Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition based on Porsche 980 Carrera GT

LEONBERG, Germany : June 3, 2009 - For more than 25 years, the automobile manufacturer GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG builds exclusive sports cars which are based on the Porsche model range. Thereby, the company under the management of the founder Uwe Gemballa always sets standards regarding engine performance, innovative automobile design and exclusive interior. This is impressively confirmed by numerous lap records on the most difficult race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And also by winning many awards such as the renowned "red dot design award". And last but not least by thrilled customers all over the world.

And also the latest super sports car - the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition - limited to only 5 pieces will conquer the motor sports hearts of its future owners in supersonic speed. Based on the Porsche Carrera GT the specialists from Leonberg near Stuttgart present an extremely attractive version of the MIRAGE GT. The eye-catching main evolutionary characteristic is the GEMBALLA body element production in carbon fibre. But that is not all: ultra-light aerodynamics components which have been optimised in the wind tunnel and a power engine with powerful 670 hp top performance render an impressive top speed of 335 km/h. A ground-breaking, hydraulic, height-adjustable coilover kit is especially adjusted to the GEMBALLA wheel-tyre combination GT SPORT Forged and this interplay provides perfect road handling. And also the interior is upgraded from the floor room to the roof lining. Perfectly processed and stylishly arranged leather and carbon turn every Mirage GT cockpit into an exclusive unique masterpiece.

Carbon - as far as the eye can see

Already the serial version of the Carrera GT presents itself with an abundance of ultra-light and high-strength carbon material. And GEMBALLA continues this trend in the MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition by using it as the main component of all body parts. Each single element of the GEMBALLA aerodynamics design is optimised in the wind tunnel, produced in perfect surface quality and accurately fitted into the automobile.

The core part of the newly designed MIRAGE GT front is the striking apron with the enhanced air inlets for an improved ventilation of the front coolers. In combination with the new front lip, GEMBALLA does not only achieve an aggressive look, but also generates additional downthrust. Also the front wings and the bonnet are replaced by proprietary development components. At the flanks, you find newly designed side skirts.

These calm down the air duct between the axles and send additional cooling air to the brake system through integrated passages. The new diffuser which is fitted into the new rear skirt stabilises the rear section at high speeds and in connection with the enlarged rear wing, it generates contact pressure at the rear axle. Further advancements are provided by the individually adjustable Gurney flap which is inserted in the wing profile. The body kit is perfected with the GEMBALLA roof channel as well as the air scoop of the engine compartment and the rear view camera casing.

3.7 seconds from zero to hundred km/h - accompanied by an incomparable exhaust sound

But the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition does not only impress with its fascinating design. As a result of an optimised engine management and a special exhaust system with sport catalysts and pneumatic valve control, not only the engine performance and the acceleration improve significantly. Due to its 670 hp / 493 kW at 8,000 rpm and 630 Newton metres at 5,700 rpm, the ten-cylinder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in breath-taking 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 335 km/h and therefore also faster than the basic model. For an enhanced gas pedal response, the GEMBALLA technicians fit a sports clutch with special pads. Especially when driving stop and go in city traffic, this is an enormous advantage and allows a smooth and bucking-free take-off.

Innovative running gear technology for the race track and for everyday use

The running gear components in the MIRAGE are especially adjusted to the enhanced engine performance and sporty driving manner. They consist of four individually adjustable coilover dampers in a unit with progressively coiled double springs. For everyday use, the electro-hydraulic height-adjustment is extremely innovative and enormously helpful. By pushing a button in the passenger compartment, it is possible to lift the body by 45 millimetres at the front- and rear axle and therefore allows driving over obstacles such as underground car park entrances and traffic ramps. Also by pushing a button or by reaching 80 km/h, the MIRAGE lowers itself to its original level. As the perfect wheel-tyre combination, GEMBALLA gits the multi-part rims GT SPORT Forged in the dimension 9.5 x 19 and 12.5 x 20 with tyres in the serial measurement 265/35 ZR19 at the front axle and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear axle.

Exclusive interior design without limits

GEMBALLA presents the perfect symbiosis between sportive functionality and luxurious ambience. The interior designers combine the most precious materials such as fine leather, ultra-suede and carbon fibre in a very stylish way. The leather which is processed with expert hand is very resilient and yet extremely soft. The characteristic natural product with its individual grain and the masterly decorative stitching render an extravagant look around the newly designed centre console. The latter is entirely made of carbon fibre and contains the GEMBALLA Multimedia unit and the Data Control System.

The harmonically integrated display presents driving data such as acceleration, cross-acceleration and deceleration values. Another highlight in the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel with a diameter of 340 millimetres.

