• For 2011, Mustang makes sports coupe news with a new high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec^® 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and an expected best-in-class 30 mpg highway with six-speed automatic transmission – no other vehicle in the industry can beat that combination
• Six-speed transmissions – manual and automatic – combine with newly standard limited-slip differential and revised suspension for road-carving driving dynamics and handling
• New technology and convenience features include: Standard integrated spotter mirrors; message center; MyKey^™ programmable vehicle key; and Universal Garage Door Opener

DEARBORN, Mich. : November 30, 2009 – The 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.


For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It’s an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.

“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”


New 3.7-liter V-6 engine

With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor – despite its smaller displacement. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.

“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of global powertrain engineering. “It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-liter builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.

Performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000 rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.

A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.

Engineers also worked to ensure aggressive, high-performance sounds come from the new engine, from intake to exhaust. Not only does the retuned air intake system minimize losses, it also provides the driver with a satisfying intake rush on hard acceleration. The all-new dual exhaust system is mellow at idle but opens up with a howl at full-tilt, letting Mustang drivers know they’re behind the wheel of a world-class sports coupe.

“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”

Powertrain improvements

Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine’s output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.

Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio. Customers choosing the automatic will be pleasantly surprised to find the advanced six-speed 6R60 transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy – or performance – for convenience, delivering an expected 30 mpg highway with crisp, quick shifts that maximize torque and horsepower.

The automatic transmission also features a grade-assist or “hill mode” to improve drivability on hilly terrain. This technical innovation uses vehicle input – acceleration, pedal position, vehicle speed and brake status – to automatically determine the correct gear ratio while on an incline or decline. Hill mode eliminates sixth gear, extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs, and provides additional grade or engine braking for coast downs.

The standard 2.73 rear axle provides an ideal blend of cruising fuel economy and acceleration, aided by the wide ratio spread permitted through the use of six forward speeds in the gearboxes. Performance enthusiasts can select an available 3.31 rear axle ratio for better off-the-line launch characteristics.

Fuel economy improvements

Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus. The numbers speak for themselves:

• 19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic – a 25 percent improvement over 2010
• 18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual

Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:

• The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
• Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
• Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

Handling and driving dynamics

With so much additional horsepower standard, the 2011 Mustang received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Damper tuning and spring rates were revised to provide a smooth highway ride while a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.

While Mustang’s aerodynamic improvements were designed mainly to improve fuel economy, engineers also adjusted the vehicle’s front/rear lift balance. The result is a car that tracks more securely and feels more “planted” to the road surface at higher speeds, helping to keep the tires in better contact with the pavement.

The addition of EPAS marks a new era in driving dynamics for Mustang owners. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is reduced, while high-speed and highway feel is improved for more precise steering and handling. Because the belt-driven power steering pump is eliminated, EPAS provides a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power.

EPAS also enables new technologies that adjust for minor driving annoyances. Pull-Drift Compensation adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning, while Active Nibble Control helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped. Both conditions are alleviated by EPAS independent of driver input, helping ensure Mustang delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience in all conditions.

Mustang buyers choosing the new V-6 will also get a standard limited-slip differential that provides better handling and more sure-footed grip in poor weather conditions by directing engine torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. When the time comes to slow things down, the 2011 Mustang is also equipped with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.


Refinements complement advanced features

To reinforce the sporty nature of the 2011 Mustang, all V-6 models will come standard with new instrument cluster graphics, including a speedometer that reads up to 160 mph and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm, reflecting the free-revving style of the new engine.

Additional lightweight soundproofing measures help filter unpleasant, high-frequency noises while tuned intake and dual exhaust add the sounds Mustang buyers relish.

Occupants also benefit from new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner that reduce road noise for a quieter, more enjoyable drive, all with minimal weight gain compared to the 2010 model.

Enthusiasts who want a premium performance-oriented Mustang V-6 can opt for the new Performance Package, which will be available August 2010. Designed for driving enthusiasts, the Mustang V-6 Performance Package comprises:

• A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
• Firmer Mustang GT suspension
• 19-inch wheels
• Summer performance tires for improved grip
• A strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity
• Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving

For 2011, Mustang also ups the ante on technology and convenience features, including a standard driver’s message center in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings.

Ford’s MyKey^® system, designed to encourage safer teen driving and safety belt use, also is newly available on Mustang. MyKey allows owners to program the vehicle key using the driver’s message center to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume, a traction control system that cannot be deactivated, a persistent Belt-Minder^® safety belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.

Top safety marks expected
Mustang’s technological advances are also incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government’s top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model is expected to achieve.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact.

Mustang also uses high-strength steel in its body structure and ultra-high-strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side-impact protection.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to aid in protecting occupants.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC^®, with applications such as Traffic, Directions and Information, 911 Assist^® and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac^® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes the Personal Safety System^® which features dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Belt-Minder.

The 2011 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.





[Source : FORD]
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• Popular global car refined for America
• Expected segment-best fuel economy – up to 40 mpg highway – with new family of small-displacement engines, including Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo
• Progressive design with exceptional levels of refinement, quietness and build quality
• More spacious interior and greater cargo room than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
• Ten standard air bags help make it one of the safest cars in its class
• Built at Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant
• On sale in third quarter of 2010
• Five-year/100,000-mile powertain warranty – the best coverage in America

LOS ANGELES : November 29, 2009 – Chevrolet unveils the U.S. production version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan at the L.A. Auto Show on Dec. 2. It is a global car refined for America, delivering many segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.


The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet’s commitment to building refined, fuel-efficient vehicles, with new, small-displacement four-cylinder engines. It is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model.


“Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it’s coming to America to challenge the status quo,” said Brent Dewar, GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”

Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail – from precise tolerances between body panels to the use of premium materials throughout the interior.

“The amenities, quietness and roominess you expect in larger cars are what the Cruze delivers,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet product marketing manager. “This is a car that will shake up the compact segment, with a more spacious interior and more cargo room than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.”

Cruze goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most real world-tested GM products prior to a U.S. launch. The U.S. and Canadian versions of the Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, where $350 million was invested for their production.



More than expected

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:

• New family of efficient four-cylinder engines, including a 1.4L turbo and 1.8L
• Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
• Ten standard air bags, including frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags
• Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
• Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system
• XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
• MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension, with a family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
• Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
• Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment

All models share an interior characterized by premium materials and a lengthy roster of unexpected equipment, including leading infotainment. A stereo system that includes MP3 playback capability, six speakers and an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices is standard. A premium Pioneer sound system is available, as is a USB port for iPod operation. Other available technologies include Bluetooth and a navigation system.

“There’s a lot of content in all Cruze models; it was designed to give customers the features they want regardless of the car’s size or segment,” said Brooks. “At a very competitive price, you’ll be able to get a Cruze with leather and heated front seats, 16-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB port for your iPod, cruise control, power locks and power outside mirrors.”


Arching roofline

Chevy Cruze’s design is distinguished with a bold face – including a two-tier grille with the iconic Bowtie logo – that is Chevrolet’s signature look around the globe. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.

The sporty aesthetic is also seen in prominent headlamp housings that wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sports coupes. The wheels are at the corners, too, with minimal front and rear overhangs. All the elements work cohesively to give Cruze an aggressive look that is complemented by a wide, confident stance.

Indeed, the Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors. Taut, tightly drawn bodywork conveys solidity, while restrained use of exterior trim enhances the car’s high-quality feel. The overall appearance is one of purposeful precision.

Precision is also seen in the Cruze’s build quality. The Lordstown assembly plant’s body shop was retooled with the latest in body-framing and welding equipment to optimize the manufacture of a very solid body structure. That strong structure fosters minimal production variance and repeatable gap tolerances of 3 mm or less between most exterior panels. To the customer, this means a better looking car when new and one that feels solid for years to come.


Interior refinement

Cruze’s bold design cues and attention to detail carry over to the interior, where a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment.

The instrument panel is an excellent example of how Cruze eschews expectations of compact cars. It features richly detailed instruments that are backlit with light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The LED lights provide a crisp, ice-blue illumination of the analog instruments, as well as lighting for other interior controls. A segment-rare standard driver information center offers a wealth of data for the vehicle owner.

Blending harmoniously with the instrument panels is an integrated center stack that houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls. Flush-mounted components within the center stack have a gap tolerance of less than 1 mm, while the instrument panel-to-door panel gaps are less than 5 mm. Those tolerances are among the best in the class and contribute significantly to the Cruze’s aura of refinement and precision.

Cruze’s headliner and pillar trim exude craftsmanship, too. The headliner cover is made of a knit material that also serves as one of five layers of an acoustically designed headliner to help make the passenger compartment quieter. The interior pillar and other moldings are color- and grain-matched to the headliner, while seat inserts are color-matched to the color of the instrument panel accent trim, giving the cabin the detailed appearance of larger, upscale sedans.

New, efficient powertrains

Enhanced with its exhaust-driven turbocharger, the Cruze’s Ecotec 1.4L turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. It is standard on LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm).

Standard on LS models is an Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder that has the same basic architecture as the 1.4L turbo. Both engines are part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band.

Backing the Cruze’s new four-cylinder engines are six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Each contributes to Cruze’s excellent fuel economy and, with their carefully matched gears, enhances its fun-to-drive quotient.

With the Ecotec 1.4L turbo, Cruze’s fuel efficiency enables a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km), meaning it can go longer between fill-ups.

Cruze is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the best coverage in America.

Responsive, quiet driving experience

Complementing Cruze’s new powertrains is a strong body structure and chassis system designed to deliver a responsive and fun driving experience. The body structure is tight and stiff; and its solidity enabled engineers to more precisely tune the chassis for comfort and driving control.

A MacPherson strut suspension is used up front, while a technically advanced Watts Z-link design is used with the rear suspension. It helps center the rear axle during cornering, helping to keep the Cruze’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more balanced driving experience, as the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, as well as traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Electric power steering is also standard on all models. It helps save fuel because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on LS and LT models, with 17-inch alloy wheels standard on LTZ. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are available on 2LT and LTZ models.

Along with a responsive driving experience, the Cruze delivers quietness and refinement on the road. Hydraulic ride bushings and an isolated engine cradle reduce or eliminate vibration pathways that could be transmitted to the passenger compartment. Similarly, a number of noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are employed throughout the body structure, including 18 distinctive acoustical treatments. Examples include:

• The steel front-of-dash panel is sandwiched between two damping mats
• Nylon baffles are used in various hollow portions of the body structure and filled with sound-absorbing foam that expands when the body enters the paint oven
• The headliner comprises five layers of thermal fiber acoustic material, including a premium woven fabric on the visible outer layer
• Patches of sound-damping material are applied strategically throughout the body structure and melt into place when the body passes through the paint oven, allowing the patches to follow the contours of the sheet metal below
• Sound insulation material between rear-body structural components that is made from recycled blue jean material
• The doors have triple seals and feature fiberglass “blankets” that serve as water, airflow and noise barriers. The doors are also beta-braced, meaning they close with a solid, precise sound and no resonance.

[Source : GM-CHEVROLET]
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The year is 2030 and 18-year-old Max is off to Mazda's Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) plant just outside of Los Angeles. It is here where he will pick up his new vehicle - the one that he has been designing with the help of Mazda's "Virtual Designer" Web site. Finally, a car that is as attainable as it is exotic. It is Max's perfect fit in every way from the gorgeous shape to the absolutely perfect packaging.


During the global recession of 2008, Los Angeles, a city already known for its creative industries, began seeing a new movement of young entrepreneurs. With many of the traditional economic engines in crisis, necessity and emerging technology dictated a new economic model. For example, at the turn of the century, the recording industry was turned on its head when technology-enabled youth created records and shared them from their home computers. In similar fashion, Los Angeles became a hub of 16 to 23 year olds creating their own brands and products on desktop 3D manufacturing software. Educational institutions began restructuring their curricula to teach this "micro-manufacturing" model of entrepreneurialism. Never before had there been such a variety of brands and products. The phenomenon soon went global via the virtual Web -- an evolution of the Internet.

Mazda quickly took notice. Recognizing the historically slow pace of the auto manufacturing industry and comparing it to this nimble and youthful movement, Mazda began assembling a new creative outlet for its design and manufacturing activities. A new virtual-reality based Web site - VMazda.com - was created and is now home to an unprecedented level of entrepreneurship and creative expression for young people. VMazda is a design playground that allows young enthusiasts to experiment with, build and share their automotive dreams in a virtual world at no cost. Mazda Design Mentors guide users through several areas of design in order to create successfully branded Mazda vehicles. VMazda acts as a talent pool to identify future Mazda designers and has eliminated the need for customer clinics. Future customers and mass trends are identified simultaneously.

Max has been using VMazda for the past year, slowly creating and refining his dream vehicle with Talvin, one of the Mazda Design Mentors available to him. With Talvin's guidance, Max has created a compact two-seat sports vehicle, placing the driver's seat front and center, tightly wrapping its mesh-like surfaces around the driver's seat. With this new type of rapid manufacturing, Max's vehicle has no limits when it comes to shapes and surface treatment. If Max can dream it, he can build it!

The sustainable composite mesh surfaces provide strength, rigidity, and translucency (for high visibility), while also becoming an aesthetic of Mazda products. Max wants a car that is as thrilling to drive as it is practical for his daily needs. The extra seat is for his girlfriend, and he has opted to add a small storage area for models he carries around for his desktop product-design business. A totally unique asymmetrical layout is created, with a graceful S-curve defining the architectural spaces from plan view. Max now has enough of an income to bring his virtual car into reality and eagerly heads to his nearest DDM plant where his car is rapidly manufactured from sustainable materials grown on-site. Once there, Max watches as his beast is born. The design that Max has created is incorporated into standard Mazda components such as the electric wheels and the energy storage cell, which doubles as the floor.

Max has entered into a contract with Mazda similar to the one with his cell phone. Because manufacturing costs have been drastically reduced, he will pay a low price for his new car (about $2,000 in 2010 dollars). This price pays for the physical property (like an iPhone or Blackberry). During this two-year contract, Max will pay a monthly bill for the energy used to power his car (like AT&T or Sprint). After the two-year period, Max will return to a Mazda DDM plant and "renew" his car if he wishes to do so. All materials in the car will be re-used to create another new vehicle that fits his evolving needs and desires.

Max climbs into his new car -- a minimal, lightweight sports coupe. It is dramatically proportioned and ornately detailed. Most digital communication and information devices are now integrated into clothing and fashion accessories. As a result, Mazda has removed these redundant and costly devices from the interior in favor of driver-focused, lightweight performance. The interior contains only the essentials: seats, steering wheel, throttle controls and a display surface. Every penny spent to manufacture a Mazda vehicle goes into creating a race car-like experience. Max accelerates onto the freeway as acres and acres of sustainable corn and bamboo fields race by...



[Source : MAZDA]
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The Carrera was held all through Mexico along the famous Panamerican Hgihway and supported by the Mexican government. An especially notable race took place in 1952. Mercedes were only successful in the legendary Mercedes 300 SL with wingdoors after a fright. The co-driver was hit and injured by a low flying vulture. As a result the Mercedes mechanics built a grid in front of the windscreen to prevent such a thing happening again. A curious win which is spoken of even today.


The story is so well known to the KICHERER engineers that they built - and even named - the new AMG Mercedes SLS in honour of this sporty example. That's why as hommage the abbreviation CP can be again found in the type description.


True to the firm's philosophy to only make conclusive additions to the basic AMG form and to keep the lines of a vehicle an in essence even more sporty version of the wingdoored car was developed. Especially the aerodynamics were able to enjoy a final high class polish. In addition the developers conceived and mounted a front spoiler lip, a roof ..., a rear diffusor and larger air intakes to better cool the 6.3 litre V8 engine. All new elements developed by KICHERER are, of course, made of high class Carbon.

An immediate eye-catcher on the front of the SLS is the large handcrafted frontgrill made of stainless steel, which is optionally also available in a discreet gold tone. The optics of the vertical struts are meant to remind one of the window grill on the original Pan-American vehicle. A further highlight on the sportscar are the 3 part 20 inch RS-1 lightweight wheels. The classic double spoke design harmonises perfectly with the equally classic sportscar silhouette of the KICHERER SLS 63 CP.


At the rear of the vehicle KICHERER lets the stainless steel exhaust with four oval endpipes melodiously release the exhaust gases into the air. An integrated valve control gives the driver - fitting to the occasion - the choice between a sonorous and a discreet tone.

Various performance enhancers for the 575 PS strong aggregate are optionally available but initially only on demand.

[Source : KICHERER]
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The Mercedes GL-Class begins a new chapter with a facelift and BRABUS offers an extensive customization program for the largest Mercedes SUV. It includes the stunning WIDESTAR wide version, engine tuning including the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW of power, custom-tailored wheels with diameters of up to 23 inches and exclusive interior upgrades.



The BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version, manufactured in OEM quality from Pur-R-Rim plastics, lends all GL-Class models an even more stunning appearance. The elegantly curved fender flares add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR front apron and its large air dams give the 4x4 an even more striking face, and reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speed. Integrated LED daytime running lights and auxiliary high beams and fog lamps improve active safety further.

The BRABUS rocker panels don’t just look great, they also make entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark safer thanks to their integrated entrance lights.

The rear view of the wide version is dominated by the roof spoiler and the new rear apron custom-tailored to the wider fenders. The new bumper features an integrated diffuser, courtesy lights that illuminate the ground behind the vehicle and cutouts for the tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR version also creates room for three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION wheels in size 11Jx23. These nine-spoke wheels have a forged highgloss-polished drop center and can be fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance street tires up to size 305/30 R 23.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR can also be equipped with 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch wheels from the Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S design families.

BRABUS offers powerful tuning for all GL engines, all backed by the incomparable BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006) that sets the standard for the entire tuning industry. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil.

For the gasoline-powered V8 engines of the GL 450 and GL 500 models the top-of-the-line option is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft). Equipped with this engine the 4x4 accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra tuning kits were developed for the especially popular common-rail turbodiesel engines. The BRABUS D6 (III) module bumps rated power output of the GL 350 CDI to 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and peak torque to 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm.

Rated power output of the GL 450 CDI with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning jumps from standard 306 hp (302 bhp) / 225 kW to 350 hp (344 bhp) / 257 kW at just 3,800 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). Performance is on an accordingly high level: The tuned GL 450 CDI accelerates from 0 –100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.1 seconds, half a second faster than the production car. Top speed increases from 230 to 240 km/h (144 to 150 mph).

The sporty performance of the tuned SUV’s is ideally combined with professional BRABUS suspension tuning. A special module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the GL-Class lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). This measure not only benefits the looks of the GL. The lowered center of gravity also results in even sportier and safer on-road handling.

To further optimize active safety BRABUS also offers various high-performance brake systems for the Mercedes SUV. The largest version for the GL features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter (15.0 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers.

Individual interior exclusivity is also a BRABUS top priority for the five-door SUV. The company upholstery shop transforms customer requests into masterfully crafted fully leather interiors made from especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The BRABUS program also includes numerous striking interior accessories. The list of available options ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to sporty aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins, to an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel. Especially sporty highlights are added with carbon-fiber elements in ‘checkered-flag’ design. Also available are precious-wood inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.

Multimedia is another BRABUS domain. Special consoles for the back of the GL-Class front seats each house a seven-inch LCD screen and a DVD player. These consoles are optionally available with an electrically deployed table.

The multimedia equipment can be expanded further. The expansion options include larger screens deployed from the headliner, an on-board PC system with ultra-fast Internet connection and an MP3 player that can hold more than 5,000 songs.



[Source : BRABUS}
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• World Debut at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2009
  
• 555 hp / 408 kW, 320 km/h Top Speed and Exclusive Accessories

Even more power and exclusive accessories for the latest top-of-the-line E-Class model, the E 63 AMG: With BRABUS B63 S engine tuning, power output of both sedan and wagon jumps to 555 hp (547 bhp) / 408 kW and their top speed jumps to 320 km/h (200 mph). Also offers exclusive accessories such as sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to 20 inches in diameter and custom interior options.



The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the BRABUS B63 S performance kit. The conversion consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics. The tuning kit bumps power output of the engine from standard 525 hp (517 bhp) / 386 kW by 30 hp (30 bhp) / 22 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 to 650 Nm (464 to 479 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. BRABUS recommends fully synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

Equipped with the BRABUS B63 S kit, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds and in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit top speed jumps to up to 320 km/h (200 mph), depending on the speed rating of the selected tire/wheel combination.

To transfer the increased power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the E 63 AMG.

Minimizing aerodynamic lift is essential in a car as fast as this one. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that are as stunning as they are effective. These components are manufactured from clear-coated carbon fiber. The production front apron of sedan and wagon can be upgraded with a spoiler lip. The aerodynamics of the sedan's rear can be further improved with a diffuser and a rear spoiler.

On the front axle BRABUS aluminum sport fenders with lateral air outlets improve venting of the wheel houses and add a decidedly sporty note to the car's appearance.

BRABUS also offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for all E63 models. They are available with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest homologated version features Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in sizes 9.5Jx20 or 10.5Jx20 in back. They are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and up to size 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Exclusive BRABUS-refined interiors are also available for the Mercedes E 63 AMG. The list of accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to a speedometer with 360-km/h (225-mph) dial. The company upholstery shop creates luxury interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara to each customer's exact specifications. The perfect complements are precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.



[Source : BRABUS]
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MILTON KEYNES, UK : November 27, 2009 - The new Škoda Superb Estate is set to become both the most luxurious and most practical car ever to wear the famous winged arrow badge.


Trim levels and engine choices will mirror those of the Superb hatchback with S, SE and Elegance models available along with the same range of three petrol and three diesel engines. All engines, from 1.4 TSI to 3.6 V6 are equipped with direct fuel injection for optimum fuel efficiency, performance and low emissions. With a choice of manual or twin-clutch DSG gearboxes linked to either two- or four-wheel drive, there's a Superb Estate to suit everyone's needs.

Not to be outdone by the hatchback's innovative Twin Door tailgate, the Superb Estate's boot – the biggest in its class – has its fair share of neat touches too. All models are fitted with a pair of lights built into the tailgate to illuminate not only the load bay but also the area around the rear of the car. A third, LED light in the boot can be removed all together and used as a torch and, thanks to its magnetic body, mounted to the car's body.


The tailgate itself has an optional power-operated function while the integrated luggage cover automatically retracts when the boot is opened. Customers can also specify the variable floor which extends over the rear bumper to help with awkward loads. Those who choose SE or Elegance will further benefit from a load partition and tethering system provided in the boot as standard. And if the Superb Estate's cavernous load bay (633 litres with the rear seats in place, 1,865 litres seats down) still isn't big enough, all models are fitted with roof rails as standard. (Black roof rails on S and chrome roof rails on SE and Elegance).

To make life even easier, an optional keyless entry and starting system (KESSY) is available for the first time on a Škoda, while passengers in all five of the Superb Estate's spacious seats will enjoy the natural light offered by the new two-piece electric panoramic sunroof.

The Superb Estate will carry a premium over the hatchback of between £1,150 and £1,350 when it goes on sale in the UK in February. The estate is expected to account for a third of all Superb sales in 2010, of which fleet sales are expected to make up approximately 75 per cent.

