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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
These latest spy shots of the 2009 BMW Z4 caught testing in Germany clearly show that the new two-seat roadster will be getting a folding metal roof in place of the current car’s fabric item. The next Z4 will make its debut at the LA motor show in November before going on sale in the last quarter of next year.
Aimed squarely at the Audi TT, the new Z4 will come with a comprehensive range of engine, all common to 3-Series on which it’s based.
We’re expecting that line-up to include a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol six and the mighty 4.0-litre V8 from the M3. Sources inside Munich also confirm that, for the first time, BMW is almost certain to make a diesel-powered version of one of its ‘Z’-cars, aimed squarely at the Audi TT TDI.
Aimed squarely at the Audi TT, the new Z4 will come with a comprehensive range of engine, all common to 3-Series on which it’s based.
We’re expecting that line-up to include a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol six and the mighty 4.0-litre V8 from the M3. Sources inside Munich also confirm that, for the first time, BMW is almost certain to make a diesel-powered version of one of its ‘Z’-cars, aimed squarely at the Audi TT TDI.
The diesel motor is likely to be the exceptional 204bhp version of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that is fitted to the 123d Coupe.
The new Z4 will also benefit from BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, boosting fuel economy and cutting emissions. This is likely to include stop-start and a part-time alternator.
Our pictures of this lightly disguised Z4 show more of its body than we’ve seen before. The looks have been toned down compared with the current car - particularly around the front-end, which is neater and more elegant than its predecessor.
As a result BMW will be hoping for more success with this Z4, which never managed to match the Z3’s peak sales figures in the UK.
The outgoing Z4 peaked in 2004, when BMW shifted 4800 to British buyers – less than half the number of TTs that Audi sold. The current model’s ‘awkward’ styling alienated many buyers, particularly women, who didn’t take to Chris Bangle’s outlandish design. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
The new Z4 will also benefit from BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, boosting fuel economy and cutting emissions. This is likely to include stop-start and a part-time alternator.
Our pictures of this lightly disguised Z4 show more of its body than we’ve seen before. The looks have been toned down compared with the current car - particularly around the front-end, which is neater and more elegant than its predecessor.
As a result BMW will be hoping for more success with this Z4, which never managed to match the Z3’s peak sales figures in the UK.
The outgoing Z4 peaked in 2004, when BMW shifted 4800 to British buyers – less than half the number of TTs that Audi sold. The current model’s ‘awkward’ styling alienated many buyers, particularly women, who didn’t take to Chris Bangle’s outlandish design. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
Monday, October 13, 2008
General Motors has refused to confirm or deny speculation that it plans to merge with Chrysler, but sources inside both companies say talks are well underway.
Industry analysts have reacted unenthusiastically to a potential merger between GM and Chrysler. A GM-Chrysler alliance would widen the gap with Ford, but many believe that any savings from administration efficiencies and shared model platforms would be years away. Apart from any other complications, it would create a 10,000-strong dealership network at a time when sales have slumped around 20 per cent.
"As we have often said, GM officials routinely discuss issues of mutual interest with other automakers," said Tony Cervone, GM's vice president of communications, adding "As a policy, we do not confirm or comment publicly on those private discussions, which in many cases do not lead anywhere."
However, media in the US reported over the weekend that Cerberus Capital Management, which owns 80 per cent of Chrysler, had proposed swapping its share for GMAC, GM's financial services division.
GM has lost around $70bn since it last made a profit in 2004. While sharing new car platforms and development costs with a maker such as Chrysler could make financial sense, there is a danger that the company could take on too many extra costs at a time when it is still burning through around $3bn a quarter.
Daimler paid $36bn for Chrysler in 1998, but kept just a fifth of the company when it sold the remainder to Cerberus last year for around $7.5bn, roughly a quarter of what it paid for it. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures)
Industry analysts have reacted unenthusiastically to a potential merger between GM and Chrysler. A GM-Chrysler alliance would widen the gap with Ford, but many believe that any savings from administration efficiencies and shared model platforms would be years away. Apart from any other complications, it would create a 10,000-strong dealership network at a time when sales have slumped around 20 per cent.
"As we have often said, GM officials routinely discuss issues of mutual interest with other automakers," said Tony Cervone, GM's vice president of communications, adding "As a policy, we do not confirm or comment publicly on those private discussions, which in many cases do not lead anywhere."
