Cruze marks the beginning of a new era for Holden

2009 Holden Cruze

MELBOURNE : September 27, 2009 - The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show today signalling the company’s latest entrant in the competitive small car segment.

Cruze is the first of General Motors’ new wave of global products and enters Australia’s small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features.

Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said Cruze represented Holden’s commitment to the small car market and marked the beginning of a new era for the company.

“The small car market is the largest growing segment in the Australian market and this is our response to that change,” Reuss said.

“Cruze will play a significant role in Holden’s future and presents us with a new generation car, a new design and a new way of thinking.

“It is a world class small car that has the perfect blend of both style and substance, all from the base model to the top of the range.”

2009 HOLDEN CRUZE HIGHLIGHTS:

Drawing on GM best practices from around the world, Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team.

Product line-up

The Cruze line-up will include CD and CDX models, both powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine with the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

A 2.0 litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine will be available as an option on the CD model and will form part of the Holden EcoLine range.

The choice of powertrains ensures fuel efficiency and excellent performance all with the ride and handling ability of a true Holden to ensure it feels as good as it looks.

Exterior styling

With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan’s 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan.

State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish.

Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

Interior comfort

Inside, Cruze boasts one of the most advanced interiors of any small car on the market offering exceptional quality and functionality, while delivering sportiness and luxurious comfort.

Stylish and spacious, the Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 “plug and play” functionality.

An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look.

With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features.

Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety

Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class.

The Cruze’s stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

With an impressive level of standard safety features across the range including:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
• Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters
• Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel

Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:

• 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine
• 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
• 16 inch steel wheels
• Body coloured door handles and mirrors
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• 6 airbags including:
• Front airbags for driver and front passenger
• Front side impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Automatic headlamps
• 6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 “plug & play” functionality with graphic information display
• Air conditioning
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Trip computer
• Power windows, front and rear

Holden Cruze CDX - includes all CD specific feature highlights, plus:

• 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
• 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
• 17 inch alloy wheels (4)
• Front fog lamps
• Leather steering wheel
• Leather appointed seats
• Heated front seats
• Rear park assist

Full specifications, fuel economy figures and pricing will be released closer to launch.

Images : 2009 Holden Cruze

[Source : HOLDEN]

LINEA Vincero – Mansory refines the Bugatti Veyron 16.4

LINEA Vincero Bugatti Veyron 16.4

“Vincero! Vincero! – I will win“, that is the self-confident exclamation from Nessun Dorma, probably the most famous tenor aria from Giacomo Puccinis opera Turandot. And Vincero is also the name of the latest automobile accessory line by refining specialist Mansory. Mansory already finds many parallels for the new name: The plot of the aria stems from a Persian tale of 1001 days which also relates to the standard motorisation of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with 1,001 hp. On the other hand, it should also refer to the origin of Kourosh Mansory, the founder and CEO of Mansory Corporation. And the opera has another reference to the offered product portfolio by ending after three acts. The LINEA Vincero edition is also not infinite – the project is strictly limited.



It goes without saying that such a sonorous name is only suitable for an absolutely high-quality programme. Already the Bugatti Veyron serial edition sets standards in terms of price, maximum speed and engine power and leaves its competitors far behind when a contender for the super sports car is to be crowned. Whoever now thinks that everything possible has been achieved, can be proved wrong. Already visually, the changes clearly show. The front part gets a comprehensive face-lift including modified wings, a shorter hood and a striking front apron. The LED daytime running lights integrated in the front mount and the implemented stylised “V” as a special tribute to the name “Vincero” draw even more attention to the car.

The newly developed side skirts are the visual and aerodynamic connection between the axles. Larger air outlets at the sides and at the back render optimal engine cooling and in combination with the new diffuser, they underline the powerful car design. Mansory manufactures nearly all auto body parts from ultra-light and high-strength carbon.

The applied hardening technique with strong pressure and high temperatures in the autoclave thereby enormously improve the material quality.

In order to perfect the entire visual appearance, Mansory devised new, striking fully-forged turbine-design wheels for the Linea Vincero in serial dimensions.

