another highlight in the brand’s history: the Audi 225 Front Roadster dating from 1935. Reconstructed on an original chassis frame, this new addition to Audi Tradition’s historic collection is also one of its most spectacular cars. It was first exhibited with a gleaming white paint finish at the 1935 International Motor Show in Berlin. Only two prototypes were built; although the car created a sensation and was greatly admired, it would have been too expensive for successful series production. Both prototypes have disappeared, and it was therefore decided to build a replica of the Audi 225 Front Roadster by working from photographs.

The Audi 72 played an important role in the brand’s history. Introduced on August 13, 1965 as the Auto Union’s first post-war car with a four-stroke engine, it ushered in a new era for the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer and the abandonment of the two-stroke engine. Between 1965 and 1968 85,000 units of this model, which revived the distinguished Audi name, were sold. A further step back into the premium car class was taken in 1982, when the third-generation (C3) Audi 100 set new standards for aerodynamic efficiency and in many other areas too. The C3 pioneered new design principles and had the outstandingly low drag coefficient of cD = 0.30 – a new world record for a series-production saloon car.


AUDI AG had a high reputation for concept cars to maintain. At the 1991 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the Audi quattro Spyder caused a sensation. It was the most dramatic sports car concept study so far seen from Audi. Powered by a 174 bhp four-stroke engine and with an aluminium body, it could reach a top speed of 250 km/h, but was destined to remain a prototype although Audi dealers received hundreds of purchase options from intending customers. It proved impossible to put the car into production without exceeding the target price of 100,000 Deutschmarks.


Audi Tradition is illustrating the company’s position in motor sport at the 2009 Techno Classica in a truly impressive way by displaying the Audi Sport quattro S1 “Pikes Peak” and the Audi R10 TDI. For motor sport fans, the Audi Sport quattro S1 “Pikes Peak” has long since achieved the status of a legend. Also nicknamed “The Monster”, the S1 triumphed three times in succession at this hillclimb, held on the slopes of a 4,301 metre high mountain in Colorado, USA. Few people will ever forget the way that Walter Röhrl stormed to the top in under eleven minutes, the first driver to achieve this sensational time. This was the last of a series of successes for the Audi Sport quattro S1, since Audi had withdrawn from rallying two years earlier.

The Audi R10 TDI is the first sports car to have won the Le Mans 24-hour race with diesel fuel in its tank – and has now pulled off this feat three times in succession. The breathtaking finish in 2008 will not be forgotten: the Audi R10 TDI, which scored its first victory in this event in 2006, fought off the challenge from Peugeot’s faster, more recently developed car. Motor sport fans will be able to see the 2006 version of the Audi R10 TDI at the Techno Classica in Essen.

[Source : AUDI]
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• One-of-a-kind automatic wristwatch-chronograph with tachometer
  
• Masterpiece of mechanical precision
  
• Watch’s dial inspired by Auto Union racing cars

INGOLSSTADT : March 25, 2009 - 100 years of Audi. A truly special anniversary, commemorated with an exceptional chronograph: the new Audi Centennial Timepiece. It embodies the brand’s incomparable values: tradition and innovation, design and precision, sophistication and perfection. A magnum opus of horology, this chronograph boasts a tachometer function as well as a unique design and a patented caliber.



This exclusive chronograph was conceived by Audi Design; our development and production partner is Chronoswiss, the Munich-based watchmaker. Audi and Chronoswiss alike devote themselves to precision and flawless quality. Moreover, both companies boast rich legacies, yet also strive for innovative excellence and pioneering solutions.

The Audi centennial timepiece—the Tachoscope—uniquely combines a regulator dial, a chronograph featuring a stopwatch operated by a single push-button, and a tachometer dial. The exception to the classic regulator principle is the offset configuration of the hour hand and the second hand, as only the minute hand is positioned in the center of the watch dial.

The chronograph hand is also centered on the Tachoscope. This layout ensures excellent readability, regardless of a watch dial’s complexity. The Tachoscope’s chronograph is complemented by the tachometer dial on the bezel. This dial measures velocity in kilometers or miles per hour.

As unique as the watch’s design is its dial, which is made of genuine enamel. Inspired by the instrumentation of the legendary Auto Union racing car, Audi Design created customized, crystal-clear lettering for the watch’s face. It is dominated by the second hand’s numerals, which are reminiscent of the tachometers in the Type C Grand Prix racing car of the 1930s.

Audi Design created a crown in the shape of a gearwheel; the case exudes elegance and is well-proportioned. In the mechanical movement, the rotor—visible through the glass back cover of the case—features engraving that proclaims the years of Audi’s anniversary.

Chronoswiss engineered the technology beneath the face. The interior of the Tachoscope contains the exclusive C. 125 caliber, for which Chronoswiss recently received a European patent (Number 1243984). By means of a complex mechanism, this caliber allows the chronograph to be operated via a single push-button integrated in the winding device’s crown.

The limited-edition Audi Centennial Timepiece will be manufactured in platinum (CH A 1520) and white gold (CH A 1521 W). A total of just 100 units will be made: one for each year in Audi’s history. Each of the 35 platinum and 65 white-gold wristwatches will be packaged in a wooden jewelry box with a black matte finish; accessories include a watchmaker's loupe and screwdriver. The price for the platinum wristwatches is € 24,900, the wristwatch in white-gold € 14.900.










[Source : AUDI]
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HIROSHIMA, Japan : March 25, 2009 - Mazda Motor Corporation today commenced commercial leasing of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, a hydrogen hybrid vehicle that offers substantially improved performance thanks to the addition of a hybrid system. Mazda is the world’s first automobile manufacturer to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen hybrid vehicle; the first units will be delivered to local government authorities and energy-related companies during 2009.


The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is Mazda’s second hydrogen rotary engine model to be commercialized; the first was Mazda’s unique RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid’s finalized specifications were approved by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on March 5, 2009. The first vehicles received their registration numbers from the Hiroshima branch of the Chugoku District Transport Bureau on March 25.

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a series-type hybrid drivetrain, which combines Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine with an electric motor. The engine output is converted to electricity, which then powers the motor that drives the wheels. This hybrid system boosts the hydrogen fuel range of the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to 200 kilometers, twice the range of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, and increases the maximum output by approximately 40 percent, to 110 kilowatts. Mazda’s latest eco-car features many other forward-looking environmental technologies, including Mazda’s proprietary dual-fuel system, which enables the car to run on gasoline if hydrogen is unavailable, and interior parts made from Mazda’s plant-derived Biotechmaterials.

Based on the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan, Mazda is committed to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and the quest for an advanced Zoom-Zoom world. Mazda aims to offer vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.”

Main specifications of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

[Source : MAZDA]
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STUTTGART : March 25, 2009 - Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart, finalized negotiations to secure a new credit facility of Euro ten billion to redeem a credit of the same size. The credit framework contract allows Porsche to extend the volume to Euro 12.5 billion in the forthcoming weeks. In the wake of the extremely difficult global economic environment and the turbulences in the bond market banks needed additional assessment, thus resulting in a need for extra time. In addition to that, the new consortium includes banks that so far not have been counterparts of Porsche with respect to credit lines.


The credit line will be guaranteed by a consortium of 15 banks including Barclays Capital, Commerzbank, LBBW, Deutsche Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, Santander, BayernLB, BNP Paribas, Calyon, UniCredit/HVB, Helaba, Intesa, WestLB und DZ-Bank. Agreed at market conditions are two tranches of twelve month with the right of extending a tranche of Euro 6.7 billion for an additional year. Porsche intends to pay down the smaller tranche fast and aims for credit ratings the results of which should be available in may 2009.

[Source : PORSCHE]
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HIROSHIMA, Japan : March 25, 2009 — Mazda Motor (China) Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation’s management affiliate in the Chinese market, today announced that it has opened new training centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Mazda (China) will use the centers to provide improved training, mainly for the employees of its two distributors in China: FAW Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (FMSC) and Changan Mazda (CAM). Changan Mazda is a sales department established within Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. The training centers will also be used by each distributor to provide training for dealer management and sales staff, as well as service personnel.


Mazda (China) established the three training centers as part of its efforts to strengthen Mazda’s sales structure, a major element of Mazda’s strategy for growth in China. Mazda aims to further improve customer satisfaction by providing the best sales assistance, vehicle servicing and customer service in the industry.

Previously, FMSC and CAM conducted training programs independently at various facilities. The new Mazda (China) Training Centers will complement the current system by providing enhanced capacity and accessibility in three major Chinese cities.

Staff training will cover areas such as management, sales, and customer service. Management training will teach participants the skills they need to run a dealership, and sales staff training will focus on improving business communication skills. Several levels of training will be made available for technicians and service advisors. The three training centers will accommodate approximately 5,000 trainees each year.

Mazda’s sales network in China expanded rapidly over the past year. The number of FMSC dealerships increased from 92 in January 2008 to 126 by the end of February 2009. During the same period, CAM grew from 52 to 92 outlets. As Mazda continues to expand its sales network going forward, it will strive to further improve customer satisfaction levels by focusing on human resources development at its distributors and sales outlets.