However, media in the US reported over the weekend that Cerberus Capital Management, which owns 80 per cent of Chrysler, had proposed swapping its share for GMAC, GM's financial services division.
GM has lost around $70bn since it last made a profit in 2004. While sharing new car platforms and development costs with a maker such as Chrysler could make financial sense, there is a danger that the company could take on too many extra costs at a time when it is still burning through around $3bn a quarter.
Daimler paid $36bn for Chrysler in 1998, but kept just a fifth of the company when it sold the remainder to Cerberus last year for around $7.5bn, roughly a quarter of what it paid for it. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures)
The Mac is back – and Auto Express has the spy shots to prove it! These amazing exclusive images show that McLaren engineers have hit the streets at last in the much-anticipated successor to the legendary F1 road car.
Due to go on sale in 2010, the exciting new machine was caught undergoing testing not far from the Formula One team’s base in Woking, Surrey by an eagle-eyed Auto Express reader.
Although the prototype is wearing some heavly disguise, it's clear to see that it's every inch the compact machine McLaren has been promising. Conceived as a smaller and less expensive model than the original F1, it’s gunning for the likes of Ferrari’s F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.
Codenamed P11, it has been designed and built completely in-house by a small group of engineers at the Formula One team’s factory. Firm details on the newcomer are scarce, but it is likely to carry a price tag of between £150,000 and £200,000 and use a 6.2-litre V8 sourced from F1 engine supplier Mercedes-Benz.
With the help of a turbocharger, the AMG unit will produce around 500bhp, and together with the latest carbon composites for the body and the chassis keeping weight down to around 1,100kg, the new McLaren should do 0-60mph in around four seconds and post a top speed of 200mph.
Formula One technology such as a semi-automatic paddleshift gearbox as well as carbon brakes are also likely to form part of the specification list too. Sales will start in around two years' time.
For more deatils click here
Saturday, October 11, 2008
General Motors has insisted that going bankrupt is “not an option”.
The American auto giant was forced to release a statement today after market experts predicted the company would file for America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within days.
“Bankruptcy would not be in the interests of our employees, stockholders, suppliers or customers and we believe speculation about a possible filing is exaggerated and unconstructive,” the GM statement said.
The company’s share price took a battering on Wall Street yesterday. Its stocks were worth just $4.76 each when markets closed, valuing the company at less than $3 billion.
Media reports have been suggesting that GM is on the verge of filing for bankruptcy since its share price dipped below the $10 mark earlier this year.
Currently GM is trying to sell the failing Hummer brand and is streamlining vehicle production worldwide in an effort to cut costs. It blames the “global financial markets and weakening economic fundamentals” for its ongoing crisis. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
The American auto giant was forced to release a statement today after market experts predicted the company would file for America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within days.
“Bankruptcy would not be in the interests of our employees, stockholders, suppliers or customers and we believe speculation about a possible filing is exaggerated and unconstructive,” the GM statement said.
The company’s share price took a battering on Wall Street yesterday. Its stocks were worth just $4.76 each when markets closed, valuing the company at less than $3 billion.
Media reports have been suggesting that GM is on the verge of filing for bankruptcy since its share price dipped below the $10 mark earlier this year.
Currently GM is trying to sell the failing Hummer brand and is streamlining vehicle production worldwide in an effort to cut costs. It blames the “global financial markets and weakening economic fundamentals” for its ongoing crisis. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
September has been a month of reveals for GM cars, with details about the 2009 Pontiac G3 and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt finally being shared, but of the two, the G3 is being met with considerably less excitement.
The Pontiac G3 is essentially a dressed up, four-door version of the Chevrolet Aveo, and it will join the lineup in Spring, 2009, as a "credible new high-mileage entry-level car at a time when small cars are the fastest-growing segment in the industry," says Jim Hopson, a spokesman for Pontiac.
Hopson has a point, but critics and industry experts are a bit skeptical. After all, Pontiac is supposed to be the performance-car branch of GM. Nevertheless, Hopson assures, Pontiac will still be offering the Solstice and G8 rear-wheel drive performance cars as well as the sporty front-wheel drive Vibe and G5, which means that along with the new G3 and the G6, Pontiac's stable will include four vehicles that exceed 30 mpg when driven on the highway.
