- Energetic: new, dynamic appearance inside and out
- Extended: ten new assistance systems for more safety
- Efficient: new engines with up to 31 per cent improvement in fuel consumption
- Experience: new generation of telematics with internet access
- Successful: more than one million units of the current series sold since March 2007
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The New Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Toyota Hilux with unique Antarctic : Expedition 4600 km through the most inhospitable part of the world
COLOGNE : December 23, 2010 - The Toyota Hilux is unstoppable. First he drove to the North Pole and then took the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Now the pick-up has mastered another extraordinary challenge with flying colors: he has the coldest and lebensfeindlichste region of the world - crossing to reach the South Pole - Antarctica.
HAMANN Victory II turns the Gallardo LP560-4 into a technology and design winner
HAMANN already presented the super sports car Victory based on the first Lamborghini Gallardo. With the latest Gallardo LP560-4, now also the new HAMANN Victory II is introduced. The car body becomes broader and the engine performance as well as the amount of carbon parts is significantly increased.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Audi to compete in 12h race at Bathurst
- Audi race experience Team Joest fields two Audi R8 LMS cars
- Strong drivers from Australia, Asia and Europe
- Extended program for the AUDI AG GT3 sportscar
All-new Mazda BT-50 raises the standard on safety
Mazda Australia announced that Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) will be available on the All-New BT-50, a move which raises safety standards in the utility segment.
World premiere of the new MINI Paceman Concept : The first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium segment
MINI is marking an important milestone in its history by once again presenting a fascinating new vehicle concept for the MINI family – the MINI Paceman Concept. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signalled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS – taking place from 10-23 January 2011 – with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept could become another building block in the ongoing development of the brand and its product portfolio.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New Ford C-MAX: Clever, Compact vehicle to move young families with flexibility, Fuel efficiency
- New Ford C-MAX combines a fresh new design, flexible seating configuration for seven, outstanding craftsmanship and occupant safety and advances in driving dynamics
- Ford C-MAX offers life-enhancing technologies such as SYNC® connectivity, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, HD Radio™ and an industry-exclusive hands-free liftgate
- A “white space” entry representing the best features of a car and minivan, the Ford C-MAX will deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy with sporty performance and handling
Monday, December 20, 2010
Nissan unveils new global sedan at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition
GUANGZHOU, China : December 20, 2010 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled an all-new sedan model at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Using the famed ‘Sunny’ name in China, this new model will go on sale first in China in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Think™ delivers its first U.S.-Built electric cars
INDIANAPOLIS : December 18, 2010 – THINK™, the world’s leading dedicated electric vehicle maker, has delivered its first U.S.-built cars to the State of Indiana for use in its government fleet. The 15 vehicles, which were shipped from THINK’s manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Ind., will be the first electric passenger vehicles with American-made, Lithium-ion batteries used in an American fleet operation.
GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept
The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. It is highlighted by a bold exterior design, enhanced all-terrain suspension and premium details expected of a GMC – all designed to enable greater access to off-road destinations.
ABT offers the performance improvement for Touareg
Those who want their car to have it all choose the Touareg. This car is not just a real off-roader, but also looks confident and superior on the road. All the more so if the SUV has been tuned by ABT Sportsline. The Bavarian company has also refined the latest version of this a special automobile without diluting its character. “More power wouldn’t hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg", explains Christian Abt. The General Manager, who is responsible for technical development at ABT, knows what buyers of a premium vehicle expect: “Since its launch in 2002 the Touareg has been a huge success for us. We have systematically worked on our interpretation of the SUV since then, whereby it is clear, in our opinion, that there should be special emphasis on sport.”
Friday, December 17, 2010
McLaren confirms GT3 racing programme for MP4-12C
- McLaren and CRS Racing in partnership to develop GT3 racing car based on new McLaren MP4-12C road car
- First customer cars planned for 2012 season
- 12C's innovative carbon chassis, light weight and aerodynamics promise winning performance from race-bred road car
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Mazda & Honda unveil B-Spec racers
ORLANDO, Fla. - With the goal of providing close racing in affordable cars from a variety of manufacturers, Honda and Mazda jointly announce the formation of "B-Spec" Showroom Stock racing.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Great Wall to sell Voleex Hatchback in Europe
SHANGHAI : December 15, 2010 - Great Wall Motor Co. plans to start selling its Voleex subcompact in Europe in the first half of next year.
