New Renault Scénic setting new standards

2009 Renault Scénic

In the wake of New Grand Scénic, Renault is poised to release New Scénic later this month. As the pioneer and bestselling model of its class for more than a decade, Scénic has long been Europe's favourite compact MPV, with total sales reaching 3.3 million units since its launch in 1996. New Scénic builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of the model's first two generations to deliver even more cabin space and greater comfort for all occupants, as well as handling performance comparable with that of a saloon car. It has also benefited from the extensive experience of Renault's Douai (France) factory which was also responsible for the production of the first two generation Scénics.

Saloon carinspired looks

• An even roomier cabin and a compact design, featuring taut lines, sportier frontend looks, a plunging roofline and 'boomerang'shaped rear lights,
  
• A Germanic feel: robust looks, rounded wings, wide front and rear tracks, better materials and high build quality.

A welcoming, practical interior

• A bright cabin with a broader field of vision thanks to the more rearward positioning of the windscreen pillars (horizontal angle of vision extended by eight per cent, vertical angle of vision increased by 15 per cent),
  
• The best kneeroom (235mm) for second row occupants of any compact MPV, allowing four 1.85mtall adults to travel in comfort,
  
• A saloon carlike driving position (floor raised by 15mm, plus a more verticalposition for the steeringwheel),
  
• Classleading adjustment travel for both the driver's seat (70mm vertical and 240mm fore/aft) and steering wheel (50mm reach adjustment, and 5mm height adjustment),
  
• The principal driver aids (parking brake assist, cruise control/speed limiter switch, etc.) all housed on the centre console,
  
• Extensive stowage (86 litres) throughout the cabin: four underfloor compartments, four underseat drawers, six map pockets, two aviationstyle tables, an 11litre glovebox and nine litres of stowage in the sliding centre console,
  
• Boot volume up 10 per cent to between 522 and 555dm3 compared with Scénic II(equivalent to an additional cabin bag).

Useful technologies

• Customizable, colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) dashboardmounted screen which automatically displays the necessary drivingrelated information as and when required,
  
• The new integrated Carminat TomTom^® navigation system, jointly developed in exclusive association with TomTom, for just €490,
  
• An audible parking proximity sensor combined with a reversing camera,
  
• Highend 3D Sound by Arkamys^® audio system with sound spatialization,
  
• ‘Plug & Music’ connectivity to play music stored on digital music players or USB keys.

Saloon car quality handling

• New Scénic features the same horned subframe front suspension arrangement as New Mégane, as well as a closedprofile rear beam for enhanced, saloon carquality bodyroll control and steering precision,
  
• A new, more precise electric power steering system for greater driving pleasure.

Performance engines

• Five petrol engines, including the new TCe 130,
  
• Seven diesel engines, three of which emit less than 140g of CO₂/km,
  
• Four versions of New Scénic qualify for the Renault eco² signature, a hallmark for the brand's affordable vehicles which also respect the environment throughout their lifecycle.

Quality and safety

• New Scénic shares its genes with the rest of the Mégane range: robust and a high standard of quality, including a new laser welding technology for brazing the roof to the body sides,
  
• Exemplary safety in keeping with that of New Mégane which received the best EuroNCAP crash test score ever.

Lower running costs

• Prices are either lower than, or equal to, those of the equivalent previous versions for an enhanced performance/equipment package (TFT screen, horned front subframe, reversing camera and Carminat TomTom^® navigation),
  
• Top level reliability and quality of the same standard as Laguna III which has itself achieved a top three rating in its class,
  
• Everyday running costs cut by between 20 and 30 per cent: oil change intervals extended to every 30,000km/two years instead of 30,000km/every year previously (except dCi 85 versions), maintenancefree air conditioning and an air filter which is twice as durable (to be changed every 60,000km/four years instead of every 30,000km/two years in the case of dCi versions),
  
• Warranty extensions between 10 and 20 per cent cheaper.