[Source : MAZDA]
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Kia Motors has introduced its new environmental brand ‘Eco Dynamics’ and an LPI Hybrid based on its Korean market Forte saloon as part of its commitment to the development of earth-positive vehicles.


The eco Dynamics brand was unveiled at Kia Motors’ domestic sales headquarters in Apkujeong-dong, Seoul, along with the company’s blueprint for developing low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles.

The new brand communicates Kia’s unique strategy and vision for vehicles with a reduced environmental footprint. It reflects the determination of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to propel Korea into the ranks of the world’s four leading producers of green cars by expanding investments into eco-friendly vehicles and R&D.

The announcement of the green label also signifies the adoption of environmental management as a new growth strategy for Kia.

Vehicles with new, environmental technologies including hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be identified with the unique Eco Dynamics badge.

Kia has already showcased the c’eed ISG model year in Europe. The ISG (Idle Stop and Go) features an auto start-stop system for enhanced fuel efficiency and is a first for a Korean car.

Kia will unveil its first hybrid vehicle, the Forte LPI hybrid, on the Korean domestic market this August. Kia plans to introduce a mid-sized, full hybrid vehicle in 2011 and follow up with early commercialisation of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2012.

The Forte LPI hybrid car runs on both Liquefied Petroleum Gas – a popular fuel in Korea - and electricity. It employs a hybrid system which supports the internal combustion engine during motor starts and acceleration.

Equipped with a 1,600cc Gamma LPI HEV engine, the Forte LPI hybrid boasts maximum power of 114ps and maximum torque of 15.1kg.m. It offers drivers unrivalled savings with a fuel efficiency of 17.2km/litre with a CVT transmission. When converted to a standard petrol engine that figure would be 21.5km/litre.

The Forte LPI hybrid is also the first car in the world to use lithium polymer batteries. Compared to nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries used by competitors, lithium polymer batteries provide more power in a lighter and compact package, enhancing fuel performance and freeing up more space.

In addition, Hyundai to showcase HND-4 concept, the upcoming Hyundai Elantra LPI hybrid that will be on sale to its domestic market in July 2009. Both Korean-sister hybrid to show at the Seoul Motor Show 2009 on April 2.

[Source : NewsPress]
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BENSHEIM, 24 March 2009: Suzuki to launch New Alto, the currently production car under 10,000 euros, with six airbags and ESP ^® is equipped, from mid-April in Germany.


With a length of just 3.50 meters, Alto is the perfect car for the city. Alto offers the interior space for four people in an appealing convenience. Even the initial version of "Basic" includes power steering, electric windows, a vertically adjustable steering wheel and a central locking with radio remote control.

The low fuel consumption of the Alto by an average of 4.4 l/100 km (combined) and low CO₂ emissions of just 103 g / km protect the environment and the wallet to the owner. It meets the new Alto, the Euro-5 standard.

The new Suzuki Alto combines comfort, driving pleasure, safety and environmental performance at an attractive price. Fleet cars there are, depending on the version from Euro 8900.

Suzuki Alto 1.0 5-speed manual transmission :

• Fuel consumption: 5.5 l/100 km (urban), 3.8 l/100 km (extra), 4.4 l/100 km (combined)
  
• CO₂ emissions combined: 103 g / km

Suzuki Alto 1.0 4-speed automatic transmission :

• Fuel consumption: 6.7 l/100 km (urban), 4.5 l/100 km (extra), 5.2 l/100 km (combined)
  
• CO₂ emissions combined: 103 g / km

[Source : SUZUKI]
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars confirmed further details for RR4

• New 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce
  
• New 8-speed gearbox
  
• Engine power upwards of 500bhp (upwards of 373kW/507PS)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed further details about the production version of 200EX, the experimental car shown at the Geneva motor show early in March 2009.



Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves announced the details at a press conference in New York where 200EX is currently being shown to potential customers on the first leg of a world tour.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Purves said, “There has been a great deal of interest in this car since we first talked about producing a new model series in the autumn of 2006 and the reaction 200EX received at its unveiling at Geneva was very positive. As we move another step closer to the start of production at Goodwood, it is exciting to be able to share some of the specific technical details with customers and the media.”

He continued, “RR4 will deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience to owners, so expect peerless comfort and build quality. However, we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves.”

RR4 will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. The engine will be combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox. This new drive-train will significantly improve fuel and CO2 efficiency over the already class leading Phantom series of cars. Engine power will be upwards of 500bhp.

Further details about RR4 will be released over the coming months.



[Source : ROLLS-ROYCE]
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. : March. 23, 2009 – The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the utility company operating in the San Diego, Calif., region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network.


Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later. The announcement coincides with the first stop on a coast-to-coast tour of Nissan’s EV Prototype, a vehicle that’s powered by Nissan’s lithium-ion battery pack and zero-emission electric motor. While this vehicle does not represent the design of Nissan’s electric vehicle that will be sold in 2010, the EV Prototype is an indicator of what’s to come in zero-emission mobility.

“Nissan through the Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. “Nissan and SDG&E have a shared belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to reducing CO2 emissions. This partnership is an important step in making zero emissions a reality in San Diego.”

As part of the agreement, Nissan will assist SDG&E in EV acquisition as well as work with SDG&E to develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs. Together, Nissan and SDG&E will form a working team with area agencies, institutions and companies to work towards the implementation and maintenance of a battery charging network and establish and support education activities designed to promote the use of EVs.

“We are proud to be embarking on this clean transportation initiative with Nissan,” said Debra L. Reed, president and chief executive officer of SDG&E. “This collaborative effort is the first step in making San Diego ‘plug-in ready.’ We’re excited about creating new job opportunities for our region and furthering San Diego’s vision of being at the center of growth for clean technologies.”

Lori Holt Pfieler, Mayor, City of Escondido and Chair, San Diego Association of Governments; Stephen Cushman, Chairman of the Board of the Port of San Diego; and SDG&E CEO Debra Reed joined Nissan representatives in announcing the partnership at a ceremony at the Port of San Diego.

“SDG&E’s partnership with Nissan is another step toward making San Diego a national center for clean technology and green practices,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “The public and private sectors in this region are working hand-in-hand to promote innovation and adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, the Principality of Monaco, Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama city (Japan), and has formed partnerships with the French electric utility company EDF, the Swiss electric utility company Energie Ouest Suisse, the private-car hire service “greentomatocars” (UK) and with zero-emission transport system company “elektromotive” (UK). In the United States, the Alliance has agreed to ZEV partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, Calif., and Tucson, Ariz., to explore ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure.



[Source : NISSAN]
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In reference to recent press coverage commenting on cancellation of its Estoque project, Lamborghini has not taken any decision to produce its Estoque concept car, the four door performance saloon concept shown at Paris motor show in 2008.


As stated when the car was shown, Lamborghini believes that if a third model line should ever be added to its product line up, a four door luxury performance saloon could be a logical product strategy. No decision has been made to produce the Estoque.







[Source : LAMBORGHINI]
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Citroën’s popular C4 Coupe has been given the WRC treatment for a new limited, special edition. The Citroën C4 ‘by Loeb’, named after the world’s most successful rally driver ever - Sebastien Loeb - features sporty new interior and exterior designing, dynamic body colours and a well specified equipment list. Each limited edition will also be tagged with a unique serial number plaque mounted in the cabin.


Available in either Sport Red or Black, the racy new C4 ‘by Loeb’ features Sébastien Loeb’s signature on the doors, a unique ‘by Loeb’ sticker on the tailgate and door mirrors finished in either red, or black with aluminium-effect. Completing the car’s sporty style, the C4 ‘by Loeb’ is fitted with a sleek spoiler and dynamic 17” alloy wheels coloured in either white or black depending on the body colour.

Inside the car’s sporty personality continues with steel décor around the central air vents and aluminium finishes on both the pedals and gear knob. The leather steering wheel and gear lever are complemented by smart red stitching and the sports seats are finished in black and red ‘3D X-ray’ mesh cloth. There are also floor mats with red surrounds detailed with a unique ‘by Loeb’ design.

For comfort, convenience, and safety the C4 ‘by Loeb’ is kitted out with air conditioning, automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, electrochrome rear view mirror, MP3 compatible CD player and Citroën’s innovative fixed-centred controls steering wheel. The C4 is one of the safest vehicles on the road today with six airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), cruise control with speed limiter and ESP with traction control1.

Combining punchy performance with fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions, the C4 ‘by Loeb’ can offer a frugal combined 62.8mpg with the 1.6HDi 16V 110hp, or an impressive 0-62mph in just 8.4 seconds with the 1.6i 16V THP 150hp.

Price :

• 1.6 16V VTi 120hp ‘by Loeb’ £14,395.00 OTR
  
• 1.6i 16V THP 150hp ‘by Loeb’ £15,395.00 OTR
  
• 1.6HDi 16V 110hp ‘by Loeb’ £15,895.01 OTR

[Source : CITROEN]
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Soccer legend Eric Cantona and New Renault Laguna are on screen from today (23 March) in a 90-second advert.


Renault has teamed up with footballer and actor Eric Cantona to make a truly original ad featuring New Renault Laguna, which ranks among the best in its sector for quality.