Mazda releases special edition Premacy 20CS Aero Style models
HIROSHIMA : December 15, 2010 - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of two special edition versions of its seven-seat minivan, the Mazda Premacy (known overseas as the Mazda5) for the Japanese market. The Premacy 20CS Aero Style and Premacy 20CS Aero Style Touring Selection go on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.
Volkswagen Taxi Concept makes its debut in London
A conceptual twist on a British institution has been unveiled in the form of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept – the latest evolution in a series of ‘World Taxis’ based on the underpinnings of the forthcoming UP! city car.
Daihatsu launches the fully redesigned mini passenger vehicle MOVE
DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (DMC) announced the launch in Japan of the fully redesigned mini passenger vehicle MOVE on December 13.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
CARB approves THINK CITY zero-emission vehicle
DEARBORN, Mich. : December 13, 2010 – The California Air Resources Board has approved the THINK City as a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV). The approval paves the way for THINK to sell the all-electric THINK City in California, 12 other states and the District of Columbia that have adopted California’s ZEV requirements.
A “Grand” New Jeep® Compass
- New 2011 Jeep® Compass is beautifully redesigned, reflecting the styling cues of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Unsurpassed compact SUV 4x4 fuel economy (28 mpg) and off-road capability, and innovative interior features combine to provide tremendous value
- Upgraded interior features soft touch points and high quality materials, Exceptional ride and handling performance in all weather conditions is the result of upgraded steering and suspension systems for 2011
- 2011 Jeep Compass features more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows
- 2011 Jeep Compass now offers Trail Rated® 4x4 capability with Freedom Drive II® Off-Road package Compass joins Jeep Patriot as most capable in compact-SUV segment
Honda Civic Concept to make world debut at North American International Auto Show
American Honda announced that the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Civic will debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in January.
Cadillac returns to racing With CTS-V Coupe
- Racecar based on award-winning CTS-V Series line
- Program designed to validate, enhance Cadillac performance
- Andy Pilgrim, Johnny O’Connell signed as Cadillac drivers
Hyundai released the first of i40CW images ahead of its official premiere at 2011 Geneva Auto Show
Hyundai has released the first sketches of the upcoming i40 CW, the estate model of the i40 sedanahead of its official debut at 2011 Geneva Auto Show next March.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The 20 millionth Peugeot manufactured at the Sochaux Plant rolls off the production line
PARIS : December 13, 2010 - In the company's bicentenary year, the 20 millionth Peugeot manufactured at the historic Sochaux plant rolls off the production line, with the honour going to a white 5008. Together with the 3008 and the 308, this vehicle symbolises the sustained level of activity which the site is currently experiencing. Sochaux produces 1,765 vehicles daily, 734 "308s", 651 "3008s" and 380 "5008s"; it should end the year having produced 360,000 vehicles, with next year's output forecast to reach 400,000. An activity driven to a large degree by the commercial success enjoyed by the 3008 and 5008, which remain leaders on their segments.
Mitsubishi and Thai Government agree on jointstudy for testing of The i-MiEV for the popularisation of electric vehicles in Thailand
BANGKOK : December 13, 2010 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and the government of Thailand announced today that they agreed to start joint study for fleet testing of electric vehicles (EV). MMC, through its local producer and distributor Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh), will begin initiatives for future market introduction of the i-MiEV new-generation EV.
Lexus virtual test drive in Gran Turismo ® 5
COLOGNE : December 13, 2010 - It is probably the most hotly anticipated video game of all time recently to racing game fans from all over the world with the new Gran Turismo ® 5 immersed in a world of motor sport unprecedented detail and atmospheric density. Gran Turismo ® 5 will inspire not only amateurs, but also very quickly become the preferred training tool by professional racers who want to rehearse the curve of a race track right from your living room.
