KIA cee’d Three Door Revealed

Kia Motors Corporation has released the first preview image of its exciting new Kia three-door hatchback model which will make its World Premiere at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September.

The new model will be named Pro-cee’d. Based closely on the earlier ‘pro_cee’d’ concept shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new production model has been developed by Kia’s design team in Europe under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

“Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the new Kia Pro-cee’d is going to be a great drive,” enthused Mr Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. “Combining real style and genuine practicality, our new three-door cee’d is sure to delight existing Kia customers and attract a new group of European consumers who have not yet considered our brand.”

Manufactured in Slovakia, Pro-cee’d will be the third member of the Kia cee’d family, joining the popular cee’d five-door and the soon to be released cee’d SW models to make Kia an especially strong challenger for C-segment sales in Europe.

Production of the Pro-cee’d model range is scheduled to begin in November with first customer sales during the early months of 2008.

Audi A8 L 2011

Audi A8 L will make its official debut at the Beijing this month. The 2011 Audi A8 L will go on sale in US this fall.

BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW Concept Gran Coupé is the BMW's latest vision of a 4-door vehicle that combines the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the fascination of a high-performance sports car. The body design of the concept Gran Coupé expresses a sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

Bertone Pandion - Dream Alfa Romeo

After a two year absence from the international scene, Bertone returns to the Geneva Motor Show, unveiling a concept car that makes its world premiere here: the Pandion, an aggressive yet beautiful coupé designed as a tribute to Alfa Romeos’ one hundred year anniversary.

The Pandion: an extreme and controversial sports car in typical Bertone fashion. The size of the concept car (4620 mm in length, 1971 mm wide, 1230 mm high, 2850 mm wheelbase) offers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling, all powered by a 4.7 litre, 450 CV 8-cylinder Alfa Romeo engine.

Hyundai Verna 2011

Hyundai unveiled all-new Verna, a sub-compact car exclusive for China, at the Beijing Auto Show 2010. Verna showcases a coupe-like dynamic image that is sporty, stately and futuristic and very well targets the China's C1 segment.

2010 Subaru Legacy Tourer

The 2010 Legacy Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider (by 50mm), taller (by 65mm) and longer (by 55mm).

The new grille (complete with ‘wing motif’) flanked by elongated headlights is both modern and instantly recognisable as a Subaru. Prominent wheel-arches hint at the impressive power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, while the strong belt line and a chrome-rimmed glass-house give the Legacy Tourer a premium feel.

The luxurious and spacious interior has been completely redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. For example, front headroom has risen by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers increases by 99mm, aided by an 80mm increase in wheelbase.

Cool cars: 2010 Toyota Prius

The 2010 Toyota Prius, launched this spring, is available with a sliding glass moonroof with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar-powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist, according to the manufacturer's press kit. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning, the release states. ... read more

Auto Union Type C Pedal Car

A body made from aluminium, handcrafted leather trim and an extraordinary design – the vehicle sends Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking, into a rapture the instant he lays eyes on it: “This car is something really special.” And, indeed, the car in front of him is no ordinary car – it’s the Auto Union Type C pedal car which AUDI AG has brought onto the market as an absolute first. No other car manufacturer offers a pedal car built so elaborately and to such a high standard.

How did Audi stumble upon this idea? “We needed a highlight for our collection which conveys the brand message and, at the same time, is spectacular enough to find buyers,” says Katharina Wicker, Head of Audi design – Lifestyle Articles. And this was how the idea came about to design a pedal car that mirrors the company’s heritage at first sight.

The Type C Grand Prix racing car provided the ideal blueprint for doing this. The Auto Union Silver Arrow dominated the world of motor racing in 1936, racking up a total of ten Grand Prix victories. Furthermore, the Type C is one of the best-selling heritage models in the range of Audi miniatures. The pedal car will therefore be an exhibition piece for “grown-up” fans too.

The car’s execution called for a great deal of technical know-how and creativity. For a start, how large should the pedal car be made? How close should it keep to the original in order to nevertheless demonstrate the quality and workmanship of a true Audi? Which materials are best suited to underlining the Audi brand values of sophistication, progressiveness and sportiness?

“The greatest challenge of all was transposing a historical model to a pedal car for children whilst remaining as faithful as possible to the original,” reveals Achim Badstübner, director of the Munich design studio that created the first draft designs. Those responsible for the project eventually decided to build the pedal car on a scale of 1:2 to make it large enough to accommodate budding racing drivers up to 1.35 metres tall.