While some worry that the move to economy cars is a backwards step for Pontiac, AutoTrends analyst Jo Phillippi, says it's actually a smart decision. In a statement to the press, he explained, "Everyone has to fight the battle with stricter CAFE [corporate average fuel economy] regulations coming. In order to sell the G8 and Solstice sports cars [you] have to sell some high-mileage economy cars alongside them to help meet the CAFE average."
In contrast with the lack of enthusiasm offered to the Pontiac G3, this month's reveal of the production version of the Chevrolet Volt, the much-vaunted hybrid-electric plug-in car first introduced to the public at the 2007 Detroit auto show, has been met with great excitement, despite the fact that the car is now a four-door hatchback, and not the sleek and stylish concept car we were originally shown. GM says this is because the car needed to be more aerodynamic than originally planned, in order to maximize fuel efficiency.
As GM has stated previously, the Volt, to be available for the 2011 model year, will have a range of 40 miles on a full electric charge, at which point a gas/E5 capable engine will engage to recharge the battery. In this car the gasoline engine is essentially a generator, and all power to the drive system is electric.
While complete specifications for the Volt have not yet been made public, GM did share that the electric motor will offer the equivalent of 150 hp (as compared to the 110 hp of a Toyota Prius), and will have a maximum speed of 100 mph. There will be 220 lithium-ion battery cells powering the car, and the electric motor can be charged in eight hours when plugged into a standard 120-volt household outlet, or three hours when plugged into a 240-volt receptacle. (If the battery is not fully depleted the charge time will be less.)
With the Pontiac G3 coming in 2009, and the Chevrolet Volt arriving for the 2011 model year, it's clear that even GM is seeing the merit of greener design, and the necessity of appealing to a more environmentally aware public.
The Pontiac G3 is essentially a dressed up, four-door version of the Chevrolet Aveo, and it will join the lineup in Spring, 2009, as a "credible new high-mileage entry-level car at a time when small cars are the fastest-growing segment in the industry," says Jim Hopson, a spokesman for Pontiac.
Hopson has a point, but critics and industry experts are a bit skeptical. After all, Pontiac is supposed to be the performance-car branch of GM. Nevertheless, Hopson assures, Pontiac will still be offering the Solstice and G8 rear-wheel drive performance cars as well as the sporty front-wheel drive Vibe and G5, which means that along with the new G3 and the G6, Pontiac's stable will include four vehicles that exceed 30 mpg when driven on the highway.
While some worry that the move to economy cars is a backwards step for Pontiac, AutoTrends analyst Jo Phillippi, says it's actually a smart decision. In a statement to the press, he explained, "Everyone has to fight the battle with stricter CAFE [corporate average fuel economy] regulations coming. In order to sell the G8 and Solstice sports cars [you] have to sell some high-mileage economy cars alongside them to help meet the CAFE average."
In contrast with the lack of enthusiasm offered to the Pontiac G3, this month's reveal of the production version of the Chevrolet Volt, the much-vaunted hybrid-electric plug-in car first introduced to the public at the 2007 Detroit auto show, has been met with great excitement, despite the fact that the car is now a four-door hatchback, and not the sleek and stylish concept car we were originally shown. GM says this is because the car needed to be more aerodynamic than originally planned, in order to maximize fuel efficiency.
As GM has stated previously, the Volt, to be available for the 2011 model year, will have a range of 40 miles on a full electric charge, at which point a gas/E5 capable engine will engage to recharge the battery. In this car the gasoline engine is essentially a generator, and all power to the drive system is electric.
While complete specifications for the Volt have not yet been made public, GM did share that the electric motor will offer the equivalent of 150 hp (as compared to the 110 hp of a Toyota Prius), and will have a maximum speed of 100 mph. There will be 220 lithium-ion battery cells powering the car, and the electric motor can be charged in eight hours when plugged into a standard 120-volt household outlet, or three hours when plugged into a 240-volt receptacle. (If the battery is not fully depleted the charge time will be less.)
With the Pontiac G3 coming in 2009, and the Chevrolet Volt arriving for the 2011 model year, it's clear that even GM is seeing the merit of greener design, and the necessity of appealing to a more environmentally aware public.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Our spy photographers have snapped confirmation that a cabriolet version of the stunning new Audi TT-RS is under development in Germany.