Also, the power engine is refined by Mansory. Technical innovation is combined with technical expertise and thereby, an increased cooling air supply and optimised exhaust system produce an unbelievable 1109 hp and 1310 Nm.

The interior is exclusive and yet functional. Also here, Mansory understands how luxury and technology can be harmonically combined. When traditional craftsmanship, selected materials and stylish design merge, the result is an interior of automobile excellence.

This mainly shows by the LED lights of the new Ambiente-Illumination-System which are fitted in the seats, door linings and the dashboard. The entire passenger compartment glows in a soft light which does not only render a comfortable feeling, but also emphasises the high-quality carbon applications and the especially grained leather. The ergonomically designed airbag steering wheel is both sportive and particularly pliable and is equipped with rocker switches.

The Mansory individualisation programme for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is offered in a limited edition via the Middle East partner “Prestige Cars Abu Dhabi”.

[Source : MANSORY]

HKS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Time Attack Project

HKS CZ200S Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

HKS has established the new HKS CZ200S Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as the successor to the outgoing HKS CT230R Circuit Time Attack Evo as its latest time attack vehicle. The CZ200S will be the basis where HKS will develop its complete parts line-up for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

The CZ200S will be the basis in which HKS will develop its complete parts line-up for the Lancer Evolution X. Much like the development of products available for the previous generations of the Lancer Evolutions, the CZ200S utilizes currently available off-the-shelf and prototype HKS products. HKS prides itself in its engineering, motorsports development and manufacturing quality assuring customers that the same products that HKS sets records with are the same off-the-shelf products that a customer can expect from HKS.

Working in conjunction with the Yokohama Tire Company, HKS plans on lap times under 1 minute at the famed Tsukuba Circuit. During initial testing of the new Advan Neova AD08 radial tires, the CZ200S posted a best lap time of 59.495 seconds at Tsukuba Circuit.

Technical Data :
Horsepower	574.5 ps (1-28-09)
Max Boost	1.9 (kgf/sqcm)
Suspension	HKS Hipermax III Sport
Catalyzer	HKS Metal Catalyzer
Downpipe	HKS SPL (custom)
Brakes	Endless F: Racing Mono 6 pot Endless R: Racing 4 pot
Torque	67.5 kgf-m (1-28-09)
Max Boost	1.9 (kgf/sqcm)
Exhaust	HKS SPL (custom)
Intake	HKS SPF Reloaded
Wheel	Yokohama Advan Racing RS (18x10)
Tire	Yokohama Advan Neova AD08
Engine :
Turbo	HKS GT3240 Full Turbo Kit (Prototype)
Camshaft	HKS V Cam Pro (IN256 / EX248)
Piston	HKS Forged Piston Kit
Connecting Rod	HKS H-beam (Prototype)
Head Gasket	HKS 1.2mm Metal Head Gasket
Injector	HKS 1000cc
Intercooler	HKS R-Type I/C and Piping Kit
Powertrain :
Clutch	HKS LA Clutch Twin
Transmission	HKS Motorsport Gear 6 Speed (Prototype)
Electronics :
ECU	HKS F-Con V Pro
Boost Controller	HKS EVC
Meter	HKS CAMP2
Timing	HKS VALCON Pro
A/F	HKS A/F Knock Amp
Other	HKS VALCON Pro
	HKS Circuit Attack Counter
	HKS CAMP2
Exterior :
Aero	HKS Racing Front Canard (custom)
	HKS Racing Front Splitter (custom)
	Ralliart Front Bumper Intake Duct
	Esprit Wing
Graphics	M.S. Revolution
Interior :
Seats	Bride Zeta III (CFRP)
Seat Belt	Takata

[Source : HKS]

Auto Salon unvieled Modified Toyota @ 2009 Melbourne Motor Show

Auto Salon - Toyota Yaris

MELBOURNE : February 27, 2009 - Toyota has unveiled two new locally developed show cars at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show which feature cutting-edge customisation ideas from the booming modified street car scene.