The technical drawings originated in Audi’s own tool shop. And in true keeping with the premise “designed by Audi, produced by Audi”, special tools and jigs were purpose-designed for the pedal car’s manufacture in the Audi tool shop too. The pedal car is made up of over 900 individual parts.

It features a hydraulic dual-disc brake and its speed is controlled via the seven-speed hub gear with back-pedalling brake function. Further technical highlights include the aluminium space frame and the body made from aluminium panelling which, just like on the full-size Audi models, symbolise the brand’s expertise in the field of lightweight design.

The seats, framing and steering wheel have been upholstered in leather by a bag-maker, as in the Audi TT, while the elegant spoke wheels have been custom-made. And because this pedal car seeks to replicate many different aspects of the racing car on which it is modelled, the steering wheel can be removed to make getting in and out easier, just as on the original.

The prototype of the pedal car was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2006. Visitors to the show were instantly enthralled. “Lots of people even wanted to buy the exhibition model there and then!” recalls Katharina Wicker.

This pedal car, which is limited to a run of 999 models and is far more than just an exclusive collector’s item, was an absolute joy to work on for all involved in the project. “It took me straight back to my childhood days.

And I wasn’t the only one to be seized by that play instinct again,” says a delighted Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking. And Achim Badstübner is equally thrilled about the project’s success: “Everyone put their heart and soul into this pedal car. And that is something we are all very proud of.”

The pedal car can be ordered from the Audi importer for the specific country, who will also be able to provide details regarding the respective price.

The All-New Mazda6 World Premiere

Mazda Motor Corporation has officially announced that the all-new Mazda6 will make its world premiere at the 62nd annual Frankfurt Motor Show at the Mazda press conference on Tuesday, 11th September 2007 at 13:45 (local time).

The Frankfurt Motor Show press days are September 11 and 12, and the public days are Saturday 15 September to Sunday 23 September.

The all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda’s first model to embody the Zoom‑Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child. Following the all-new Mazda2, the all-new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine - Mazda calls it “Kizuna”.

The all-new Mazda6 inherits Mazda’s tradition of responsive handling and performance that has become recognised around the world while evolving the original model’s distinctive design and exceptional functionality.

The all-new Mazda6 takes a step forward in quality and offers strengthened environmental and safety performance. The result is an exciting and delightful experience that only the all-new Mazda6 can deliver.

Nissan: Concept Car To Showcase Anti Drink-driving Technology

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has revealed a new concept car featuring multiple preventative features designed to reduce drink-driving. The various technologies are designed to detect the driver’s state of sobriety and to activate a range of preventive measures including immobilisation of the vehicle.

Alcohol Odour Sensors

1) A hi-sensitivity alcohol odour sensor is built into the transmission shift knob which is able to detect the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver’s palm as he or she attempts to start driving. When the alcohol-level detected is above the pre-determined threshold, the system automatically locks the transmission, immobilising the car. A “drink-driving” voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system.

2) Additional alcohol odour sensors are also incorporated into the driver’s and passenger seats to detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin. When alcohol is detected, the system issues both a voice alert and a message alert on the navigation system monitor.

Facial Monitoring System

A camera is mounted on the instrument cluster facing the driver to monitor the driver’s face. The system is calibrated to monitor the driver’s state of consciousness through eyes. When the system detects signs of drowsiness, a voice and message alert is triggered via the navigation system. Additionally, a seat-belt mechanism is activated which tightens around the driver to gain his or her immediate attention.

Driving Behaviour

By constantly monitoring the operational behaviour of the vehicle (e.g. sensing if the vehicle is drifting out of its driving lane), the system can identify signs of inattentiveness or distraction in the driver. When the system detects such behaviour, voice and message alerts are issued via the navigation system. The seat-belt alert mechanism is also activated, tightening around the driver to gain immediate attention.

This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied to future production cars, part of an ongoing programme from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drink-driving.

Nissan has already launched and is developing several initiatives to help prevent drunk-driving. In June, the company introduced the “drink-driving” message alert on its navigation system. In July, Nissan also began testing of a new on-board breathalyser system in cooperation with several local government authorities, where an interlock mechanism will immobilise the vehicle if the driver’s breath indicates the presence of alcohol above a specified level.