These latest pictures of the TT-RS Roadster come just days after we brought you these images of Ingolstadt’s blistering TT-RS coupe running hot laps of the Nurburgring.
Both models are due to launch early in 2010, with prices starting at around £45,000 for the coupe.
The TT-RS Roadster is meant to be the ultimate TT, and will use the same engine as its coupe counterpart - a 2.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection five cylinder motor that sources in Audi claim is packing 343bhp.
The roadster will be fitted with Quattro four-wheel drive, and the body will be strengthened to make sure it delivers the dynamic qualities necessary in an RS model. Insiders reveal that keeping the high-performance TT’s weight down is also a big priority for Audi engineers.
To aid handling, the standard TT’s magnetic dampers could be binned in favour of more performance-orientated alternatives - and carbon ceramic brakes are likely to be on the options list.
Our sources suggest the TT-RS coupe will be able to dismiss 0-62mph in under five seconds, and the Roadster should offer near-identical performance, along with a limited 155mph top speed. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
These latest pictures of the TT-RS Roadster come just days after we brought you these images of Ingolstadt’s blistering TT-RS coupe running hot laps of the Nurburgring.
Both models are due to launch early in 2010, with prices starting at around £45,000 for the coupe.
The TT-RS Roadster is meant to be the ultimate TT, and will use the same engine as its coupe counterpart - a 2.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection five cylinder motor that sources in Audi claim is packing 343bhp.
The roadster will be fitted with Quattro four-wheel drive, and the body will be strengthened to make sure it delivers the dynamic qualities necessary in an RS model. Insiders reveal that keeping the high-performance TT’s weight down is also a big priority for Audi engineers.
To aid handling, the standard TT’s magnetic dampers could be binned in favour of more performance-orientated alternatives - and carbon ceramic brakes are likely to be on the options list.
Our sources suggest the TT-RS coupe will be able to dismiss 0-62mph in under five seconds, and the Roadster should offer near-identical performance, along with a limited 155mph top speed. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
The next-generation Mazda MX-5 will be re-engineered as a lightweight, sub-one tonne two-seater, most likely powered by a down-sized petrol engine.
"The next MX-5 needs to be much lighter," said program manager Takao Kijima. "And we also need to get CO2 levels down to the B-car [Mazda 2] level."
Kijima said the next MX-5 must weigh less than 1000kg, a cut of around 120kg compared to today's 1120kg car. That's a similar weight to the original MX-5, which weighed in at 945kg.
Mazda's target is a 10 per cent "minimum" weight reduction, which will also apply to all of its new models from 2011.
"The next MX-5 needs to be much lighter," said program manager Takao Kijima. "And we also need to get CO2 levels down to the B-car [Mazda 2] level."
Kijima said the next MX-5 must weigh less than 1000kg, a cut of around 120kg compared to today's 1120kg car. That's a similar weight to the original MX-5, which weighed in at 945kg.
Mazda's target is a 10 per cent "minimum" weight reduction, which will also apply to all of its new models from 2011.
The MX-5 will stick with its front-engine/rear-drive layout and a steel body and platform. "Alloy is out of the question, as it's too expensive," said Kijima.
Mazda is also targeting a dramatic reduction in tailpipe emissions of carbon and is aiming for 120g/km, a 40g/km cut on today's 160g/km.
As well as the weight saving, more efficient engines are part of Mazda's plan. "I am sure a downsized engine will be necessary," said Kijima.
That most likely means 1.6 and 1.8 engines in place of today's 1.8 and 2.0 units, although it could also mean a highly efficient, possibly turbocharged, 1.4-litre unit. (Thanks to Autoca for News and Pictures).
Mazda is also targeting a dramatic reduction in tailpipe emissions of carbon and is aiming for 120g/km, a 40g/km cut on today's 160g/km.
As well as the weight saving, more efficient engines are part of Mazda's plan. "I am sure a downsized engine will be necessary," said Kijima.
That most likely means 1.6 and 1.8 engines in place of today's 1.8 and 2.0 units, although it could also mean a highly efficient, possibly turbocharged, 1.4-litre unit. (Thanks to Autoca for News and Pictures).
Rumors that Toyota will send its iQ super subcompact to America appear to be true -- with one twist. Our sources indicate the iQ will debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November not as a Toyota, but as the latest addition to the Scion lineup.