GEMBALLA - the specialist for high end Porsche refinements and innovative engineering design offers the entire refining set for the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition which is only limited to 5 specimen from 298,000 euros (net price, without basic automobile).

Images : Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

[Source : GEMBALLA]

Hyundai Verna : New Accent Transformed - Video Included!

2009 Hyundai Verna Transform Ads. Shot

SEOUL, S.Korea : June 3, 2009 - Hyundai Motor has launched the Verna Transform for Korean market today. Essentially a facelift of the Verna, known around the world as the Accent, the new subcompact receives a batch of exterior and interior upgrades along with fuel economy improvements.


Exterior, the Verna Transform receives a myriad of changes including a more aggressive front fascia (redesigned front bumper and headlights), revised front grille, and side mirror repeaters. It also receives a sportier rear fascia with redesigned taillights and a tweaked rear bumper. Inside, the Verna Transform packs a revised center stack, USB/AUX inputs, standard PowerBass subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity, and blue instrumentation lighting instead of the current green.

Under the hood, all Verna Transform models comes standard with ECO Assist, which helps drivers drive more efficiently and consequently save fuel. All powertrains also receive fuel economy improvements.

The Verna Transform will commence sales across South Korea from today. Pricing has been bumped in minor increments, and ranges from 9.73 million Won for the base 1.4 Trendy model to 13.74 million Won for the diesel-powered 1.5 Premier. We expect that this refresh will carry over to North American markets for the 2010 model year, in time for the Accent's long overdue MMC (minor model change).

Video : Hyundai Verna Press released Video

Images : Hyundai Verna

[Source : 3SUN]

Dacia Sandero made and sold in Morocco

DACIA SANDERO 1.4 LPG

CASABLANCA, Morocco : June 3, 2009 - The launch of the compact Sandero hatchback marks a major step in the growth of the Dacia brand in Morocco. Sandero extends Dacia's model line-up, which already comprises the Logan family saloon and Logan MCV (which went on sale in 2005 and 2008 respectively), and seeks to win over a new category of customer.

• Dacia's compact yet spacious Sandero hatchback is to go on sale in Morocco and extend the Dacia product line-up already comprising Logan and Logan MCV. Dacia Sandero will be commercialized on June 18, 2009 and will come with a three-year/100,000km warranty.
  
• The cars for the Moroccan market are built at the Renault group's SOMACA plant in Casablanca. • At the end of April 2009, Dacia was Morocco's second best-selling brand, just after Renault. It has a 16 per cent share of the passenger car market. Logan has been the Moroccan market's best-selling vehicle since 2006 with a total of 48,000 units sold since launch.
  
• With the production of Dacia Sandero in Morocco, the Renault group continues its international expansion. Following the opening of factories in Curitiba (Brazil), Sofasa (Colombia) and Pitesti (Romania), plus Nissan's manufacturing facilities in Rosslyn (South Africa), the SOMACA plant has taken on production of the latest addition to the Entry Programme (Logan platform).
  
• With sales totalling 76,500 cars – chiefly in Europe – since the model's launch in July 2008, Dacia Sandero has succeeded in winning over new customers who are looking for a compact yet spacious and robust hatchback.

Indeed, Dacia customers are essentially one-car owners and have traditionally bought used vehicles. They are particularly attentive to price which is the prevailing factor in the decision to purchase. Sandero targets rational, pragmatic motorists who are noticeably younger than buyers of other Dacia models.

Dacia Sandero is a compact yet roomy hatchback which, in terms of price, is positioned in the small car segment, although its interior and exterior dimensions are more in keeping with those of a car from the higher compact vehicle category. Sandero goes on sale in Morocco on June 18, 2009, and the value for money represented by its performance/equipment package perfectly match's the brand's philosophy. It comes with a threeyear/ 100,000km warranty.

Dacia's 16 per cent share of Morocco's passenger car market as of the end of April, 2009, confirms its status as the country's second best-selling brand. Meanwhile, Logan has been Morocco's best-selling vehicle since 2006 (all brands, all models) with 14,500 units sold in 2008. Dacia Sandero naturally stands to benefit from the positive reputation of its elder sibling Dacia Logan which is widely acclaimed for its reliability and robust design.

SOMACA in detail
Dacia Sandero is assembled in the SOMACA factory (Société Marocaine de Construction Automobile) in Casablanca of which the Renault group owns an 80 per cent stake. As is the case with all the Renault group's production facilities, the Moroccan plant is ISO 14001-certified.

Like Logan, which has been manufactured in this factory since July 2005, Sandero is produced from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits using parts delivered essentially from Romania and other parts localized in Morocco. The local integration rate of Sandero is 40%, the same as Logan.