Images : 2009 Renault Scénic

[Source : RENAULT]

FHI to Launch “Subaru Plug-in STELLA” EV in Japan

Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV)

TOKYO : June 4, 2009 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the launch of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which is equipped with a high-performance lithium-ion battery. The model will be sold in Japan directly through FHI. Delivery will start from late July and around 170 units of delivery in total will be planned in this fiscal year (by the end of March 2010). After-sales services will be provided through some Subaru dealerships designated by FHI.


The Subaru Plug-in STELLA was developed based on the Subaru STELLA mini car. It combines the EV system with the compact and light body, which offers an adequate and convenient means of transportation for daily commuting. It also achieves 90km* range of driving featuring the most appropriate number of batteries required for city driving. (*Claim based on Subaru research. Driving range when driven in 10-15 mode of Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.)

The EV can be re-charged up to 80% of its capacity in 15 minutes using the quick charging system, whereas it’s also fully rechargeable in 8 hours with AC100V household power outlet or 5 hours with AC200V. The car not only offers zero CO₂ emissions during driving but also dramatically reduced level of CO₂ produced in the process of electric generation, compared to the petrol engine vehicle’s emissions level. The Subaru Plug-in STELLA’s new mobility combines utility, practical driving range and environmental friendliness.

The electric motor of the EV, mounted in the engine room, generates 47kW of maximum power output. The Subaru Plug-in STELLA offers powerful and smooth acceleration, making full use of the advantages of the electric motor. It generates maximum torque from the start. It also recovers inertia energy in deceleration through a regeneration system, which further enhances the energy efficiency.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Subaru Plug-in STELLA is 4,725,000 yen (including consumption tax). It was approved by the “Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center” as a vehicle whose users are offered a subsidy of 1,380,000 yen at a maximum. Additional tax reduction will also be expected due to special measures conducted by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

FHI pursues the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations in its vehicle development philosophy. In its efforts to constantly enhance its current power unit line-up, FHI positions the EVs as one of the viable solutions and key technologies for environmental preservation, and it will further research and develop its EVs.

Major specifications:

Length xWidth x Height	3,395‡ x 1,475 x 1,660
Curb weight	1,010kg
Passenger seating	4
Max. speed	100km/h
Per-charge driving distance	90km (10-15 mode)
Electric motor	Permanent magnet synchronous system
Max. power output	47kW
Max. torque	170Nm
Drive-train	Front-wheel drive
Battery type	Lithium-ion batteries
Total voltage	346V
Total energy	9kWh

[Source : SUBARU]

Gemballa revealed Porsche 911 Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R

Gemballa Avalanche GTR650 EVO-R based on Porsche 911 Turbo

LEONBERG, Germany : June 3, 2009 - The history of GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG is inseparably connected with the AVALANCHE. It was the first AVALANCHE generation in the mid 80s with its trendsetting body- and interior design which became a world-wide bestseller and laid the foundations of success for the Leonberg-based company. And ever since, this name is exclusively reserved for the masterpiece of the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme for Porsche 911 models.

Gemballa Avalanche GTR650 EVO-R based on Porsche 911 Turbo

With the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R the chairman and founder Uwe Gemballa follows this success story and presents the face-lifted version of the current AVALANCHE-generation. Equipped with a spectacular automobile design and an auto body which has been broadened with Thyssen steel, the super sports car sets benchmarks for production quality and design vocabulary. But that is not enough: the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R offers elaborate, supreme technology and with 650 hp it delivers an enormous top speed of 332 km/h. Driving pleasure for highest demands.

Fresh design for the super sports car

Already at first glance, the AVALANCHE explicitly underlines its ties with the supreme sports car league. Especially designed gull wing doors and the new front headlights from the Carrera GT, leave significant visual accents. The same applies for the powerful metal extensions which were specially produced in a Thyssen Group subsidiary and then directly welded to the body shell. The GEMBALLA technicians developed a custom-made bonnet and side skirts as well. The front wings are replaced by a carbon version. Following the facelift of the current Porsche 911 induction engine models, GEMBALLA gives the AVALANCHE a visual refreshment as well. A part of this modernisation is the entirely re-designed front skirt. The integrated carbon front lip conveys the air to the large cooling slits and gives the car an even more lowered look.