Even though the tiny three-plus-one seat iQ (three adults, one child) was designed for Europe and Japan, there is a strong business case for bringing it here as a Scion.
Toyota, busy with the launch of the next-generation Prius, doesn't need another small gas sipper to steal its marketing thunder -- particularly one that could poach sales from the Yaris, the brand's other high miler.
In addition, Scion desperately needs some buzz to improve its brand image. Though sales of the second generation xB and new xD models have been aided by rising fuel prices, Scion's overall image has been hurt by the more conservative second-generation models, and the tC coupe is about due for a redo. Critics and consumers alike have noticed the absence of the original fun and funky themes that launched the brand. A squat and striking iQ would definitely draw some attention back to Scion.
Even though the tiny three-plus-one seat iQ (three adults, one child) was designed for Europe and Japan, there is a strong business case for bringing it here as a Scion.
Toyota, busy with the launch of the next-generation Prius, doesn't need another small gas sipper to steal its marketing thunder -- particularly one that could poach sales from the Yaris, the brand's other high miler.
In addition, Scion desperately needs some buzz to improve its brand image. Though sales of the second generation xB and new xD models have been aided by rising fuel prices, Scion's overall image has been hurt by the more conservative second-generation models, and the tC coupe is about due for a redo. Critics and consumers alike have noticed the absence of the original fun and funky themes that launched the brand. A squat and striking iQ would definitely draw some attention back to Scion.
Not only is the iQ a perfect demographic fit for the young and hip urban dweller Scion has targeted since day one, it slots nicely into its lineup as the entry level offering. Positioned under $15,000, a two door, hatchback iQ wouldn't challenge the more traditional four-door, five-seat Scion xD hatch, but would likely give the Smart fortwo fits. For around the same price as the Smart, the iQ would offer additional passenger/cargo capacity.
The iQ moniker is spot on as well -- a play off the Smart that fits Scion's traditional two letter, lower/upper case naming convention. As for what would power a Scion iQ, it's doubtful we'd see either the 1.0L three-cylinder gas engine or the 1.4L turbodiesel available in other markets. Our bet for the U.S.-spec iQ is the 1.5-liter engine found in the Yaris, combined with a five speed manual or optional Multidrive CVT.
We'll have more details as they become available around L.A. auto show time, but you heard it here first: Toyota is going to get Smart by giving iQ to Scion and America.
The iQ moniker is spot on as well -- a play off the Smart that fits Scion's traditional two letter, lower/upper case naming convention. As for what would power a Scion iQ, it's doubtful we'd see either the 1.0L three-cylinder gas engine or the 1.4L turbodiesel available in other markets. Our bet for the U.S.-spec iQ is the 1.5-liter engine found in the Yaris, combined with a five speed manual or optional Multidrive CVT.
We'll have more details as they become available around L.A. auto show time, but you heard it here first: Toyota is going to get Smart by giving iQ to Scion and America.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The French firms certainly made the most of their Parisian home ground! And none more so than Peugeot, which showcased what will be the next 408 in the form of the menacing RC HYmotion4.
Bridging the gap between the RC Spade and Diamond from 2002, and the 908 RC revealed in Paris in 2006, the concept is billed as a stylish four-door GT. But it’s not all about the curvy lines. As with Peugeot’s Prologue and Citroen’s Hypnos show cars, which share similar powertrains, it blends low emissions and impressive economy with searing performance.
The RC has a 1.6-litre THP turbo at the rear and a 70KW electric motor at the front. This makes for a gutsy 313bhp, with zero emissions at low speeds and combined output of 109g/km. That means a miniscule annual tax bill of only £35 and a wallet-friendly 62.7mpg.
Peugeot also claims the RC HYmotion4 isn’t strangled by its green credentials, as it can complete the 0-62mph dash in 4.4 seconds and boasts plenty of mid-range grunt with 178Nm of torque from the motor and 280Nm from the engine.
The concept benefits from four-wheel drive, but its maker has also fitted an “entirely original suspension set-up”, which should make for top-notch road holding and razor-sharp handling.
For more details click here
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The world debut of Nissan's 2010 Nissan 370Z is little more than a month away at the L.A. auto show, and Nissan engineers appear to be doing some last-minute shakedown runs in Germany near the Nurburgring. While this 370Z prototype hasn't been seen on the 'Ring yet, it will probably be headed there soon.