The third instalment of a web and TV campaign launched on 16th March with a trailer, a 15-second teaser and web banners, the film is presented as an infomercial - as interpreted by Eric Cantona. Based on the principle of direct marketing, the script covers New Laguna’s many qualities while staying faithful to Eric Cantona’s inspiration and personality.

The unique selling points of New Laguna are highlighted in clean and uncluttered shots, featuring simply the car and Eric Cantona, filmed against a white background. Chief among these selling points are Laguna's modernity, with Bluetooth navigation and an HD audio system with three-dimensional sound, safety, with eight airbags, and efficiency, with the world-exclusive 4Control four-wheel steering system.

The new ad campaign’s innovative content is matched by its originality in terms of form. It costs less than a classic TV campaign and is broadcast mainly in late-night viewing slots to target the upper socio-professional audience. It also benefits from major exposure on the internet, maximising impact while reducing media outlay.

The “Renault Laguna, Eric Cantona - The Meeting” will be broadcast starting on 23rd March, mainly in France and the UK.





[Source : RENUALT]
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• Class-leading environmental performance from Toyota's new B-segment hatchback crossover
  
• Toyota Optimal Drive technology delivers more power with low emissions and strong fuel economy
  
• 1.33 Dual VVT-i 2WD model with Stop & Start emits 129g/km
  
• Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D AWD has lowest CO₂ emissions of any four-wheel drive car using an internal combustion engine, 130g/km
  
• No compromise in performance or driving pleasure
  
• New Urban Cruiser on sale in May

PORTSMOUTH, UK : March 23, 2009 - Toyota’s new Urban Cruiser signals a new industry milestone in achieving the world’s lowest CO₂ emissions for a four-wheel drive car. The figure of 130g/km for the 1.4 D-4D AWD model is one aspect of the all-round environmental excellence that Toyota has achieved with its new B-segment hatchback crossover.


Scheduled to reach UK showrooms in May, Urban Cruiser is the latest Toyota model to benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive, advanced powertrain design and engineering that is making engines more powerful, while at the same making them more fuel efficient and less polluting. Its low emissions performance will add to Toyota’s progress towards achieving an average 140g/km across its full model range during 2009.

All Urban Cruisers are in Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for 2008 – 2009, Band D for 2009 – 2010.

Toyota Optimal Drive 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop & Start

Urban Cruiser follows its Auris and Yaris sister models in adopting Toyota’s new 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine, equipped with a Stop & Start system.

Stop & Start turns off the engine when the car comes to a halt, the gear shift is moved to neutral and the clutch pedal is released. Automatic restart is instantaneous as you engage the clutch again to select a gear ready to pull away. This has a significant impact on fuel consumption and emissions and can achieve a reduction of up to four per cent in urban driving.

The 100bhp (101 DIN hp) engine in the 2WD Urban Cruiser emits 129g/km of carbon dioxide and has an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 51.4mpg. The engine’s design benefits from Toyota’s extensive motor sport experience in being exceptionally lightweight and compact, with a small bore and long stroke, giving a very high power to weight ratio. Its efficient performance is also promoted by its high, 11.5:1 compression ratio.

Toyota’s Dual VVT-i valve timing helps boost response across the entire rev range, improving torque at low and medium engine speeds while at the same time reducing emissions and contributing to better fuel efficiency.

Toyota Optimal Drive 1.4 D-4D diesel engine

Toyota is offering a comprehensively revised version of its 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel engine in Urban Cruiser, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Equipped with the latest piezo-electric injector technology and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), it produces just 129g/km of CO₂, the world’s lowest figure for an AWD drive car powered by an internal combustion engine.

The piezo-electric injectors work at exceptionally high pressure and can supply larger, more precise volumes of fuel at twice the speed of conventional injectors. This means they can deliver multiple injections in each combustion cycle, giving responsive engine performance with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

The engine generates 89bhp (90 DIN hp) at 3,800rpm and 205Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,800rpm, with combined cycle fuel economy of 57.7mpg.

New six-speed manual transmission

Both engines use a new six-speed transmission, which also benefits from the application of Toyota Optimal Drive technology. Gear changes are quiet and smooth and a wide sixth gear ratio helps the powertrain achieve world-class levels of efficiency and fuel economy.

Environmentally responsible production

Toyota’s manufacturing plants are among the most environmentally advanced in the world, often heated and cooled using solar power, surrounded by native trees and committed to a “zero waste to landfill” policy.

Toyota has cut the quantity of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in Urban Cruiser’s interior parts, and used acrylic-based material for the undercoating in place of polyvinyl chloride.








[Source : TOYOTA]
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Tata Motors today announced the commercial launch of the Tata Nano, keenly awaited across India since its unveiling on January 10, 2008. The Tata Nano is BS-III compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624 cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The cars will be on display across the country at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships and other select authorised outlets from April 1st.



Speaking at a Press Conference, the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, said, “The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers. From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the concept, development and productionisation of the car has overcome several challenges. It is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are delighted in presenting the Tata Nano to India and the world.”

The Tata Nano is currently being manufactured at the company’s Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in limited numbers. The new dedicated plant, at Sanand in Gujarat, will be ready in 2010 with an annualised capacity of 350,000 cars.


THE THREE VARIANTS

The Tata Nano offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, the Tata Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21% more spacious than the smallest car available today. A high seating position makes ingress and egress easy. Its small size coupled with a turning radius of just 4 metres, makes it extremely manoeuvrable in the smallest of parking slots.

The three trim levels and their key features available at launch are:

• Tata Nano Standard BSII and BSIII): The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat;
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• Tata Nano CX (BSII and BSIII): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest;
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• Tata Nano LX: (BSIII) With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.

PERFORMANCE & SPECIFICATIONS

• Performance The 2-cylinder engine – delivering 35 PS @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 48 Nm @ 3000 rpm - enables the car to have a top speed of 105 kmph and negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30%.
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• Fuel efficiency: 23.6 km/litre, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under mandated test conditions, which is the highest for any petrol car in India.
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• Emission: The high fuel efficiency, coupled with a low kerb weight of 600 kg, ensures that the Tata Nano – at 101 gm / km - has the lowest CO2 emission amongst cars in India. The Tata Nano is BS-III compliant and is BS-IV ready. It is also available in BS-II norms.
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• Safety: The Tata Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements - it passes the roll-over test and offset impact, which are not regulated in India. It has an all sheet-metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, besides mandatory seat belts and complies fully with existing Indian safety standards. Tubeless tyres – among which the rear ones are wider endowing extra stability – enhance safety.
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• Warranty: 18 months or 24,000 km, whichever is earlier.

[Source : TATA Motors]
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WOLFSBURG / ST. TROPEZ, March 23, 2009 - “What else was there in 1976?” calls out “Strietzel”, also known as Hans-Joachim Stuck, from the driver’s window as he starts up a first generation Golf GTI after more than thirty years. “Whenever a person had a chance to drive a 911, it was a real experience. And then all of a sudden this experience was possible in the GTI too. Clearly on a different level, but affordable for everyone. That was the genius of this car, and it has stayed that way right up to today. The new GTI is a prime example of this.” Stuck – one of the true giants of international car racing – works closely with Volkswagen AG. As a representative and driver in car racing, and as an expert in chassis and powertrain tuning in vehicle development, he also put the final touches on the new Golf GTI together with the experts of team “Hackenberg”. On the Nürburgring as well, where development chief Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg and Hans-Joachim Stuck competed in parallel, driving Sciroccos for glory and professional experience in last year’s 24-hour race.


Volkswagen is right at home on the Nürburgring’s North Loop. It has always been that way. And the GTI too. Even before sales of the GTI began, it was present on the track of the “Green Hell” before thousands of spectators in 1975 – as a pace car in the prototype stage with a two-barrel carburetor instead of electronic injection. The rest is history. Automotive history. “The 110-PS engine of the GTI”, recalls Stuck, “had a willingness to rev that was fun from day one. There had been nothing like it before. That is why the first GTI made such a statement.”

In 2004, the fifth Golf GTI brought back this legend more powerfully than ever before. Between the debut of the first generation and the production runout of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million car buyers made the GTI a world bestseller. Now this is being followed up by the sixth GTI, even sharper and more confident than all of the others before it. A GTI whose chassis systems – with standard electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) – redefines behavior in curves and traction. A 240 km/h fast GTI that is more fun to drive with its powerful 155 kW / 210 PS turbo engine and yet only consumes 7.3 liters super unleaded (0.7 l/100 km improvement). A GTI that delivers audible dynamics with a sound generator and new exhaust system design (two tailpipes, one left and one right). A GTI that successfully transfers the tradition of the original version to the future.

German market launch of the sixth GTI will begin in just days. Sales start across Europe just after Easter. North America and Asia will follow in late summer – long ago the GTI success became an international phenomenon.

And Hans-Joachim Stuck (58) is more than just a figurehead of Volkswagen Motorsports and more than an expert who just looks for vehicle weaknesses. “Strietzel”, the nickname given to him as a baby by his godmother, and by which he is still called today by friends, is a GTI fan: “We always had a GTI in the family, from the first to the sixth. The Pirelli Editions too. There were no gaps here. Even when I was under contract with BMW, I preferred to drive to the Nürburgring in a GTI. It was in a GTI that I drove 911 drivers to distraction on the North Loop. My wife was even driving a GTI when she first caught my attention.”