Summary of new optional equipment available on Superb Estate:

• Electrically operated boot (with automatic retractable parcel shelf)
• Panoramic sunroof - electrically sliding and tilting
• KESSY – keyless entry and start system
• Variable boot floor
• 
  

Summary of engine range for Superb hatch and estate:

• Petrol: 1.4 TSI 125 bhp

1.8 TSI 160 bhp (manual or 7 spd DSG, 4x4 available)

3.6 V6 260 bhp DSG 4x4

• Diesel: 1.9 TDI 105 bhp

2.0 TDI CR 140 bhp with DPF (manual or DSG). Available from March 2010
2.0 TDI CR 170 bhp with DPF (manual or DSG, 4x4 available)

Škoda Superb specification highlights:

Superb S

• Seven airbags
• Alarm with interior monitoring and tilt sensor
• Light Assistant (Coming home, tunnel and daylight functions)
• Split folding rear seats
• Remote central locking
• Climatic air conditioning
• Radio with single CD + MP3
• Electric front and rear windows
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
• 16” ‘Spectrum’ alloy wheels
• ESP
• Twindoor (hatch only)
• Front fog lights
  

Superb SE (over S)

• Front fog lights with cornering function
• Four-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (for radio)
• Umbrella in rear door
• Alcantara upholstery
• Acoustic rear parking sensors
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone air conditioning
• 17” ‘Trifid’ alloy wheels
• Electrically folding door mirrors (after locking of car)
• Integrated 6CD touchscreen stereo
• Maxi-dot trip computer
  

Superb Elegance (over SE)

• Bi-xenon headlights with integrated headlight washers
• AFS (Adaptive Front-light System)
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Rain sensor windscreen wipers
• GSM III telephone preparation with Bluetooth
• Heated front seats
• Full leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable diver and passenger seats
• ‘Colombus’ colour touch screen satellite navigation
• 18” ‘Themisto’ alloy wheels
• 4 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (radio and telephone)

Škoda is the manufacturer of happy drivers:

• Škoda is the winner of Auto Express‘ Driver Power award 2009 for customer satisfaction.
• Škoda is the Best Manufacturer in the 2009 Auto Express Driver Power survey.
• Škoda has been in the top five in the JD Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction for the past 14 years.
• The Škoda Superb is Auto Express’ ‘Best Family Car 2009’.
• The Škoda Superb 3.6 V6 is Caravan Club’s ‘Best All-wheel Drive Vehicle under 1800kgs 2009’.
• 
  

[Source : SKODA]
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AACHEN : November 27, 2009 - The fifth concept car of the "TUNE IT! SAFE!" VDAT initiative has been designed mainly by BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer



"Only serious, safe tuning will bring the hoped-for driving pleasure!“ Under this motto, the Association of German Car Tuners (VDAT) every year launches a special concept car. In 2010, BMW AG is providing a BMW 123d Coupé for the Association's "TUNE IT! SAFE!“ initiative, which is also supported by the Police and the Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Road Development. Most of the vehicle accessory equipment has been supplied by Aachen-based BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer.


As in the last four years, a police vehicle has been professional converted as part of the promotion. The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d“, based on the BMW 123d Coupé, shows that safe
tuning is far from boring. VDAT-member AC Schnitzer has upgraded the 2.3 D engine to 241 HP (177 kW) and 480 Nm. The police car with 6-speed automatic transmission now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, so would acquit itself well even in the fastest pursuit. The latest AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor are fitted with tyres from TUNE IT! SAFE! main sponsor Hankook. The low, safe road position is achieved with the sports suspension from the Aachen- based specialist with 30 mm lowering. The bodystyling kit consists of two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing and rear roof spoiler. Good visibility is ensured by the "LEDayFlex“ modern daytime running lights from Hella, and optimum rearward vision by the AC Schnitzer "New Generation" sports mirrors.


In the interior, the guardians of the law could enjoy leather racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo and silver genuine carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, centre console, door handles and steering wheel, which are perfectly complemented by the aluminium pedals and aluminium foot rests. A further highlight is the G-force indicator, which measures and displays the centrifugal forces inside the car.

The concept car impressively demonstrates large parts of the tuning accessory range from AC Schnitzer. To give the BMW the essential, authentic look of a "real" police car, Foliatec supplied the original stickering and Hella the flashing lights. Even the police could - and would like to - drive the converted vehicle in public road traffic. To their regret however, the concept car will not be brought into use and is not available in this complex form. Nonetheless, it makes an important contribution towards achieving the aim of the initiative: to combat illegal, unsafe tuning and counterfeiting. All AC Schnitzer conversions are however available commercially and are of course T?V-approved.


The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d Coupé“ will be on display for the first time at the Essen Motor Show on VDAT Stand No. 406 in Hall 10 from 28 November to 6 December 2009. "Serious and safe tuning is not only a company philosophy, but it is also our mission“, emphasises Rainer Vogel, Managing Director of AC Schnitzer. And you can take this literally: Safe tuning with components from a reputable manufacturer not only brings the desired driving pleasure, but can even be lifesaving

TUNE IT! SAFE! BMW 123d Coupé by AC Schnitzer

Basic car :

• BMW 123d Coupé (E82)

Engine :

• AC Schnitzer performance upgrade performance: 177 kW / 241 HP

Exhaust :

• AC Schnitzer "Racing" tail trim, chromed

Suspension :

• AC Schnitzer sports suspension
  
• AC Schnitzer strut brace

Aerodynamics :

• AC Schnitzer front spoiler for cars with M-Technik
  
• AC Schnitzer rear skirt insert for cars with M-Technik
  
• AC Schnitzer rear wing
  
• AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler
  
• AC Schnitzer sports mirrors "New Generation"

Wheel Tyre set:

• AC Schnitzer Type IV "BiColor" wheels (with Hankook tyres)

Steering:

• AC Schnitzer sports steering wheel "EVO"
  
• AC Schnitzer carbon insert for steering wheel, silver

Interior:

• AC Schnitzer carbon interior incl. panels for door handles
  
• AC Schnitzer carbon automatic gear knob
  
• AC Schnitzer Recaro sports seats incl. side airbags
  
• AC Schnitzer G-Force display* (prototype)
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for "i-Drive system" "Black Line"
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle "Black Line"
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set, eloxed
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest, eloxed
  
• AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours

All AC Schnitzer conversions are components of the sales program for the 1 series model range (except *). They are all TÜV approved and available through BMW partners.

Police decor:

• FOLIATEC / INTAX / folioCar

Car glas foil:

• FOLIATEC SECURLUX

Light-signal system:

• Hella RTK 7

Daytime running light:

• Hella LEDayFlex

Tyres:

• HANKOOK Ventus S1 evo

[Source : AC Schnitzer]
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WOLFSBURG/SÃO PAULO : November 27, 2009 - Volkswagen will continue to pursue its growth course in Brazil over the coming years. The company will be investing a total of 2.3 billion euros in new products and manufacturing capacity expansion in the country between 2009 and 2014.


"The Volkswagen Group will strengthen its leading competitive position in Brazil over the long term with these investments," Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said. "Brazil is one of our most important growth markets worldwide. We expect demand there to rise significantly over the coming years and we are now systematically adjusting our manufacturing capacity," Winterkorn continued.

"We will enjoy significant growth in Brazil this year and win market share. Our target is to sell one million vehicles per year in Brazil by 2014, thus making an important contribution to the success of the Group’s Strategy 2018," Thomas Schmall, CEO Volkswagen do Brasil, commented.

The sum of 2.3 billion euros has been earmarked for investment in developing new products and in expanding capacity in Anchietá, Taubaté and the engine plant in São Carlos. With a daily production capacity of 3,000 vehicles, Volkswagen do Brasil is today already the country’s largest automaker. Volkswagen also has the largest dealer network in the Brazilian automotive industry with 600 dealers located across the country. Deliveries to customers by Volkswagen do Brasil have risen by 70 percent since 2005 to 585,000 units in 2008. Local production will total some 800,000 vehicles this year.

The Volkswagen brand is launching 26 product innovations in Brazil during this year and next year under its product initiative. Over the last two years, Volkswagen has completely rejuvenated its product range with the introduction of the new Gol, Saveiro, Voyage and Fox. The new Cross Fox will debut at the end of November. The Passat CC, Eos and Tiguan are available as imported vehicles.

Brazil is seen as a market with high growth potential. Statistics indicate there is at present only one vehicle per seven inhabitants. In Germany, this figure is one vehicle per two inhabitants. Forecasts indicate that vehicle density in Brazil will rise to approximately one vehicle per four inhabitants over the next five years. Deliveries by the Volkswagen

Passenger Cars brand during the first ten months of 2009 rose to approximately 529,000 units (2008: 456,500, + 15.9 percent). Market share increased by 1.7 percent to 25.7 percent. Brazil is the Volkswagen Group’s third largest market after China and Germany.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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HIROSHIMA : November 27, 2009 — Mazda Motor Corporation will collaborate with Itochu Corporation and other companies in conjunction with Tsukuba City on a joint project to test a low-carbon transport system which uses clean energy. The Tsukuba Environmental Style Test Project is scheduled to commence in March 2010 in Tsukuba city, near Tokyo, Japan.


The project aims to comprehensively assess a low-carbon energy network composed of electric vehicles (EVs), rapid chargers, fixed battery stations, solar panels and a car sharing service. Mazda will provide three Mazda Demios for conversion to EVs, and will assist in determining optimum vehicle specifications and evaluating vehicle performance.

In order to provide all its customers with driving pleasure as well as superb environmental and safety performance, Mazda has adopted a policy to comprehensively improve its internal combustion engines and then progressively combine them with electric devices. This process includes the i-stop idling stop system, regenerative braking and hybrid systems. Through its participation in the Tsukuba Environmental Style Test Project, Mazda aims to further strengthen the base of its future R&D activities. Mazda’s collaboration with various corporations and organizations will enable a broader knowledge base, including expertise related to EV infrastructure and the reuse of EV batteries. This will also benefit Mazda as it advances development of its electric drive technologies.

Going forward, Mazda will proactively work toward the establishment of a sustainable society and the evolution of environmental and safety technology based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which was announced in 2007.

[Source : MAZDA]
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• 9.09 percent shareholding in FC Bayern München AG
• Extension of partnership between two strong premium brands
• Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: “Aim is to strengthen global presence of both brands and to help promote young talent.”

INGOLSTADT/MUNICH : November 26, 2009 - The close partnership between AUDI AG and FC Bayern München AG which has existed since 2002 will be elevated to a new level: In three steps between March 2010 and July 2011 at the latest, the automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt will acquire a shareholding in FC Bayern München AG that will ultimately total 9.09 percent.


Two strong premium brands are moving together even closer: AUDI AG will extend its commitment to FC Bayern München AG and acquire 2.5 million shares at a total price of € 90 million. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Management Board of AUDI AG, says: “Through our direct financial stake in FC Bayern München AG two successful premium brands are now even closer ‘on the ball.’ I look forward to many great moments with the club, but in addition to this financial engagement, plans are underway to strengthen the global presence of both brands including, among other things, the promotion of young talent in soccer schools to be organized around the world.”

“We are delighted about the extension of our commitment which, arguably, is unique in the world of soccer,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Management Board for Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG. “Since 2002 we have been fostering a close partnership as the automotive partner of FC Bayern and now, as a premium automaker, we are taking a direct stake in one of the world’s best and superbly managed soccer clubs – from my perspective, this is a revolutionary, albeit logical, next step from which both parties will benefit.”

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the Joint Works Council of AUDI AG, added: “FC Bayern and Audi have a lot in common. Both exclusively play in the Champions League. Also, a large number of Audi’s employees keep their fingers crossed for the record champion from Munich.” And: “With its roughly 5 000 members the FC Bayern fan club of the Audi workforce founded in 2003 is the largest one of the German record champion. Now, the cohesion and collaboration between us will be intensified even further. This will be a gain for all of us.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of the Executive Board of FC Bayern München AG, is pleased with the new stake-holding as well: ”AUDI AG has been a reliable, professional premium partner of FC Bayern München, with whom we almost share a friendship, for a long time. This strategic partnership as a shareholder of FC Bayern München AG will intensify our collaboration even further. Another crucial factor for us was that in AUDI AG we have yet again gained a partner who strongly identifies with soccer, our club and our fans. I am sure that this partnership will also open up many new opportunities for us on a global level. I am thinking about the Asian market, for example, on which Audi already has a very strong presence. We look forward to our further collaboration.”

FC Bayern München AG is the sole shareholder of the Allianz Arena München Stadion GmbH.

In addition to its financial stake in FC Bayern München AG, AUDI AG will remain the exclusive automotive partner of the German record champion.

[Source : AUDI]
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CREWE : November 25, 2009 - A former London Routemaster bus, which has been luxuriously restored by Bentley Motors, has today been handed over to the hospice St Luke’s.


St Luke’s, who are based in Winsford, Cheshire, secured the double-decker bus earlier this year and appealed to the luxury car manufacturer Bentley for help in its restoration. Bentley Motors has supported the hospice for the past three years, most recently in April when it helped renovate one of the hospice’s charity shops and rejuvenated the hospice garden during a production shutdown at its Crewe factory.

This latest project has taken 2000 hours to complete with 59 Bentley workers involved The team has sought to retain many of the original features of the bus but adapt it to the needs of St Luke’s in a typical Bentley way.

This has meant using the leather for which Bentley cars are synonymous throughout, all hand stitched with the St Luke’s and Bentley logos. Other skilled craftsmen from Bentley’s woodshop, toolroom and maintenance departments developed bespoke work surfaces, rails, kitchen unit and shelves to help St Luke’s staff in their public awareness and fundraising activities.

The craftsmen are particularly proud of the “used ticket” bin, a feature at the exit of all Routemaster buses which has now been converted into a donation tin.

The Bentley production manager in charge of the project, Gary Lazenby, said:“This has been a real labour of love for all those involved. Bentley staff are incredibly proud of the cars we produce but applying those skills to a bus was a totally new experience for all. We are very grateful to the many local suppliers who provided materials free of charge to help make this iconic vehicle fit for a new lease of life.”

The bus, named Luke, will be used as a travelling shop for colleges and universities as well as an education and awareness base to visit schools and other events.

There will also be an on-board charity shop to help the hospice raise funds while on the road.

St Luke’s corporate fundraiser Karen Burns said: “Bentley’s support has been invaluable to us over the past three years and we are astounded by our new community bus.

“This is a world-first, a community charity bus finished to Bentley standard, with plush leather interiors and Bentley wings on show to promote our relationship with the organisation.

“As a charity, we could only dream about Luke undergoing such a transformation. What we have is not only unique but is also a practical tool for us to share the St Luke’s story.”

Doug Dickson, board member for manufacturing at Bentley Motors said: “Many of our associates have accrued time as the global downturn forced us to reduce production and shutdown for a number of weeks earlier this year

“We offered the team the opportunity to use some of their downtime to help the hospice and were overwhelmed with the response. Rather than stay at home, so many skilled Bentley team members volunteered to help St Luke’s. The result is a vehicle which combines the best of British luxury craftsmanship and manufacturing skill within an historic vehicle which is a symbol of British transport. We hope it helps make a difference here, in our local community.”

The bus was officially unveiled at Bentley Motors, Pyms Lane, Crewe at 11am on Thursday, November 26.



[Source : BENTLEY]
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RAYONG, Thailand : November 25, 2009 - Suzuki Motor Corporation is moving forward with its plans to take part in Thailand’s eco-car project. Suzuki received Thai approval for eco-car production in December 2007. The company put its plans on hold but then got the Thai go-ahead to start building an automobile plant. It will hold a ground-breaking ceremony at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong Province on 30 November 2009.


Suzuki plans to invest 20 billion yen in construction of an automobile plant that will have facilities for pressing, welding, painting, assembly, and engine production. It plans to start producing eco-cars at the plant in March 2012.

Suzuki is also set to reorganize its Thai automobile sales operations. It currently markets automobiles in Thailand through its local sales subsidiary, Suzuki Automobile (Thailand), but plans to gradually shift sales operations to its local production company, Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand).

[Source : SUZUKI]
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The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans. Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW, and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW's executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars.



Design: charismatic and athletic.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek hood, short overhangs, and a coupe-like roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition. Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are achieved through balanced proportions. Design features emblematic of BMW are to be found at the front with its kidney grille inclined slightly forward, in the stylish and elegant side view of the car, and at the muscular rear end.

Within the interior, precise functionality and a fresh ambience come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style, and clear orientation to the driver.

Driving experience: benchmark dynamics and exceptional comfort.

Highly advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies combine agile handling for the driver and a high standard of riding comfort for passengers. When equipped with the Sport Package, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan includes Adaptive Drive, which encompasses Driving Dynamics Control, Electronic Damper Control, and Active Roll Stabilization. Optional Integral Active Steering will virtually extend or shorten the vehicle's wheelbase for improved stability at high speeds and enhanced agility at lower speeds.

At launch, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan will be available with one V-8 and one inline-6 gasoline engine. The top-of-the-range BMW 550i arrives with BMW's "reverse-flow" V-8 engine featuring twin turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for maximum output of 400 hp. The new inline-6 of the BMW 535i features a single twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision direct injection, and, for the first time, VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology. It delivers a maximum output of 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. The 535i and 550i will be available with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission, BMW's new 8-speed automatic transmission, or new "Sport Automatic" 8-speed.

Later, the BMW 528i will debut with a 240 hp inline-6 featuring lightweight magnesium-aluminum construction and VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology for efficiency and unparalleled responsiveness.


BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 Series increasing the lead.

BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are featured in appropriate combinations on each model, including features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, a gearshift point indicator, active cooling air flaps, and on-demand operation of engine accessory drives. Lightweight materials are used intelligently to balance the vehicle and lower its overall weight. For example, components such as doors, hood, front fenders, and suspension assemblies are made of aluminum.

Innovative driver assistance systems.

The driver assistance systems offered with the new 5 Series include an all-new Parking Assistant, Top View cameras, and Frontal Collision Warning with application of the brakes when ordered with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go. Other driver assistance features available include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.


Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.

The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive story of success. In the course of five model generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units. Now the new model is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also featured in the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans.

Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series at BMW Plant Dingolfing, together with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production with the highest standards of quality.

The New BMW 5 Series In Detail

Design: Tailored Elegance and Sporting Aesthetics.


Exterior: Dynamic proportions in perfect balance.

The proportions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are defined in archetypal BMW style by the long wheelbase and hood, short overhangs, aft-set greenhouse, and the coupe-like flowing roofline. The slightly wedge-like shape of the body creates a sporty, forward-moving character. The fresh interpretation of BMW's signature Hofmeister kink at the bottom of the C-pillar further emphasizes the dynamic looks of the car in profile.

The entire silhouette is superbly balanced, providing a clear indication of the near-perfect front-to-rear weight distribution for all engine variants. Measuring 2.97 meters or 116.9", the wheelbase of the new BMW 5 Series is the longest in the car's segment, while the sculptural design again distinctive of BMW provides a smooth flow of lines from the front along the side to the rear, creating a body where everything fits together as if out of one mould.

Charismatic front, elegant side, muscular rear.

The expressive front end of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan presents the sporting character of the car. The upright BMW kidney grille - even appearing from some angles to lean forward - symbolizes the forward-pushing motion of the sedan and, together with the powerfully flared wheel arches, gives the front end of the car strong charismatic presence.

In conjunction with the BMW Adaptive Xenon headlights (optional on 528i), the daytime running lights incorporate quite unmistakable LED corona rings, while the direction indicators moved far to the outside are made up of ten LED units each. As a final highlight, an LED focus light marks the upper edge of each headlight unit.


Above the striking contour line running along the car at the height of the door openers, a slightly flared shoulder surface, together with the coupe-like roofline and the stretched window surface, gives the glazed section of the passenger cell a light and stretched look despite its size. Further down the body, concave modeled surfaces create lively light and shade effects emphasizing the sporting character of the sedan. Greater curvature around the rear wheel arches, finally, bears clear testimony to rear-wheel drive typical of a BMW of this kind.

The dynamic lines of the car are further enhanced by the strikingly compact counter-swing at the bottom of the C-pillar. Featuring the smallest radius at this point ever to be seen on a BMW sedan, this re-interpretation of the typical Hofmeister kick underlines the stretched silhouette of the car and gives the passenger cell a light and low appearance.

Running parallel to one another, the contour and sill lines rise up dynamically, the former stretching out from the front wheel arch all the way to the rear lights to create the elegant and dynamic look of the car from the side. The sculptural shape typical of a BMW established in this way makes the side sections and the rear end literally flow into one another.

The contour lines continue into the contours of the rear light clusters and finally come together above the license plate. Seen from the rear, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan also stands out through the concave surface between the contour line and the wheel arches giving the body a distinctly recognizable waist. The flared wheel arches and the horizontal breakdown of the rear end, in turn, strongly emphasize the powerful stature of the sedan, the wide track and the wheels ending flush with the wheel arches further enhancing this impression.

The L-shaped rear light clusters again reflect the typical look of a BMW and provide that unmistakable night design. Three rows of LED lights form the look of homogeneously glowing bodies again quite characteristic of BMW. And last but not least, the direction indicators and brake lights also come in LED technology.

Interior Design


Modern cockpit with clear orientation to the driver

The cockpit is inclined towards the driver at an angle of approximately 7o and the asymmetrically designed center console likewise emphasizes this clear orientation to the driver. The horizontal lines of the instrument panel accentuate the feeling of space.

As in all BMWs, well-researched ergonomics allow for optimum operation of driving controls and other functions. All displays, knobs and buttons serving comfort functions are situated centrally for use by the driver and front passengers; controls for the driver's use only are to the left of the steering wheel, on or near the steering wheel, or on the front center console. The steering wheel has power tilt and telescopic adjustment and tilt-away for exit and entry; and of course both front seats come standard with 10-way power adjustment including head-restraint height.

The seating position has been improved over the former model both front and rear, with knee-room on the rear seats of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan up by 13 millimeters or 0.5". Luggage compartment capacity is 520 litres or 18.2 cubic feet, and the folding rear-seat backrest available as an option provides greater flexibility in enlarging the car's transport capacities. In addition to its 40:60 split, the rear-seat backrest also comes with through-loading and, as yet a further option, a ski-bag for additional convenience.


Instrument panel in Black Panel technology.

Like so many aspects of the new 5 Series sedan, its instrument cluster combines BMW tradition with advanced, beautiful new executions. Here the entire cluster is in a high-resolution Black Panel display, in which four classic circular instruments are most prominent; other driving-relevant displays and readouts – including Navigation if present, vehicle-monitoring functions, upcoming service requirements and other information – also appear here in their various (and function-related) graphic forms. Climate-control settings and controls are located in a second Black Panel display in the center console stack.

4th-generation iDrive: Intuitive, powerful and fast.

With the new 5 Series sedan, BMW's 4th generation iDrive control screen appears in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a dazzling 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wider range of features and functions as in the new BMW 7 Series. Displays are transreflective so that light from the sun actually enhances the images on the screen.