Auto Salon - Toyota Yaris

The highly modified Yaris and RAV4 are the result of collaboration with Australia’s leading promoter of street car shows and events, Auto Salon.

“Basically, Toyota gave us the cars and told us to go crazy,” said project leader William Ng.

“It’s getting increasingly difficult to do something original within the show car scene but, because the Yaris and RAV4 are not common subjects for modification, the Toyota project gave us an opportunity to do something different.”

Auto Salon - Toyota Yaris

The Auto Salon Yaris is distinguished by a camouflage paint-scheme and modified “double-wide” bodywork featuring guards which have been heavily flared to house over-sized 17-inch raised titanium lip wheels and 245/40 Michelin Pilot Preceda tyres.

The Yaris’s suspension has been modified with the addition of Buddy Club coil-over suspension adjustable for ride and rebound.

The interior of the Yaris has been enhanced with the addition of race-style TRD Recaro driver and front passenger seats, and a TRD instrument gauge cluster mounted on the steering column. The standard stereo has been replaced by an enormously powerful Fujitsu Eclipse sound system featuring four amplifiers and six sub-woofers.

An unusual feature of the system is that the entire boot-mounted stereo sub-woofer assembly can be unbolted and removed. “Removing the sub-woofer lowers the kerb weight of the vehicle in order to enhance track-day performance,” said William Ng.

Auto Salon - Toyota RAV4

The Auto Salon RAV4 is a show standout thanks to its bright red pearlescent custom paint job and massive 22-inch wheels and tyres.A custom-built airbag suspension allows the RAV4 to be lowered on its wheels by up to 25 centimetres for display purposes and then raised again for driving.

Auto Salon - Toyota RAV4

The custom look is completed by new front and rear bumper panels, deep side skirts and “shaved” external door handles - meaning they have been removed entirely and replaced by a remote control door opener.

[Source : TOYOTA via Japanese Sport Car]

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

MARANELLO : February 27, 2009 – The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the sporty, dynamic Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.


The two new arrivals will be introduced to the international media by Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the opening day of the Show, March 3rd, at 10 am.

In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a colour matching the F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire this single-seater that recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors' World title. On the stand there will also be the full range of Ferrari road cars: the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and two Grand Tourer models, the Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the flagship 612 Scaglietti. The latter will be displayed in the Atelier, a dedicated area where owners can get a taste of the virtually endless personalisation options on offer to them.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE - offical image

[Source : FERRARI]

Škoda introduced The New Fabia Sportline

SKODA Fabia Sportline

MLADA BOLSLAV, Czech Republic : February 27, 2009 - Skoda introduces the Fabia Sportline, new generation of sportline design elements, offered with 17" alloy wheels, projector headlight, lowering chassis, sport seats, leather steering wheel cover and stainless steel pedals.


The new Fabia Sportline featured with 1.4 litre 63 kW to 1.6 litre 77 kW petrol engine and 1.4 litre TDI 56 kW to 1.9 litre TDI 77 kW diesel engine with 5-speed manaul transmission, the top model equipped with 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Model Fabia Sportline in the Czech Republic can be ordered from 1 March 2009 at all authorized dealers of Skoda. Price base model Fabia Sportline engine 1.4 16V/63kW and five-speed manual transmission is €11,800.

Images : SKODA Fabia Sportline

[Source : SKODA]

Mitsubishi Motors signs MoU with Hong Kong Environment Bureau regarding testing of i MiEV electric vehicle

MITSUBISHI i MiEV electric vehicle

TOKYO : February 26, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), in cooperation with its Hong Kong distributor Universal Cars Ltd., today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China regarding local evaluation of the zero-emissions i MiEV electric vehicle.


As an investigative step toward possible future introduction of the electric vehicle, the proposed project would begin as early as May 2009 and would examine issues including market acceptability, as well as incentives and structural issues such as the suitability of the charging infrastructure.