Also the rear section of the AVALANCHE contains a makeover: the most striking feature is the use of LED tail lamps from the current Porsche 911. Moreover, this is additionally enhanced by a new rear skirt. The integrated rear diffuser can either be selected with a varnish or in carbon fibre and offers space for the four end pipes of the sport exhaust system. Together with the carbon rear wing, it renders additional downthrust at the rear axle.

When engineering the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R also great emphasis was put on the aerodynamic efficiency. Therefore, the body components were perfectly adjusted to each other. The result: An individual design in perfect surface quality which also reduces the lifting forces.

Sensational performance due to elaborate technology

In addition to the breath-taking shape of the AVALACHE, the GEMBALLA engine department developed a powerful performance enhancement for the serial gearing. The engine makeover includes a racing crankshaft, a titanium connecting rod, forged pistons and racing turbo chargers. Camshafts and cylinder heads are mechanically fabricated in precision work. The aluminium induction pipe and a carbon air box with sports air filter provide the optimal air supply. A further makeover feature and responsible for the sporty and powerful sound of the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R is the stainless steel - high-performance exhaust system with the optimised racing headers.

After the extensive modifications, the super sports car has 650 hp / 478 kW at 6.200 rpm and 950 NM at 4.600 rpm. Thereby, the 4WD automobile accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 332 km/h.

And when this is not enough, the GEMBALLA-specialists offer even further engine types with performance enhancements up to 800 hp.

Wheels and running gear - the combination for best road handling and a striking appearance

The wheel/tyre combination of the AVALANCHE offers the optimal compromise between comfort and control. The multi-part and especially light aluminium wheels are delivered in size 9.0Jx20 with tyres measuring 245/30 ZR 20 for the front axle and 1.5Jx20 with 325/25 ZR 20 tyres at the rear axle.

The high-performance braking system which was especially devised for the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R can be easily recognised by its red-painted brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect gas pedal response is rendered by enlarged 6-piston brake callipers in connection with discs measuring 405 millimetres at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380mm-discs at the rear axle. Also, the running gear has been thoroughly modified. The new coilover kit was especially adjusted to these increased requirements. Four individually adjustable rebound dampers allow an individual fine tuning. Sport stabilisers and strut braces render additional torsional stiffness and therefore improve road handling.

VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere

GEMBALLA completely re-designs the interior of the AVALANCHE and turns it into a VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere. The serial lining is replaced by most precious leather. The GEMBALLA aluminium pedals splendidly shine in the foot well and perfectly go with the carbon fibre components of the interior set. The technical highlight is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel measuring 340 millimetres in diameter. The sports seats type POLE POSITION offer extra seating stability.

GEMBALLA - the specialist for high end refinement and innovative interior design offers the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R from 350,000 €.

Images : Gemballa Avalanche GTR650 EVO-R

[Source : GEMBALLA]

Mitsubishi wraps up its low CO2 Colt Cleartec

New Mitsubishi Colt ClearTec

• Stunning full vehicle wrap promotes low CO₂ ClearTec technology
  
• Revolve Eco-Rally 2009, Monday 8th June – departs Brighton’s Palace Pier, 10 AM, arrives London City Hall, 2.45 PM

Gloucestershire, UK : June 3, 2009 - Mitsubishi has released the first images of its Colt ClearTec, which has been specially wrapped for its forthcoming outing at this year’s Revolve Eco-Rally on Monday 8th June.


The full-vehicle wrap has been specially designed to highlight the funky design of the car, along with the key message that Mitsubishi’s ClearTec environmental technologies make a huge difference to CO₂ emissions and increased MPG without having to compromise on performance at high costs.

The Colt CZ2 ClearTec reduces CO₂ emissions by 24g/km (17%) to 119g/km over the regular CZ2, whilst delivering as much as 65.7 MPG.[1] With a price premium of just £500 and VED of just £35 per annum, the ClearTec proves that expensive diesel engines for small cars are not the only option, especially when fuel prices are nearing 10 pence difference between petrol and diesel.

[Source : MITSUBISHI]