The instrument cluster interacts in new ways with the iDrive control display and the available Head-up Display. According to selected function, users can call up phone numbers or radio stations via the steering-wheel controls. The cluster display also augments iDrive's optional Navigation display with road-realistic directional instructions, helping the driver to change lanes or negotiate a complicated intersection. If the optional Head-up Display is activated, the relevant directions appear there.

Materials and colors: enhancing the elegance.

The choices of colors and materials further enhance the impression of personal luxury and the interior's interplay of lines and surfaces. For the dash's finely grained upper section, there are two colors depending upon the chosen interior color. Dakota leather is standard on the 550i, and available in six color schemes of which three are new; BMW's luxurious Nappa leather is optional, and available in three color schemes.

Dark Burl Ash wood trim interior trim is standard, appearing in sweeping expanses on the dash, doors and front center console; Ash Anthracite (gray tone) and another distinctive wood called Fineline Matte are optional.

The center console comes in two variants: On cars with a manual gearbox the console is split into two sections, the black surface surrounding the gearshift lever and the buttons on the optional Driving Dynamics Control oriented towards the driver. A key holder has been placed between the gearshift lever and the climate controls.

On models with automatic transmission, the space between the electronic gear selector lever and the climate control unit offers enough room for two cupholders and a key holder. A further storage compartment is located behind the iDrive Controller (where there is another cupholder on models with a manual gearbox).


Powertrain: The essence of BMW EfficientDynamics.

The new 5 Series will be offered in the United States with a choice of three gasoline engines. At its introduction, the new 5 Series will be available as a 535i and 550i. The 528i and xDrive all-wheel drive variants of all three models will arrive later in the year.

The 550i is powered by BMW's stunning 4.4-liter, 400-hp twin turbocharged V-8 engine. Compared to BMW's earlier, normally aspirated V-8, displacement is reduced from 4.8 to 4.4 liters, and incorporates twin turbochargers with High Precision direct injection. In quantitative terms, the new engine delivers its 400 hp over a range from 5500 to 6400 rpm. Maximum torque is 450 lb-ft, available over the extremely broad range of 1800 to 4500 rpm. Aside from the dramatic thrust that drivers will notice subjectively, the objective data are dramatic too: 0-60 mph is estimated to be in just 5.0 seconds (preliminary) and a top speed when equipped with the Sport Package of 150 mph. For models without Sport Package the maximum speed is limited to 130 mph.

Through its unique reverse-flow layout, the 550i's V-8 engine is able to achieve higher output without correspondingly higher fuel consumption. In technical terms, the approach involves some very new design details. For the first time, twin turbochargers and the exhaust-cleansing catalytic converters are placed between the V-8's two cylinder banks. In turn, this required the exhaust camshafts and valves to be inboard so that the path from cylinders to turbochargers (which are driven by exhaust gas) would be kept short. A key benefit of this layout becomes a more compact engine package. This is the reverse of a traditional V-8 layout, and opens a new era of V-8 engine development potential.

BMW's newest gasoline inline-6 engine will be the powerplant for the new 535i Sedan. It features a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and 3.0 liters of displacement. In addition to High Precision direct injection, the new engine is the first BMW inline-6 to be equipped with both turbocharging and BMW's VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology. The combination of these BMW EfficientDynamics technologies delivers improved throttle response from idle to redline, reduced fuel consumption, and substantially reduced emissions. The new engine is rated at 300 hp at 5800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque. The torque peak is notable for its incredible accessibility: the full 300 lb-ft is available from 1200 rpm – 5000 rpm.

Playing a supporting role: innovative new 8-speed automatic transmission.

All new BMW 5 Series models will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, which brings smooth shifting, sportiness and efficiency to new levels of perfection. Compared to the exemplary 6-speed automatic offered in past BMW models, the 8-speed's "taller" cruising gears make a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, as well as quietness. And its wider spread of ratios from lowest to highest gear enhances acceleration and response across the range of driving speeds.


Technically speaking, this new automatic's attributes have been achieved via an innovative concept that provides the two additional ratios (7 and 8) with no increase in bulk or weight. In an arrangement not heretofore employed in an 8-speed automatic, four planetary gearsets and five clutch packs are controlled in a way that no more than two of the five clutch packs are freewheeling at any given time. The modest increase in the number of mechanical elements allows the new transmission to achieve unusually high efficiency: the so-called "gearing efficiency" is higher than 98% in all eight gears. In 6th gear, it's highest of all because that is direct drive, with no gearing reduction at all. Combine this with reduced friction and the ability to keep the torque converter "locked up" more of the total driving time, and the transmission becomes very much a part of the new 5 Series' overall efficiency concept.

Two additional gears mean threefold progress: quicker shifts, greater smoothness, enhanced efficiency.

The wider spread of ratios allows the engine to run at lower speeds, mainly in the "tallest" gear, 8th. Yet even with this wider spread, the steps between adjacent gears are reduced; in turn this means a stronger, smoother flow of power during acceleration.

And for the same reason, faster shifts are a further benefit because only one clutch pack is disengaged to shift up or down by one or two gears. On the other hand, downshifting more than two gears is accomplished as a direct shift. For example, a downshift from 8th to 2nd gear is made with only one clutch pack disengagement, and thus occurs without stepping down through the intermediate gears. Thus at one instant the driver can be enjoying the quiet, fuel-efficient low rpm of 8th gear, and in the next instant getting maximum acceleration.

Manual Transmissions: Continuing a BMW tradition

BMW continues as the only manufacturer to offer manual transmissions in the 5 Series' competitive set, underlining the sporty nature of the car, as well as BMW's commitment to driving enthusiasts.

The 535i and 550i Sedans will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission in the United States, providing a level of driver involvement unique in the segment.

Brake Energy Regeneration: an energy-saving innovation.

The new 5 Series sedan continues the roll-out of BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system on US models. To save energy and reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption over time, this system manages the times at which the alternator charges the battery.

Conventionally, a car's alternator runs continuously and thus is always charging the vehicle's battery. In the new 5 Series, it charges only when the vehicle is decelerating or braking; otherwise, it freewheels and draws virtually no power from the engine. An electronically controlled clutch, similar to that used with the air-conditioning compressor, is used to engage and disengage the alternator.

Accommodating the less-frequent charging is a special, more powerful vehicle battery that can satisfy the vehicle's high electrical demands without access to continuous charging. The battery uses a technology called "glass mat," in which its internal plates are separated with saturated absorbent glass-boron silicate rather than the usual liquid electrolyte. This construction sharply reduces the battery's conversion of charging energy to heat, and can provide the necessary electrical power for longer periods between charges.

1. Chassis engineering:

State-of-the-art BMW capabilities, adjustable to suit personal tastes.

Front suspension: a new multi-link system.

Until recently, all BMW front suspension systems since 1965 1 had been of the strut type, in which a long, essentially vertical strut carries the shock absorber and participates in the suspension geometry – that is, along with the lower arms it helps determine the angles wheels take as they move up and down. With the double-pivot lower arms of most current BMW Series, the strut concept has been taken to a high level of sophistication in handling, straight-ahead stability and riding comfort. However, time and progress never stop; BMW conceptualists and engineers continually seek even better solutions. So it was that when the 2nd-generation X5 made its debut in 2007, BMW introduced a type of front suspension that achieves even better results, particularly in a large, powerful vehicle.

Now this system has made its debut in the automobile side of BMW's vehicle line, first in the new 7 Series in 2009 and now in the new 5 Series. In place of the strut, this new system has an upper lateral A-arm. The double-pivot lower arms are retained, so that on each side there are three links or arms. While the two lower arms preserve the double-pivot strut system's advantages, the new upper arm facilitates the system's handling and riding comfort by relieving the strut of its geometric duties.

Among the strengths of the double-pivot system are:

• Small positive steering offset, for best steering feel and control under all road conditions. Though the two lower arms don't actually intersect, if you visually extend their axes to a point where they would intersect, you find a "virtual pivot point" that is ideal for achieving this result. Steering offset is the "lever arm" through which road forces act on the suspension system.
• Large steering caster, for outstanding stability in straight-line driving and excellent steering return action coming out of curves.
• Space for large brakes, allowed by the arrangement of the two lower arms.

The 5 Series sedan's multi-link configuration adds further virtues:

• Reduced friction because the shock absorber (which remains essentially concentric with the spring, as it was with the strut system) no longer helps locate the wheel, and is thus no longer subject to lateral forces. This allows the shock absorbers to damp the wheels' up-and-down motions in a more efficient, targeted way, enhancing both ride and handling (particularly on uneven road surfaces).
• Anti-roll (stabilizer) bar attached to wheel carrier. This arrangement, which differs from many competitors' attachment to a suspension link, applies the wheel's entire vertical movement (up or down) to the anti-roll bar, thus allowing thinner bars to be used. Effective control of body roll (lean) and weight savings are thus achieved.
• Greater freedom to optimize both suspension geometry and shock-absorber action.

In keeping with another BMW tradition – aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung weight and thus improve road adhesion and riding comfort – most major elements of the new front suspension are aluminum:

• Upper and lower lateral links (1 upper, 2 lower per side)
• Steering knuckle/vertical link (1 per side).

Further reducing unsprung weight are the front brake calipers, which are of composite aluminum/cast-iron construction. The suspension subframe, which is sprung weight but important in terms of front/rear weight distribution and total vehicle weight, is also of aluminum. Yet more advantages are found in certain details:

• The trailing (forward) lower arm has a rubber/hydraulic cushion, which provides the most effective "compliance" for reducing road shock.
  
• The transverse (rearward) lower arm is cushioned by a finely tuned rubber element that fosters direct and precise response to the steering wheel when cornering.

Rear suspension.

The rear suspension, too, is a significant evolution for BMW. Like the front suspension, it is a multi-link system; BMW calls it the Integral system for its small, essentially vertical Integral Link connecting the upper and lower lateral control planes.

The Integral suspension concept has been in use for some years in BMW automobiles, appearing currently in the 5 and 6 Series in 4-link form. With one additional link per side, the Integral V (5-link) system moves one step closer to perfection in its combination of handling response, road adhesion and riding comfort. Here too, most major elements are aluminum, and the rear suspension subframe is also of aluminum.

This complex multi-link system controls rear-wheel geometry very precisely, minimizing unwanted effects under load changes (such as lifting off the accelerator while cornering, or hard acceleration and braking) and achieving a comfortable, supple ride. In the new 5 Series, it adds yet another capability via optional Integral Active Steering as introduced on the 2009 BMW 7 Series.

Precise and efficient: EPS Electric Power Steering making its debut in the BMW 5 Series.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the first car in its segment to feature EPS Electric Power Steering. This innovative steering system enhances both the precision and comfort of the steering process, at the same time ensuring the handling typical of BMW with maximum efficiency. Contrary to conventional mechanical/hydraulic systems, steering assistance is provided in this case by an electric motor activated only when assistance is necessary or desired by the driver. The consumption of energy is reduced to zero when driving in a straight line or when taking a corner with a steady steering angle.

Precise, smooth and harmonious set-up of the steering with the feedback typical of BMW ensures maximum steering accuracy at all times. In the Sport+ mode of Driving Dynamics Control and with DSC switched off, the degree of steering forces is slightly increased in accordance with the style of motoring desired.

EPS serves to control steering feedback from the system with particular precision. At the same time EPS comes as standard on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan with Servotronic gearing steering assistance to the speed of the car. When parking and steering at low speeds, for example, the driver hardly has to make any effort, while at higher speeds power assistance is intentionally reduced for optimum contact to the road and in the interest of well-balanced directional stability.

A further point is that EPS eliminates bumps coming from the steering and any other adverse vibrations very effectively. And by evaluating dynamic driving signals in an appropriate process, EPS gives the driver authentic steering feedback particularly under very dynamic driving conditions.

Integral Active Steering: greater agility in town, enhanced comfort & stability during quick lane changes.

Available as a stand-alone option on the new 5 Series Sedan, Integral Active Steering builds on BMW's original Active Steering system which debuted on the previous-generation 5 Series. The new Integral Active Steering adds precise measures of rear-wheel steering to enhance safety, comfort, and agility.

At the front wheels, Integral Active Steering electronically varies the steering ratio (the number of degrees the steering wheel must be turned to achieve a 1º steering angle at the front wheels) on the basis of vehicle speed and other driving conditions. This reduces the steering-wheel movements required for parking maneuvers, U-turns and sharp corners.

Also with Integral Active Steering, the rear wheels are steered up to a maximum of 2.5˚ via a servo motor acting on the track rods. At low speeds, they are steered oppositely to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle by approximately 0.5meters (1.6 feet). At higher speeds (above 60kmh / 35mph), the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the fronts, enhancing stability. Additionally, the rear-seat passenger comfort is improved thanks to reduced lateral forces in highway lane-change conditions.

The most sporting 5 Series Chassis to date.

The new 5 Series can be equipped with a Sport Package that adds Adaptive Drive, which contains several key features.

• Driving Dynamics Control, introduced on the 2009 BMW 7 Series and Z4 Roadster, allows the driver to set the ride/handling/drivetrain behavior of the car through a single rocker switch on the center console. Adjacent to the E-shift lever or manual shift lever is the Driving Dynamics Control selector (logically, on the driver's side). Driving Dynamics Control provides four standard settings that tailor vehicle behavior to different moods. The settings are Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Affected vehicle parameters include engine throttle response, transmission shift characteristics, power-steering assistance level, and Dynamic Traction Control mode (in the Sport+ setting).
• Dynamic Damping Control is an evolution of the Electronic Damping Control (EDC) that has been available on several BMW models. On the new 5 Series, Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) is combined with a slightly lowered (10mm) suspension. Dynamic Damping Control adjusts the shock absorbers to any level of firmness, quickly adapting to road conditions and the driver's demands. Suspension control is always optimum for current road conditions, vehicle speed, and load. The shocks default to the softest appropriate setting for the vehicle's speed, and when the vehicle encounters an irregular road surface, they adjust instantaneously to control ride motions, preserve ride comfort, and maintain adhesion to the road. The system is so fast that even at highway speeds the system can sense a pothole at a front wheel and adjust rear-wheel damping before it reaches the same pothole. Dynamic Damping Control is the first BMW system to vary the shock absorbers' jounce and rebound strokes (wheel moving upward and downward) both steplessly and independently; this capability results in a unique combination of desirable firmness (for handling) and excellent comfort on uneven road surfaces.
• Active Roll Stabilization. This high-tech system reduces body roll, popularly known as "lean," in cornering. It improves handling by virtue of better suspension geometry (wheel angles relative to vertical), but there is a psychological component as well: Drivers and passengers alike marvel at the "flat cornering" that results from ARS. When the vehicle enters a corner or curve, or begins an avoidance maneuver, "lateral acceleration" is generated. This is read by a sensor, which transmits a signal to the ECU. The ECU processes this signal and transmits it to the valve/sensor block. In turn, the valve/sensor block determines the hydraulic pressure applied to the anti-roll bars to control body roll.

Electronic limited-slip differential

When DSC is fully de-activated, an electronic limited-slip differential comes into play in vigorous driving. By judicious application of the individual rear-wheel brakes, DSC simulates the effect of a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential. This has the effect of better apportioning power between the two rear wheels and thus improving traction in this driving situation.

Intelligent driving dynamics: Integrated Chassis Management and FlexRay

All such driving-dynamics functions are coordinated and overseen by BMW's Integrated Chassis Management. Via sensing and analysis of a multitude of inputs, this powerful electronic control scheme applies and governs the interaction of these functions to ensure maximum stability. Under rapidly changing conditions, such as changing road surface, spontaneous steering input, abrupt acceleration or sudden braking, ICM reacts with ultra-quick and ultra-precise interventions via the DSC actuators plus – where present – Dynamic Damping Control, Active Roll Stabilization and Integral Active Steering.

For this extremely sensitive and powerful networking of functions, the 5 Series shares an electrical architecture with the 7 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo that employs FlexRay data-transmission technology. Developed by a consortium of which BMW is a leading member, FlexRay achieves heretofore unheard-of communication speed, some 20 times that previously possible. In the new 5 Series, up to 16 electronic control units can be networked; in no other competitive automobile can longitudinal, lateral and vertical vehicle motions be so precisely monitored and influenced. BMW was the first motor-vehicle manufacturer to offer FlexRay technology in production vehicles; it made its debut in the current BMW X5.

Generously dimensioned disc brakes with composite front rotors.

In this patented construction, each front brake rotor (disc) consists of two pieces: the high-carbon cast-iron outer portion, which functions conventionally as the surface onto which the brake pads grip to slow or stop the vehicle; and an aluminum "hat" in the center, which mounts the rotor to the vehicle. The concept's advantages include reduced unsprung weight, complementing the aluminum suspension in benefiting ride comfort and road adhesion.

Reduced rotor deformation under hard braking is the other benefit. This means fewer tendencies of the brakes to vibrate when hot, and reduced likelihood of rotors cracking under extreme heat conditions.

The 5 Series brake system is supported by the comprehensive functions of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). These include antilock braking (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control; each of these functions contributes to vehicle stability and some of them do so specifically during braking. Other braking enhancements via DSC include Brake Fade Compensation, which compensates for loss of braking power (fading) under hard or repeated brake use; Brake Standby, which snugs the brake pads up to the rotors upon sharp deceleration to reduce inherent lag time in brake application; and Brake Drying, which brings the pads to the rotors periodically during wet-weather driving to keep the brakes ready. Automatic Hold, a function included in the 5 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6 models, holds the brakes for an indefinite time when the vehicle is stopped anywhere, preventing rollback or creep; it can be activated or de-activated by the driver with a console button.

Wheels and tires

All 5 Series wheel/tire equipment is decidedly sporty. The 550i and 535i feature standard 18 x 8.0 alloy wheels, fitted with 245/45R-18 run-flat all-season tires. The 528i features 17 x 7.0 alloy wheels with 225/55R-17 run-flat all-season tires.

Ordering the optional Sport Package will add larger alloy wheels and sportier, summer-performance tires for all models. More information will be available prior to the on-sale date.

Innovative features

The BMW Parking Assistant: extra comfort ensured through fully automatic steering and optimum user guidance.

The range of comfort- and safety-relevant driver assistance systems offered is now being supplemented by yet another innovation: The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the only BMW available with the BMW Parking Assistant, a new system supporting the driver in safely and comfortably manoeuvring into parking spaces running parallel to the road.

The BMW Parking Assistant supports the driver from the start in choosing appropriate parking space. Ultrasound sensors integrated in the side indicators measure the length and width of possible parking spaces when travelling at a speed of up to 22 mph. The system thus looks for parking spaces exceeding the length of the car by at least 1.20 meters or 47 inches.

When the BMW Parking Assistant is not activated, this measuring process continues in the background without emitting any particular signals to the driver. But as soon as the driver comes to a stop and shifts into Reverse, the iDrive Control Display informs the driver of a suitable parking space by presenting an appropriate symbol. Once the driver has activated the system, all parking spaces sufficient for the car are presented while driving past. In both cases the driver simply has to press the Controller to use the Parking Assistant.

From this point, all the driver has to do is operate the gas and brake pedals and supervise the actual driving manoeuvre, while the Parking Assistant moves the steering wheel appropriately in order to back up precisely into the parking space available. The driver also receives functions to guide him/her though the parking process.

Acoustic and visual messages from Park Distance Control and from the Top View system help the driver in adjusting the distance from other vehicles or obstacles ahead of or behind the car in the parking space chosen.

Innovative Top View and Side View features: enhanced proximity awareness for maneuvering.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with a back-up camera providing images presented in color and in an optimum perspective in the Control Display. Interactive tracking lines show the driver the optimum steering wheel angle for parking as well as the tightest turning circle. However, the new 5 Series offers an even more advanced proximity-camera system: Top View.

Top View provides an even more comprehensive and complete picture of the car and its surroundings. In addition to the back-up camera and the PDC sensors, Top View uses two cameras in the side mirrors, and combines all three images through a central processor. This provides an overall picture presented in the Control Display showing both the car and its surroundings from a bird's eye perspective. This clear overview enables the driver to manoeuvre precisely even in confined spaces.

Side View provides specific assistance for the driver in metropolitan driving situations. Side View uses two cameras integrated in the front bumper and serves to monitor traffic moving crosswise to the vehicle. The images obtained in this way are likewise transmitted to the Control Display and provide an early overview of traffic conditions to the left and right of the car, particularly when pulling out of a narrow or unclear driveway.

Innovative combination: Frontal Collision Warning with brake activation function combined with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go.

The 5 Series' standard Cruise Control adds new functions. One is the ability to apply the brakes to maintain the set speed on longer downhill stretches; another is continuously monitoring the vehicle's lateral acceleration and adjusting the speed if rounding a curve too quickly would upset passenger comfort.

Active Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go is optional. In addition to the speed-maintaining, acceleration and deceleration functions of the standard cruise control, ACC can adjust the BMW driver's speed according to traffic conditions via radar sensors at the front of the vehicle. The Stop-and-Go function can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if traffic calls for it. After a stop of more than 3 seconds, the driver must step on the accelerator or select Resume to accelerate back to the set speed or whatever speed the radar sensors allow.

When equipped with Active Cruise Control, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan has a subsystem called Collision Warning which can apply the brakes. Collision Warning with its brake activation function triggers an alarm in two stages. The pre-warning is an optical message presented as a red car symbol in the instrument cluster and, when fitted, also in the Head-Up Display, warns the driver of the closing rate to the vehicle in front. As soon as this symbol appears, the Brake Standby function on DSC Dynamic Stability Control is activated. This ensures rapid build-up of full brake pressure in an emergency.

The second stage in the collision warning process is activated in the event of an imminent collision. When the driver is required to intervene very quickly, the system sends out an acute warning – in this case not only an optical, but also an acoustic message. It also initiates the braking process required, slowing down the car with stopping power of up to 3 meters/sec2 for a maximum of 1.2 seconds. Brake Standby function is again activated, preparing maximum brake system pressure to achieve the shortest stopping distance possible.

Active Blind Spot Detection

Optional Active Blind Spot Detection in the new BMW 5 Series warns the driver of potentially critical situations when overtaking. Using two radar sensors at the rear end of the car, the system monitors traffic conditions on the adjacent lanes, covering an area extending from the blind angle on the next lane all the way back about 60 meters or almost 200 feet. A triangular yellow light symbol integrated in the housing of the driver's exterior mirror shows the driver that a vehicle is in the critical range, thus improving situational awareness.

Should the driver set the direction indicator nevertheless, indicating that s/he is about to change lanes, the LED signal in the light will warn the driver by flashing on and off. The driver will also be warned by discreet but unmistakable vibration of the steering wheel.

Lane Departure Warning: camera-based system warns the driver of unintended lane departure even in the dark.

Employing a camera near the interior rearview mirror, Lane Departure Warning monitors road lane markings. When switched on, anytime the vehicle begins to move across a lane marking without the turn signals activated, this system vibrates the steering wheel. If the driver does activate the signals, LDW does not react. Lane Departure Warning detects unintended departure from the appropriate lane at a speed of at least 70 km/h or 43 mph. This system is made up of a camera fitted near the interior mirror on the windscreen, a control unit for comparing data, and a signal generator making the steering wheel vibrate as in the case of a Active Blind Spot Detection .