Engine of the GTI

In the case of the Golf GTI generation VI, the fascination for Stuck began once again with the engine: “It is extremely important that the current GTI, like the last one, should be another turbo. This boosted high-tech engine fits in perfectly with our times. It is more fuel efficient than a large displacement engine, but thanks to the turbocharger it is just as athletic.” And that is a key aspect of the Golf GTI tradition too: As early as the second generation, the G60 had an impressive boosted four cylinder engine (118 kW / 160 PS). Later, the era of boosted GTI engines really gained momentum with the fourth gene­ration in the “Golf GTI 132 kW” (the exact name). The technology and times were ready for this approach. A limited edition (3,000 cars) of the 132 kW / 180-PS version was introduced on the GTI’s 25th anniversary in 2001. Although there had already been a 150-PS turbo, it did not yet have the aggressive punch of the anniversary version. With the launch of the fifth Golf GTI, an entirely new turbocharged four-cylinder engine was employed, which delivered a power of 147 kW / 200 PS. On the 30th anniversary of the GTI, a 169 kW / 230 PS turbo engine was introduced in the Golf GTI Edition 30. Somewhat later, this new engine also powered the second Pirelli GTI.

At exactly 155 kW / 210 PS, in terms of power level the new Golf GTI’s TSI engine is positioned between the last production GTI and the 30 Year Edition. Although its performance and displacement data might suggest an advanced development of the 200-PS engine, this was actually a new powerplant of the “EA888” generation of engines whose technical origins were in the 230-PS version.

The TSI that is used in the sixth GTI is a product of the second development stage of these highly agile engines. Compared to the first “EA888” development stage, this engine – optimized for transverse mounting in the new GTI – has new components such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor. When used in the most powerful Golf today, the engine fulfills limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Performance of the GTI

When it comes to emissions and fuel economy, the new 210-PS engine has advanced far ahead of the two previous GTI four-cylinder engines with 200 and 230 PS. To be specific, the 1,984 cm3 displacement TSI on the new GTI is content with just 7.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometers on average. On the 200-PS GTI, fuel consumption was 8.0 liters, and the 230-PS GTI came in at 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers. So the theoretical range of the sixth GTI is about 750 kilometers between fill-ups.

At 170 g/km, the engine also shows marked improvement in CO2 emissions. “And the new GTI,” says Hans-Joachim Stuck, “succeeds in bridging the gap between a serious business car during the work week, and a competitor on the Nürburgring on the weekend.” In this context, it should be noted that the first Golf GTI in 1976 had a power of exactly 81 kW / 110 PS and a top speed of 182 km/h, and at that time it was also one of the few cars to perform this balancing act.

The new GTI successfully addresses these aspects while attending to the property of most interest to GTI buyers – besides the car’s appearance – which is its dynamic performance. At a low 1,700 rpm the engine already develops its maximum torque of 280 Newton-meter. And this reserve torque is available as a constant value – exhibiting an ideal plateau in the torque curve that is not really a curve any longer – up to 5,200 rpm. Stuck says: “In practice, this means impressive power in all of life’s situations.” The maximum power of the sixteen-valve engine with 9.6:1 compression ratio can be tapped over a speed range from 5,300 to 6,200 rpm.

The resulting package delivers enormous propulsive force; the car completes its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, and the new Golf GTI handles a 1,000 meter sprint from a standstill in 27.3 seconds. Just as impressive is the engine’s elasticity. In fifth gear, the Volkswagen accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. Even in sixth gear it only takes 9.5 seconds. Not until 240 km/h is a balance reached between air resistance (cw = 0.324) and power. The tachometer indicates 5,900 rpm at this top speed.

Like the previous model, for the new GTI an optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) will be offered as an alternative to the 6-speed manual transmission (including standard upshift recommendation as on the BlueMotion). In this case, the Golf delivers a top speed of 238 km/h (at 5,920 rpm). Like the manually shifted GTI, the DSG version also accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Its average fuel consumption of 7.4 liters (173 g/km CO2) nearly matches the excellent value of the manual transmission (7.3 liters).

Yet the numbers themselves only tell half of the story about the dual clutch transmission. Stuck: “The DSG is incredibly fast and precise. And the way in which the Golf GTI with DSG automatically double declutches when downshifting is a joy for any sports car driver. Interesting is the fact that the pedal position on the very first GTI, and of course also on the normal Golf, was laid out so that well-versed car drivers could double declutch properly.” According to forecasts, about 30 percent of all GTI drivers will order the sporty Volkswagen with DSG.

Sound of the GTI

The engine and exhaust system of the new Golf GTI are making their appearance with an entirely unique and typical GTI sound. A sound that makes a very sporty impression yet does not irritate car occupants on long tours. On the exterior, the noise level is fully regulated by the newly developed GTI exhaust system. The only visible components of the exhaust system are the pair of chrome tailpipes integrated in the GTI’s black diffuser, one on the left and one on the right. Inside, a complex exhaust routing system produces the typical GTI sound. In parallel, it was possible to reduce the weight of the system and its back pressure. And that has a direct positive impact on driving performance and fuel economy. Moreover, a sound generator ensures that the sonorous engine acoustics are perfectly “mixed” in the car’s interior as well.

Chassis of the GTI

“Physical handling limits” always come into play when the safety reserves of a chassis need to be determined. The actual boundaries of the new Golf GTI’s physical handling limits are revealed when a driver like Hans-Joachim Stuck is at the wheel. Just a few laps in Hockenheim or on the Nürburgring or a few kilometers in the “Maritime Alps” on the mountain roads above Nice are sufficient for the former Formula-1 driver and endurance race world champion to very analytically describe why the Golf GTI drives at the level of significantly more expensive sports cars and – this is crucial – can also excite the drivers of such extremely expensive sports cars.

Stuck: “It becomes immediately apparent just how precisely the GTI tracks steering inputs. And this steering precision is directly reflected in driving quality. The production car chassis offers practically no hint of body roll. The car’s quasi lack of roll and pitch results in very safe driving behavior. However, the GTI not only handles with sports car stiffness; it is also very comfortable. The electronic damper control of its new DCC system, in particular, produces an ideal synthesis of great comfort and excellent handling properties in the GTI. There are of course many sporty cars that are simply too stiff. Yet this one is always right. That must be stated very clearly.”

The sixth Golf GTI is equipped with a sport chassis; its front end was lowered by 22 millimeters, and its rear by 15 millimeters. The entire architecture of springs, dampers and rear stabilizers was completely re-tuned. In front, the familiar strut-type suspension operates with helical springs and telescoping shock absorbers. In the rear, an innovative multi-link suspension ensures that the ESP system seldom needs to intervene. The braking system is also extremely durable. Distinctive here are the red painted brake calipers.

Sportier and safer with XDS

For the first time in a Volkswagen, the XDS electronic transverse differential lock is being used. It significantly improves traction and handling properties. Tech­nically speaking, XDS is a functional extension of the electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) integrated in the ESP system.

In fast curve driving, as soon as the innovative electronics detects that the wheel at the inside of the curve on the GTI’s driven front axle is insufficiently loaded, the ESP hydraulics specifically builds up braking pressure at this wheel to restore optimal traction. So XDS acts as a type of transverse differential lock that compensates for the understeering that is typical on front-wheel drive vehicles when driving fast through curves.

The results: Thanks to XDS, driving behavior is significantly more precise and neutral; drivers perceive this as more like the handling characteristics of a car with all-wheel drive than those of front-wheel drive. Hans-Joachim Stuck: “Beyond the GTI’s already good chassis layout, XDS gives the car an enormous measure of driving stability. And it leads to greater driving enjoyment, since it reduces understeering. Experienced sports car drivers will be much more active underway. Yet, XDS is a very important safety feature for normal drivers too, because they will not experience any unpleasant surprises with the GTI. It simply would no longer press ahead.”

Dynamic yet comfortable with DCC

In addition, the dynamic chassis control (DCC) system mentioned by Strietzel is available on the new GTI. It continually reacts to the roadway and driving situation and modifies the damper characteristic accordingly. The driver perceives the significant advances in comfort and dynamic performance directly. During acceleration, braking and steering actions, damping is stiffened in just fractions of a second to optimally satisfy vehicle dynamic requirements and reduce pitch and roll movements as described by Stuck.

To let drivers choose the desired system behavior, besides the “Normal” program with a basic medium setting, DCC on the Golf GTI also offers the “Sport” and “Comfort” modes that are activated by a pushbutton above the shift gate. In “Sport” mode, the power steering is also tuned for greater dynamic responsiveness.

Cruising safely with ACC

For the first time, the distance control system ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) will be offered on the Golf GTI starting in late summer 2009. When ACC is activated, the system automatically brakes and accelerates the GTI within a speed window from 30 to 210 km/h. Above all, when cruising at constant speed, e.g. at the speed limit on the freeway, ACC offers a significant plus in comfort and safety.