The Nissan 370Z mule seen here, as has been previously reported, appears to be shorter in wheelbase over the outgoing Z. The car's decrease in size should help make the new 370Z lighter than the car it's replacing, which should mean performance and fuel efficiency of the new Z will be improved.
Nissan's latest VQ37VHR engine used by the current Infiniti G37 will power the new Z, with the engine massaged to make somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp. Expected transmissions include a close-ratio six-speed manual and all-new seven-speed automatic.
The Nissan 370Z mule seen here, as has been previously reported, appears to be shorter in wheelbase over the outgoing Z. The car's decrease in size should help make the new 370Z lighter than the car it's replacing, which should mean performance and fuel efficiency of the new Z will be improved.
Nissan's latest VQ37VHR engine used by the current Infiniti G37 will power the new Z, with the engine massaged to make somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp. Expected transmissions include a close-ratio six-speed manual and all-new seven-speed automatic.
On the exterior, the 370Z retains the same general shape as the present car, with differences including a boomerang-style headlight treatment both front and rear similar to what's found on the new Nissan Maxima, reworked front and rear fascias, more aggressive fender flares, and a pronounced kink where the windscreen meets the roof.
Nissan officials recently cited the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT as the upcoming car's chief rivals, a tall order for the Nissan coupe. The 370Z reportedly will hit Japanese dealerships this December, with U.S. deliveries coming most likely by spring 2009.
Nissan officials recently cited the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT as the upcoming car's chief rivals, a tall order for the Nissan coupe. The 370Z reportedly will hit Japanese dealerships this December, with U.S. deliveries coming most likely by spring 2009.
Mazda is putting the finishing touches to a comprehensively reworked version of the company’s Golf-sized 3, ahead of an expected launch next spring.
The heavily disguised prototype, pictured testing in Iceland, was described by Mazda engineers as “90 per cent finished”.
The 3 is a vital model for the company, having sold well in all the major world markets since its launch.
The heavily disguised prototype, pictured testing in Iceland, was described by Mazda engineers as “90 per cent finished”.
The 3 is a vital model for the company, having sold well in all the major world markets since its launch.
Although based on the existing car, the new 3 will get an extensive reskinning, marked out by distinctive ‘ridges’ and scalloped surfaces that hint at the surface treatment of the BMW 1-series.
The new 3 also gets styling influences from the RX-8 coupé with more pronounced front wings and an RX-8-style nose design.
The interior has been redesigned and features a sweeping new design language with a very distinctive centre console and bold, modern switchgear.
Mazda has applied weight-saving measures to the revamped model, though a serious breakthrough in weight reduction is expected in a few years’ time, when the all-new Mazda 3 arrives.
Although no details have yet emerged on the extent of the changes to the chassis, the car is in line for some impressive under-bonnet technology.
Mazda engineers have developed an all-new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine – thought to be good for 150bhp – as well as a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit that could be used in the next-generation 3 MPS instead of today’s turbocharged petrol engine.
Company sources say the 2.2 diesel, which is expected to produce 185bhp, has the economy of a 2.0-litre diesel, but with considerably better power and torque. This diesel engine will also be fitted to the CX-7 SUV and Mazda’s Mondeo-rivalling 6 range later next year.
The new SISS stop-start system will also be available on the new Mazda 3. SISS stops the engine when the car is travelling below 2mph and in neutral, ensuring that the pistons stop in the optimum position to be restarted by an injection of fuel directly into the cylinder.
Mazda says the restart time of 0.35sec is half that of rival systems. Overall fuel economy should improve by up to 10 per cent.
The new 3 cannot come soon enough for Mazda in the US. After a strong sales start to the year, the Japanese car maker was hit by the global economic turbulence, with the Mazda 3 being particularly hard hit.
However, Mazda in the UK is still performing strongly, with sales in September down just over 1.5 per cent and down less than one per cent for the first nine months of the year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
The new 3 also gets styling influences from the RX-8 coupé with more pronounced front wings and an RX-8-style nose design.
The interior has been redesigned and features a sweeping new design language with a very distinctive centre console and bold, modern switchgear.
Mazda has applied weight-saving measures to the revamped model, though a serious breakthrough in weight reduction is expected in a few years’ time, when the all-new Mazda 3 arrives.