Production of Sandero at the SOMACA plant has been made possible thanks to the site's flexibility and optimizes the factory's capacity. More than 70 per cent of its components are shared with Dacia Logan, a factor which not only facilitates the production of different models on the same line but which has also led to investment-related savings.

A total of €16 million was invested for the production of Sandero at the SOMACA factory. This investment was overseen by engineers and technical experts from Renault and included the creation of a specific body shop, an increase in the capacity of the paint shop, as well as the modernization of a rolling road test-bed at the end of the assembly line. The Sanderos produced at the SOMACA factory are for the Moroccan market.

[Source : RENAULT-DACIA]

"MINI Look" by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer MINI COOPER S Convertible

AACHEN, Germany : June 3, 2009 - AC Schnitzer With innovative developments, the Aachen-based tuning specialist creates driving pleasure and the perfect MINI Look with its new Convertible (R57), MINI has now produced the next body variant of the cult car. The AC Schnitzer designers and engineers have already developed a range of special accessories for the new MINI. In keeping with the history of the MINI, the Aachen-based tuning specialists have concentrated on developments in the field of performance upgrades, sports rear silencer, sports suspension, alloy wheels, exterior components and interior details.

AC Schnitzer MINI COOPER Convertible

Under the small bonnet of the MINI Cooper S the 1.6 litre engine provides power of 175 HP. The AC Schnitzer performance upgrade energizes the MINI Cooper S to 153 kW/208 HP. Under the same conditions, the uprated export version of the Cooper S takes the standard power of 128 kW/175 HP to an impressive 166 kW/226 HP. At the same time, the AC Schnitzer limited slip differential in the MINI Cooper S and Special Model JCW (John Cooper Works) guarantees maximum driving pleasure with excellent ground adhesion.

The perfect driving experience is complemented by the acoustic qualities of the AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with chromed Racing tailpipe for the MINI Cooper S and JCW. The AC Schnitzer sports exhaust perfectly adapts the complete exhaust system to the needs of high performance and tuned engines.

An equally important contribution to driving performance is provided by the renowned AC Schnitzer suspension components, available in the form of suspension spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension. In conjunction with an aluminium strut brace for the front, even more performance can be extracted from the MINI One, Cooper or Cooper S.

To fill the wheelarches of the new MINI, AC Schnitzer is also offering a choice of several wheel and tyre combinations with Mi1 rims in 17" and Mi2 rims in 18".

Visually, the new series MINI shows few differences from the current series. The designers of AC Schnitzer have changed this with front spoilers and rear skirts (for the MINI Cooper S), which not only enhance the looks of the MINI but also offer aerodynamic advantages. Decal sets in white, black or chrome/black put the finishing touches to the appearance of all MINIs.

Characteristic of the MINI, in the interior the central instruments are arranged between driver and passenger. Characteristic of AC Schnitzer, sporting elements are applied to the driver's workplace. So the Aachen designers offer gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminium, with velours floor mats.

The MINI Convertible by AC Schnitzer Technical Data :

Basic car

• BMW MINI R57, Convertible

Engine

• AC Schnitzer performance upgrades for MINI Cooper S from 128 kW / 175 HP up to 153 kW / 208 HP
  
• MINI Cooper S from 128 kW / 175 HP up to 166 kW / 226 HP* (*export only)

Transmission

• AC Schnitzer limited slip differential for MINI Cooper S with manual transmission, locking rate 0 -75 %

Exhaust

• AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer made of stainless steel
  
• Chromed "Racing" tailtrim in central positioning
  
• Chromed AC Schnitzer tailtrim oval

Suspension

• AC Schnitzer spring kit AC Schnitzer racing suspension
  
• Height adjustable AC Schnitzer aluminium strut brace
  
• Front axle

Aerodynamics

• AC Schnitzer front spoiler AC Schnitzer rear skirt for MINI Cooper S and MINI JCW AC Schnitzer decal set white
  
• Black or black/chrome AC Schnitzer rear sticker “Technology & Design“

Interior

• AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle
  
• Silver or "Black Line" AC Schnitzer gear knob with digital shift display
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob
  
• Aluminium/chromed AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob
  
• "Black Line" AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set AC Schnitzer velours floor mats

Wheels/Tyres

• AC Schnitzer wheels Mi1 7,5J x 17“ with tyres 215/40 R 17
  
• AC Schnitzer wheels Mi2 7,5J x 18“ with tyres 205/40 R 18
  
• 7,5J x 18“ with tyres 215/35 R 18
  
• 7,5J x 18“ with tyres 225/35 R 18

Images : AC Schnitzer MINI COOPER S / COOPER Convertible

[Source : BMW-MINI]