Distance control is implemented with a laser sensor in the rearview mirror that continually scans the distance to the vehicle in front of the car and its speed using five laser beams. The system operates successfully in curve driving too. ACC is controlled via a lever on the steering column. Important: As soon as the ACC system reaches its limits, the driver is asked to resume control by visual and acoustic warning signals.

Park Assist Generation II

Another high-end technology on the new Golf GTI is the optional Park Assist park steering assistant. The second generation of the system is used here. It enables nearly automatic back-up parking parallel to the roadway. The driver just needs to actuate the gas pedal, brake and (in the manually shifted version) clutch, while the GTI steers into the pre-scanned space by sensor control. Previously, the space had to be at least 1.4 meters longer than the vehicle; now 1.1 meters is sufficient. In addition, the system now enables multiple forward-reverse stages in parking. Park Assist deactivates itself as soon as the driver manually intervenes in steering. When the GTI is ordered with this system, the acoustic proximity warning system ParkPilot (front and rear) and Hill Hold Control are included too.

Bi-xenon headlights with curve lighting

As an option, Volkswagen is offering the Golf GTI with completely redesigned bi-xenon headlights, including dynamic curve lighting. The headlights swivel through a steering radius of up to 13 degrees to the outside and seven degrees to the inside. The styling of the headlights closely matches the GTI’s sporty character. The interior dual modules (xenon outboard, parking light / turn signals inboard) each have a chrome pod through which a very impressive visual image projects. Placed low below the bumper – and also GTI-specific in design – are the vertically aligned and always standard front fog lights.

Interior of the GTI

If there is such a thing as total ergonomic perfection, then it is to be found in the new GTI. Stuck: “This ambiance lacks nothing that a person would have in a luxury sedan. Nonetheless, the interior is uncompromisingly sporty. This begins with the seats. They offer a high degree of long touring comfort and are equally fit to run a 24-hour race. The GTI is super comfortable, super ergonomic. You can adjust everything on the seat. But there is no need to. You just climb in, move the seat forward once then back, and that is it. Sit down. Done. A perfect fit.” A genuine compliment.

The Golf GTI is equipped with standard sport seats, which – as once before – are upholstered in a tartan fabric pattern (“Jacky”). Leather seats (“Vienna”) are available as an option. A lumbar support integrated in the seats is positioned by a lever on the side of the seat. For safety, whiplash-optimized head restraints (WOKS) are also on board. The head restraints precisely counteract whiplash in case of an accident. The GTI logo has been worked into the WOKS material.

Additional features: Naturally, this Golf also has pedals with brushed stainless steel caps, a customized GTI gearshift lever in aluminum look, a leather steering wheel with grip recesses and GTI emblem; naturally there are decorative red seams on the steering wheel, gearshift surround and leather parking brake grip; naturally the roofliner is black, and so is the pillar trim. Naturally, because this Golf is a GTI. That is why the decorative inserts in the doors and instruments are also customized with “Black Stripe” style elements – black, high-gloss accents in metallic look. In any case, the GTI breaks through class boundaries with its high-end surfaces and features that are pleasing to the touch and the eye. The impression made by the materials and their workmanship, details like brushed chrome accents and elegant round instruments give the impression of actually sitting in a car of the next higher class, or in a far more expensive sports car. In contrast to most sports cars, however, the Golf GTI offers ample space for five persons. Its cargo capacity of between 350 and 1,305 liters also ensures that GTI drivers can handle nearly all of the challenges of daily life with confidence.



[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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INGOLSTADT : March 23, 2009 - A car that knows no boundaries: Audi is launching the A4 allroad quattro. With its quattro permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, this vehicle can handle any road or trail. Starting in early summer, the Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available with one of three powerful and energy-efficient engines, the high-tech S tronic transmission, and a broad range of assistance and communication systems. Its basic price will be 37,100 euros.


A relative of the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro is a clever companion during everyday driving as well as for sports and leisure. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet), which extends up to 1,430 liters (50.5 cubic feet) when the split folding rear seat backs are fully folded down. A light touch triggers the standard load-area cover to retract upward. And the reversible loadliner’s underside has been designed as a dirt-resistant tray. Audi offers optional extras such as a load-securing set and an electromechanical assembly for the tailgate.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro is somewhat larger than the A4 Avant. It measures 4.72 meters in length (15.49 ft) and 1.84 meters in width (6.04 ft). At a height of 1.50 meters (4.92 ft), it is taller than its A4 Avant sibling: ground clearance has risen to 180 millimeters (7.09 inches). A series of design flourishes underscores the vehicle’s expressive nature and superiority on any road or trail. The fenders have become more flared; the wheel arches and the side sills bear vigorous insert strips; and underneath the front end and tail end, the vehicle has a solid stainless-steel underbody guard. 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels in 7-arm design are standard, and the roof is capped off by an offset rail.

Audi will initially offer three different powerful and highly efficient engines for the A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel units. All three combine the technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging. The 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.0 TDI produces 176 kW (240 hp), which enables a sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds.

The 2.0 TDI with manual shifting provides 125 kW (170 hp), yet requires just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 U.S. mpg). This is partially due to the synergetic impact of new efficiency technologies by Audi: an energy-recovery system, a start-stop system, and an on-board computer with efficiency program – all standard as of summer 2009.

Whereas the 2.0 TDI links to a six-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI can transmit power to Audi’s optional, innovative dual-clutch transmission. The S tronic operates very efficiently, switching extremely smoothly among its seven gears at lightning speed. The driver can shift manually or allow this transmission to shift automatically.


Standard: The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is also standard equipment in Audi’s latest model. It slightly favors the rear, distributing power for sporty handling similar to that of the A4 Avant. The finely balanced distribution of the axle loads and the high-tech chassis play key roles in this regard.

In rough terrain, the Audi A4 allroad quattro relies on a cutting-edge feature: Offroad Detection technology identifies the type of driving surface and accordingly adjusts the control parameters of the electronic stabilization program (ESP). The optional vehicle-dynamics control system known as Audi drive select enables dynamic road handling. The system is paired with Audi dynamic steering, which varies the steering ratio in a continuously variable manner – more directly at low speeds and more indirectly at high speeds.

A wide range of optional assistance systems straight from the luxury class will appeal to customers who set great store by convenience. Audi lane assist helps the driver to remain in a given lane and Audi side assist makes it safer to change lanes. Adaptive cruise control is a radar-assisted cruise-control system which detects vehicles ahead and maintains the proper following distance by accelerating and braking automatically. In dangerous situations, this system alerts the driver via one of two alarms.

There are also appealing multimedia options for this vehicle, from the innovative, high-tech MMI navigation plus system to the Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available at dealerships early this summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros.

Body and Luggage Compartment
The Audi A4 allroad quattro is a truly expressive car. Its measurements include: 4.72 meters (15.49 ft) in length, a wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 ft), 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) in width, and 1.50 meters (4.92 ft) in height. It also features greater ground clearance than the Audi A4 Avant: 180 millimeters (7.09 inches) when the Audi A4 allroad quattro is unloaded.

Audi has created a vehicle body consisting primarily of high-strength and ultra-strong steel panels – which, in turn, reduce the car’s weight while enhancing its rigidity, vibrational comfort, and impact safety. An array of precisely arranged metal sections protects passengers in the event of an accident.

In addition to the two front airbags, which take into consideration the precise positions of the driver and front-seat passenger, there are side air bags in the front and, optionally, in the rear as well. Last but not least, a head-protection airbag system also stands at the ready. The integral head-restraint system in the front diminishes the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.

The luggage compartment’s base capacity is 490 liters (17.30 cubic feet). This can be increased, however, to an impressive 1,430 liters (50.50 cubic feet) and a length of 1.78 meters (5.84 feet) by folding down the split rear-bench backrest, which optionally features a load-through hatch with removable ski bag. The hatch is exactly one meter wide (3.28 feet). The luggage compartment boasts an ingenious design which enhances its use and is lined with high-quality carpet.

Befitting its character, the A4 allroad quattro has a wealth of practical flourishes: the luggage-compartment cover and the partition safety netting are stored in separate compartments; a mere tap of the hand triggers the cover to automatically retract upward. Additional standard equipment includes fastening rings and bag hooks as well as a shelf on one side with an adjustable net.

Every Audi A4 allroad quattro also has a reversible loadliner, the underside of which has been designed as a dirt-resistant tray. Optional equipment includes a reversible mat, a 12-volt outlet, an electromechanical assembly for the tailgate, and a load-securing set with a telescopic rod and strap retainer. The load-securing set’s two rails in the floor allow the luggage compartment to be divided as required.

Interior
Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the control unit’s highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake – which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button – and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the MMI’s offset control unit is housed in the center console.

Customers can choose one of several different trim materials: an exclusive allroad fabric, two types of leather, or an Alcantara/leather combination. The fabric designs are available in two colors and the leather trim in seven colors (two of which feature sporty contrasting stitching). Standard inlays are micrometallic platinum; options include aluminum trigon, natural fine-grain ash, laurel nutmeg, and walnut brown. Carpeting is made of velour; the headlining is star silver, linen beige, or black (optional). Many of the operating controls gleam thanks to their standard aluminum look; the door sill trims bear special allroad logos.