Although no details have yet emerged on the extent of the changes to the chassis, the car is in line for some impressive under-bonnet technology.
Mazda engineers have developed an all-new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine – thought to be good for 150bhp – as well as a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit that could be used in the next-generation 3 MPS instead of today’s turbocharged petrol engine.
Company sources say the 2.2 diesel, which is expected to produce 185bhp, has the economy of a 2.0-litre diesel, but with considerably better power and torque. This diesel engine will also be fitted to the CX-7 SUV and Mazda’s Mondeo-rivalling 6 range later next year.
The new SISS stop-start system will also be available on the new Mazda 3. SISS stops the engine when the car is travelling below 2mph and in neutral, ensuring that the pistons stop in the optimum position to be restarted by an injection of fuel directly into the cylinder.
Mazda says the restart time of 0.35sec is half that of rival systems. Overall fuel economy should improve by up to 10 per cent.
The new 3 cannot come soon enough for Mazda in the US. After a strong sales start to the year, the Japanese car maker was hit by the global economic turbulence, with the Mazda 3 being particularly hard hit.
However, Mazda in the UK is still performing strongly, with sales in September down just over 1.5 per cent and down less than one per cent for the first nine months of the year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
Citroën is considering a production car based on the eco-friendly C-Cactus concept first seen at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.
Citroën managing director Gilles Michel described the C-Cactus as a “radically new” approach to producing green cars, which would offer “better mobility, consumption and respect of the environment”.The C-Cactus gets its green credentials by using various methods to reduce costs and weight, such as repeating body panels around the car and using fewer components in the cabin.
For these reasons, the C-Cactus has also become the ideal car to take Citroën’s new HYdrive diesel-electric hybrid technology, which has been confirmed for production by 2011 and is claimed to offer nearly 100mpg economy.
Should the C-Cactus get HYdrive, it would adopt a front-drive layout rather than the four-wheel drive that was showcased recently on the Hypnos concept.
A number of other powerplants could make it into the C-Cactus, including a sub-100g/km 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine that has already been confirmed for production.
Citroën is also considering a pure electric model, which would offer a range of almost 100 miles and a top speed of 70mph.
The C-Cactus would slot into the Citroën range as an affordable four-seat hatchback offering low spec levels, benchmark green credentials and a focus on around-town practicality and style. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
Citroën managing director Gilles Michel described the C-Cactus as a “radically new” approach to producing green cars, which would offer “better mobility, consumption and respect of the environment”.The C-Cactus gets its green credentials by using various methods to reduce costs and weight, such as repeating body panels around the car and using fewer components in the cabin.
For these reasons, the C-Cactus has also become the ideal car to take Citroën’s new HYdrive diesel-electric hybrid technology, which has been confirmed for production by 2011 and is claimed to offer nearly 100mpg economy.
Should the C-Cactus get HYdrive, it would adopt a front-drive layout rather than the four-wheel drive that was showcased recently on the Hypnos concept.
A number of other powerplants could make it into the C-Cactus, including a sub-100g/km 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine that has already been confirmed for production.
Citroën is also considering a pure electric model, which would offer a range of almost 100 miles and a top speed of 70mph.
The C-Cactus would slot into the Citroën range as an affordable four-seat hatchback offering low spec levels, benchmark green credentials and a focus on around-town practicality and style. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
Just days after the Renault Megane hatchback and coupe’s debut at the Paris motor show, our spies have caught the red hot Renaultsport version testing at the Nürburgring.
The large Brembo front brakes and centre-mounted tail pipe give away this test car’s identity as the high-performance model, and sources at Renault confirm that the hot hatch has been testing at the ‘Ring.
The large Brembo front brakes and centre-mounted tail pipe give away this test car’s identity as the high-performance model, and sources at Renault confirm that the hot hatch has been testing at the ‘Ring.
However we expect the finished Renaultsport Megane - likely to be unveiled at next year’s Geneva motor show - to be lower, have a much more aggressive front end and bigger air intakes than the recently unveiled standard Megane or this prototype.
Renault’s designers have been allowed more freedom to toughen up the looks of the Renaultsport model, based as it is on the new Coupé, which is being marketed as a separate model to the five door.