Nissan is taking a holistic approach towards safety that extends beyond the technology built into its vehicles. To achieve a “safe driving environment”, Nissan has embarked on the Intelligent Transport System Project (ITS) in Kanagawa Prefecture – aimed at helping to reduce road accidents via the analysis of traffic data collected from on-the-road vehicles and traffic beacons. In Japan, the company’s safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.

Nissan Note Version Red

From 1 September 2007 NISSAN will introduce an alternative styling choice to the award winning NOTE range known as the ACENTA R with an on the road price starting from £11840.

Before you run home to dust off your racing boots the R stands for Red to acknowledge the unique black on red detailing in the upholstery for the seats and door pockets, plus an exterior colour designed to get your heart pounding called Emotion Red. If Red is not your favourite paint colour then it can also be selected in a pearl Black metallic.

The vehicle is priced with an additional premium of £500 over the standard ACENTA but comes with TEKNA styled 16” alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. Add in the unique trim and free metallic paint then the overall value of ACENTA R speaks for itself.

Being the 2008 model also means you get fully body coloured bumpers, Bluetooth® phone operation with steering wheel activated controls, an MP3 auxiliary jack socket, air conditioning with glove box cooler, flexi-board storage system, front seat storage nets and foldaway tables, front and rear electric windows, plus the combi-meter display which is now set in a silver background with orange indicator needles.

Safety is obviously high on the shopping list for a small family car so the vehicle also has six airbags to give you all-round protection, plus active head restraints to reduce the risk of whiplash to the neck. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has awarded the ACENTA R with insurance group rankings of 4E for the 1.4 and 1.5dCi with 5E for the 1.6.

These hot cars are available to order now with the local Nissan dealer and deliveries are expected from 1 September.

2010 Porsche Boxter Spyder

The 2010 Porsche Boxter Spyder is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp.

It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds before topping out at 267 km/h (166 mph) with the roof down, and it consumes just 9.3L/100km (30.4 mpg).

The Boxster Spyder will go on sale in February 2010 for 53,100 euro.

Suzuki Splash – Light Car Segment Heating Up

The Suzuki Swift has been an enormous success for the Japanese brand, capturing the same audience that Hyundai managed in the 90s with the Hyundai Excel, the Suzuki Swift has successfully brought Suzuki back into the Australian market.

But how will Suzuki follow up the swift? With the SX4 making its way in June, Suzuki’s new model is expected to sit below the Swift. Currently dubbed as the Suzuki Splash, the new model is based on the swift platform.

Tesla unveils their new Model S electric car

Tesla Motors, the electric car startup company, recently unveiled their new Model S car in Los Angeles. The electric prototype car will cost $49,900, after a $7,500 tax credit and will be available for purchase in late 2011.

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

The Tesla Model S will have a range of 300 miles with the possibility to buy less expensive batteries that will give you a range of 230 or 160 miles. The charging time is expected to take 4 hours, or 45 minutes by using a “quickcharge”. The car will do 0-60 mph in less than six seconds (5.6 seconds), a sport version of the car is promised to achieve 0-60 mph “well below five seconds”.

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

The car will also have access to internet via 3G and be equipped with a 17-inch LCD screen in the center console. You will also be notified by SMS when the Model S has fully charged its batteries.

2007 Ruf CTR-3

Exactly 20 years after the original CTR, German tuning house RUF has announced the introduction of its third generation CTR3 coinciding with the launch of its new plant in Bahrain. The latest version will be one of the fastest Porsches on offer when it’s released.

RUF has utilized racing technologies first seen on its 911-based RT12 offering. Powering the CTR3 is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six engine pumping out 700 bhp at 7,000 rpm with torque topping out at 657 lb-ft. To save weight its developers added several unique body panels made from lightweight carbon-fiber as well as a new lattice tubing spaceframe.

Drive is sent to the wheels via a six-speed sequential manual gearbox that allows the CTR3 to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 mph. Braking is done through 15-inch discs and 6-piston calipers front and rear. When the original CTR was released in 1987, it out-performed many of the supercars of its era including cars like the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach and even Porsche’s own 959. The CTR3 is set to do the same but won”t come cheap as pricing is expected to fall at just over $500,000.

Body
Body build in steel, aluminium and kevlar-carbon. Rollover protection in A-pillar and in birdcage. The birdcage forms a torsion resistant unit with the front chassis by joining to the sill beam and the A pillar.