As for seats, Audi offers a seat-heating system, electrical adjustability, a sporty version with pronounced side sections, and climate-controlled comfort seats. The latter not only can be heated, but also deliver relief on hot days thanks to an integrated cooling unit with small fans. The long wheelbase of the A4 allroad quattro ensures plenty of interior space – even on the rear bench seat.

The Engines
Audi will initially offer three different engines for the A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering technologies arising from Audi’s modular efficiency expertise. For example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The 2-liter TFSI – voted “Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions by an international panel of experts – incorporates three high-end technologies: FSI direct gasoline injection, the turbocharger, and the Audi valvelift system, which boosts pulling power by means of a variable control system. Between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm, the four-cylinder engine delivers 350 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. Peak output is 155 kW (211 bhp). In addition, the 2-liter TFSI propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). On average, it consumes a mere 8.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.04 mpg).

As for the 2.0 TDI, the successor to the most successful diesel engine ever, a common-rail system providing injection pressure of 1,800 bar ensures excellent driving refinement. The two-liter diesel engine delivers 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm. A respectable 125 kW (170 bhp) provides admirable output, yet requires just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 mpg). The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 213 km/h (132.35 mph).

The very best of the three engines is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel produces 176 kW (240 bhp) and transmits 500 Nm of torque to the crankshaft at 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The 3.0 TDI in conjunction with S tronic propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 236 km/h (146.64 mph). On average, the three-liter engine sips only 7.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (33.13 mpg). Like the other two engines, it already meets the EU’s Euro 5 emission standard.

The Driveline
The 2.0 TDI transmits its power to a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI feature the next generation of Audi’s dynamic and very efficient S tronic. This innovative dual-clutch transmission switches extremely smoothly among its seven gears within a few hundredths of a second. S tronic also excels thanks to its high efficiency ratio and a broad spread of the gear ratios. The seven-speed S tronic has a fully automatic mode at the ready: the driver can shift as required, if necessary via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In the Audi A4 allroad quattro drivetrain, the differential is in front of the clutch and immediately behind the engine. This technical stroke of genius made it possible to reposition the front axle much closer to the vehicle’s front end, in turn allowing for a long wheelbase and an ideal distribution of the axle loads. The benefits include steady straight-line stability, superb ride comfort, and excellent driving dynamics.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its purely mechanical center differential favors the rear, distributing power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive can route up to 65 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

The Chassis
The width of the Audi A4 allroad quattro lays the foundation for its driving dynamics. The car’s track is 1,583 mm (62.32 in.) at the front and 1,574 mm (61.97 in.) at the rear – some 20 mm (0.79 in.) wider, respectively, than the A4 Avant. The body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs, which – like the new shock absorbers – combine sportiness with comfort. The standard, 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels are fitted with 225/55 tires. At a diameter of 690 millimeters (27.17 inches), even this standard configuration looks rather imposing. For the time being, Audi is also offering 18-inch wheels.

The chassis in the A4 allroad quattro retains all the advantages which distinguish the A4 model line. Steering is straightforward and responsive. A steering box beneath the wheel conveys the driver’s input directly to the wheels. The five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension consist largely of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. 16-inch brakes with excellent cooling behavior provide for rapid deceleration. It should come as no surprise that the A4 allroad quattro offers sportiness, comfort, and stability – onroad and offroad. After all, it is an A4.

On rough terrain, the A4 allroad quattro relies on a high-tech feature of its Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP): the Offroad Detection (ORD) technology automatically identifies the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP’s control parameters accordingly. When the driver depresses the gas pedal, ESP increases propulsive power by tolerating more wheel spin than otherwise. If necessary, it will override for a time in the interests of safety.

On paved roads, Audi drive select further enhances the joys of driving. This control system automatically and perfectly adapts the personality of the Audi A4 allroad quattro to the driver’s preferences. Audi drive select namely evaluates the engine’s throttle response, the Servotronic power steering, and S tronic’s shift points in automatic mode. The driver can freely switch among three different engine maps: comfortable, standard, and sporty. And MMI navigation plus provides yet another on-board control option, and is individually programmable.

Audi drive select can be paired with Audi dynamic steering. It consists of a superimposed gear system, and varies the steering ratio as well as steering assistance in a continuously variable manner. Audi drive select functions directly at low speeds and indirectly at high speeds. At the vehicle’s cornering limit, the dynamic steering keeps the A4 allroad quattro on course via split-second corrective actions – subsequently obviating extensive ESP intervention.

Equipment Packages
The Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available at dealerships early this summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros. It is generously equipped with 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, fog lights, a headlight washer system, roof rails, a convenient luggage-compartment cover, a reversible loadliner, an automatic climate-control system, an electromechanical handbrake, and a sound system with CD player.

Optional equipment also includes a multitude of attractive features. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between high beams and low beams. The two-part panoramic glass roof with an electrically operated interior shade suffuses the interior with sunlight and fresh air. And the electromechanical tailgate, the ingenious three-zone climate-control system, the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED reverse lights, and the climate-controlled comfort seats are all luxurious options.

If a customer so desires, they can take delivery of an A4 allroad quattro with innovative assistance systems straight from the luxury class. Audi lane assist helps the driver to remain in a given lane, while Audi side assist makes it safer to change lanes. Adaptive cruise control is a radar-assisted cruise-control system which detects vehicles ahead and maintains the proper following distance by braking and accelerating on its own. Should the rate of deceleration for some reason not suffice, the system alerts the driver via one of two alarms based on the extent of danger.

Audi also offers top-notch multimedia options. The world-class MMI navigation plus system belongs to Audi’s cutting-edge generation of new high-tech devices. It integrates a color display with three-dimensional maps, a DVD player, a voice-activated unit facilitating whole-word commands, and a large hard disk drive which stores data for navigation, music, and phoning. MMI navigation plus can be rendered even more sophisticated by means of tuner modules which enable digital TV/radio reception. Last but not least, a Bang & Olufsen sound system indeed constitutes a luxurious extra: its 14 speakers delivering 505 watts create breathtaking surround sound.





[Source : AUDI]
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STUTTGART : March 23, 2009 - Daimler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DAI) welcomes Aabar Investments PJSC (Aabar) of Abu Dhabi, as a major investor. Daimler increases the share capital by approx. 10% with exclusion of subscription rights of existing shareholders. After acquiring all new shares, Aabar will hold approx. 9.1% of the new share capital. The capital increase was approved by Daimler's Supervisory Board today.


Aabar is an investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi and is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. It directly invests in various sectors including energy, infrastructure, real estate, automotive and financial services companies. Its largest stakeholder is the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), which in turn is wholly owned by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The capital increase will be carried out by issuing 96,408,000 new registered no par value shares of Daimler's Authorised Capital approved by the Annual Shareholders? Meeting of April 9, 2008 in exchange for cash contributions. Existing shareholders' rights to subscribe to these new shares are excluded. The issue price of the shares is EUR20.27 per share, resulting in an equity contribution for Daimler of EUR1.95 billion.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "We are delighted to welcome Aabar as a new major shareholder that is supportive of our corporate strategy. We look forward to working together to pursue joint strategic initiatives."

Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman Aabar: "Daimler is an iconic brand and a financially strong company with a reputation for excellence worldwide. We are delighted to have the opportunity to make this investment and are excited by the commercial potential of our partnership. We believe that our future cooperation will be beneficial for Aabar and create social and economic benefits for Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. We look forward to working with Daimler to fully realize these opportunities."

The future cooperation will focus on joint initiatives in the following areas:

• Electric vehicles with a particular focus on projects aiming at the reduction of CO₂-emissions
  
• Development and/or production of innovative compound materials to be used in automotive manufacturing
  
• Social projects such as the establishment of a training centre in Abu Dhabi to educate young talent for positions in the automotive industry

The cash inflow from the capital increase of EUR1.95 billion will further improve Daimler's sound financial position. At the end of 2008, the equity ratio of Daimler's industrial business was 42.7% and the equity ratio of the entire Daimler Group was 24.3%.

The investment complements a broad range of initiatives already undertaken by Daimler to react to the changing market environment, further strengthens its solid capital base and gives even greater flexibility to invest in innovative automotive technologies during a period of economic uncertainty and macroeconomic instability.

With Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, Daimler will have two major shareholders in the future. Kuwaithas held an equity interest since 1974. Following the capital increase, the equity interest held by Kuwait will amount to 6.9%.

[Source : DAIMLER]
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HIROSHIMA, Japan : March 23, 2009 — Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a world-first recycling technology which enhances the process it uses to recycle used bumpers from vehicles, whose useful life has ended, into raw plastic resin for use in new vehicle bumpers. The new technology is the first to enable recycling of used bumpers from different manufacturers at the same time. Additionally, by automating processes to remove metal attachments, it significantly increases recycling efficiency.



Mazda became an industry leader in bumper recycling when it began processing used bumpers from its own end-of-life vehicles that were collected through its dealer network in Japan. The new recycling technology can recycle all types and makes of bumper, thus removing the need for separate collection systems for each automaker’s products. It also combines all the recycling stages involved in crushing used bumpers through to reproducing raw materials, into a single automated process. These innovations represent a significant step forward for the industry.