The standard new Megane five-door goes on sale in November. It will be joined by the three-door coupe – upon which the hot hatch is based – in January 2009 with the Renaultsport model arriving next September.
Renault’s designers have been allowed more freedom to toughen up the looks of the Renaultsport model, based as it is on the new Coupé, which is being marketed as a separate model to the five door.
The standard new Megane five-door goes on sale in November. It will be joined by the three-door coupe – upon which the hot hatch is based – in January 2009 with the Renaultsport model arriving next September.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Our spy photographers have captured the revised S5 being put through its paces at the Nurburgring, ahead of its launch next year.
Looks have received subtle revisions over the current car, but we know that under its bonnet the new S5 gets Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in place of the current model’s 4.2-litre V8.
The new motor made its debut in the recently-revealed S4, and although its 329bhp is slightly down on old V8’s 339bhp, it has more mid-range torque and a broader powerband.
Looks have received subtle revisions over the current car, but we know that under its bonnet the new S5 gets Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in place of the current model’s 4.2-litre V8.
The new motor made its debut in the recently-revealed S4, and although its 329bhp is slightly down on old V8’s 339bhp, it has more mid-range torque and a broader powerband.
Audi claims the new S4 is 0.5 seconds quicker from 0-62mph than the V8, and if the S5 improves by the same margin then it will drop under 5 seconds for the benchmark acceleration test. Top speed will continue to be limited to 155mph.
The revised S5 will also benefit from the option of a seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission and the latest iteration of Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system, which uses a torque vectoring active rear differential to assist cornering.
Although the S5 is switching to V6 power, Audi insiders insist that the company is intending to use a V8 in the forthcoming RS5, which should make its debut in 2010.
Prices and final specs for the S5 will be announced ahead of its launch early next year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
The revised S5 will also benefit from the option of a seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission and the latest iteration of Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system, which uses a torque vectoring active rear differential to assist cornering.
Although the S5 is switching to V6 power, Audi insiders insist that the company is intending to use a V8 in the forthcoming RS5, which should make its debut in 2010.
Prices and final specs for the S5 will be announced ahead of its launch early next year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
A month ago, Chrysler executives assured us that the company has a bright future, one that will be punctuated with a "product renaissance" consisting of seven to nine new vehicles in 2010. While they've been anticipated for a while, Chrysler has finally confirmed that those new vehicles will include a new Chrysler 300, a new Dodge Charger, a new Jeep, a Nissan-made small car, and at least one of the electric vehicles the company recently premiered.
"In the pipeline for 2010: A brand-new 300, a brand-new Charger ... a brand-new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances," Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said on CNBC's "Conversations with Michael Eisner." "I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong."While some have questioned the struggling automakers ability to roll out up to nine new vehicles in two years, fears are being assuaged with new details. Creating new versions of the 300 and Charger is different than creating two all new cars, as is borrowing a sub-compact car from Nissan. All three of Chrysler's recently unveiled electric cars are also based on existing vehicles, so four of the nine vehicles have already proven to be reworked platforms, not clean-sheet designs. This is not a bad thing, though, as all four are expected to be significant updates of the existing cars, not simple refreshes. A fifth vehicle will likely be the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will feature a new unibody frame, but it's unclear at the moment if this is the Jeep that Nardelli was referencing or not. Chrysler has also confirmed that it will begin selling a hybrid version of the new Dodge Ram in 2010, though we don't know if that will be counted as one of the nine new vehicles. Also rumored is another borrowed Nissan, possibly a mid-size replacement for the Sebring based on the Altima. We also don't know yet if the just-announced global microcar borrowed from Chinese automaker Great Wall will come to the U.S. or not, but it's possible. If this all proves correct, then the likelyhood of Chrysler pulling off nine new vehicles for 2010 greatly increases.The biggest news is the redesign of the 300 and the Charger. Both have been on the market relatively unchanged for several years now, and sales are beginning to slip. Sales of the 300 are down 43% so far this year, while Charger sales are down 10%. Earlier this year, newly-crowned Chrysler vice president for design Ralph Gilles told the Detroit Free Press that the new 300 would be "a quantum leap in quality." Given the outstanding work Gilles and his team did on the 2009 Dodge Ram and Gilles recently announced commitment to move Chrysler away from "edge" styling, we have high hopes for the new 300 and Charger.
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