Announced in October 2006, the i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

[Source : MITSUBISHI]

Nissan announced 2009 SUPER GT Series and Global Motorsport Programme

2009 NISSAN GT-R SUPER GT500 Race Car

TOKYO : February 27, 2009 - Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO) today announced their global motorsport programme for 2009.


For 2009, Nissan continues to participate in the SUPER GT series, GT500 class, which is the highest level in Japanese domestic motorsports, with the Nissan GT-R. Nissan will also support grassroots activities in select countries outside of Japan to help nurture the motorsports culture, which has millions of fans throughout the world.

"Motorsports is an important part of Nissan's strategy for building a strong brand with consumers who share our passion for high-performance driving," said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. "In addition to being an important touch-point for consumers, motorsports serve as a dynamic proving ground for automotive innovation."

1. SUPER GT

Vehicles

• The R35 model Nissan GT-R will be entered in the GT500 class of SUPER GT.
  
• This year's entries will incorporate changes that include an improved air-cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. The vehicles also conform to the racing body's latest regulation changes to decrease down force through shortened vehicle overhang. NISMO provides technical assistance and vehicle development to all participating teams.

Team Composition

• This year's line-up of NISMO, HASEMI MOTORSPORT, TEAM IMPUL and KONDO RACING will deploy 1 car each for a total of 4 Nissan GT-Rs that will race in the GT500 class series. Kunihiko Kakimoto remains as general manager in charge of Nissan related teams with the NISMO team managed by Yutaka Suzuki. HASEMI MOTOR SPORT team welcomes to its roster Hironobu Yasuda, who trained in the rigorous Nissan Driver Development Program (NDDP).

Car No:	Entrant:	Team Manager:	Drivers:	Vehicle Name:	Tyre Maker:
1	NISMO	Yutaka Suzuki	Satoshi Motoyama / Benoit Treluyer	MOTUL AUTECH GT-R	Bridgestone
3	HASEMI MOTOR SPORT	Masahiro Hasemi	Ronnie Quintarelli / Hironobu Yasuda	TBA	Michelin
12	TEAM IMPUL	Kazuyoshi Hoshino	Tsugio Matsuda / Sebastien Philippe	IMPUL Calsonic GT-R	Bridgestone
24	KONDO RACING	Masahiko Kondo	João Paulo de Oliveira / Seiji Ara	HIS ADVAN KONDO GT-R	Yokohama

2. Private racers category

March Cup series

• Providing amateur racers a chance to experience the thrill of auto racing, Nissan holds the March Cup races (East Japan Series, West Japan Series, Nissan March Championship Cup). This pits private racers with actual racing conditions, with each car equipped with a data logger and GPS to record the racing lines taken by drivers. As previously announced, 2009 is the final run for the March Cup series.

Japanese domestic private teams

• SUPER GT GT300 class - Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs.
  
• Super Taikyu series - Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs in both ST1 and ST3 classes.

Global Race activities

• China - Aiming for a 3rd championship win, Nissan and NISMO will provide technical assistance to its China partner Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., which enters its Nissan Tiidas in the 1600cc Class of the China Circuit Championship (CCC). The event is the country's premier domestic racing event, where locally manufactured production-based race cars compete. Nissan Tiida won the title in 2006 and 2008.
  
• South Africa - With 8 consecutive Driver's championship wins, Nissan seeks to retain its title in the South Africa Off-Road Championship. Dominating the event will be the Nissan Navara, well known for its controlled performance and rugged reliability.
  
• Europe - To check the performance of cars to be sold to racing teams competing in the FIA-GT1 class, a NISMO-developed car will run as a non-championship entry in 4 races in 2009, entered in a team partnership with Gigawave MotorSport. It is expected that the car is to be driven by Michael Krumm (NISMO) and Darren Turner (Gigawave).


• Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in county Essex, England, has been competing in the FIA GT Championship since 2007. The team's parent company Gigawave Ltd., as an official partner of the FIA GT Championship, provides on-board cameras for real-time coverage of the races.

Images : 2009 NISSAN GT-R Super GT500 Race Car

Images : 2009 NISSAN GT-R FIA GT Race Car

[Source : NISSAN]