The camera incorporated in the Lane Departure Warning system monitors the road markings on at least one side of the car, a control unit calculating the position of the vehicle in relation to such road markings. The camera is able to look ahead about 50 meters or 165 feet, and is also able to respond appropriately in bends or on narrow lanes. The system even works in the dark once the headlights have been switched on, making it helpful under everyday driving conditions.

Sophisticated headlight technology with intelligent control.

Standard on the 535i and 550i, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is fitted with the latest generation of Xenon Adaptive Headlights. Xenon Adaptive Headlights illuminate the road ahead clearly and brightly under all conditions, following curves and winding routes. In the process the headlights turn in the same direction as the steering wheel, following the steering, the yaw rate and the speed of the car.

The optional Automatic High-Beam feature in the new BMW 5 Series offers additional safety when driving at night. Taking current driving conditions into account, this system switches the high beam on and off automatically as required, consistently giving the driver optimum visibility and at the same time relieving him of the chore to constantly monitor the high beam in the case of oncoming traffic.

Processing images generated by a camera integrated in the interior mirror, the Automatic High-Beam feature recognizes vehicles driving ahead in the same direction up to a distance of approximately 400 meters or 440 yards and oncoming vehicles up to a distance of about 1,000 meters or 1,100 yards. A further feature is that the high-beam is switched off automatically as soon as the surrounding light reaches a certain level of intensity and is therefore bright enough.

To avoid collisions from behind, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, like other models from BMW, feature special Adaptive Brake Lights introduced by BMW as the world's first manufacturer to offer such a feature. When applying the brakes particularly hard and when ABS is activated, drivers following from behind are alerted by the larger brake lights.

Greater safety when driving at night: BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.

BMW is the world's first car maker to offer a night vision system even able to detect individual persons. The second generation of BMW Night Vision available in the new BMW 5 Series as an optional extra sets new standards in avoiding accidents when driving at night. The main feature is a thermal imaging camera fitted at the front end of the car and naturally designed appropriately for the new BMW 5 Series. This camera provides a video image in real time presenting people, animals and other heat-emitting objects in high resolution in the central Control Display, even when they are outside of the headlight beam.

This presentation on the screen is supplemented in the case of BMW Night Vision by the automatic detection of persons on or next to the road. To provide this function, the video data is analysed by a control unit using intelligent algorithms to find pedestrians and cyclists potentially on collision course with the car.

Once the system detects a possible risk involving such persons, the driver is warned by the Control Display and the optional Head-Up Display. This warning is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists who, on account of the speed, steering angle and yaw rate involved, are on a calculated collision course with the vehicle.

Body and safety.

Intelligent lightweight construction of even greater fuel economy.

Appropriate choice of the right materials helps to balance weight on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, enhancing both the agility of the car as well as its fuel economy and emission rating.

This optimization of weight comes together with a further increase in passive safety and is possible through the appropriate use of high-strength multi-phase steel, ultra-high-strength hot-moulded steel, and aluminium.

The large share of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel gives the safety passenger cell of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan maximum stiffness and stability without the additional use of material. The positive properties of the steel used allow an increase in mean body strength and stiffness by 55 percent over the former model.

The torsional stiffness of the vehicle as a function of its footprint and weight has also been significantly improved. Spring supports made of pressure-cast aluminium enhance the driving dynamics of the new BMW 5 Series in two respects, making the entire front section even stiffer and, through their low weight, further improving the overall balance of the car.

For the first time the doors of the BMW 5 Series Sedan are made of aluminium, reducing weight by approximately 23 kg or 50 lb versus a conventional structure. The front side panels, the hood and a large number of the front and rear axle components are also made of this particularly light metal.

Exemplary occupant protection.

Robust structural members, generously dimensioned and precisely defined deformation zones, and sophisticated electronically controlled restraint systems constitute the 5 Series' state-of-the-art concept of occupant protection. In a frontal crash, impact forces are channeled over multiple paths into the floor structure, side members, front bulkhead and roof; absorbed in deformation zones; and just generally kept away from the passenger compartment. For the force paths, multi-phase and heat-treated steels are employed extensively.

In the interior, 2-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain-type, front-to-rear head protection are all standard equipment, controlled according to crash type and severity for optimum effect. Airbags that are not needed for the impact at hand are not deployed, yet remain ready to deploy in case of a secondary impact. The power tilt/telescopic steering column includes a robustly dimensioned deformation section, improving its ability to protect the driver from structural intrusion into the cabin.

All seating positions are equipped with 3-point safety belts; all have force limiters, the front ones also adding automatic tensioners plus pre-tensioning during emergency braking. For protection against head and neck injuries in a rear-end impact, the front seats include active head restraints, which deploy up to 2.36 in. forward and 1.57 in. upward as required – all between the time the rear impact begins and when the occupants' heads would be thrown rearward.

The rear outboard seating positions are equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing a child restraint seat.





[Source : BMW]
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MONTEREY, Calif., Nov 24, 2009 - The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team from Chrysler Group LLC arrived at Laguna Seca raceway today on a mission – to recapture the production car lap record at the world-renowned road course in Monterey, Calif.



Mission accomplished.

Chris Winkler, an SRT vehicle dynamics engineer piloted a black and red 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) to a lap record of 1:33.915 as recorded by Motech in-vehicle data recorder (1:33.944 - as unofficially recorded by trackside clock) around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course, shattering the previous lap record by more than 1.1 seconds.

“It was definitely exciting but a somewhat uneventful lap overall from behind the steering wheel,” said Winkler, who is still learning the intricate details of Laguna Seca raceway, having spent only one other session on the course. “The Dodge Viper ACR has amazing power and handles like a dream, so following my first practice here last month, I came away pretty confident that we’d be able to set a new record.”

In 2008, professional road racer Randy Pobst, drove a 2008 Dodge Viper ACR to a one-lap, production car record of 1:35.117 at Laguna Seca raceway while working with Motor Trend. That record stood until August 6, 2009 when the most recent record of 1:35.075 was established by a one-off exotic prototype.

Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand and Senior Vice President, Product Design Office, Chrysler Group LLC, was impressed with the Viper’s performance. “I’ve been closely tied to this car my entire career and even after owning one myself for some time, I’m still amazed with what the Dodge Viper can do on and off the race track,” Gilles said. “After our record-setting lap at the Nürburgring circuit, we’re excited to set a second performance benchmark record at another world-famous road course.”

The Dodge Viper is going into the final year of production for the current-generation model. Approximately 500 Vipers will be produced in 2010.

“We’re going to keep Dodge’s performance icon alive and well by not only producing some of the most special Vipers ever built, but we’re also investigating what the next-generation Viper is going to be,” added Gilles. “When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports carmakers in the world, the future opportunities are huge.”


2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper ACR remains the ultimate purpose-built, street-legal track car since its introduction in 2008.

New for the 2010 model year is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. This improvement is a direct result of SRT’s experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in a higher speed capability and potentially a shorter elapsed time.

The Dodge Viper ACR also receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes result in an increase in top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph).

Powered by the venerable 8.4-liter, V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Viper ACR continues to offer extreme performance, including 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat.

The Dodge Viper ACR with optional Hard Core Package is more than 80 lbs. lighter than the production SRT10 and offers race-ready hardware and competition tuning for optimal on-track performance.

The four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, KW suspension with two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.

The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber “fanged” splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will make its worldwide auto show debut on Dec. 2, 2009 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

[Source : CHRYSLER]
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BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT CEDEX : November 25, 2009 - The return of the Gordini name is to be marked by the introduction of a new chic and sporty version of Renault Sport's pocket rocket which takes a current-day stance on the cues long associated with the Gordini world. Just as it did in the past, the combination of French racing blue, white racing stripes and stylish, quilted-leather upholstery forms an integral part of the package, with a distinctly modern touch. The latest version of Renault's city car, which will appeal to customers looking for a distinctive vehicle with an assertive character, exudes an unmistakably French feel and stands out as a fitting homage to everything the Gordini signature stands for. Twingo Gordini R.S. is being premiered until January 10, 2010, at the L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elys?es, in Paris, as part of the prestige showroom's 'Christmas in Blue' exhibition. It will then go on sale across Europe from March 2010.



Looks redolent of the world of sport

Twingo Gordini R.S. features a gleaming Malte Blue lacquered metallic finish, plus two white racing stripes, in keeping with tradition. The front and rear bumpers are enhanced by gloss black details, while the foglamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and lip spoiler are all picked out in a contrasting white finish.

'Gordini Series' badging either side refers back to the heyday of the Gordini Cup when the qualifying heats of the different meetings were known as s?ries.
This exclusive exterior styling package is rounded off by a choice of either blue or black diamond effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

The same Gordini spirit prevails inside, too, thanks to:

• Renault Sport seats with extra lateral support, plus blue and black quilted, Gordini?badged leather upholstery,
• blue leather door panel inserts,
• blue and black leather steeringwheel with two white stripes to indicate the centre point,
• blue gearlever bellows and Gordini-badged gearlever knob,
• blue rev-counter with white surround,
• trimmed dashboard cowl with visible stitching.

Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.: A Renault Sport model first and foremost

To ensure that it befits Gordini's glorious motor sport heritage, the latest addition to the Twingo range is based on the same performance/equipment package as the Renault Sport version:

• 'Sport' chassis with 17-inch wheels for outstanding road-holding performance that is equally suited to everyday motoring,
• a feisty, responsive 1.6-litre 133hp petrol powerplant with a distinctive, specially-tuned engine pitch under acceleration,
• precise, incisive steering for even greater fun at the wheel,
• powerful, durable braking performance.

The Twingo success story continues…

Twingo continues to enjoy considerable success in the European A-segment, with sales between January and the end of October 2009 amounting to 140,700 cars, an increase of 20 per cent over 2008. With 83,000 cars sold in France (an increase of 53 per cent over 2008), Twingo has emerged as the best-selling small city car for the second year running and accounts for almost one sale in three.

The Renault Sport versions of Twingo figure are the segment's best-selling small sporting models and contribute to promoting Twingo's dynamic image. Twingo Gordini R.S. is expected to win over customers looking for a sporty car with refined, distinctive styling. The newcomer combines the very best that the Twingo line-up has to offer with
an indisputable French touch.

Equipment associated with cars from superior segments

In addition to the existing, extensively-equipped Renault Sport version, Twingo Gordini R.S. features:

• Malte Blue or Pearlescent Black metallic paint,
• black diamond-effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels,
• automatic climate-control,
• automatic headlamp activation and rain sensor,
• cruise control with speed limiter,
• fully disconnectable ESP,
• 80W radio-CD with fingertip steeringwheel-mounted remote control, MP3 playback and
• separate display,
• RCA connectivity for personal music players (iPod, MP3),
• extra-tinted rear glass,
• independent, sliding rear seats for a boot capacity ranging from 285dm3 to 959dm3 (VDA).

'A LA CARTE' customization

• 'Cup' chassis,
• blue diamond-effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels,
• radio-CD Box with hands-free Bluetooth? telephone kit,
• curtain airbags,
• panoramic opening sunroof,
• Gordini key fob,
• Gordini carpet mats

Prices will be published when order books open in France on February 15, 2010.



[Source : RENAULT] continue reading »

SACRAMENTO, Calif. : November 24, 2009 - Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced the lease of an X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) to Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Nissan, which began development of fuel cell vehicle technology in 1996, has previously used FCVs in demonstration fleets in Japan and in California through the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), but this is Nissan’s first commercial FCV lease in North America. The Sacramento Coca-Cola lease is for one year, with an option for two additional years.


“Sacramento already has the beginning of a hydrogen infrastructure in place, and Sacramento Coca-Cola has a track record of utilizing low emissions cars, so the two companies share a green philosophy as well as a common love of things ‘zero’,” said Eric Noziere, vice president, Corporate Planning, NNA.

The zero emissions X-TRAIL FCV will be used by the bottler for sales calls and public events in the Sacramento area in promotion of its Coca-Cola Zero^® soft drink. “This is a big step in furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Bob Brown, executive vice president of Sacramento Coca-Cola. “We are really excited about the promise of fuel cell technology.”

Nissan’s comprehensive fuel cell research and development program is part of a range of eco-friendly technologies – including FCVs, electric vehicles, hybrid and improved internal combustion engines – being pursued under the Nissan Green Program 2010, a plan focused on developing new technologies, products and services leading to real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions and expanded recycling of resources.


The Nissan X-TRAIL FCV is based on the X-TRAIL SUV, which is available in Mexico, Japan and Europe. It is fitted with a Nissan-developed compact fuel cell stack, a compact Lithium-ion battery and a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. Performance is close to that of a similarly sized internal combustion engine-based vehicle. Versions of this generation X-TRAIL FCV are capable of speeds in excess of 95 miles per hour, with a cruising range of up to 300 miles.

Sacramento-based Nissan X-TRAIL FCVs have already logged nearly 300,000 miles in ongoing internal tests, with one vehicle very close to the 100,000-mile mark. “The future of sustainable mobility will depend on the simultaneous development of many technologies. Test programs like Sacramento Coca-Cola X-TRAIL FCV lease help us keep our momentum going in this arena, even as we’re getting ready to roll out the new Nissan LEAF electric vehicle in the next year,” said Noziere.

In addition to the current generation X-TRAIL FCV, Nissan earlier this year announced testing of a next-generation fuel cell stack that is 25 percent smaller than the current model and will be less expensive to build. Nissan North America recently opened a new Fuel Cell Laboratory at the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Mich. The new lab will support other global Nissan research centers and will work with suppliers and universities on various related fuel cell projects.

“Any 5th grade math student can tell you that 0+0+0=0, yet in this case zero (carbs) plus zero (calories) plus zero (emissions) adds up to a great partnership and a great way to promote both the Nissan and Coca-Cola Zero^® brands,” added Noziere.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to team up with Nissan to employ zero-emissions technology in a real life business setting,” said Don Quinn, Director of Operations for Sacramento Coca-Cola. “What better way to showcase zero-emissions technology than with North America’s most popular new zero-calorie soft drink?”


[Source : NISSAN]
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Leicester based Ford RS specialist Graham Goode Racing Ltd (GGR) is delighted to announce a range topping, fully warrantied, independently validated high performance upgrade package for the 300bhp Mk2 Ford Focus RS.


Incorporating the lessons learnt from the previously released Superchips developed ‘340’ Focus RS upgrade, GGR’s new performance conversion features comprehensive mechanical enhancements which have been carefully refined to produce a driveable, reliable, yet stunningly rapid fast road upgrade package.

The mechanical changes required for the GGR RS370FR are extensive but no internal modifications are needed to the Focus RS’s 2.5-litre, five cylinder turbocharged engine. As such the GGR RS370FR package includes:

• GGR carbon fibre Cold Air Induction System (CAIS)
• GGR large capacity air to air intercooler with alloy air diverter plates
• GGR large volume fuel injectors
• GGR silicone boost hoses
• GGR large bore exhaust turbo front pipe and sports catalyst section
• GGR specification ECU remap using Superchip’s Bluefin and firmware upgrade

Post upgrade, the Mk2 Focus RS boasts significant performance gains from just 3000rpm, with total output rising from 301bhp to a stunning 368bhp at 6383rpm, equating to a 22% increase. Torque reaches a peak output of 339lb.ft at 4997rpm (from a measured 310lb.ft on the stock Focus RS,) highlighting the flexibility of the RS370FR package.


“In our opinion, this is the optimum power and torque output for the car,” says GGR’s Technical Manager Alastair Mayne, “because even with the sophisticated Revoknuckle front suspension and Quaife ATB differential, gaining sufficient traction can be a problem. Bearing that in mind, we’ve made a conscious policy decision to limit the engine’s torque, although there’s certainly more to come from the motor if we wanted it,” Mayne continues, “because the RS370FR package is running relatively low levels of boost.”

Commenting on the release, GGR MD Graham Goode said ‘It gives me great pleasure to launch this latest Focus RS upgrade, which builds upon the success and popularity of the 340 conversion, but raises performance to a new level. I am delighted with the outcome of the work undertaken by our technical team, because the GGR RS370FR package is exceptionally fast, yet as usable and civilised as our numerous Focus RS customers expect.’

The GGR RS370FR package is available now, fully fitted at GGR’s Leicester premises for £3750.00 plus VAT as a drive in, drive out package.

For complete peace of mind, the new GGR RS370FR performance upgrade is covered by Graham Goode Racing’s own comprehensive 12 month / 30,000 mile breakdown warranty.

A demonstrator Mk2 Focus RS, featuring the GGR RS370FR package and further exciting dynamic enhancements is available now for media testing purposes, by appointment only.

Please contact our PR agency, Knivett Communications, for more information.

The GGR RS370FR Focus RS package in detail

GGR Carbon Fibre Cold Air Induction System
Designed in house at Graham Goode Racing’s famous Leicester premises, the GGR RS370FR Focus RS CAIS has been developed by Mark Exon of GGR’s experiencedtechnical team, to overcome the performance shortcomings inherent with the factory RS airbox design.

“All Mk2 2008 onwards Ford Focus (apart from ST,) including the RS derivative, now use the same airbox whether they running a 1.6-litre diesel engine or a 2.5-litre turbocharged powerplant,” says GGR’s Technical Manager Alastair Mayne. “On the new RS model Ford’s sole modification compared to the standard Focus airbox is an additional cold air feed pipe which picks up from the top of the slam panel, but even this is shrouded where it emerges within the airbox casing,” Mayne explains.

GGR’s testing process highlighted that even on a standard RS – let alone a tuned car – the stock airbox’s low flow capacity is liable to present a serious performance compromise.

Additionally, down stream of the standard air box itself the flexible feed pipe that links up to the alloy intake ‘cross over’ pipe has a tendency to collapse inwards due to insufficient structural rigidity and flow restrictions of the standard air box assembly. “Whilst this isn’t a problem on a standard RS Focus engine, the flow requirements at higher boost levels as on the RS370FR means that this pipe distortion presents a major performance restriction,” Mayne explains.

Bearing these factors in mind, GGR’s technical team has leveraged its experience on the Focus ST to produce a state of the art CAIS that truly befits the RS model. Starting at the cold air scoop, the GGR CAIS boasts a slam panel fresh air pick up that’s nearly 100% larger in cross sectional area than the Ford original.

In turn this feeds through a large volume inlet directly into the body of the GGR CAIS, which is produced from a single piece of high quality carbon fibre.

Internally, the GGR Mk2 Focus RS CAIS utilises a high flow K&N cone filter element rated to 500bhp, which fixes to a CAD designed spun aluminium radiussed bellmouth, which is specially designed to channel air into the CAIS outlet pipe.

The outlet pipe itself is produced in house at GGR from top quality triple layer silicon hose, and this element of GGR’s CAIS is offered in a choice of colours including green, blue and white (more colours are available on request.)

In practical terms, the GGR CAIS flows 5% more inlet air than the stock Ford airbox, enabling the unit satisfy the breathing demands of a 368bhp engine with ease.

GGR large capacity intercooler
The standard Focus RS air to air intercooler was identified by GGR’s technical team as a major performance shortcoming early on in the development program of the car. “Controlling the air charge temperatures (ACT’s) on any car – particularly a turbocharged vehicle – is critically important to optimise performance,” says GGR’s Alastair Mayne.

“As part of technical development process we monitored the ACT’s on the Focus RS and found that they were high enough to cause problems, even when the car is running at standard power levels,” Mayne comments.

Therefore GGR’s challenge for this next level of upgrade was to develop an intercooler which was much more effective than the factory version, yet could be installed into the front of the Focus RS without bodywork alterations. “It is critical to our Focus RS customers that any unnecessary modifications are avoided,” says Mayne. “These are cherished cars and accordingly, the design of GGR’s upgrades needs to respect that.”

Ultimately, after two months of development, the end result is a tube and fin alloy intercooler with a cooling surface area some 96% larger than the original, which also features a highly efficient core (the same design used on the Williams / Palmer F2 cars) and special alloy flow diverter plates designed to channel air into the unit.

“On the road and during testing on the chassis dyno the air charge temperatures haven’t exceeded 40 degrees, which is pleasing, plus the new intercooler outlet hosing design offers less of a boost restriction compared to the original Ford items. The GGR intercooler is also straightforward to fit, so we’re really satisfied with the end product.”

GGR high volume fuel injectors
During GGR’s development work on the RS370FR package it soon became apparent that the standard Bosch Focus RS fuel injectors were limiting power output. “Beyond a genuine 340-345bhp the original injectors simply cannot flow enough petrol to satisfy the requirements of the Duratec I5 engine – they are at 100% of their duty cycle,” Mayne explains.

After much research a set of new, direct replacement fuel injectors was located using GGR’s extensive European connections, with the new units flowing 26% more than the originals. “This offers us easily enough scope for the power and torque outputs we were targeting and more importantly, they retain the standard physical dimensions and fuel atomisation patterns of the original Bosch units, which realises emission and driveability benefits,” Mayne says.

GGR Silicone boost hoses
As part of GGR’s RS370FR package two critical hoses are replaced with high quality three ply silicone items. The first is the hose which links the GGR carbon fibre CAIS to the Focus RS turbo crosspipe as this is known to collapse and deform even on standard models, the second is the hose from the intercooler outlet.

GGR large bore turbo front pipe and sports catalyst section
GGR’s large bore turbo front pipe is designed as a direct replacement for the steel Ford original. Careful dyno development work has resulted in a unit TIG welded from aircraft quality T304 stainless steel pipe, featuring a smooth, mandrel bent radius and a 75mm internal diameter to minimise exhaust back pressure. “The turbo front pipe is similar in design to the well proven GGR unit used on our Focus ST upgrades. It greatly improves low down torque and allows the engine to breathe much more efficiently, which makes it a vital part of the RS370FR package,” says GGR’s Alastair Mayne.

Further downstream from the turbo outlet, GGR has replaced the standard, flow restricted production catalytic converter for a 100 cells per square inch unit, which offers emission compliance and low back pressure levels.

GGR specification ECU remap using Superchip’s platform and firmware upgrade
The significant mechanical changes undertaken by GGR as part of the RS370FR package required extensive ECU recalibration to optimise engine performance. “There was a considerable amount of work to carry out in partnership with Superchips, particularly given the large volume fuel injectors. Throughout this process our goals were very simple, to produce a driver friendly performance package and I’m confident we’ve achieved that,” explains GGR’s Technical Manager Alastair Mayne.

Extensive testing and road testing validation have resulted in an ECU map that utilises Superchip’s Bluefin platform (as with the RS340 conversion,) but with settings optimised to a GGR specific calibration designed to maximise useable power and minimise wheelspin.


[Source : NEWSPRESS]
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STUTTGART : November 24, 2009 - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is the first car maker in the world to offer a starter battery in lithium-ion technology. Weighing less than 6 kg or 13 lb, the new battery is more than 10 kg or 22 lb lighter than a conventional 60 Ah lead battery.


The new lithium-ion battery will be available as of January 2010 for the 911 GT3, 911 GT 3 RS, and Boxster Spyder as an option delivered with the car, selling at a price in the German market of Euro 1,904 including 19 per cent value-added tax.

The battery is delivered as a separate unit together with the car and may subsequently be fitted as an alternative to the regular, conventional starter battery.