Until now, unwanted materials such as metal attachments had to be removed by hand before the bumpers were visually inspected. These labor-intensive processes were an obstacle to increasing efficiency. Mazda overcame this by developing technologies to automate the processes in collaboration with Satake Corporation, a company in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Once used bumpers are crushed into pellets, a machine similar to those used to separate contaminants from cereal grains, removes unwanted metal pieces by shaking the pellets and injecting jets of pressurized air. In this way, Mazda’s new process enables higher efficiencies to be achieved.

Mazda’s new technology also resolves another limitation of previous methods. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer and age of the vehicle, used bumpers vary considerably in terms of the composition of polypropylene plastic and the paint’s adhesive properties. While this has forced previous systems to treat different bumpers separately, Mazda’s new technology successfully enables all bumpers to be recycled together. The new process employs a kneading machine which is similar to those used for processing foodstuffs and chemicals such as rubber and plastics. The machine applies a powerful shear force to the crushed bumper pellets, effectively stripping off the paint regardless of the plastic composition or paint properties, and without having to heat the plastic.

Going forward, Mazda will continue to advance development of innovative recycling technologies, including bumper-to-bumper recycling, as it strives towards achieving a sustainable future.

[Source : MAZDA]
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PUEBLA-AMOZOC, Mexico : March 22, 2009 - SEAT dominates the overall standings of the World Touring Car Championship after the victories achieved today at the Mexican racetrack of Puebla, venue of the second WTCC round. Rickard Rydell and Yvan Muller, who share the championship leadership, claimed clear victories today at the wheel of their SEAT León TDIs, withstanding the constant pressure of the BMW drivers Augusto Farfus and Andy Prialux.



RACE-1

Rickard Rydell forced his way through the BMW front row to claim SEAT’s third consecutive victory in three rounds.
Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx put a lot of pressure on the Swedish driver and eventually settled in second and third respectively, the first podium results for BMW in the season so far.
While SEAT and BMW men were fighting for the top positions, Nicola Larini managed to defend his eighth place, scoring the first point for the new Chevrolet Cruze.
Félix Porteiro won the Independents’ class once again, recovering from the 14th position where he had fallen after being involved in a collision at the start.

Man of the race
Throughout the whole Mexican event, Nicola Larini has emerged as the fastest of the Chevrolet drivers. While his team mates Alain Menu and Robert Huff were fighting against technical issues and set-up problems, the Italian proved consistent and reliable.
His reward was a brilliant eighth place in the first race that was worth the first point scored by the new Chevrolet Cruze car and the pole position on the reverse grid for the second race.

Key moment
Rydell had already moved up from fourth to second going past Priaulx at the start on the outside line. And yet, during the first lap, he struck again stealing the lead from Farfus with an hazardous manoeuvre.
He dived to the inside at the braking of turn 12, and then managed to defend his position through turns 13, 14 and 15 from Farfus’ return.
On that move Rydell built a small margin that was crucial to claim the win.

Withdrawals
G. Tanev: clutch; M. Čolak: race incident; R. Huff: broken suspension; A. Menu: broken suspension; Shapovalov: throttle cable.


RACE-2

The second race was another SEAT vs. BMW fight. The reigning world champion Yvan Muller claimed his second victory of the season as he managed to keep at bay the former world champion Andy Priaulx.
Jordi Gené took the lead at the start, but then, in a breathtaking succession of overtaking manoeuvres, Jörg Müller, Gabriele Tarquini, Y. Muller, Priaulx, Rickard Rydell and Augusto Farfus overturned the order completely. Müller and Tarquini however, had to leave the company after they clashed on lap 6 and slipped down.
All the three Chevrolet cars completed the race, with Nicola Larini’s in tenth position, and so did the LADA cars, with Jaap van Lagen’s in 17th.
Porteiro claimed a fourth consecutive win in the Independents’ trophy.

Man of the race
With two podium results today, Andy Priaulx was the most effective BMW driver once again.
The former triple WTCC champion was very close to stop SEAT’s winning streak in the second race.
Priaulx and Bart Mampaey’s BMW Team UK did an excellent job to find the best set up for a track that did not give BMW many reasons to rejoice in the past.
The concentration and the grit Priaulx showed while chasing his rivals in the two Mexican races are testament that whoever wants to be champion will have him to reckon with.

Key moment
On lap 8 Jordi Gené, who had taken the lead at the start, was struggling to resist the charge of his chasers.
When the field got to turn 5, Yvan Muller took the inside line and squeezed between his team mate’s car and the kerbs. As the Spaniards was forced to turn wide, Andy Priaulx was swift to take advantage and followed Muller in his manoeuvre.
As Muller and Priaulx cleared off, Gené began to lose positions and eventually slipped down to seventh.

Withdrawals
T. Monteiro: race incident; K. Poulsen: race incident; M. Čolak: car on fire.






[Source : WTCC-Official, SEAT, BMW] continue reading »

• Runaway victory for Masahiko Kondo's HIS GT-R team!
  
• GT-R continues victory streak from last season to five in a row

OKAYAMA : March 22, 2009 - The OKAYAMA GT 300km RACE, Round 1 of the 2009 AUTOBACS SUPER GT, was held at the Okayama International Circuit (one lap 3.703 km x 82 laps) in Okayama Pref. on March 22. The GT500 class winners were Joao Paulo Lima de Oliveira and Seiji Ara driving the HIS ADVAN KONDO GT-R.


The race started at 14:00. With rain making the track conditions bad, the HIS ADVAN KONDO GT-R driver, de Oliveira, made a good start from 3rd position on the grid to take the lead. After that, while the other teams struggled with the wet track, he continued run away at a high pace.

By the time he turned over the wheel to second drive, Ara, they were already had a massive 60-second lead over the second place competitor. From there on, Ara was able to run comfortably alone in the lead all the way to the checkered and victory.

This is the first victory for the HIS ADVAN KONDO GT-R since last season's round 4 at Sepang (Malaysia). The manager of this team is the singer and actor Masahiko Kondo, and this is his third victory as a SUPER GT team manager. The two previous wins were overseas, so this marked his team's first win in Japan.

Driver Seiji Ara won the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours to become only the second Japanese winner in Le Mans history. The Nissan GT-R made its SUPER GT debut last season, and this victory marked its fifth straight GT500 class win since round 6 of last season.


In the GT300 class race, the Weds Sport IS350 driven by Manabu Orido and Tatsuya Kataoka came from 2nd position on the grid to win the victory.
(Spectators: 23,000)

GT500 Winner Comment


No. 24 HIS ADVAN KONDO GT-R

Joao Paulo Lima de Oliveira: "The machine's settings turned out to be perfect for today's rainy weather. The choice of tires was a good one. It felt very good out there on the course. After the start I watched how things were going for a while and then began to push to widen the gap over the field from lap five. (After the rain lessened) car No. 18 began to close the gap, and that was a bit worrying, but when the rain grew stronger again our machine was better suited for it, which was fortunate. The [machine] condition had been good from the pre-season tests, and a lot of progress was made with the tires. I will be concentrating on the SUPER GT this season, so I definitely want to try to win the series title."

Seiji Ara: "I lost a lot of the margin that de Oliviera had built up for us on his stint (embarrassed laugh). In the latter stages of the race when there was little water left on the track, the tires were no longer a good match. That is why the gap began to narrow. But de Oliviera had done such a good job on his stint that I was thinking I had to maintain our lead to the end and take the checkered first. His time Yokohama Rubber developed a new tire for us with the performance potential to win in the rain, so I ma very happy that we were able to get this result. In fact, the radio plug wasn't in properly, so I couldn't talk to Manager Kondo at all during my stint. Finally, after the checkered I reconnected it and was able to reach him and apologize for that (embarrassed laugh)."

Manager Masahiko Kondo: "I feel like I've been given the most important victory of all. Of course our two consecutive wins at Sepang were wonderful, but to win here at the opening round and to be victorious in the rain makes this especially rewarding. I think that this revives Yokohama's reputation as the tire maker that wins in the rain. The conditions this time made it a very difficult race, but our two drivers did there job well, and our mechanics also made their best tire changes of this race weekend (laughs). I had a feeling inside me that something good was going to happen this weekend. But on Saturday, JP (de Oliviera) ran off the track once. Still I felt that with the new Yokohama rain tires we would be ready for anything if it should rain on race day. JP performed very well. After changing drivers to Ara we didn't have radio contact, but even without any instructions he ran the race just as we wanted. This season's goal for us was to win a race in Japan for the first time, and I feel that this race has proven that we made the right choice as a team to not compete n formula racing and concentrate on the SUPER GT. So, we have to keep working even harder, now."