Front structure steel, zinc dipped
Safety passenger compartment steel, zinc dipped
Engine and transmission frame space frame and birdcage
Front bonnet and doors aluminium
Body shell Kevlar-Carbon composite

Chassis
Front axle McPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear axle multilink rear axle, anti-roll bar
horizontal coil over shock absorbers
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion

Size and Dimensions
Length 4,445 mm / 175.0 in
Width 1,944 mm / 76.5 in
Height 1,200 mm / 47.2 in
Wheelbase 2,625 mm / 103.3 in
Front track 1,506 mm / 59.3 in
Rear track 1,585 mm / 62.4 in

Empty weight with 6 speed manual transmission
According to DIN 1,400 kg / 3,086.4 lbs
According to EG-standards 1,475 kg / 3,251.8 lbs

Performance
Top speed 375 kph / 235 mph
0-100 kph / 0 62 mph 3.2 sec

Price
Euro 380,000.00 (plus VAT)

Nissan Announces Pricing On 2010 Altima Coupe

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, which goes on sale May 25, 2007 at Nissan dealers nationwide. The newest extension of Nissan’s best-selling Altima lineup offers dramatic styling, a sport-inspired interior and a choice of two advanced powerplants –a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed manual or Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmissions.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5 S with 6-speed manual transmission is $20,490. Altima Coupe 2.5 S CVT with Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) starts at $20,990. The V6-equipped Altima Coupe 3.5 SE 6MT with 6-speed manual has an MSRP of $24,890, while the 3.5 SE Altima Coupe SE CVT with Xtronic CVT starts at $25,390.

Customers will be able to pre-order 2008 Altima Coupes at Nissan dealers beginning today under a special “Reserve Your Coupe” promotion.

The new Altima Coupe offers smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling, giving it a more sporty appearance and driving feel. Altima Coupe has a 4.0 inch shorter wheelbase and overall length is 7.1 inches less than the Altima Sedan. The Coupe also has a 2.5 inch lower profile than the Sedan version. The Altima Coupe and Sedan only share a common hood, with all other major panels, including the grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.

The new Altima Coupe is part of the fourth-generation Altima design, which utilizes Nissan’s all-new, highly acclaimed “D” platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.

“The Altima Coupe sets itself apart from the segment by being more than just an Altima Sedan minus two doors,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The driving performance of the Altima Coupe is biased toward sporty feel, especially when equipped with our award- winning V6. Handling is also a strong point of the new Coupe, as is the responsive feeling provided by the Xtronic CVT transmission.”

The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 utilized in Altima Coupe 3.5 SE models is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award- winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Available with the new Altima Coupe 2.5 S models is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL).

Altima Coupe models with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires, while V6-equipped Altima Coupes come with unique-design 17- inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires. All 2008 Altima Coupes also come equipped with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The list of Altima Coupe passenger amenities includes standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bose(R)-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Available technology features include a RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear, and Nissan Navigation System with a 6.5-inch color monitor.

The new Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags.

Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

In addition to the new 2008 Altima Coupe, Altima is offered in a variety of Sedan models - including the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and Altima Hybrid (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The new Altima is off to a strong launch, with 2007 calendar-year-to-date sales up nearly 19 percent through March.

2007 BMW Concept CS

Introducing the BMW Concept CS, Germany’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles is presenting the vision of a unique four-door car which combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car. This unique combination never seen before offers the perspective to enjoy sheer driving pleasure in a dimension quite unprecedented in the world of motoring.

Indeed, the BMW Concept CS is a new definition of design culture. Concentrating on powerful, expressive design, materials of the highest quality, and quality of finish in perfection, this unique new model offers a completely new understanding of premium quality.

In presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is not only entering a brand-new segment of the market never occupied before, but is also setting the milestone with a brand-new type of car. The four-door luxury Gran Turismo enters a new dimension of motoring in new style and with new features.

A new experience of dynamics and the ambience around us, exemplary quality in design and finish, extreme precision in the dimensions of the car, and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS.

The sum total of such qualities in the BMW Concept CS can be created only on a sound foundation of firmly defined values: innovative power, sporting performance, aesthetic design, an open frame of mind, and full awareness of quality. Precisely these are the values BMW has been applying consistently for decades in the development of particularly outstanding saloons and fascinating, truly dynamic sports cars. And now these values are concentrated even more than before in an unprecedented manner in the BMW Concept CS.