The cars are delivered with both batteries, therefore they are ready for use throughout the whole year. Since, while the lightweight battery offers a very high standard of everyday driving qualities, its starting capacity is limited at temperatures below 0o C or 32o F due to its specific features.

The primary reason for developing and introducing the new battery was its lower weight. In sports cars built consistently for superior driving dynamics such as the two versions of the 911 GT3 and the Boxster Spyder, less weight naturally means even greater agility and driving dynamics.

In its length and width the lithium-ion battery comes in the same dimensions as the regular battery, but is approximately 70 millimetres or 2.8” lower. The fastening points, electrical connections and voltage range are fully compatible with the respective models, allowing simple and quick replacement of the standard lead battery by the lightweight unit, for example when racing on the track.

With its nominal capacity of 18 Ah, the lithium-ion battery, through its specific features, offers a level of practical output and performance not only comparable to that of a 60 Ah lead battery, but rather even better in many cases.

On a conventional car battery only about 30 per cent of the total capacity is actually available for practical use due to the configuration of the system, while this restriction does not apply to the lithium-ion battery. On the contrary, through its characteristic structure – and, in particular, the independence of the chemical composition of the electrolytes from the charge status – a lithium-ion battery consistently offers almost 100 per cent of its capacity.

Delivery of power by the lithium-ion battery throughout its useful charge range is likewise significantly better, providing its full power, for example, when starting the engine almost independently of the current charge level.

After the engine has started, the new Porsche battery shows further benefits in the charge process, being able through its smaller internal resistance to take up more power than a conventional battery and thus re-charge more quickly.

Yet a further benefit is that a lithium-ion battery allows a significantly greater number of charging and discharging cycles, plus the two further advantages that the self-discharging effect is lower and the service life of the battery longer.

The lithium-ion battery being introduced by Porsche as the pioneer in this area is made up of wound film of carbon and iron phosphate with a ceramic film moisturised by the electrolyte serving as a separating layer in between. Compared with other types of lithium-ion batteries using a combination of manganese oxide, cobalt oxide or nickel, this lithium-iron-phosphate battery, as it is called, offers advantages when used as a starter battery. It is robust and consistently guarantees the usual voltage of 12 V in the car’s on-board network.

The lightweight battery is made up of four cells and integrated control electronics. This battery management system protects the battery from major discharge and guarantees a consistent charge level within the individual cells. Once battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, a warning signal reminds the driver to re-charge the battery either simply by driving the car through the power of the engine running or by means of a conventional battery charger.

The new lithium-ion battery will also be available for retrofitting from February 2010 on the three models mentioned from Porsche Tequipment. The sales price in Germany when retrofitted after delivery of the car is Euro 2,499 including 19 per cent value-added tax.

[Source : PORSCHE]
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LOS ANGELES : November 24, 2009 - Subaru of America, Inc. is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Available in an initial limited run of 125 units, the WRX STI Special Edition features upgraded performance suspension (derived from the Japanese domestic market spec C), unique Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. Pricing will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.


Also at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX Limited model, which adds a leather interior, standard moonroof and SIRIUS^® Satellite Radio over the feature content of the Impreza WRX Premium model. Turbocharged excitement remains courtesy of the 265 HP, 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine powering Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system through a five-speed manual gearbox.

WRX STI Special Edition

The 2010 WRX STI Special Edition is aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. Suspension for the new version of this high-performance machine is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded and retuned springs. The front springs are 16-percent stiffer, while the rear shocks have been stiffened by 29-percent.

Available in early Spring, the first 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition will be painted in exclusive Aspen White, set off by the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C. The WRX STI Special Edition will then become a regular production model later in 2010, available in standard colors.

The WRX STI Special Edition was developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD /10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and body color side mirrors.

All other aspects of the WRX STI Special Edition remain as on the standard model, including the 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. The car's bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional.

The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI, offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential locking settings. The WRX STI is in addition equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system features three driver-selectable positions. On all WRX STI models, the 18-in. wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.

The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front seat side airbags are standard. The Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

[Source : SUBARU]
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MACAU, China : November 24, 2009 - SEAT did it again. Like last year the Spanish Manufacturer won both the WTCC titles with its León TDI cars. Gabriele Tarquini dethroned his team mate Yvan Muller and SEAT beat BMW in the Manufacturers’ Championship fight.



However, if in 2008 SEAT secured both championships at the penultimate event, this year they had to wait until the second race in Macau. And the 3-point winning margin (out of the 314 scored by SEAT) say clearly how much the battle was clos in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

BMW won ten of the 24 races, while SEAT won eight, but Jaime Puig’s wonder quintet (Tarquini, Muller, Gené, Rydell and Monteiro) was extremely consistent at scoring points. And this made the difference.

Race Fact :

Recovering from two major crashes on Thursday and Friday, Gabriele Tarquini claimed the 2009 FIA WTCC crown and in the process he set a couple of new records: he has become the oldest FIA World Champion ever and scored the highest number of points ever for a WTCC season.

The 47-year old Italian eclipsed Juan-Manuel Fangio’s record that lasted since 1957, when the Argentine ace claimed his fifth F1 title. Tarquini is also the first Italian to win an FIA world championship since Teo Fabi in the 1991 World Sportscars Championship.

“Experience is a crucial factor to survive touring car tough racing. So the age is not so important. And I still feel young enough to be competitive,” the new champion said.
Consistency was also a factor in Tarquini’s approach to the world title. He claimed only three victories against Augusto Farfus’ six and Yvan Muller’s four, but he scored points in 22 races out of 24.

“WTCC is such a competitive championship that you have to focus on scoring points. In the past I paid scoreless races dearly. So I changed my approach, focusing on qualifying (he took five pole positions this year) and then looking to convert the pole in a win or a podium position in Race 1. Finally I tried to score points in the second race. It worked, but to beat Yvan and Augusto I had to collect 127 points, which is a record… 13 more than Yvan’s last year’s score!”





[Source : 2009 WTCC - Official]
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MILTON KEYNES, UK : November 20, 2009 - To celebrate the 110th anniversary of engine building at its Mladá Boleslav plant, Škoda Auto is delighted to announce that it will produce the latest generation, 1.2 TSI power unit at this historic site. The hi-tech 105bhp engine, which debuts in the new Yeti, will feature in Škoda, Audi, Volkswagen and Seat vehicles.


The all-new engine is a far cry from the flame-ignition motorcycle unit produced by company founders Laurin and Klement in 1899. It features both direct fuel injection and turbocharging technology to maximise the low CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption characteristics of a small-capacity engine but with the power and driving pleasure of a much larger one.

“This brand new TSI engine provides a unique opportunity of combining environmental friendliness with a well-balanced driving performance,” explains Škoda Auto BOD Chairman Reinhard Jung. “With substantially lower CO₂ figures, this new engine needs to be seen as a contribution to a significant reduction of average emission volumes in our cars.”

The Mladá Boleslav plant will produce the 1.2 TSI engine alongside two versions of the 1.2 HTP three-cylinder engine as well as assembling 1.4 MPI, 1.4 TDI PD, 2.0 TDI PD and 2.0 TDI CR diesel engines. Engine production provides work for 600 people, with2,800 units built every day. Engines and gearboxes from Mladá Boleslav can be found in engines and gearboxes across the VW Group.

[Source : SKODA]
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WOLFSBURG : November 20, 2009 - Project title defence : Volkswagen will again contest the famous Dakar Rally in January.


One year after the triumph of the Wolfsburg-based automobile manufacturer at the debut event in Argentina and Chile – the first in the history of the legendary desert marathon by a diesel-powered automobile – Volkswagen will compete with five Race Touareg vehicles – and with a new sporting challenge: to again bring home the trophy to Wolfsburg. But what does the 32nd edition of the Dakar Rally mean for the five driver/co-driver duos in terms of the sport? What challenges are posed to the technology? And how will the complex logistics be organised?

Answers to these and other questions are provided in several press kits addressing various topics. The press kits containing information, brief interviews and facts sheets are provided by Volkswagen for downloading as part of the media countdown for the 2010 "Dakar”.


Extreme athletes on four wheels: the Race Touareg

The evolution of a winner: When the Dakar Rally kicks off on 01 January 2010 with the ceremonial start in Buenos Aires the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 will move across the starting ramp with detailed improvements. Last year's winning vehicle has been designed to master any type of terrain at racing speed: The world's hottest desert? – Awe-inspiring altitudes at two crossings of the Andes? High-speed stretches across gravel? To tackle these challenges, the engineers from Volkswagen subjected the roughly 300-hp "Dakar” prototype with a TDI diesel power-plant to continuous further development. "Expect the unexpected” is one of the "Dakar's” principles. The Race Touareg is ready to accomplish this feat.



[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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The highly-anticipated Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car has been unveiled at a launch ceremony at M-Sport's Cumbrian base in the UK. The new rally car, the culmination of nine months' hard work by the design and engineering team at M-Sport, was presented by M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson. Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's Senior Motorsport Manager was present as a special Ford guest during the S2000 launch.


The Fiesta S2000, M-Sport and Ford's first global rally car, which will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world as well as the IRC and S2000 World Cup, is due for homologation in January 2010. However, it will make its public debut this weekend appearing as course car at the final round of the IRC series, the Rally of Scotland.


Invited guests were given an opportunity to get a close-up look at the exciting new car which has been designed by M-Sport's award-winning Technical Director Christian Loriaux and his team led by Chief Designer Anthony Brinkman and Test Engineer Chris Gray.

Continuing their close relationship with Ford, the team at M-Sport has worked in tandem with Ford's Motorsport Technical Manager Mike Norton and the Ford small car design team that developed the acclaimed kinetic design of the Fiesta road car, to develop a dynamic and aggressive looking rally car.

The experience gained from developing the record-breaking Ford Focus RS WRC has been used by the M-Sport team to develop the Fiesta S2000 rally car while working within the new FIA Sporting Regulations which means that this car can be used by customers at both national and international level.

The Fiesta S2000 has already completed nearly 3,000 km of testing both in the UK and Europe and that extensive testing programme will continue into the start of the next year in readiness for the car's competitive debut.


The Fiesta S2000 is the latest in a long line of rally cars produced as a result of the successful partnership between M-Sport and Ford, starting with the Escort Cosworth in the 1990s and moving on to the record breaking Ford Focus RS WRC and Ford Fiesta ST.

It follows hot on the heels of M-Sport's extremely successful two wheel drive Fiesta R2, which was launched earlier this year and has already taken class victories in rallies across Europe.

The arrival of the Fiesta S2000 means that together Ford and M-Sport offer a complete ladder of opportunity for rally competitors to graduate with Ford from national level right through to the WRC in Ford cars.


M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:

"Today is a very exciting day for us. This is the first global rally car for Ford and M-Sport, I really believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies. It's the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.

"It is also the culmination of a huge amount of hard work not only by Christian Loriaux and his team, but by everyone who works at M-Sport. We have worked closely with Ford on this project, their best-selling road car, the new Ford Fiesta, has been a perfect base car and its award-winning styling and kinematics together with M-Sport's expertise will surely make the Fiesta S2000 a huge global success."

M-Sport Technical Director Christian Loriaux said:

"It's a fantastic feeling today to see the car actually launched to the world after all the hard work and testing behind closed doors. Everyone at M-Sport has had to pull together in order to get the Fiesta S2000 finished in such a short period of time and it has been a great team effort to get to this point so quickly.

"The design team, led by Anthony Brinkman and Chris Gray, has worked incredibly hard and the fact that we have been able to deliver the car to schedule is down in no small part to the commitment of the entire M-Sport team to the success of the project. We have made a very promising start in testing and I am more than pleased with the performance of the car so far; it will be interesting to see how the real pace of the car compares to the competition."



[Source : FIESTAS2000]
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Posh and Becks famously named one of their offspring after Brooklyn, and now Tony and Sam have done it… with Kia. When mum-to-be Sam Smyth felt the beginnings of labour at 02:00am on Sunday morning, she called her mother who came to the rescue in her Kia Carens.


Installed in the Carens, alongside expectant father Tony Richardson, a swift trip to Poole Hospital followed.

However, baby didn’t want to wait and at 04:30am things had progressed somewhat with Samantha giving birth to a healthy baby girl weighing in at 6lbs 7ozs in the back of the Carens.

“It all happened so quickly” said proud mum Sam, mum of three.

The couple originally planned to call the new arrival Tilley, but to celebrate her unusual arrival into the world they decided that Kia was more appropriate.

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. couldn’t ignore the chance to give a youngster a helping hand in life and immediately stepped in with an unusual gift – a newly registered 2009 top-of-the-range seven-seat Kia Carens, valued at £17,995.

But that’s not all… to help keep their new car and Kia’s birthplace in tip top condition, they’re also going to throw in two sets of waterproof seat covers, well accidents do happen with little ‘uns, and two car-car bags to keep their new Carens, and Grannie’s, nice and shiny.

Happy mum of Kia, Sam, said; “I’m just so chuffed. I can’t believe it. At the moment we only have a four seat car so this will mean we can get the family about in comfort. Thank you to Kia for arriving and to Kia for the car!”

Michael Cole, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said ‘All of us at Kia are delighted for Tony and Sam and flattered that they have called their new baby Kia after she was born in Grannie’s Carens. We know how good the Carens is for families – especially growing ones - so we thought we should help them out by giving them a Carens of their own! We would like to welcome Kia to the Kia family and wish her a wonderful life.”

[Source : KIA]
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• Cleaner, more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine
  
• Automatic gearbox now available for diesel models
  
• Revised exterior styling
  
• Built in Britain at Honda’s plant in Swindon

Honda (UK) has announced competitive new pricing and a generous specification for its new-look Honda CR-V, which goes on sale in January 2010.


The new model will be available with a new diesel powerplant – the i-DTEC – and an eagerly awaited automatic gearbox for diesel models. The top-selling SUV’s popular looks have been refreshed with a distinctive new front bumper, grille and revised rear bumper.

NVH levels are improved, with increased sound deadening around the engine and cabin, adding to the high-quality refinement of the CR-V and making it an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive. Inside the cabin, upgraded fabrics and plastics have been used to give a more premium finish; a new audio console design has been introduced.

Like the previous model, the new 2010 CR-V offers unrivalled equipment levels that, along with its ample cabin, split-level boot and ‘car-like’ handling, have made it so popular. SE grades now come fitted with newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels as standard as well as air conditioning, auxiliary socket, cloth upholstery and power-heated door mirrors.

ES grades get 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, auto-dimming mirror, cruise control, double-deck cargo space, electric folding mirrors, half leather and Alcantara heated seats, headlight washers, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, unique interior inlay trims and USB connector for an iPod, over and above the SE model.

Top spec EX models are differentiated by full body-coloured bumpers and come equipped with DVD voice-activated satellite navigation with premium audio and subwoofer, full leather upholstery with front heated seats, HID Xenon headlights and auto headlight on function, panoramic roof, rain sensor, reverse tilt mirror and 8-way driver power seat in addition to the ES specification.


Specification
Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which debuted in the latest Accord, produces 150PS at 4,000rpm (up 10PS) and torque of 350Nm at 2,000rpm (up 10Nm). It can be paired with a either a 6-speed manual transmission or the smooth and refined 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been manufactured in-house by Honda.

Manual versions of the torquey diesel CR-V crack 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds with a top speed of 118mph, while the auto makes 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed of 116mph. Fuel economy for the CR-V remains excellent at 43.5mpg for the manual and 38.2mpg for the auto.

The i-DTEC engine uses a combination of the latest injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter to create a diesel engine that’s quieter and smoother. With significantly-reduced levels of NOx and particulates emissions, it is Euro 5 compliant, and emits CO₂ emissions of 171g/km (manual) and 195g/km (auto).

The 2.0-litre petrol CR-V is also Euro 5 compliant, but remains unchanged from the previous model, producing 150PS at 6,200rpm and torque of 192Nm at 4,200rpm.

• Top speed 118mph (manual) 110mph (auto)
  
• 0-62mph 10.2 secs (manual) 12.2 secs (auto)
  
• Fuel economy 34.4mpg (manual) 33.6mpg (auto)
  
• CO₂ 190g/km (manual) 193g/km (auto)

Value for money
The CR-V has always been recognised for its high-specification equipment levels and sector-leading residual values, and the new car’s value-for-money package should continue to impress.

Petrol models

• 2.0-litre SE - £20,175
  
• 2.0-litre SE auto - £21,475
  
• 2.0-litre ES - £21,675
  
• 2.0-litre ES auto - £22,975
  
• 2.0-litre EX - £25,215
  
• 2.0-litre EX auto - £26,515
  
• 2.0-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack - £27,215
  
• 2.0-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack auto - £28,515

Diesel models

• 2.2-litre SE - £22,135
  
• 2.2-litre SE auto - £23,475
  
• 2.2-litre ES - £23,635
  
• 2.2-litre ES auto - £24,975
  
• 2.2-litre EX - £27,175
  
• 2.2-litre EX auto - £28,515
  
• 2.2-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack - £29,175
  
• 2.2-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack (auto) - £30,515

Technology packs which include Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephone, are available on all SE and ES grades for £1250.

Three new paint colours are available for 2010, Premium White Pearl, Urban Titanium and Alabaster Silver. Five other metallic paints are available – Crystal Black, Polished Metal, Sparkle Grey, Deep Bronze and Deep Sapphire Blue. Milano Red is the solid colour available as standard.


Advanced Safety Pack
Two active safety systems continue to be available on the CR-V and are unique to the SUV segment. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front; Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. These systems are optional on EX models.

The CR-V will continue to be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, where British workers proudly produce the SUV for over 60 countries. The revised CR-V goes on sale on 5 January, 2010 but dealers will be taking orders from 1 December 2009.

[Source : HONDA]
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• Production of 1,000 units begins
  
• First European electric vehicle fully operational in everyday use
  
• Available to the general public as of 2012

HAMBACH, FRANCE / STUTTGART, Germany : November 19, 2009 - This week, Daimler AG started production of the smart fortwo electric drive at the smart plant in Hambach, France. In a first step, 1,000 vehicles will be provided to customers participating in various mobility projects in major cities in Europe and the U.S., in order to generate broad feedback on electric driving under everyday conditions.


Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand: “With the start of the series production of the smart fortwo electric drive, the Hambach plant enters a new era – at the same time, the smart fortwo emphazises its pioneering role on the way to individual mobility with local zero-emissions in cities and urban areas. Its innovative battery-electric drive makes the smart fortwo electric drive the ideal vehicle for the city: it combines responsibility to the environment with driving fun and joie de vivre in a virtually perfect manner.”


The second-generation smart fortwo electric drive started now is equipped with the most modern lithium-ion-battery. As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will be produced as a regular part of the smart product portfolio and will regularly be sold through the smart sales network.
First Milestones in 2007 and 2008

The smart brand has taken a pioneering role in electric mobility since 2007. Back then, 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation went into practical customer operation under everyday conditions of city traffic in London. Feedback from this project has been very positive right from the start and confirmed the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

Just one year later, the company introduced the second generation - which is now being produced - with an even more advanced electric drive and an innovative, highly efficient lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. In addition, a smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at a regular household power outlet.
A story of success: The smart Plant in Hambach

The smart plant in Hambach was inaugurated in 1997. Since 1998, it has produced the smart fortwo, since 2007 in its current generation. In 2008, more than 800 employees of the plant and some further 800 people employed by seven system partners produced about 140,000 units of the smart fortwo. In September 2008, the brand celebrated its tenth anniversary along with the 1-millionth smart fortwo produced at the Hambach plant.

The Hambach plant has represented an innovative production concept since its beginning: The assembly line in the shape of a plus sign has been designed to optimally meet the demands of assembly and logistics and ensures highly efficient production processes. This principle enables the system partners to supply modules directly to the assembly line, which reduces transport and logistics efforts to a minimum and hereby also provides an advantage regarding ecological aspects. In addition, the environmentally friendly and cost effective paint shop, an energy concept with numerous savings opportunities and the construction principle of the vehicles ensure that the ecological product responsibility of the smart brand is translated into the production.

[Source : DAIMLER]
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YOKOHAMA : November 19, 2009 – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the new Fuga luxury sedan, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.


The all-new Nissan Fuga was created as an intelligent, premium sedan offering a tailored and vibrant experience for its driver and passengers. It combines a dynamic exterior created to appeal to the senses with a spacious, open and comfortable interior. Fuga also features a wide range of technologies, supporting Eco-driving and a high level of safety and security - including an ECO-pedal, Cornering Stability Assist and an advanced Driving Safety Support System for approaching low-visibility intersections, which was developed from the results of SKY Project.*1

Building on the strong features of the first-generation Fuga, which was originally released in October 2004, the new Fuga continues as a Nissan flagship model. Like the original, the new Fuga is expected to be highly appreciated for its outstanding driving performance, interior quality and comfort, all which go beyond the expectations of a traditional luxury vehicle.

The new Fuga is available in a range of models and in a choice of two advanced powerplants, a 2.5-liter VQ25HR engine and a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. The 2.5-liter engine model also qualifies for Japan's preferential tax scheme for environment-friendly vehicles*2 with automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax reduced by either 75％ or 50％.


A Dynamic Exterior Designed to Appeal to the Senses

Nissan Fuga's beautiful exterior design starts with its classic rear-wheel drive proportions, with a long hood and center of gravity biased toward the rear wheels. Its powerful, stable stance is achieved with low nose and deeply sculpted fenders with large-diameter wheels, while the large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design – inspired by "vigor of an ink brush" – establishes a strong presence. The sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the quality of light reflected on its surface.
The sporty "370GT Type S" package employs a special front bumper and large diameter 20-inch aluminum wheels. A choice of seven body colors help enhance the stylish exterior design, including three new colors: Deep Bronze, Grayish Blue and Garnet Black.



A Spacious, Open and Comfortable Interior

Inside Fuga's spacious interior, a high quality, enhanced luxury feeling is expressed through the use of soft, premium semi-aniline leather and wood grain panels coated with genuine silver powder, which gives them an immaculate mirror finish. At the same time, interior comfort is enhanced with a new "Forest AC" air conditioning system that creates the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting.

The interior's careful selection of special materials for different areas and functions is based on the analysis of how people's senses react when they touch things. Softer and more comfortable to the touch compared to the previous generation Fuga, the interior employs semi-aniline leather that combines a soft-to-the-touch feeling and natural texture, along with Sofiless, a special soft, smooth textured trim material.

Fuga also uses high quality luxury accents that one can feel with the senses, including luxurious door trim with refined curved plate and wood graining, a newly designed analog clock and large-diameter meters using white lighting, which enhances both the luxury feeling and visibility. Also utilized is a new center cluster and new designs for the automatic window switches, map lights and instrumental panel switches.

The dramatic wood grain panels, with silver powder applied by craftsmen, is standard on 370VIP and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 250GT, 370GT FOUR models.