Tengzhong In Advanced Talks To Purchase HUMMER From GM In Strategic Acquisition

DETROIT and SICHUAN : June 2, 2009 - Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd (Tengzhong) and General Motors Corp. today confirmed details of their proposed transaction, pursuant to which, Tengzhong, a major industrial machinery group, will acquire the rights to the premium off-road HUMMER brand, along with a senior management and operational team. It will also assume existing dealer agreements relating to HUMMER's dealership network. It is contemplated that Tengzhong will, as part of the transaction, enter into a long-term contract assembly and key component and material supply agreement with GM. In an earlier statement, GM said it expects the deal if successful to secure more than 3,000 US jobs. The final terms of the deal are subject to final negotiations.


Based in the Chinese province of Sichuan, Tengzhong is a privately-owned company and a leading domestic manufacturer of road, construction and energy industry equipment. It will expand into the premium off-road vehicle segment through what will be a strategic acquisition for Tengzhong and a catalyst for HUMMER's growth in the U.S. and around the world.

"The HUMMER brand is synonymous with adventure, freedom and exhilaration, and we plan to continue that heritage by investing in the business, allowing HUMMER to innovate and grow in exciting new ways under the leadership and continuity of its current management team," said Yang Yi, CEO of Tengzhong. Mr. Yang continued, "We will be investing in the HUMMER brand and its research and development capabilities, which will allow HUMMER to better meet demand for new products such as more fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S."

HUMMER will continue to maintain its headquarters and operations in the U.S., and will continue to be managed by its existing leadership team. The team intends to expand HUMMER's dealer network worldwide, particularly into new and underserved markets such as China.

"Today HUMMER is a globally recognized brand with excellent growth prospects, both in terms of new markets and new products for our existing markets," said James Taylor, HUMMER chief executive officer. "With Tengzhong's investment and strong support, we will be able to make our visions a reality. This transaction, if successful, will secure more than 3,000 U.S. jobs, and allow us to embark on a more aggressive global expansion, ensuring a successful future with our new partners."

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the agreement will not be disclosed at this time.

Credit Suisse is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Shearman & Stearling is acting as international legal counsel to Tengzhong on this transaction. Citi is acting as financial advisor to GM.

[Source : GM]

Nissan expands Russian operations with local manufacturing

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia : June 2, 2009 - Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn today joined more than 1000 guests and employees at the opening event marking the start of production at the company’s new US$200 million assembly plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. With the capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles a year, the facility will build the business-class sedan Nissan Teana and Nissan X-TRAIL compact sport utility vehicle.

2009 Nissan Teana - JDM

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the representatives of federal and regional government led by Mr. Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia with Valentina Matvienko, Governor of St. Petersburg.

"This is Nissan's breakthrough in Russia," said Ghosn. "The opening of our plant in Saint Petersburg in the current conditions underlines our confidence in the high potential of the Russian economy. With the start of production at our new plant Nissan become an integral part of the local community.”

The St. Petersburg Plant is scheduled to employ 750 workers at start of production with one shift. Additional jobs are being created by Nissan supplier companies and businesses that will support operations at the St. Petersburg Plant. The new plant will be an important contributor to Nissan’s vision of sustainable growth and return to profitability.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has announced its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg three years ago, on April 25, 2006. On June 13, 2006, within the framework of the 10th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the St. Petersburg Government and an Investment Agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation for the industrial car assembly. In February 2007 the Government of St. Petersburg gave this project the status of strategic investment project of St. Petersburg. An official ground-breaking ceremony took place on July 8, 2007.

Nissan always seeks for the opportunity to produce vehicles closer to the market to have more flexibility in adapting to the changing market demands and to use all the benefits of close-to-market production. Today the share of Nissan in the Russian total industry volume totals 5.7%. For Nissan, Russia represents one of the key global markets, ranking number one market in Europe and standing as number five globally. It also is an important part of Nissan and Renault-Nissan alliance strategy.

As everywhere in the world Nissan will organize all production activities in full compliance with its global manufacturing method named Nissan Production Way (NPW). This production philosophy ensures the quality of produced cars at the highest level in accordance with international standards.

Fujio Hosaka, General Director of Nissan Manufacturing Russia, said: “The St. Petersburg plant allows Nissan to localize our production and contribute to the development of the domestic auto industry. We hope to support to the local economy by creating employment opportunities, sharing of advanced technologies and development of the supply chain.”

Employing 180,000 people worldwide Nissan plans to design, produce and sell over 3 million passenger cars and commercial vehicles in more than 190 countries in fiscal year 2009.

[Source : NISSAN]