Measuring 200.8 inches in length, the BMW Concept CS is dominated by dynamically flowing lines. From the BMW kidney grille standing out powerfully to the front, the eyes of the beholder move back along the low-slung and sleek engine compartment lid, subsequently meandering along the side-line and roof-line all the way to the deliberately short rear-end with its clear-cut air flow spoiler.

The dynamically stretched silhouette of the car proudly boasts a wide range of features typical of the character of a particularly sporting, avantgarde automobile. All of these features clearly bear testimony to excellent aerodynamics as well as a low centre of gravity helping to promote superior agility on the road. And at the same time the carefully modeled transitions between the body sections are a clear symbol of the car’s nimble character and performance, despite its size.

The interior of the BMW Concept CS also offers dynamism of a completely new standard borne out by the combination of exclusive elegance and sophisticated refinement. In designing the interior, the innovative technique of layering the individual surfaces and components provides an unprecedented combination of function and stylish reduction to the essential.

The appropriate use of joints and seams, together with layered surfaces, creates new options in the arrangement of functional elements for both ventilation and illumination. And at the same time the layering concept offers new possibilities to clearly express the class and value of the materials used as well as the precise design of the car’s interior through contrasting colors and the structure of different materials.

Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard. More than ever before, this highlights the sheer value of the materials used, the love for all details, and quality of finish now enhanced to perfection.

Saab 9-3 Convertible, Now Available With Sand

The sand often times conjures memories of walks on the beach with the fresh sea air swirling in and out with the tide. With the availability of optional tan colored top, in place of the standard black or optional blue colors, Saab 9-3 customers are now able to reminisce year-round in this robust four-season convertible.

A Sand convertible top was only offered in 1993 and 1994 on the first generation convertible. After a 13-year hiatus, and many customer and dealer inquiries, the Swedish-born brand conceived by aircraft engineers, the option returns.

“Saab is a customer-focused brand,” said Yanlin Sun, Saab 9-3 Convertible marketing manager. “Our customers and dealers alike asked us to bring back the sand … so we did.”

Since launching its first convertible, Saab has played a major role in advancing the popularity of open-top cars as a practical, all-year-round means of transport. The 9-3 Convertible’s premium quality, sprightly performance, sporty styling and generous equipment levels attract those who long for cruising around in the open air.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is offered in the 2.0T and Aero trim levels priced at $38,240 and $43,845 respectively. As with all Saab models, the 9-3 Convertible comes standard with no-charge scheduled maintenance, the GM 5-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty as well as a 4-year/50,000 mile Limited New-Car Warranty.

2007 Nissan 350Z Prices Announced

Nissan has announced the price of the new 350Z, with its uprated engine, to give a starting figure of £26,795 OTR for the Coupe and £28,295 OTR for the Roadster, representing an increase of only £300. This also includes the recently announced rise in road tax (up £90) and the first registration fee (up £12). Vehicle deliveries are expected to start from mid May.

Changes to the award winning 350Z include an 80% new engine which has meant, due to its taller stance, that the front bonnet has had to be discreetly redesigned with a slightly raised profile, giving it a look reminiscent of the original 240Z. There are also three new exterior colours on offer – Temper Orange, replacing Sunset, which contains a subtle green “flip” when seen in soft light conditions.

Twilight Grey and Night Blue complete the new shades replacing Gun Metal Grey and Azure Blue respectively. Solid Red, Universal Silver and Ebisu Black continue to remain available.

Inside, a new no cost option trim has been introduced called Frost. It has a pale grey tone and adds a touch of sophistication to the car’s interior. On the Roadster the frost trim can be ordered with a new grey coloured roof hood, also at no extra cost, replacing the previous availability of blue.

Safety and on road refinement has also been improved with the fitment of Active Headrests, to minimise the chances of neck injury in the event of a rear impact, plus the change over to Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres which aid refinement without losing any level of grip.

An illuminated ignition switch is the only other change made to the new model with all other levels of equipment remaining unchanged. As a memory jogger these include 18” RAYS forged alloy wheels, voice prompted phone activation with Bluetooth, gear change indicator, climate control air-conditioning, 6 CD auto-changer with cassette facility and 4 speakers.

Keeping you safe on the road are anti-lock brakes with Switchable Electronic Stability Control, bi-xenon headlamps plus, should they be needed, front, side and curtain airbags.