The new Fuga also offers the "luxury" of a clean, pollutant-free environment through the innovative "Forest AC" air conditioning. The system is designed to prevent the flow of unpleasant air into the cabin, while creating the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings (standard on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

In addition to a conventional exhaust sensor, the system systematically controls ventilation by detecting various odors, such as from smoking in the cabin or animals outside the vehicle, to prevent the inflow of unpleasant air into the passenger compartment. The new-generation plasmacluster ion*3 system generates and supplies plasmacluster ions at higher densities than previous systems. These ions maintain cabin air quality by improving reduction of airborne microbes, decomposing and removing mold or viruses, and minimizing adherence of odors on the interior trim surfaces. A high-performance grape seed polyphenol filter is also utilized, which is designed to more effectively remove pollen and dust mites and deactivate allergens in the cabin.

The Forest AC's aroma diffuser provides two unique aromas, borneol and leaf alcohol, to alleviate boredom and stimulate the driver's brain. A sense of fluctuating natural breezes is created by the randomly changing volume of air flow, further enhancing passenger comfort.

The Fuga interior also offers an enhanced Personal Driving Position Memory System, which recognizes each driver through the individual Intelligent Key used to unlock the door. Unlike previous systems that only adjusted seating, steering wheel and mirror positions, the new design also retains the individual's air conditioner, navigation and audio system preferences as programmed in advance. Two people can program original settings (standard on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

Other advanced systems designed to support interior comfort are the HDD CARWINGS Navigation System with Built-in Terrestrial Digital TV Receiver and the concert hall-quality Bose® Surround Sound System*4 (a factory-installed option on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).


Driving Exhilaration and Environmental Technologies

The new Fuga utilizes a number of advanced technologies to provide enhanced performance and improved fuel economy versus the previous generation Fuga. The 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine, equipped with Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system, provides sharp response, high power and high torque. Rated at 245kW (333PS) at 7000 rpm and 363N・m(37.0kgfm) of torque at 5200 rpm, it achieves responsive acceleration, improved fuel efficiency and cleaner exhaust.

The 2.5-liter VQ25HR engine offers 165kW (225PS) of power at 6400 rpm and 258N・m (26.3kgfm) of torque at 4800 rpm and achieves the best fuel efficiency in its class, along with sharp engine response and acceleration.

The 2.5-liter engine model qualifies for the preferential tax scheme for environment-friendly vehicles. Automobile acquisition tax and the automobile weight tax are reduced by either 50％ or 75％.

Both engines are mated to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Improved fuel efficiency and more direct acceleration are provided by the significantly expanded lock-up region at all speed ranges higher than second gear (compared to the previous 5-speed automatic transmission). A neutral idle control, which lowers excessive fuel consumption while idling, is also employed.

In addition, based on information from the navigation system and radar, gear changes and the lock-up region are optimized depending on driving conditions such as curves, intersections and distance to vehicles ahead. The frequency of the fuel cut increases and cooperative control of the navigation system and the radar, which supports eco-drive, is also newly employed. (Radar control based on distance to vehicles ahead is applied in vehicles with Intelligent Cruise Control.)

Fuga's body and suspension are also significantly enhanced versus the previous generation Fuga design. With its highly rigid and low-vibration advanced body structure, world-leading handling stability, driving comfort and quietness are achieved, while the lowered rigidity of insulators for the newly developed rear suspension significantly reduces road noise. The optimized link configuration reduces pressure from the ground on rough roads and improves handling stability at all speed ranges.

New double-piston shock absorbers are utilized with the Fuga Sports-tune Suspension (standard on 370GT Type S) and Comfort Suspension (standard on 370VIP, 250GT Type P, a factory-installed option on 370GT, 250GT, 250GT A Package). With damping force controlled according to frequency of input power from the ground, the double-piston structure reduces body sway and vibrations from the road surface that can be felt in the back or feet, thereby improving ride comfort.

Fuga's advanced environmental technologies include a new ECO-pedal, which provides information to the driver for more fuel-efficient driving, and an ECO-mode (part of the Drive Mode Selector) that improves the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

The ECO-pedal, which works when the driver chooses ECO-mode, provides immediate and constant driver feedback. If the driver exerts excess pressure on the acceleration pedal, engine revolutions are increased and fuel efficiency deteriorates. The system counteracts these actions in advance with a pedal push-back control mechanism, alerting the driver through subtle pressure against the foot. Tests have shown that effective eco-driving behavior with ECO Pedal drive assist contributes to improved fuel efficiency of 5-10％*5 in most driving conditions. The ECO-pedal is standard on 370 VIP, and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT FOUR, 370GT, 250GT Type P and 250GT.

Nissan's first vehicle-integrated control system, "Drive Mode Selector," is fitted as standard equipment on all Fuga models. The driver can enjoy various driving modes, depending on the scene or driving conditions, adjusting functions such as powertrain, ECO-pedal, 4WAS (standard on 370GT Type S) and Cornering Stability Assist (standard on 370 VIP, a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT FOUR, 370GT, 250GT Type P and 250GT) simply by selecting a mode with a dial located under the shift knob. In addition to the STANDARD mode (suitable for normal driving conditions), the driver can select the fuel-efficient ECO-mode for smooth starts and cruising with stable acceleration, or the SPORT mode for sporty driving where powertrain response is enhanced and characteristics of the Cornering Stability Assist or 4WAS systems are changed.

Another advanced Fuga technology designed to enhance driving performance is Active Noise Control. Opposite-phase sound is produced in four door speakers to reduce unpleasant muffled sound generated by synchronization with engine revolutions when the torque converter locks up. Along with providing a more pleasant interior sound, the lock-up region can be expanded to the lower revolution areas, improving fuel efficiency and direct feeling. In addition, an exhilarating engine sound, linear to high-revolutions, is produced with reduced muffled sound.


Advanced Safety Technologies

The new Fuga offers a number of advanced safety technologies designed to help avoid dangerous situations, part of Nissan's goal of creating collision-free vehicles.

The Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System helps the driver control the distance between the Fuga and the vehicle in front by moving the gas pedal upwards to assist the driver in switching to the brake pedal. For the new generation Fuga, a new function has been added to the system that helps reduce the drivers' workload when driving on curvy roads by helping them decelerate or brake as the car enters a curve (based on real-time navigation information). The system is standard on 370VIP and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT.

Another advanced safety technology is the Driving Safety Support System (DSSS*6). Utilizing the results of Nissan's SKY Project, drivers can receive audible and display warnings (low-visibility intersection alert, stop sign alert and low-visibility signal alert) when approaching some low-visibility intersections via communications with infrastructure on the road*7.

Fuga's School Zone Alert system provides audible and display warnings to direct the driver's attention when the vehicle enters an elementary school zone and the system determines that a safety warning is appropriate. School Zone Alert is based on real-time vehicle information, including speed, acceleration and braking.

Fuga's LDP (Lane Departure Prevention) system builds on LDW (Lane Departure Warning) system that warns the driver to pay attention to driving with a visual display and audible buzzer in case of unintended lane departure. LDP assists the driver in returning the vehicle in the direction of center of the travel lane by generating part of necessary yaw moment and controlling the brake pressure of each individual wheel. It comes standard on 370VIP and as a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT.

Several new features are added to Fuga's existing Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) function, which stabilizes vehicle behavior, including Cornering Stability Assist. Depending on the driver's steering, acceleration and braking, the Cornering Stability Assist system optimizes control of braking and engine torque on each of the four wheels to achieve smoother and more stable cornering (standard on 370VIP, a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

Also added is Rise-up & Build-up, a system that senses driving demands based on the driver's steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and individually controls the braking to help smooth vehicle response. In addition, Brake Force Distribution optimizes the distribution of force to each of the four wheels depending on the radius of the curve for smoother and more stable braking.

Fuga's long list of additional safety and environment technologies include Bi-xenon headlights and Active AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System), bright LED rear combination taillights, side blind-spot monitor, back-view monitor, heated door mirror, flat-blade wipers and Hill Start Assist. Intelligent Cruise Control is standard on 370VIP and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT.

Additional available equipment includes EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and 4WAS (4 Wheel Active Steer), which is standard on 370GT Type S. Intelligent Brake Assist comes standard on the 370VIP model and as a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT, while Emergency Brake Operated Pre-crash Front Seat Belts (with comfort function) are standard on 370VIP and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT.

Pretensioner seat belts with load limiter for front and rear (outer) seats are offered on all Fuga models, along with three-point seat belts with Emergency Locking Retractors (ELRs) with tension reducer for rear (outer) seats, body construction for pedestrian protection (with pop-up engine hood), high-strength Zone Body construction for high safety, SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passenger, SRS side air bag systems for the driver and front passenger, SRS curtain air bag systems, hazard lamps working cooperative with air bags, front-seat Active Head Restraints and an impact-sensitive door unlock system. Three-point seat belts with Emergency Locking Retractors (ELRs) for rear seats are standard on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 370GT FOUR A Package、250GT, 250GT A Package.

The new Fuga achieves SU-LEV certification for all models by emitting 75％ fewer exhaust emissions than Japan's 2005 exhaust emission standards. In addition, Fuga achieves a recyclability rate of more than 95％ by weight (as calculated according to the guideline adopted by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 1998 concerning the definition and calculation method of the recyclability rate of new cars).

Fuga also features a reduction of interior volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a fuel economy indication function. Its clean interior environment features were developed from the three perspectives of clean air, human skin friendliness and sanitary/cleanliness.

Sales target: 800 units/month
Price range: 3,990,000 yen to 5,502,000 yen, including consumption tax
Sales launch events: November 21 (Sat.) - 23 (Mon.), 28(Sat.) - 29 (Sun.), 2009

*1 SKY stands for Start ITS (Intelligent Transport System) from Kanagawa. Experiment running in Kanagawa Prefecture since October 2006 to reduce accidents and traffic congestion using traffic environment data delivered via data communications networks. It is a joint effort of Nissan, NTT DoCoMo Inc, Panasonic Corp. and Clarion Co., Ltd. (formerly Xanavi Infomatics Corp.).
*2 2.5-liter engine model:
For vehicles emitting 75％ fewer emissions (SU-LEV) than the levels mandated by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations and also achieving a 15％ improvement in fuel economy over the 2010 fuel economy standards:
50％ reduction of the automobile acquisition tax on vehicles newly registered by March 31, 2012 and a
50％ reduction of the automobile weight tax on vehicles newly registered by April 30, 2012.

If the vehicle weighs 1,770 kg or above, achieving a 25％ improvement in fuel economy over the 2010 fuel economy standards:
75％ reduction of the automobile acquisition tax on vehicles newly registered by March 31, 2012 and a
75％ reduction of the automobile weight tax on vehicles newly registered by April 30, 2012.
*3 "Plasmacluster" and "Plasmacluster ion" are registered trademarks of Sharp Corp.
*4 25cmNdTM Woofers are installed as well in vehicles equipped with Bose® Surround Audio System.
*5 Based on Nissan's internal research data.
*6 DSSS stands for Driving Safety Support System. A continual project by the National Police Agency and its corporation Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS) which aims to reduce traffic accidents utilizing the latest ITS technologies such as road-car communications with optical beacon for DSSS.
*7 VICS (beacon) receiver (dealer-installed option) is required to receive the information from infrastructure. As of Nov. 2009, infrastructure on the road (optical beacon for DSSS) is not operated. The police will announce where to install before operation starts.



[Source : NISSAN]
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Some affectionately call it the "racing tractor", as it combines sporty dynamism with enormous torque of 390 Nm. Rudolf Diesel would have had fun with the 190 HP (140 kW) strong “off-spring” of his invention. He would certainly never have thought it possible that the diesel engine could reach 100 km/h in a 7.1 second sprint. A top speed of 230 km/h and plenty of steam in all seven gears – that is how ABT Sportsline defines the 2.0 TDI in the new Golf GTD. This is because after its treatment in the Allgaeu the abbreviation now stands for “Gewinner Tanken Diesel – Winners tank diesel”. The Golf still retains, of course, its economical qualities, as the fuel consumption remains at the low level of the series diesel version.



It goes without saying that the world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen group also offers the popular bodykit which is tailor-made for the Golf VI on the compact diesel. The extra portion of sportiness impresses immediately: the front spoiler, front grille, side sills, rear spoiler, rear apron set and the typical ABT 4-pipe rear muffler suit the powerful appearance of the ABT Golf VI GTD. As an addition to the aerodynamic elements, ABT also recommends the sporty AR and BR wheels in 18 and 19 inch, which are available in combination with high-performance tyres. In order to ensure that the ABT Golf GTD guarantees maximum driving enjoyment in traffic as well as optimum safety even in threshold areas, the Allgaeu company has the ABT suspension springs on offer. They lower the centre of gravity of the Golf, so that the car lies even better on the street and even seems more powerful when stationary.

Save money with fun and plenty of benefits: the ABT Golf VI GTD is a versatile vehicle which knows how to impress in everyday life with superior reserves of power and low consumption. The fast car is therefore a “GreaT Diesel”

The new ABT Golf VI GTD – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

• Engine : 2.0 TDI, 1968 ccm cubic capacity
  
• Performance tuning : ABT POWER
  
• Performance : 190 HP/140 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS

• ABT front grille
  
• ABT front skirt
  
• ABT side skirts
  
• ABT rear skirt
  
• ABT rear wing

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

• ABT AR and BR; 18 und 19 inch;
  
• Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres.

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

• ABT 4-pipe rear muffler

ABT SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

• ABT suspension springs, lowering the centre of gravity by approx. 30 mm

ABT AERO PACKAGE

• Consisting of front grille, front skirt, side skirts, rear skirt, rear wing, 4-pipe rear muffler, suspension springs and the AR 18 wheel set with tyres 225/40 R18.

[Source : ABT Sportlines]
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STUTTGART : November 19, 2009 - Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, thus succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on even better drivability and even easier handling.


The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.


The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 litres, the GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function make it much easier to get used to this new GT3 racing car than its predecessor, meaning that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver.

Flared wheel arches added on to the body both front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track than on the former model. And like all second-generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.


The Porsche 911 GT3 R is making its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The car is built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to Customer Teams the world over as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 euros plus local sales tax/VAT.

[Source : PORSCHE]
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• New lower price for updated Santa Fe range
  
• New engine with supercar torque, hatchback fuel economy
  
• Prices start £21,495 (at new 17.5% VAT rate)
  
• On sale 4th January 2010

A new world-beating engine, more equipment and a stylish new look – all at a lower price. The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe looks too good to be true. But buyers looking for a big, practical family car can stop pinching themselves, as Hyundai has confirmed the amazing news that its 2010 Santa Fe will actually be cheaper than the car it replaces, despite a raft of improvements.



The headline news is the Santa Fe’s world-class new powertrain, offering an unrivalled combination of performance and economy. It means that the Santa Fe is now comparable on price and emissions with MPVs and estate cars, and comfortably powers ahead of SUV rivals.

Much more than a simple nip-and-tuck, the new Santa Fe also benefits from subtly enhanced exterior styling and improved safety. Despite this, Hyundai has actually managed to make the list price even more competitive – with obvious benefits to private buyers and company car drivers alike.

Styling

Revisions to the design of the Santa Fe are concentrated on the finer details. At the front, the black two bar grille is replaced by chrome-edged three bar version, while revised headlight clusters sit above a new, more sculpted bumper which also houses new fog lights in a black surround. The rear gains a new bumper that curves neatly into more distinctive light clusters, while trapezoidal exhaust pipes and new alloy wheel designs improve the car’s stance and presence on the road.


On the inside carbon black trim replaces the previous wood finishes to highlight the Santa Fe’s modern feel, and the standard single CD/RDS radio now comes with an AUX/USB connection with full iPod control.

The range has been simplified, with a two-model range now comprising of entry-level Style and higher spec Premium. Style models are packed with standard equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors, ESP and air conditioning are among the standard features, while moving up to Premium adds 18-inch wheels, dual climate control, heated leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver and automated lights and wipers.

The Santa Fe retains its outstanding MPV-rivalling practicality, with the even more versatile seven-seat option available for a modest £750 on both Style and Premium models. In either version it offers a huge 969 litres of load space in a five-seat configuration – double that of some its rivals – rising to a van-like 2,247 with all the seats folded. This is an increase of 34 litres over the previous model. Seven-seat versions are also fitted with a self-levelling rear suspension set up and rear privacy glass as standard, while five-seat versions get a substantial under-floor storage area.

Powertrain

Stronger, leaner and more refined
At the heart of the rejuvenated Santa Fe is a new 2.2-litre direct injection ‘R’ diesel engine that demonstrates major improvements over the already-impressive outgoing version. This new all-aluminium 2,199cc powerplant offers up a class-leading 194bhp – more than the six-cylinder units offered in some rival vehicles – backed by a mighty 311lb.ft of torque (322lb.ft when specified with an automatic gearbox) which amounts to improvements of 26% and 27% respectively on the previous engine.


These huge strides in power and efficiency give the Santa Fe an advantage over a wide range of competitors. With the six-speed manual transmission fitted, the Santa Fe can sprint to 62mph from rest in 9.8 seconds, giving it hot-hatch like acceleration. Although ultimate performance is not usually top of family 4x4 buyers’ priorities it is nice to know that it is the fastest seven-seat SUV you can buy for under £35,000.

That doesn’t come at the expense of economy however, as the combined cycle figure now breaks the 40mpg barrier and emissions have fallen significantly to 176g/km, moving it down on the Vehicle Excise Duty to Band I. These figures also put the Santa Fe ahead of the competition, with no seven-seat SUV or MPV coming close to its combination of economy and performance. In fact the Santa Fe can even beat the economy figures of the entry level Vauxhall Zafira and diesel Ford Galaxy while producing more torque than a Porsche 911!

These impressive figures are helped by a number of clever engineering developments, including the sophisticated six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes and an alternator management system that disengages when not required in order to save fuel. Drivers looking to maximise the efficiency benefits are helped by the ‘Eco Drive Indicator’ on automatic versions to monitor fuel efficiency, while manual versions have an optimum gear shift point indicator built into the trip computer display.

Another advantage of the new engine is an increased towing capacity, with a maximum braked towing weight of 2,500kg, up 300kg on the outgoing model.


Running costs

The new Santa Fe proves that exceptional performance and a high specification need not come at the expense of running costs or a sky-high purchase price. Despite the improvements in equipment levels and drivability, prices are actually lower compared with the outgoing model.

The entry-level five-seat manual 2.2 CRDi Santa Fe Style starts at £21,495 (at the higher 17.5% VAT rate).

Significant improvements in economy and emissions have pulled back running costs for the Santa Fe and service intervals have been doubled to 20,000 miles, helping to slash maintenance bills. Company car drivers with P11Ds to consider will find the lower price and CO,sub>2 levels reduces their contribution further still, with the Santa Fe dropping from 29% to 26% tax rates – saving company car drivers hundreds in tax every year. Indeed the Santa Fe is not just more efficient at tax avoidance than other 4x4 rivals; it can also now be a real alternative to MPVs and estate cars.

Residual values are also expected to improve still further due to the enhanced specification and lower prices, placing it amongst the best in class for retained value. And of course, the Santa Fe enjoys the legendary five years unlimited mileage warranty for the ultimate peace of mind.

[Source : HYUNDAI via NEWSPRESS]
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BRISTOL : November 17, 2009 - It’s Here…Excitement is building as the first 25 full production all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s arrive at Bristol’s Royal Portbury Docks. Final preparation has already begun before the cars hit the road on December 12th 2009 as part of a West Midlands based government trial.


The i-MiEV’s left Japan by boat six weeks ago and their arrival has been eagerly awaited, especially by the end users and everyone following their progress via Mitsubishi Motors UK’s i-MiEV Facebook fan page.

i-MiEV – Leading The Market

The multi award winning Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a fully electric city car and the first real-life EV with zero tailpipe emissions made available by a mainstream manufacturer. It's a genuine car, ensuring no compromise in cabin space, seating 4 adults and room for luggage. It has a top speed of 81 mph, a range of 100 miles and can be trickle charged from flat to full in 6 hours at any UK three-pin socket – and it only costs 96p for a full charge.

An Early Sales Triumph

The i-MiEV, on sale in Japan since July this year, has been a sell-out success. The 1,400 units allocated by Mitsubishi for the 2009 Japanese market have flown out the door and an impressive 900 orders have already been placed in Japan from the 2010 build allocation.

European production will begin in October 2010 with left hand drive i-MiEV’s available in markets across Continental Europe towards the end of the year.

Real-World Trials

The cars are taking part in one of the Government’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects, run by the Technology Strategy Board. Through an extensive selection process, members of the public have been selected by consortium partner, Coventry University, to trial the cars for 12 months allowing analysis of driving and charging behaviour.

The West Midlands CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) consortium combines the expertise of Arup – design and engineering consultant and project leader, power provider E.ON, the city councils of Birmingham and Coventry, three academic institutions, and five other car manufacturers, and is supported by Advantage West Midlands.



[Source : MITSUBISHI]
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LEONBERG : November 18, 2009 - Extraordinary and individual cars in combination with an unlimited driving pleasure – a combination, TECHART turns into reality day after day. To have this guaranteed as well in the winter months, TECHART offers his clients the original TECHART winter wheels. Each set provides the driver a maximum grip at cold temperatures, not only for fast acceleration, but also for precise braking in case of an emergency. The speed range is TÜV approved up to 270 km/h or 165 mph. With TECHART winter wheels you turn your driving on ice and snow into safe winter sports.



In combination with the elegant and sporty TECHART Formula monoblock wheel it is ready for the cold months of the year. Available from 17 to 22 inches in shiny silver, matt black or glossy black, the Formula wheel underlines the individuality and the character of the car. In addition it is perfectly easy to clean and resistant against corrosion through salt.

[Source : TECHART]
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Workhorse, tow car, law enforcer, status symbol, people carrier, mud plugger; few cars can claim to fulfil any of these duties with genuine conviction. Yet since 16 November 1989 – 20 years ago today – one car has consistently met all those challenges and more, earning itself iconic status as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle. That car is the Land Rover Discovery.


Designed originally to plug the gap between the utilitarian attributes of the iconic Land Rover Defender and the more luxurious characteristics of the flagship Range Rover, Discovery soon became the perfect niche vehicle for the growing demands of the family 4x4 market.

"The Discovery legend has been built on innovative design and advanced technology. From the introduction of high-efficiency direct-injection diesel technology into the 4x4 market in 1989, to pioneering occupant safety with the adoption of twin airbags in 1998, Discovery has led the way." says Phil Popham, Managing Director. "It is truly the best loved SUV the world over. Today, we sell the Discovery in 91 countries and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000,"
he adds.

Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4x4 sector in 1989, it’s no surprise that the Discovery evolved to reflect the needs and tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning buyers. By 1994 range-topping Discovery models featured leather upholstery and wood veneer trim, and when the Series II Discovery was introduced in 1998 it added a sophisticated new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system for increased comfort in all climates. Today’s Discovery 4 continues that ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its strikingly architectural interior design, clear-yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly features and luxurious interior creating an attractive, well-appointed and practical environment for driver and passengers alike.

The Discovery will be forever renowned for its legendary exterior shape which to this day still continues the stepped roof and asymmetric rear glass theme, giving all occupants a clear view of the journey ahead. To provide a contemporary edge to the interior design, Land Rover turned to the Conran Design Studio who for many years have been held in high regard for influencing 'modern day living'.

"Discovery has evolved its own clear design heritage over four generations.
Today, Discovery 4 stays true to its clean, geometric, architecturally-inspired predecessors. Its new front bumper, lights and face, smoother lines and subtle curves, combine to enhance the overall impression of premium quality," says Gerry McGovern, Design Director.