BRABUS USA moves into new headquarters : Bigger, Faster, More Modern and More Efficient
The American market is one of the most demanding markets in the world. That’s why BRABUS has been present there since 1998 with its own branch, which serves its customers and dealers in the USA and Canada.
The SEAT Ibiza tops the ‘greencar’ list in Spain
- SEAT also leads the ranks by brand
- One of every two SEAT models registered emits less than 130 g/km
- The Spanish brand firmly stands as the most ecological on the market
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world’s most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the “Night of Champions” party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the
GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.
BMW 1 Series M Coupe
- Market launch in Germany in May 2011.
- World premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
- The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is produced at the Leipzig plant.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
HAMANN tunes the Porsche Cayenne 958
The new Porsche Cayenne became significantly more compact when comparing it with its predecessor. With its refining programme, HAMANN-Motorsport follows the new design, but
gives the SUV more profile at the same time.
Audi extends motorsport commitment
- New Audi R18 for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours
- Dual project in the DTM
- Endurance races with the Audi R8 LMS
Audi aims to continue its string of victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours with a completely new LMP1 sports car development. Since its debut in 1999, the brand with the Four Rings has won the world’s most important endurance race as many as nine times with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI models. In doing so, Audi has equaled this feat in the race’s roll of honor with Ferrari. With the new R18, which was presented at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt on the evening of Friday, December 10, 2010, Audi is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011.
Volkswagen Golf R confirmed for America
Enthusiasts spoke, and Volkswagen listened. VW announced Thursday that the diminutive and powerful Golf R is coming to the United States in 2012.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Ford to produce next-generation Escape in Louisville, Adding 1,800 jobs
- Ford is investing $600 million to transform its Louisville Assembly Plant into a state-of-the-art facility, becoming Ford’s most-flexible high-volume plant in the world
- When the fully transformed Louisville Assembly Plant re-opens in late 2011, it will operate on two production shifts, requiring 1,800 incremental jobs from today’s staffing levels to be filled through a combination of existing Ford workers and new hires
- Construction begins in mid-December, allowing installation of new tooling, body shop equipment and other upgrades necessary to build the next-generation Escape for North America; key UAW employees from the plant will help transform the facility
- Based on the company’s commitment to this investment and incremental jobs, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville approved tax incentives that enable Ford's move to transform the plant and maintain a strong presence in the state
Ford Racing announces 2012 Cobra Jet Mustang
DEARBORN, Mich. : December 9, 2010 - Since its legendary introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph that has carried through the decades.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Mitsubishi conducts foundation stone laying ceremony for New Factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand
BANGKOK : December 9, 2010 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today conducted a Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for a new third factory of its Thailand producer and distributor, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) at the site where the new factory is to be built in at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Thailand's Minister of Industry Chaiwut Bannawat and MMC President Osamu Masuko.
Rinspeed to present “BamBoo” - the Pure Roots of Mobility at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
The names of the concept cars from Swiss car visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht are more than marketing-driven slick onomatopoeia that polls well with focus groups. At Rinspeed names often have a deeper meaning. That is also true for the latest creation from Rinderknecht. “BamBoo” is the name of his latest ‘baby’ that resembles a grown-up golf cart and is bound to evoke plenty of admiration at the next Geneva Motor Show which runs from March 3rd through 13th, 2011.
Jaguar XJ is the Top Gear Luxury Car of the Year 2010
Top Gear has named the Jaguar XJ as its Luxury Car of the Year 2010, placing the British firm’s flagship model above rivals from BMW and Audi.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Toyota supplies engines for Le Mans Prototypes, cooperation with the Rebellion Racing Team
COLOGNE : December 8, 2010 - Toyota returns to racing. The Cologne-based Toyota Motorsport GmbH agreed with the LMP1 racing rebellion Racing on the supply of engines for a Le Mans prototype class. Toyota will provide in the upcoming 2011 season as the exclusive partner for two engines rebellion Racing Lola LMP1 car.