The GT pack which is a further £2500 includes heated and electric powered leather sports seats, a 240W Bose radio / cassette 6 CD autochanger with 7 speakers including a 10” sub woofer and audio pilot noise compensation technology, and cruise control. Alezan orange interior is a further £400 and if you want Birdview Satellite navigation then add £1200.

The HR in the engine code stands for High Revolution and High Response designed to improve the overall acceleration, feel and sound of the unit. Power is increased by 13PS giving a total of 313PS at 6800rpm with a further 500rpm added to the top end of the rev range – now standing at 7500rpm.

However, the real difference will be noticed lower down with 90% of the 358Nm torque (up 5Nm) being achieved at just 2000rpm (maximum at 4800rpm). These changes allow performance figures to improve with 0.1 of a second shaved off the 0-62mph time which means the Coupe now takes 5.7 seconds and the roadster 6.1. And, there is no change to either the combined fuel consumption figure or the CO2 emissions; 24.1mpg and 280g/km respectively for the coupe and 23.5mpg and 288g/km for the Roadster.

International 77th motor-show and accessoaries – 8th – 18th March Geneva

With its first show in 1905, the Geneva Auto Show has more than 100 years of history. Its location in Switzerland represents neutral ground for automakers from around the world to show off new models and concepts. Almost all motor combustion models have been featured in the show – ranging from benzene to steam, with many exotic and super cars stealing the spotlights throughout the 20th century. Prototypes, new equipment, technical breakthroughs, and international partnerships as well as political and social debates are all landmarks of this international exhibition. The Geneva show isn’t focused on any one particular area but covers the entire automotive industry, with production cars, design previews, and accessories.
Continue reading International 77th motor-show and accessoaries – 8th – 18th March Geneva

The newest version of BMW?

The new model and the old model

Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition

With its sporty appearance and sumptuous level of appointments, the immediately available Sport Edition is a new highlight among the Coupés and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. 18-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive design, AMG styling features in the exterior and bi-xenon headlamps as standard give this special model a particularly distinctive appearance. The sporty, exclusive atmosphere of the interior is especially characterised by the grippy AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, aluminium-look sports pedals and special velour floor mats.

The letter combination CLK has denoted excitement and driving pleasure for many years. The new “Sport Edition” special model now makes the Coupés and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class even more desirable. Both externally and in the interior, the Sport Edition further upgrades the CLK models and makes them even more attractive and dynamic.

The exciting design of the CLK-Class is accentuated by muscular AMG styling features for an even more dynamic appearance. These include a front apron with more pronounced contours, as well as the rear apron and side skirts which typify AMG models. Large, 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new, six twin-spoke design (front 225/40 R 18, rear 255/35 R18) further enhance the sporty appearance and contribute to driving pleasure. The same applies to the perforated front brake discs. The brake callipers of Sport Edition models bear the lettering “Mercedes-Benz”.

The special CLK Sport Edition models are equipped with bi-xenon headlamps including dynamic beam control, cornering lights with an integral foglamp function and a headlamp washer system as standard. The Active Light System is also available as optional equipment. A large, chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe and a special rear silencer provide a sonorous, sporty exhaust note.

Sporty, masculine features

The new Sport Edition is based on the already sporty configuration of the luxurious AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. In models equipped with an automatic transmission, an AMG sports steering wheel with upper sections of perforated leather and steering wheel shift paddles ensures an even more sporty touch. Depending on the engine variant, a further technical highlight is available in the form of the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the world’s only car transmission of this kind. Its seven gears can be shifted either automatically, via a manual shift programme or by means of steering wheel shift paddles as in the motor racing world. Moreover, 7G-TRONIC Sport reduces gearshift times by up to 30 percent.

The sporty atmosphere of the interior is accentuated by black upholstery in a combination of high-quality ARTICO man-made leather and fabric. A black leather interior is also available on request. Other sporty touches include a sports pedal cluster with an aluminium look and non-slip studs, as well as velour floor mats with silver-coloured edging.

The special models of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition are available as Coupés and Cabriolets, with a choice of six powerful engine variants which are among the most economical in their class.

This attractive enhancement package provides a further individualisation option, and is only available for AVANTGARDE variants of the CLK models. The cost of this sporty equipment package is 3 332 Euro (incl. VAT).