Versatile and Practical

While go-anywhere ability is synonymous with any Land Rover product, the Discovery’s enduring success comes from a combination of all-terrain capability and all-important practicality for the demands of family life. Like its predecessors, Discovery 4 comes with seven seats – the rearmost pair now offering legroom for full-sized adults, providing a versatile space for family and friends.

Increased style and comfort have never come at the expense of the Discovery’s dynamic ability. Indeed generations of horse riders, caravaners, boat owners and car racers can all testify to the Discovery’s towing prowess. It’s a tradition Discovery 4 proudly upholds with Tow Assist, which helps the driver perform otherwise tricky towing manoeuvres, and Trailer Stability Assist, which reduces engine torque and uses programmed braking applications to regain control over a snaking trailer. Two honours at the recent Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2010 are fitting recognition of Discovery 4’s utilitarian qualities and on-going commitment to safety.

The evolutionary Discovery 4 looks set to follow on from the enormous success of its predecessor. Since its launch back in 2004, the Discovery 3 has achieved global acclaim winning a staggering 111 awards worldwide, including the honour of SUV of the year from countries as diverse as Mexico, Russia and Greece.

In 2004, the Discovery 3 introduced another significant first: Terrain ResponseTM. This patented system allows the driver to actively tune the car’s systems (including engine, suspension and traction control settings) to optimise their vehicle for virtually any driving situation, from urban jungle to gnarly wilderness. Terrain Response has since been recognised in the Queen's Awards For Enterprise for Innovation. Land Rover previously received this prestigious award for its patented Hill Descent Control and an enhanced version of this technology remains key to the dynamic capabilities of the new

Discovery 4 with the addition of Gradient Release Control.

In 2006, Land Rover launched a pioneering CO2 offset programme with Climate Care which is now the biggest scheme of its kind in the world. The emissions from the first 45,000 miles of all new Land Rovers sold in an increasing number of markets is offset to help fund environmental projects on a global scale. Improvements introduced with the launch of Discovery 4 earlier this year, now help deliver substantially lower emissions with the highly fuel efficient LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel, delivering over 30mpg on the combined EU cycle.

Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable; the Discovery legend is wholly deserved. Here’s to the next 20 years.

[Source : LAND ROVER]
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• 35 pickups to be used in the world's toughest rally
  
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the “Official Supplier” to the A.S.O.

HANNOVER : November 16, 2009 - It is durable, robust and can tackle any road, no matter how tricky: the Volkswagen Amarok will have to prove those claims from January 2010 during the world’s toughest rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the “Official Supplier” to the Dakar Rally and a partner to the organiser, the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). The new pickup from Volkswagen will be the Support Vehicle for the rally. The organiser is to use 20 Amarok, with a further 15 to be used as press and shuttle vehicles.


From 1st to 17th January 2010, the Dakar Rally will also see four teams from Volkswagen Motorsport as well as many other teams travelling 9,000 km through Argentina and Chile. The rally starts and finishes in Buenos Aires.

The Amarok will undergo an endurance test during the Dakar Rally, because it will have to handle all the challenges of the demanding stages: as the organiser’s vehicle to reconnoitre the rally stages, as a press vehicle and as a shuttle for the Volkswagen Motorsport team.

Four of the Volkswagen Amarok from the A.S.O. fleet will get additional off-road conversions for the trip, and four Panamericana multivans will also be used.

“We are pleased to be able to use the Volkswagen Amarok as our Support Vehicle, because the Dakar Rally demands the highest levels of technical perfection, reliability and endurance – from our Race Touareg as much as from the support vehicles. The Amarok is exactly the right vehicle for our team”, explains Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director.

“The Volkswagen Amarok is Volkswagen’s answer to the pickup and on the Dakar Rally – one of the last great adventures for mankind – it will have the chance to show what it’s made of and to demonstrate its flexibility and durability”, adds Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“Moreover, the Volkswagen Amarok is built in Argentina and South America is one of the most important markets for this product, so taking part in the 2010 Dakar Rally was an absolute must for us”, stresses Schaller.

The Volkswagen Amarok will be seen at the Dakar Rally in Argentina for the first time and will then be launched initially in South American markets, followed by Europe. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is entering a new vehicle sector.









[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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• State-of-the-art facility capable of producing 300,000 vehicles annually
  
• Project to create 2,500 direct and 7,500 additional employment locally

SEOUL : November 17, 2009 - The first U.S.-built Kia vehicle, a white All-new Sorento, rolled off the production line today at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the first U.S. Kia Motors plant. KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.



"The start of production for our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy," said B.M. Ahn, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.Representing an investment of US$1 billion by Kia Motors, KMMG will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity by utilizing some of the world's most advanced manufacturing techniques. KMMG's general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile (0.8 km) of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. Also in general assembly, KMMG is the only plant in North America outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Built on 2,200 acres (8.9 km²), the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the All-new Sorento's six-speed automatic transmission is produced, and a two mile (3.2 km) test track in addition to the main assembly plant. The plant's 186-foot-long (57 m) stamping press delivers 5,400 tons of pressure to stamp steel into 17 different types of vehicle panels for the All-new Sorento, operating at a speed of seven to 15 strokes per minute. The massive stamping equipment spans from almost 20 feet (6 m) below the floor to 39.4 feet (12 m) high.

KMMG continues Kia Motors' aggressive investment in the U.S. market. Since 2002, more than US$1.3 billion has been invested in various facilities throughout the country, including a dedicated corporate campus and design center in Irvine, Calif., a state-of-the-art research and development center in Ann Arbor, Mich. and custom-built vehicle proving grounds in Mojave, Calif. Since coming to market in the United States, Kia Motors, through its US-based marketing and distribution arm, KMA, has expanded to a full product line of vehicles and enjoyed 14 years of consecutive market share increases, including a 50 percent increase through October 2009. Most recently, KMA posted its best sales quarter in company history and is one of only three automakers whose sales are up over their 2008 U.S. sales pace.

[Source : KIA]
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Dacia, a brand of the Renault group, is to contest France's celebrated Trophée Andros ice-racing series. The brand, which is acclaimed for the unbeatable equipment and performance package its models deliver for their price, remains true to its reputation by appearing in a discipline where its presence was least expected: ice racing.



Alain Prost will drive a competition version of Dacia Duster. The Frenchman chose Dacia for the values championed by the brand's vehicles, namely simplicity, efficiency and robustness. "I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster. It is a brand new vehicle, and I am proud to be able to play a part in its promotion to the unusual backdrop of the Trophée Andros. Thanks to the work put in by Renault Sport Technologies, I have every confidence in Dacia Duster's potential and reliability which together point to an extremely exciting season," says Alain Prost.

The announcement coincides with the revelation by Dacia of the name and design of the brand's sixth model, Duster. This robust and reliable 4X4 has an international calling and will target customers looking for an affordable everyday all-terrain vehicle.

The Trophée Andros is a competition that stands apart in motor sport inasmuch as it places a cap on the use of complex and costly technological solutions, placing the emphasis instead on vehicle and driver ability. The Dacia brand has forged a reputation for challenging established thinking in the world of the automobile, permitting a whole new way to go motoring by delivering all the essentials… at just the right price.


An unprecedented participation for Dacia in The Trophee Andros

Dacia has chosen to base its challenge in the 2009/1010 Trophée Andros ice-racing season on the socalled 'Silhouette' category. All the circuits visited by the Trophée Andros put reliability to a particularly tough test, and this will give Dacia a chance to showcase the fact that robustness forms an integral part of the brand's DNA. The discipline also places a cap on excessively complex and costly technical solutions, while the chassis, gearbox and tyres, for example, are all carefully covered by the regulations, forcing teams to explore simple, ingenious solutions, an approach which totally fits the Dacia spirit.

Dacia's newcomer will get its first taste of ice racing in the hands of Alain Prost, with the brand seeking to spring a surprise by using the campaign to premier Dacia Duster, the lines of which preview the 4X4 model that is due to go on sale in 2010. Dacia Duster's high body line and prominent wheel arches are clear pointers to its 4x4 credentials¸ while the coachwork of the competition version is perfectly suited to the specific demands of the Trophée Andros. The extensive front glazed surface area and the positioning of the windscreen pillars ensure outstanding foreword and lateral visibility.

The Trophée Andros stands out as one of motor sport's most exacting disciplines. Indeed, in ice racing, the track conditions can change very quickly as a function of prevailing weather conditions, and driving calls for precision, rigour and race-craft, three qualities which all come naturally to a champion of Alain Prost's calibre.

Dacia Duster prepared by Renault Sport Technologies

Over and above driver talent, the cars that contest the Trophée Andros undergo specific preparation. The competition version of Dacia Duster has benefited extensively from the expertise acquired by Renault Sport Technologies in motor sport. Its glass-fibre body conceals a tubular chassis which houses a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. This powerplant has been carefully tuned in order to optimize its performance potential at the high altitudes at which the races will be held. It delivers peak power of 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. The six-speed sequential gearbox ensures fast, precise gearshifts, even when drifting through corners at full song. The mid-rear location of the engine illustrates the work that has gone into perfecting weight distribution, in compliance with the 950kg minimum weight requirement and with a view to keeping the centre of gravity low and minimizing polar inertia for enhanced control.

The double wishbone suspension arrangement and long-travel dampers have been engineered to permit Dacia Duster to take the different terrains it promises to encounter during the Trophée Andros campaign in its stride.

The competition version of Dacia Duster is equipped with limited slip differentials which are indispensable for the extreme conditions. This feature, which is also seen on other Renault Sport Technologies-developed competition and road cars, ensures efficient traction performance irrespective of the amount of grip available, driving style or type of corner. The competition version of Dacia Duster also incorporates a four-wheel steering system for complete cornering line control. This mechanical system links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to match the characteristics of each circuit.


Dacia Duster Competition Car – Technical Data

CHASSIS

• Tubular steel chassis
  
• Double wishbone suspension

ENGINE

• Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
  
• Position: mid-rear
  
• Six cylinders (V6)
  
• Number of valves: 24
  
• Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
  
• Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
  
• Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm
  
• Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm

TRANSMISSION

• Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox

BRAKES

• Front: 260mm-diameter vented steel discs
  
• Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs

WHEELS

• 5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
  
• Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

• Length: 4,001mm
  
• Width: 1,900mm
  
• Front/rear track: 1,690mm
  
• Wheelbase: 2,500mm
  
• Weight: 950kg
  
• Fuel tank capacity: 25 litres

[Source : RENAULT-DACIA]
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It is still being good for best lap timing: the MTM Ur-Quattro S1, with its 5 cylinders engine, has once again shown this summer that it gets around the Hockenheimring almost as fast as the Porsche Armada. 25 years younger as the legendary S1 and directly from the same development department, the tuning specialist presents the MTM TT-RS with the rebirth of the 5 cylinders engine as perfect motorization for drivers who like their car being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, the sport car from Audi gets a power of 424 BHP and 560 Nm of torque and shows itself with a new aerodynamic which is based on the Ur-Quattro.


The secret: love for details and understanding of the new engine from Audi. In addition to the adjustment of the engine control unit, MTM has also worked on the exhaust system: new middle- and end- pipes with throttle valves. Moreover, an additional pre-pipe with metal catalyser can be built in. The result: a high-revving engine, lots of torque in every range of performance and an impressive sound thanks to MTM exhaust system technology with throttle valve. A compact sports car which will be good for best lap times and this not only on the small track of Hockenheim.

The MTM TT-RS can be ordered in 3 different stages of power enhancement. Besides the maximal stage of 424 BHP with 84 BHP more as the 340 from the series car, MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 BHP and 550 Nm. MTM sports rims with the original BIMOTO design in 19 and 20”, as well as suitable spacers in 20 mm and 30 mm are available.



[Source : MTM]
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The Fox is now also available as special model “Style”. The comfortably equipped sporty model is available immediately starting from 10,975 euros with diverse sporty extras and a savings of up to 1,340 euros


The generously equipped Fox "Style" includes "Salvador" alloy wheels with 195/55 R15 tyres and rear spoiler, exterior mirror housings, bumpers and protective trim strips finished in the body colour. Sporty details like aluminium-look pedals and the new "Style" design seat covers set apart the interior. The RCD 200 radio system with MP3 capability and four speakers provides for superb entertainment.

The standard functional equipment of the special model "Style" features additional easy entry, fog lights and power steering (for 40 kW) including a steering column adjustable for height and reach. As for power, the buyer can choose between two petrol engines that deliver 40 kW / 55 PS or 55 kW / 75 PS respectively, or a diesel engine with 51 kW / 70 PS.



[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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• GDI lowers emissions while improving fuel economy & torque
  
• 2.4 Theta II GDI generates 201ps@6300rpm and 25.5kg.m@4250rpm
  
• First application in 2010 1H on new Sonata
  
• GDI to be first in mid-size sedan segment, beating competitors to market
  
• Unveiling coincides with 9th Hyundai-Kia Int’l Powertrain Conference

NAMYANG, Korea : November 17, 2009 - To help meet its goals of environmental leadership, Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the 2.4 Theta II GDI, its first Gasoline Direct Injection engine before an audience of engineers attending the Ninth Annual Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference.


Representing the biggest advancement in fuel injection, an ‘80s technology that replaced the carburetor, GDI puts Hyundai at the cutting edge of engine design and management by achieving three seemly incompatible goals: GDI lowers emissions while raising power output and improving fuel economy. Prior to GDI, a gain in one area came at the expense of the other two.

With a compression ratio of 11.3:1, the 2.4 Theta II GDI delivers 201ps@6300rpm and 25.5kg.m@4250rpm in its Korean domestic market specification.

“The Theta II GDI convincingly demonstrates Hyundai’s advanced powertrain engineering capabilities,” said Dr. Lee Hyun-Soon, Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.

Developed with a budget of 170 billion won over a 46 month-long research period, the new 2.4 Theta II GDI engine will make its debut in the first half of 2010 starting with the recently launched Sonata, beating the mid-size sedan competition to market with this exciting new technology. GDI application will subsequently be expanded across the gasoline engine family and applied to other Hyundai models.

One serious limitation of conventional fuel injection is that as engine revolutions increase, the valve opening and closing times get progressively shorter, thus reducing the time available to inject fuel. GDI avoids this problem altogether by positioning the fuel injector in the most optimal location, directly inside the combustion chamber to offer unparalleled precision. With this shorter and more direct path, far greater control is attained over the combustion process: A high pressure fuel pump injects the fuel at pressures of up to 150 bar, in precise amounts and intervals.

The injection is split into two phases to achieve optimum combustion: in the first phase, the pilot injection and ignition trigger the piston's downward power stroke. Then, in the main injection phase, during the piston's descent, more fuel is injected and is ignited. This split-injection technique reduces loading on the catalytic converter and helps lower emissions. This is particularly beneficial during cold starts when emissions are highest because the catalyst has not reached its optimal operating temperature. Split-injection enables the catalytic converter to reach the optimal operating temperature faster thus reducing emissions by 25 percent during cold starts and meet’s California Air Resources Board’s ULEV-2 and PZEV standards


GDI’s other benefits include improved dynamic performance and better gas mileage. Compared to a conventional engine of the same displacement, GDI delivers 7 percent more torque at low revolutions and 12 percent more torque at the high-end for better take-off and overtaking performance. And perhaps best of all, a vehicle equipped with a GDI engine will get about 10 percent better mileage than a vehicle equipped with a conventional multi-point fuel injected engine. Precise mileage figures will be announced when retail sales begin.

GDI has been applied to the second generation of Theta: Theta II features numerous design enhancements over its predecessor starting with the application of a three-stage variable induction system (VIS) which improves engine "breathing," automatically adjusting the volume of the air sucked into the combustion chamber to create the "optimal" air-to-fuel mix under different engine load conditions.

Further performance gains were made possible by incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) which improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust sides for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, DCVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power and lower emissions. And the DCVVT system is governed by a new steel chain with an innovative roller and tooth designed for silent operation and durability.

While DCVVT and VIS improve power output, engineers have also come up with several important weight saving innovations. Special attention was focused on the bulkhead, the area of the aluminium cylinder block accumulating the highest stresses: Reinforcement yielded a stiffer block without incurring a weight penalty. A redesign of the crankshaft (semi-eight-balance type) led to an equally important weight reduction. The catalytic converter is also lighter thanks to a new canning process which allows for the use of thinner gauge stainless steel and requiring far less welding.

Another major engineering challenge was to reduce internal friction to attain better fuel economy. Friction reduction measures include a revision of the piston pin from a fixed-type to a full-floating design which cuts down on friction between the piston and cylinder wall. And under the piston crown, engineers have added a cooling jet which sprays oil over the piston walls reducing friction and contributing to an improvement in fuel economy.

The Conference’s plenary session open today under the banner “Creative Sustainable Powertrain Evolution for Green Growth.” Wednesday will see a large number of technical presentations delivered in various sessions covering the future of gasoline engines, new developments in exhaust emission after-treatment, fuel efficiency improvement and transmissions. Some 600 specialists from Europe, Japan, the United States and Korea are attending this year's event.

[Source : HYUNDAI]
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STUTTGART : November 16, 2009 - Mercedes-Benz will enter the Formula 1 World Championship with its own team, beginning with the 2010 season, and Daimler AG and McLaren Group will change their form of cooperation with effect as of 13 November 2009. This was announced by Daimler AG today.


Daimler AG together with Aabar Investments PJSC will take over 75.1 per cent of the Brawn GP team, with Daimler taking 45.1 per cent and Aabar 30 per cent. The rest of the 24.9 per cent will remain with the current stakeholders. With 9.1 per cent, Aabar is the biggest single shareholder of Daimler AG. This transaction is subject to the approval of the EU and the Swiss cartel authorities.

The background to this decision are the new terms and conditions for Formula 1. The “Resource Restrictions” set by FOTA and FIA effectively limit expenditure for the design, construction and running of the racing cars. In addition, there will be a significantly higher income available for a Formula 1 team generated by the commercial rights of the racing series following the signing of the new Concorde Agreement.

The partnership between McLaren Mercedes has been in place since 1995 and ended its 15th joint Formula 1 season in 2009. The change to the form of cooperation is taking place by mutual agreement. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren will continue to co-operate with each other and the supply of engines could continue until 2015.

The McLaren Group have set themselves new targets, especially in the automotive sector, and Daimler understands and respects these new strategic objectives. For this reason, it has been agreed that the buy-back by the McLaren Group of the 40 per cent McLaren share owned by Daimler AG will be completed by 2011.

By taking this decision, Mercedes-Benz resumes its marvellous motor racing history on the 75th anniversary of the Silver Arrows, the world’s most unique racing cars. Mercedes wants to continue the tradition in the style of these flawless Silver Arrows, which put their stamp on each era by winning the majority of the races they competed in.

“Mercedes-Benz is the most valued and best-known premium automotive brand in the world. This brand looks for competition of the utmost quality in all relevant fields in order to continually improve its performance in the face of such new challenges”, explains Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“Due to the new Formula 1 environment, we will face the competition in future on the most important motor sports stage with our own Silver Arrow works team.

“Our new Silver Arrow Formula 1 team is a great sporting and technical challenge and we will tackle this with sporting spirit and full of enthusiasm.”

Mercedes-Benz will restructure their Formula 1 programme and work hard to achieve further savings, going beyond the already completed steps for significant cost reductions and improved efficiency.

Since 1995, the beginning of the partnership, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have competed in 256 Grand Prix events and have achieved 60 victories. In 1998, 1999 and 2008, the British-German team won the drivers’ World Championships, as well as the World Constructors’ Championship in 1998. The McLaren Mercedes team became runner-up in the World Championships ten times, with five times in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings respectively.

After winning the drivers’ title with Lewis Hamilton last year, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes finished third in the World Constructors’ Championships this year. The 2008 World Champion won two races with his current car, the MP4-24, achieving a first historic victory with the brake energy-recovery system, KERS Hybrid. No other driver scored more points in the last eight races from the season’s total of 17 races than Lewis Hamilton.

“I want to thank McLaren for a successful collaboration over the last decade and a half”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “For the benefit of both Mercedes and McLaren, we will continue our partnership cooperation in future. We will be rivals on-track but, off-track, we will cooperate with McLaren and the other teams in order to create the best possible product for spectators worldwide.”

“We look back on 15 successful years of great collaboration with McLaren; in that time, we won four world-championship titles and finished ten times as runner-up in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings,” states Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “Since the first victory in the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, the modern Silver Arrows have achieved a total of 60 victories in 223 races to ensure that our brand symbol, the star, stands for the greatest successes in Formula 1. We thank our partner and will continue to work with McLaren based on an excellent partnership.”

Mercedes Grand Prix, the management team of the former Brawn GP team, will continue to work under the leadership of Ross Brawn, who will continue in his well-known role. The Formula 1 team, as well as the engine team of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, will be co-ordinated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, headed by their Vice-President, Norbert Haug.

"Brawn GP has been through an incredible journey over the last 12 months. From fighting for our survival to forging a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, winning both the Constructors' and Drivers' World Championships, and now accepting Daimler and Aabar's offer to buy our team, which will secure its future”, Team Principal Ross Brawn looks back on a difficult beginning of the year which eventually turned into an extremely successful season.

"Both I and my fellow Directors at Brawn GP are incredibly proud of our staff, drivers and everyone associated with our team and thank them for their commitment, outstanding teamwork and their focus on achieving results in sometimes difficult circumstances. The senior management group will remain in place to lead our team and on behalf of everyone at Brawn GP, we are honoured to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team."

The new Silver Arrow team, Mercedes Grand Prix, will compete in Formula 1 as a works team in its own right. Synergies between the 100 per cent Daimler-owned subsidiary Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines in Brixworth, UK, and the Mercedes Grand Prix team based about 28 miles from there in Brackley in the UK, will create even greater efficiency.

It is our target to develop a model for our Formula 1 activities which will initially be run with significantly reduced budgets by Mercedes-Benz and which, in the foreseeable future, will be self-financing”, comments Norbert Haug. “Furthermore, we naturally want to inspire our faithful spectators and TV viewers worldwide and maximize media coverage for our brand. With Formula 1, Mercedes-Benz can continue to clearly demonstrate its willingness to compete and win on the most important motor sports competition stage in the world.”

Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Aabar Investment PJSC comments: "Aabar is delighted to join forces with Daimler AG and its world leading brand Mercedes-Benz in order to create a new Formula One Team which follows in the footsteps of the longstanding and successful tradition of the famous ‘Silver Arrows’.

“Ever since Aabar became the largest shareholder in Daimler AG, the cooperation between our two organisations has been exemplary, and we have already co-invested in Tesla. Aabar is confident that further successes will follow in this arena.

“Bearing in mind the recent outstanding success of the Abu Dhabi GP, which brought Formula One to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, it is especially exciting to realise that next year, our own cars will be in the field, with the genius of Ross Brawn, who is still deeply involved with the team, now backed by the unrivalled excellence of Mercedes-Benz across the entire spectrum of automotive technology. It is a fantastic prospect, which makes me both pleased and proud for my country.”