MTM to present 1,4 TFSI 90 kW (122 hp) performance kit for Audi A1
The compact Audi A1 presents an ideal package for sports modification. The turbo engines are a house favourite and mtm offers a choice of performance variations, 18 inch alloys, high performance breaks and improvements to the under-body of the car, all specially designed to highlight the characteristics of the vehicle.
Ward’s names 10 best engines winners
The auto industry is embracing the age of electrification, and so too is the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list. Both the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV earn their way onto the 2011 list, as selected by Ward’s editors after evaluating 38 vehicles with new or significantly improved engines for the ’11 model year.
Acura TSX receives numerous updates and All-new sport wagon model for 2011
TORRANCE, Calif. : December 8, 2010 - Despite the TSX being a top choice in its class, Acura has not rested on its laurels, as a host of major updates have been made for 2011. Topping the list, the TSX receives a freshened exterior look along with a wide array of new features and technology- with particular attention being paid to further improving quality and cabin quietness. In addition, significant improvements have been made to both the 2.4L I-4 and 3.5L V-6 engines that yield improved fuel efficiency and longer engine life.
Lotus Renault GP - Lotus, the manufacturer, is back
Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital are pleased to announce a partnership which will see the Renault F1 Team renamed as ‘Lotus Renault GP’ from the start of the 2011 racing season onwards. The association heralds the return of a highly successful Formula 1™ association between Lotus and Renault from the 1980s. Lotus’ racing pedigree and heritage coupled with Renault’s technology in Formula 1™ will set the united team on a path to future success.
Land Rover announced the new Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition
- A unique addition to the Freelander 2 range with dynamic exterior and interior styling.
- Available in three distinct exterior colours - Fuji White, Santorini black and for the first time Firenze Red.
- Two interior design themes with striking contrast ebony and ivory or ebony and pimento colourways.
- Available with a high-performance and efficient 190PS diesel engine -with six speed automatic gearbox – delivering 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds and CO2 emissions of 185g/km
- On sale from early 2011 with prices starting at £33,945
- Only 500 vehicles will be available in the UK
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Aston Martin’s One-77 embarks on tour of Asia
TOKYO, Japan : December 7, 2010 - The One-77, Aston Martin's ultimate production car, a piece of sculptural automotive art that is the ultimate representation of the company's technical ability, ambitions and values is embarking on it’s first ever tour of Asia.
All-New Ford Focus production starts in Germany
- Technologically advanced, all-new Focus starts production at Ford's Saarlouis Assembly Plant in Germany
- Saarlouis building all three Ford Focus bodystyles – four-door, five-door and wagon – for the European market
- 500 new permanent jobs created to support Ford Focus production in Saarlouis
- All-new Ford Focus production to be expanded further in mid-2011 in Russia, and in 2012 in China and Thailand
- Early production models of four-door and five-door models underway at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in the United States
- Developed in Europe for production on three continents, the all-new Ford Focus will be sold in 120 markets globally
- More than ten million Ford Focus vehicles have been sold since its initial introduction in 1998, six million of which were sold in Europe
World premiere – G-POWER presents the technology featured in the world’s fastest saloon car
Technology transfer by G-POWER -- the technology from the 800 hp world record-breaking G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RR is now also available for the BMW Z4 E85 and 3 Series E46, delivering a power increase of up to 55 hp.
Kia reveals first design sketches of stylish next generation Picanto city car
- Newcomer brings confidence, solidity and maturity to the A-segment
- Production vehicle to be unveiled at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
- On sale in the UK from late Spring 2011
New and improved Honda Insight Hybrid hits UK roads
- Suspension changes to improve ride and comfort
- Higher-spec interior
- New EX model with leather and Sat Nav
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Volkswagen unvieled Rockton – the Transporter for the toughest terrain
- The new all-rounder from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles extremely versatile even away from paved roads
- Ready for major adventures with the factory-fitted "Expedition" package
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Nissan announces 11MY Nissan GT-R's acceleration time
YOKOHAMA, Japan : December 1, 2010 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the 0-100km/h acceleration time for the 11MY Nissan GT-R.