GT300 Winner Comment


No.19 Weds Sport IS350

Manabu Orido: "Yokohama Rubber made new rain tires for us in the GT300 class as well. But when we went to try them out in the morning's free practice session the Ferrari got bumped off the track by another car, so we couldn't test the performance properly. Still, in the short test we had, the performance seemed to be good. After that morning happening I thought we might be in trouble, but Kataoka kept his good spirits as always and that helped my motivation a lot (laughs). In the race, all I had to do was to keep things going to the finish. In the latter stages of the race the No. 43 car seemed to have a good tire match with its Michelins and it started to narrow the gap on us. But after making some adjustments and opening up the gap again, it felt like they would give up thoughts of catching us. Anyway, I am especially happy to see that Yokohama tires won both the GT500 and GT300 races."

Tatsuya Kataoka: "While I was driving in the first half of the race the rain was changing, getting stronger at times and weaker at others, so the racing conditions were very difficult. But I was able to find that the machine balance was good. After taking the lead, I pushed hard but only to get caught behind cars that were slowing down and lose my margin. After that, I pushed like I was running in the qualifying and ended up running off the track once and returned to the pit at the end of my stint in 2nd position again. But I knew our pit work would be fast and that we could get back on the track in the lead, after which I knew that Orido would do the job for us. Still, the No. 43 machine turned out to be faster than expected, which scared us. Being able to win the opening round like this after coming to this new team makes me very happy."









[Source : Official SUPER GT]
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SEBRING, Florida : March 21, 2009 - One slip up, one extra minute in the pits and the story might be different. Yet it’s a familiar story with a familiar ending – Audi debuts a new car with a victory at Sebring. The German marque posted win No. 1 for the Audi R15 TDI on Saturday as Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen beat Peugeot at the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.



McNish crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds ahead of Peugeot’s Franck Montagny in an epic battle between sports car racing’s two diesel powers. The two prototypes stayed on the same lap throughout the 12 hours in a carry-over from last year’s clashes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans, also razor-thin Audi victories.

“This one for me this one was better than Le Mans because we came here with a new car and at the end of every stint it was at the maximum for the entire 12 hours,” Capello said. “To come here with a new car really says something for Audi.”

McNish took the lead for good at the 42-minute mark when Montagny made his final fuel-only stop. McNish clicked off fast lap after fast lap to build up enough of a gap to make a late splash for fuel with 14 minutes remaining and maintain his lead. McNish re-entered the track while Montagny was just entering the backstretch.

“I knew I had 55 seconds to get in and out with a comfortable gap,” McNish said. “But if a yellow came out after they pitted and prior to our stop, it was all out the window. We were lucky because I think everyone drove exceptionally well until the end. The poker aspect is played by the engineers not by the drivers; the pit strategy is by the guys behind the wall. We are just given instructions to do things and that was drive very, very quickly.”


The winning trio made the R15 TDI Audi’s third prototype to win in its race debut joining the R8 in 2000 and R10 TDI in 2006.

The two Audis and two Peugeot 908 HDis swapped the lead 23 times. The race also set records for fastest average speed (117.986 mph), distance covered (1,417 miles) and laps completed under the current 3.7-mile, 17-turn configuration (383).

“Coming with such a young car to such a tough race track and make the distance record with three yellows, it was really extraordinary and shows the know how from the last 3 cars - the R8, R10 and now R15,” said Kristensen, who won his record fifth overall race at Sebring and also owns a record eight Le Mans victories. “I was really impressed with what the team did the last few days. This is such a huge team effort. I am humble and proud to be a part of teams like this. Victories like Le Mans and Sebring belong to a lot of people, and that’s what I enjoy is sharing it.”

Montagny drove with fellow Frenchmen Sebastien Bourdais and Stephane Sarrazin. They combined to lead eight times and suffered a late setback when it pitted near the nine-hour mark with what the team feared was a punctured rear tire. The car replaced its rear tires on the emergency stop, which altered the strategy for the rest of the race.

The second Audi of Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner finished third. It led four times in the race.


Lowe’s Fernandez Racing captured its long-awaited first LMP2 victory for Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz. The pairing’s Acura ARX-01b ran a strong and consistent race while Dyson Racing’s two Mazda-powered Lola B09/86 coupes struggled with mechanical issues.

“We just had to focus and keep a secure pace,” Diaz said. “After that it was just a matter of not losing the concentration. Lap after lap it’s hard to keep the concentration so it became a challenge of not making mistakes. The Dyson Mazdas did not score points and we got a lot, so it gives us a cushion. But our goal is to win every single race this year. That is the pressure for ourselves. We want to prove we are the best team.”

Saturday’s win was Acura’s second P2 victory in three years at Sebring. Fernandez and Diaz placed second in class behind the winning Andretti Green Racing trio of Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan in its inaugural run in 2007. Last year the duo finished third overall and in P2 before the car was excluded after post-race technical inspections.

It was the start of a season that saw much more bad luck than good for the Lowe’s Fernandez team.

“We should have won two or three races last year, and I feel really good about this win today,” Fernandez said. “You can’t relax too much so we tried to keep a good pace without being too conservative. After eight hours I kept trying to push it and learn what we could from the car. It’s great to start the season like this and I’m happy for Lowe’s to start out like this. This is good for us - a perfect race.”


Corvette Racing’s Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen scored their second straight GT1 victory as they teamed with Antonio Garcia in the final race for the GT1 version of the Corvette C6.R at Sebring. Magnussen crossed the finish line a lap ahead of Oliver Gavin, who teamed with Olivier Beretta and Marcel Fässler.

O’Connell took the lead for good at the 51-minute mark, and the crew of the No. 3 entry kept the car out front with quick and efficient pit stops.

“It was a really good battle,” said O’Connell, who extended his record for Sebring victories to eight. “The No. 4 car had a better setup for qualifying, but we improved our car some and both cars were within 20-30 seconds throughout. We closed up during some cautions but our crew did a great job. The No. 4 car is full of fighters and they kept pushing every bit.”

The last race for Corvette Racing in GT1 will be the Long Beach round in mid-April. Then it’s off to the 24 Hours of Le Mans where the team will hope to close the C6.R’s GT1 career with a sixth victory in France. The team is scheduled to debut its GT2 car at Mid-Ohio in August.

“Sebring is a great place to prepare for Le Mans, even just the 12 hours with the bumps,” Magnussen said. “It’s a great way to start the year and find out where you are and how prepared you are. I think we are really ready to go to Le Mans with a shot at winning.”


Risi Competizione won in GT2 for the second time in three years, this time much easier than the team’s epic 2007 victory which it won in class by a race-record 0.202 seconds. Mika Salo took the checkered flag in Risi’s Ferrari F430 GT that he drove with Pierre Kaffer and Jaime Melo by two laps.

The trio had to start the back of the field after Melo could not arrive at the circuit until Friday morning. But the Ferrari took the lead in the second hour and never trailed again.

“I have to thank these two guys working on the setup this week, making a good setup for the race and making the sacrifice for me starting at the back,” Melo said. “It’s good to start with a win like this. And we get to see against the Porsches and the BMW to see how quick they can go. We still have a long way to go for the championship but this is a good start.”

The Ferrari’s main contenders fell by the wayside early on due to contact (Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Marc Lieb) and mechanical difficulties (Farnbacher Loles Racing’s pole-sitting Porsche of Dirk Werner, Wolf Henzler and Richard Lietz).

“We started from the back, but it was OK because we won last time from the back,” Salo said. “The GT cars could get spread out so you could do two or three laps by yourself. Winning is good. You always want it close but a win is great. Some laps the new Porsches could not keep it consistent, but we saw in the week they can do really quick laps but in the long run we can beat them.”

The Ferrari also caught a break when it was included in an early wave-by under caution to pick up the leading prototype. As a result the Ferrari gained nearly a full lap on nearly the rest of the field.

“I am really glad to be in the Ferrari family with good teammates that I can truest all the time,” said Kaffer, an overall winner with Audi in 2004. “It’s really nice and I have to say the guys did a really brilliant job. The mechanics did a great job getting the car prepared.”

The Advanced Engineering Pecom Racing Ferrari of Gianmaria Bruni, Mathias Russo and Luis Companc placed second for Ferrari’s first 1-2 GT2 finish at Sebring. Panoz Team PTG’s Panoz Esperante GTLM of Dominik Farnbacher and Ian James was third in class following a hard-fought battle with one of Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsches late in the race.

In the first race of the MICHELIN^® Green X^® Challenge, the Corvette C6.R of Magnussen, O’Connell and Garcia was the top scoring car using a combination of overall performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The sister Corvette was second among GT entries followed by the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Seth Neiman, Darren Law and Johannes van Overbeek.

The race-winning Audi was the top scoring prototype in the MICHELIN^® Green X^® Challenge while also setting records for distance covered, average speed and laps completed - a picture of performance and efficiency. The sister Audi placed second in the prototype standings with the Peugeot 908 HDi of Pedro Lamy, Nic Minassian and Christian Klien.

The next race for the American Le Mans Series is the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg from the St. Petersburg street circuit. The green flag is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4. ABC Sports will televise the race live beginning at 1:30 p.m. Live Timing & Scoring and American Le Mans Radio can be found at the new americanlemans.com.

The race also will mark the first street race for the MICHELIN Green X Challenge. For tickets americanlemans.com or gpstpete.com.



* Qualifying Driver-(Starting Driver)



[Source : ALMS Official, Audi Motorsport, Porsche]
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