[Source : DAIMLER]
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What do the MINI and street art have in common? MINI has always been a defining feature of the streetscapes of major cities and itself constitutes a part of urban street culture. Exceptional design has traditionally been an aspiration of the brand – a passion shared by the champions of creative street art.



Last week in Hamburg, the legendary New York street artist Craig “KR” Costello customised a MINI in his own unique style. His trademark is the so-called KRINK dripping ink look, in which paint runs down an object as if it had been too thickly applied. The entire MINI was given the typical KRINK drip treatment by the creative artist from Brooklyn, with silver paint running down the distinctive contours of the black MINI – along its body as well as the side and rear windows. The project was accompanied by the “Erste Liebe Film” and captured by photographer Ali Salehi.


[Source : BMW - MINI]
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TURIN : November 16, 2009 - A space to be shared with family and friends: a liveable space for people who travel and love to be in company; for people who choose the Doblò as a partner for leisure or work.



A vehicle designed to meet a need for functionality and comfort that makes the most of interior space and can accommodate up to seven people. An authentic 'family space' that can rely on top-class safety, economy and respect for the environment.

Compared to the previous version that sold approximately one million units, the new model has been completely revamped in terms of style, engines and technical specifications. These aspects make the new Fiat Doblò the "best in class" both in terms of space and in terms of reduced emissions.

All this has been achieved through the use of a new platform, more passenger space (with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, the biggest in its segment), a roomy 790 litre luggage compartment, reduced CO₂ emissions (129 g/km with the 1.3 Multijet 90 HP engine, the lowest in its category), standard safety features and highly modular interiors with seats that can be folded and tilted.


Style and comfort

The look is very cutting-edge. With a central shield and side bumpers that are perfectly integrated with the body, the front end blends protection and sophistication while the pronounced wheel arch and sloping shoulder contribute to the vehicle's strong and agile look. The tailgate's essential lines emphasise the accessibility and size of the generous load compartment; clear, sparkling light clusters and expanses of glass give the new Doblò a touch of elegance.

The interiors have also been designed to offer functionality and create attractive, welcoming environments through combination of colours, materials and trims.

Smart solutions for the best use of on-board space, such as a range of storage compartments and flexible interiors, offering up to 7 places, will satisfy the needs of those who make the Doblò a car to be enjoyed with family or friends.


Environment and economy

The Fiat Doblò will offer 4 power units at its launch: a 95 HP petrol engine and three diesel Multijet engines, 90, 105 and 135 HP, which will later be joined by a Natural Power engine with dual fuel system (petrol and methane) and an additional diesel engine with Dualogic robotized gearbox.

All units are lively and offer smooth torque delivery. They are remarkable for driving satisfaction, excellent performance, low noise levels, low operating costs (fuel consumption and maintenance) and also for their reliability and eco-friendliness.

The range is available with Euro 4 and Euro 5 versions and offers a Start&Stop device as standard, which cuts off the engine temporarily when the car is stopped to guarantee reduced fuel consumption and emissions.


Safety

To ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, comfort and active safety in all road surface and load conditions, the vehicle has been equipped with innovative mechanical features including a bi-link rear suspension system available with various component calibrations depending on vehicle application. The Doblò's consistent and predictable road-holding is also guaranteed by the use of state-of-the-art electronic devices for stability control, namely ABS with electronic brake force distribution EBD and, above all, ESP complemented by a hill-holder system that helps the driver during Hill starts and comes as standard on this model.

The vehicle has been designed and built to achieve the highest levels of passive safety, due to a body with crumple zones, front air bags and innovative front side bags. The latter offer protection for both head and chest.

The vehicle also offers technical solutions and equipment that create optimum comfort conditions and help keep attention on the road: these include an automatic climate control system with distribution to rear seats, cruise control, parking sensors, a built-in Blue&Me hands-free system and a “Blue&Me TomTom” navigator.


The Doblò Cargo, also new, is at the top of the professional vehicle category

The new Fiat Doblò is joined by the new Doblò Cargo which has been designed to take its place at the top of its category in terms of performance and functional characteristics. It offers a more roomy load compartment than the previous model: square, regular, fully exploitable and equipped with sliding side doors and generously-sized rear doors to make light work of loading and unloading operations. Record-breaking statistics (interior length up to 2.2 metres, width between wheel arches of 1.23 metres, volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic metres, payload from 750 to 1000 Kg, combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km and range of 1250 Km with the 1.3 Multijet engine) ensure that the new vehicle can offer substantial benefits in terms of optimisation and reduction of running costs.

The range finds expression in 7 different body types: short and long wheelbase van, high top van, short and long wheelbase 5-seater combi; a particularly appealing and brand-new short and long drop-framed version can be easily and cheaply converted for specific trades (refrigeration chambers, fixed and tilting flatbed trucks).

The new models are due to be launched from mid-January 2010, but it will be possible to order the vehicles from the end of November in Italy and from December in other European markets.



[Source : FIAT]
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• New Peugeot i0n on sale at the end of 2010
  
• Range of 80 miles
  
• Peugeot is the number one manufacturer of electric vehicles

Peugeot has started to take pre-reservations for its electric car, the i0n in the UK. Already the marque has signed letters of intent with a number of companies and local authorities across Europe, for the vehicle to become part of their car-sharing and vehicle fleets.


The Peugeot i0n “zero-emissions” electric vehicle will be introduced at the end of 2010. The vehicle, developed in co-operation with the Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC), will offer a zero-emission urban transport solution for private, fleet and local authority users.
.
Peugeot has a long history in electric vehicles and, with the Peugeot 106 Electric which was produced between 1995 and 2003, remains to this day the manufacturer who has sold the most “zero emission” electric vehicles in the world.

The i0n is the ideal solution for the ever-increasing challenges of urban mobility versus environmental protection. Busy urban areas will be the favourite playground of the i0n. With four doors and four seats, a compact length of 3.48 m and a turning circle of 4.50 m, it will be ideal for busy congested city centres. It develops a maximum power output of 64 bhp and a torque of 180 Nm and, with its maximum speed of 80 mph, it will have all the performance it needs in this busy environment. It has an operating range of 80 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion batteries and they can be recharged in six hours using a conventional mains power supply or recharged to 80% capacity within thirty minutes, thanks to its fast charging system.

These performance levels allow this "zero-emission" city car to offer a good level of versatility, comparable in performance and comfort to a small conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. Its respect for the environment par excellence, its compact size, safety and simple operation will be its best, but by no means only, attributes.

In fact, onboard it will also include some innovative functions, thanks in particular to the "localised communication unit" which authorises data transfer (battery status, distance covered, distance to travel before maintenance is due, etc…) thus providing assistance especially for fleet operators.

There will also be no compromise on safety or comfort; iOn will feature ABS, traction control, ESP and six airbags as well as electric windows, air conditioning and a range of audio equipment.

The i0n also illustrates Peugeot's commitment to integrate within its model range different automotive solutions, suited to different urban mobility needs. It also represents one of the key elements of the Brand's strategy, to reduce its environmental footprint and the dependence on fossil fuels.

The i0n is part of Peugeot’s comprehensive offering for business customers, and has already been selected by nine European companies, for their car-sharing and fleet programmes.

[Source : PEUGEOT]
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia : November 13, 2009 - Malaysian luxury car manufacturer BUFORI Motor Car Company (BMCC) is extending its model range and will soon be launching a new generation of modern sportscars.



The BUFORI CS, which stands for "Compact Sports", is a purist and powerful 2 door coupé. Unlike previous generations of BUFORI motorcars, the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern-styled. Powered by a 2.0L turbo-charged engine, the sportscar will feature a lightweight composite body and offer the typical BUFORI craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. The BUFORI CS is expected to be launched in Malaysia at the beginning of 2010 and more details will be revealed towards the end of the year.

The BUFORI CS is fully designed and developed by BMCC in Malaysia. It was recently decided that BUFORI wanted to have a race version of the car, in order to prove the vehicles capabilities and performance under extreme conditions and directly apply proven racing technology to the on going development of the road car.

This lead to the creation of the newly established BMS (BUFORI MOTOR SPORTS), which is the motorsport division of BUFORI. Through the collaboration with AXLE MOTORSPORT, a company dealing in high-tech motor racing development, BMS and AXLE MOTORSPORT jointly developed the BUFORI BMS R1 using a team of Formula One engineers, employing only the highest quality components and materials.

The BMS AXLE RACING team will take part in the upcoming 56th Macau Grand Prix (weekend of 19th November 2009) with the BUFORI BMS R1, the race edition of the all new BUFORI CS.
PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

"After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, the BUFORI CS, we are very proud that a racing version of our car has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event as the Macau Grand Prix. We could not have wished for a better occasion. Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the BUFORI CS and bring in all the qualities for which BUFORI is renowned" says Felix Haller, General Manager Marketing & Operations of BMCC.

"BMS AXLE have followed a very tight working schedule, in under 10 weeks, to create this race car, and we are looking forward to being a part of this racing event and making history with BUFORI, the first Malaysian sportscar to run at the Macau GT Cup" says Joe Lim, the BMS Team Principal and Managing Director of Bufori Sales & Marketing (BSM), the global Distributor of Bufori vehicles. "This race marks the beginning of a new era for BUFORI. With the BUFORI CS, the company is expanding its portfolio to purist, modern styled sports cars, with the usual uncompromised BUFORI quality." he adds.

BUFORI is the first Malaysian manufacturer to participate at the Macau GT Grand Prix.

The Guia Circuit of Macau is a street circuit with a combination of fast straights and tight corners. It is recognised as one of the most challenging and demanding circuits in the world.

About the BUFORI CS

The BUFORI CS marks the beginning of a new era for BMCC.

Unlike previous BUFORI models, the design of the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern, boasting elegant flowing lines and subtly pronounced fenders. Four circular LED rear lights give an additional sporty dimension to the overall, timeless elegant body.

The monocoque body is made of ultra-light and rigid reinforced Carbon Fiber & Kevlar and lies on a space frame chassis.

The unequal upper and lower arm front and rear suspension with coil over shocks are fully adjustable and provide excellent road holding.

The BUFORI CS is fitted with a front mounted 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo-charged high performance engine that delivers effortless power and offers an exhilarating driving experience.

The BUFORI BMS R1, the race edition of the BUFORI CS, which is homologated to FIA GT3 requirements, was jointly developed by BMS & AXLE using a team of experienced Formula One engineers, employing only the highest quality components and materials. Besides building a competitive race car, the focus was put on producing an extremely light vehicle, with a very favourable power to weight ratio.

About BUFORI

The BUFORI MOTOR CAR COMPANY is a manufacturer of hand-crafted luxury cars combining modern technology with a timeless classic design. The company was established in Sydney, Australia in 1986 by the 3 Khouri brothers and is headed by its founder and chief designer, Gerry Khouri. The company moved to Malaysia in the 90's and is responsible for the design, development and manufacturing of the entire collection of Bufori motor cars.

BUFORI motor cars are painstakingly hand-crafted to international standards, using only the finest materials and the latest technology. Each vehicle is made-to-order and customised to the specific requirements of its distinguished owner.

The privately owned corporation is currently offering the BUFORI La JOYA, a contemporary classic two-seater coupé powered by a rear-mid-mounted 2.7L V6 engine with state of the art creature comforts and driver aids. New models such as the BUFORI MKVI & Bufori CS are in the pipeline and will be released in the near future.

[Source : Auto Channel]
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MILTON KEYNES, UK : November 13, 2009 - Volkswagen is boosting its popular Passat and Passat Estate range with the addition of a new model, the Highline Plus. Over the already generous equipment list of the Passat Highline, the trim level which replaced the SE in February 2008, the Highline Plus gains chrome grille surround and louvres, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with touchscreen adaptor, as well as Volkswagen’s RNS 310 satellite navigation unit. The Highline Plus commands a premium of just £750 over the standard Highline with prices starting at £20,515 RRP ‘on the road’ for the 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS.


Standard on the Touran Match model, the new RNS 310 unit is a CD-based satellite navigation system with integrated radio and MP3-compatible CD player. It has touchscreen operation with a five-inch colour screen for ease of use and visibility, an SD card reader, plus AUX-in slot for connection to external multimedia devices. This new system will shortly become available on other Passat models, priced at £795.

The Bluetooth touch adaptor works in conjunction with the factory-fit phone preparation and incorporates a dash-mounted cradle. The touchscreen adaptor has a 2.8-inch screen displaying clear icons which, once paired with a mobile phone, displays the phone book, text message alerts and caller ID. Calls can be answered or terminated using the multifunction steering wheel. The touch adaptor can connect to most Bluetooth-enabled phones, including the iPhone and Blackberry.

The Highline Plus also includes all the features of the standard Passat Highline including ABS and ESP, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. The new specification level is also available with the same engines as the Highline. This means customers can choose from a 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrol, 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with or without BlueMotion technology efficiency package, and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 170 PS. Gearbox availability is shown in the following table.

The Highline Plus is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, ready for deliveries in January. For more details, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

A list showing the Highline Plus range follows:

Passat Estate Highline

Passat Estate Highline

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
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Renault has decided to manufacture the electric version of Fluence at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey, with production to start in first-half 2011.



Unveiled as Fluence Z.E. Concept, the electric vehicle (EV) will be produced on the same production line as the fuel-powered versions of Fluence. As at Maubeuge, where the Group will produce electric and fuelpowered Kangoos, this option will limit the entry ticket of the program and ensure a quick industrial start, while ensuring top-level quality.

Producing the future EV at Bursa also allows Renault to benefit from the site's excellent performance on quality, cost and lead times, along with local sourcing. As a result, the Group will be able to market the zero-emission sedan at the same attractive price as the combustion models.

Scoring high on elegance and comfort, Fluence is a midsize three-volume sedan aimed at strengthening Renault’s international presence. Owners of the electric model will have three battery charge options : standard charge, rapid charge, and 'QuickDrop' battery exchange. Renault will launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.

Renault has now revealed the four production sites for its future EV range. The city car previewed by Zoé Z.E. Concept and the electric Kangoo will both be produced in France, at Flins and Maubeuge,respectively. The vehicle based on Twizy Z.E. Concept will be built in Valladolid, Spain.

Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.



[Source : RENAULT]
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SHENYANG/BEIJING : November 12, 2009 - At a ceremony held in Beijing on Thursday, the BMW Group and Brilliance Automotive Holdings Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a second production plant at the Shenyang site. The investment volume for the new plant amounts to 560 million euros. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2010, with the start of production slated for early 2012.


“Brilliance Automotive Holdings Limited is a reliable joint venture partner with whom we have already worked successfully for more than six years. Our plant has reached its capacity limit – so we are now taking the next step. The decision to build a second plant demonstrates that we are investing in our future in China and that we intend to participate in the strong growth in the Chinese market,” stated Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for finance and vice chairman of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). “It is also an important strategic step towards reducing our exposure to currency fluctuations,” Eichiner added.

The joint venture has produced BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles since 2003. A total of approximately 150,000 vehicles have so far rolled off the assembly line, with 450 million euros invested since the joint venture was founded. In a first step, the annual production capacity will be increased from 41.000 to 75.000 units. Upon completion of the second plant there will be a total annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Around 1,000 further jobs will be added to the 3,300 existing jobs in Shenyang.

China is the BMW Group’s fourth largest market. The company has maintained its growth in the country throughout 2009 and in October reported an increase of 81% over the same period last year to 9,558 units. The BMW Group sold 71,952 vehicles (52,622 / +36.7 %) in the first ten months of the year, already exceeding the retail volume for 2008 as a whole. Eichiner: “We are aiming to set a new sales record in China in 2009.”

[Source : BMW] continue reading »

Platinum by name, silver in colour and probably worth its weight in gold, Toyota’s top-of-the-range Aygo is big on driver appeal. But for all its bling connotations, it comes with a modest price tag.


Aygo Platinum’s value for money profile is even greater for anyone ordering their car before the end of December, as they will be able to avoid the 1 January increase in VAT. Aygo Platinum builds on the specification of the Aygo+ model, adding 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Crystal Silver metallic paint, six-speaker audio system, Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather gear knob trim.

Three and five-door versions are available, powered by Toyota’s 1.0-litre VVT-I petrol engine with Toyota Optimal Drive – winner of the sub-one-litre class of the International Engine of the Year awards for the past three years. Five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard, with the option of Toyota’s Multimode system.

The Aygo Xtra Protected pack is available as an option for Aygo Platinum, priced £380, it adds rear parking sensors and additional side and rear protection mouldings to help guard against the rough and tumble of urban driving. Vehicle Stability Control can also be specified as an option, at £340.

Aygo Platinum prices



[Source : TOYOTA UK]
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PARIS : November 12, 2009 - At the Milan International Cycle and Motorbike Show, Peugeot will present a new scooter concept: The HYbrid3 Evolution. Practical and safe thanks to its three-wheel drive capability and offering a high level of performance (36 kW / 49 bhp), it offers original versatility and emits only 48 g/km of CO₂ in the combined cycle or zero in electric mode, thanks to its innovative hybrid technology.


A further illustration of Peugeot’s innovative mobility solutions Visitors to the 67th Milan International Cycle and Motorbike Show will discover, from 10 to 15 November 2009, the HYbrid3 Evolution concept.


With its three wheels, this concept is positioned between two clearly distinct worlds: that of the scooter and that of the car. The HYbrid3 Evolution is a roofless version of the HYbrid3 compressor, presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It has in its genes therefore the ability to meet the expectations of different potential customers.

This new “concept-scooter” is based on the far-reaching experience of Peugeot Motorcycles in the world of the scooter and on the superb creative and innovative skills of Automobiles Peugeot stylists and engineers.

With an electric motor in each of its two front wheels and a naturally aspirated engine at the rear, it uses hybrid technology solutions to achieve its 3-wheel drive capability.

This new study, following the example of the 100% electric vehicles presented at the last Frankfurt Motor Show (BB1 project and i0n to be launched at the end of 2010), further illustrates Peugeot’s ability to offer a solution perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of urban mobility.


The design base

The architecture of the HYbrid3 Evolution is based on the concept of three wheels for stability, safety and maximum driveability. Its width of 82 cm allows it to adapt to urban traffic while still retaining the efficiency of a two-wheeler.

Its suspension and structure are designed to accommodate the hybrid technology and the two electric motors in the front wheels. The front suspension, consisting of deformable parallelograms (i.e. wheels that incline) has at its centre a transverse damper for optimal driveability and stability. The suspension assemblies are positioned on the wheel hub. Like a low-slung tubular chassis, reducing the height of the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

For optimal safety the brakes incorporate an ABS system coupled with a linked integral braking system (PBS) which acts simultaneously on the rear wheel and the two front wheels. The braking system operates by means of three ventilated discs and, in addition, via the front electric motors which in this way recover energy to recharge the batteries. This assembly (3 wheels + electric motor braking) also makes it possible to reduce the braking distance by around 30 % compared to a two-wheel scooter equipped with traditional brakes.

Style

Based on a 3-wheel chassis specifically designed by Peugeot Motorcycles, Peugeot’s car stylists created a resolutely elegant and avant-garde design. The front suggests modernity, with panels of light emitting diodes located on either side of the base of the front windscreen. These ensure highly efficient lighting and as a result the ability to be seen more clearly in traffic.

Finely chiselled front mud guards, taut style lines, rear lights with a hi-tech finish. Each detail accentuates the vehicle’s dynamic credentials.


Hybrid technology

The petrol engine providing the concept’s rear wheel drive has an output of 30 kW (41 bhp). This is a new 300 cm3 compressor engine. It is compact and benefits from the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group’s ‘downsizing’ strategy : linked to a compressor, it obtains the performance of a 500 cc whilst controlling the level of CO₂ emissions.

In addition to rear-wheel drive, the vehicle also has another drive mode. Two electric motors, one in each wheel, are present at the front of the vehicle. With an output of 2x3 kW, they are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be recharged by an energy recovery system active during deceleration and braking.

As a result there are no mechanical connections between the front and the rear, with everything controlled electronically (“by wire”), which works in favour of the vehicle’s compact size.

The HYbrid3 Evolution can, therefore, be driven in a number of different ways:

• in electric only mode (start-up, low speed and deceleration, offering a range of up to 10 km);
  
• in petrol only mode, at stable speed on the open road, when the petrol engine attains its optimal efficiency;
  
• petrol engine/electric motor combined, with the design of this electric/petrol hybrid allowing three-wheel drive for enhanced safety and driveability under all circumstances;
  
• as required by road conditions;
  
• during phases of acceleration for extra power (“boost” function) and grip, when the power can attain a maximum of 30 + (3x2) = 36 kW (49 bhp).

These characteristics allow acceleration and in-gear acceleration equivalent to that obtained with a single 500 cm3 engine (the Peugeot Satelis for example).

Another system contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency is STOP & START. This places the petrol engine on standby when the vehicle is at a standstill (at traffic lights, a stop sign or in traffic jams) or when the vehicle is being driven in electric mode.

This technology allows for significant gains in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, especially when traffic is particularly heavy. It also means that the petrol engine can be restarted instantly and imperceptibly for the driver as and when necessary. It will be noted that when driven in electric-only mode, the HYbrid3 Evolution is the perfect “good citizen”, as it then produces no CO₂ emissions whatsoever and becomes silent.

Finally, the HYbrid3 Evolution keeps fuel consumption in the standardised cycle to a minimum, at 2.0 litres/100 km for 48 g/km of CO₂ ! This hybrid technology and its original implementation is one of Peugeot’s technologies of the future. The Marque could for example make it available in different forms with different naturally-aspirated engines, different electric solutions and on any type of vehicle, even the smallest models.

From 2011, the HYbrid4 3008 will be the Group’s first vehicle to be sold with an HDi engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear.

Peugeot Motorcycles

A major player in European mobility for more than 110 years, Peugeot Motorcycles today offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of scooters and mopeds on the market.

A company at the cutting edge of innovation which draws its inspiration from the motor car, Peugeot Motorcycles was the first manufacturer to market the electric scooter, equip its 125 cm3 scooters with ABS as standard, offer a French-built 50 cm3 scooter for less than €1000 and develop the Compressor engine. The Ludix, Satelis and recently launched Vivacity are among the Marque’s successes.

Europe’s third-ranking manufacturer and occupying pole position in France, Peugeot Motorcycles has 4000 points of sale in Europe and 900 employees and sold 136,000 vehicles in 2008 for a turnover of €204 million.



[Source : PEUGEOT]
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• A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
  
• On sale in the second quarter of 2010
  
• Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
  
• Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
  
• Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
  
• Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
  
• Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
  
• Available rear-seat thorax air bags
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.
• 
  

LOS ANGELES : November 11, 2009 – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”
The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.


The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.


The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance
Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:

• Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  
• Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
  
• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
  
• Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
  
• MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
  
• All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
  
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
  
• Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
  
• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
  
• Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.
• 
  

Design story
The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”

The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”


A breakthrough interior

The Regal’s finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the “infotainment” screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car’s flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.


Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.



Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick’s innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.


Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

• Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
  
• Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
  
• Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .
• 
  

Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.


2011 BUICK REGAL VS. ACURA TSX AND VOLVO S60*

*2009 models of the TSX and S60 cited.
Bold denotes category advantage.

2011 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview


Engines

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels / Tires

DIMENSIONS
Exterior

Interior

Capacities

[Source : GM - BUICK]
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