Nissan Announces Pricing on New 2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Major Revision Includes Available V8 Engine for the First Time in 22-year History

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2008 Pathfinder, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. For the first time ever, the Nissan Pathfinder is available with a 5.6-iter V8 engine, offering an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the standard 4.0-liter V6 for greater towing capacity. Other major enhancements for 2008 include a restyled exterior and interior, and a range of available technology features such as RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key and BluetoothÒ hands-free phone system.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in six trim levels, each equipped with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,700 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 S V6 and $27,700 for the Pathfinder 4x4 S V6. Pricing for the new V8 models starts at $30,600 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 SE V8 and $32,850 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 SE V8. The Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road model, available in 4-wheel drive V6 only, is $33,900.

“Pathfinder’s new Endurance 5.6-liter engine, which it shares with Nissan’s full-sized Nissan Titan pickup and Nissan Armada SUV, is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque – making it the most powerful V8 in its class* – and providing the towing capacity and rugged performance of a full-size SUV in a mid-size SUV package,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “V8s now account for 30 percent of mid-size SUV sales, so we expect the new Nissan Pathfinder V8 to find a highly receptive audience.”

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder’s exterior features new front and rear fascias that maintain the rugged yet sophisticated look that has always distinguished the Nissan Pathfinder, a restyled grille and hood (with changes to accommodate the V8 engine), new chrome appliqué for body side moldings (LE only), restyled 17-inch wheels (SE V6 and LE V6 models) and new 18-inch wheels for V8 models, a RearView camera (SE & LE only) and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.

Inside, the Nissan Pathfinder receives a host of newly available amenities and technologies, including a new meter cluster appearance, new instrument panel-mounted 7-inch color monitor with RearView Monitor (standard on all grades except S), an available Nissan Navigation System with a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive for mp3 storage, new cup holder area design and revised upper door trim.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

The volume-leading SE trim also adds the previous model year’s Comfort Package option equipment as standard, making the SE a highly equipped trim level and a better value. Intelligent Key with twist start is now available, as is a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

“Pathfinder’s always strong price value has increased substantially for 2008 with the new exterior design, the new refined interior and the long list of standard and available features and technology,” said Bosley. “The Nissan Pathfinder continues to offer a unique balance of rugged performance and passenger comfort – authentic yet just a little bit indulgent.”

Other available interior features include an available DVD entertainment system, an upgraded Bose® audio system, power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats with driver memory package, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, first aid kit and wood grain trim.

All 2008 Pathfinders utilize the rugged “F-Alpha” platform used on the Titan and Armada. Standard on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder S-V6, SE-V6, SE-V6 Off Road and LE-V6 models is an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's 13-time Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” award-winning VQ engine series found in the Nissan 350Z, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima, Nissan Murano and Nissan Quest.

The new 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine produces 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, giving Nissan Pathfinder a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, versus V6-equipped Nissan Pathfinders’ 6,000-pound rating.

The V8 engine package is offered in two new Nissan Pathfinder models, SE-V8 and LE-V8, both available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.

In North America, Nissan operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.com

# # #

*Import Models as Defined by Ward’s Middle Sport/Utility Segmentation

Source: Nissan

2008 Subaru Tribeca Awarded Double 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA

Subaru Tribeca given highest possible safety rating from NHTSA in both the frontal and side-impact NCAP crash tests

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca was awarded a double 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. (PRNewsFoto/Subaru of America, Inc., Greg Jarem)

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the restyled and more powerful 2008 Subaru Tribeca received the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The 2008 Subaru Tribeca received 5-stars in both the frontal and side- impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.

"Safety is a true hallmark of the Subaru brand and the 2008 Subaru Tribeca offers our customers the peace of mind of a comprehensive, proven safety package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. "Innovative structural design, plus advanced active safety technologies, combined with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), our version of stability control - make Tribeca a safety performance standout in its segment."

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides consumers with vehicle safety information, primarily front and side crash test results, and more recently rollover ratings, to aid consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions. The test results are relayed to consumers via an easily recognizable star rating system - from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

The NCAP crash tests are conducted at speeds higher than required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both side impacts, at 38.5 miles per hour, and full frontal barrier impacts, at 35 miles per hour. (The tests are done to compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program and the results can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov)

Like all Subaru models, the 2008 Tribeca has been optimized for both active safety (the technology to help the driver avoid hazardous situations) and passive safety (the systems that help protect occupants in the event of a collision).

Subaru Active Safety

The active safety concept for the 2008 Subaru Tribeca combines "right size" proportions, with inherently crisp, agile driving responses and dynamic handling systems. Notably, the Tribeca is equipped with the company's most advanced version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, combining Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control and four-wheel traction control (TCS). This combination of technologies along with its standard double-wishbone rear suspension endows the Tribeca with outstanding nimbleness and all-weather grip.

Just as important, is the specific way that Subaru has integrated these technologies, resulting in one of the most effective traction and handling systems on the market today. VDC is a highly sophisticated stability control system that actively controls the center differential's power distribution by means of a continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. The system distributes torque to the appropriate wheel based on input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors. It also monitors input from the ABS brake system, adjusting individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also features a 4-channel/4-sensor ABS braking system with Emergency Brake Assist. Emergency Brake Assist analyzes force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking. A direct tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

Visibility Enhancers

For improved visibility, the redesigned 2008 Subaru Tribeca features larger rear quarter windows, plus new side mirrors with 50 percent larger viewing area. Tribeca Limited models with the optional touch-screen navigation system include a rear vision camera. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into reverse, the center color LCD display will show what the camera lens can detect within its field of vision behind the vehicle. The screen view also features distance/width guidelines to assist the driver in backing up the vehicle.

Customers can also order reverse assist sensors as an optional accessory for any Subaru Tribeca model. Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect objects behind the Subaru Tribeca and emit an audible tone as the vehicle gets closer to the object behind it.

Subaru Passive Safety

The foundation for passive safety in the Tribeca, and in all Subaru vehicles, is the proven Subaru Ring Frame Reinforced vehicle architecture. The ring frame reinforced unibody structure with a front-end configuration disperses collision energy in three directions.

This design forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-strength steel reinforced center pillars enhance side impact protection, which is further bolstered by optimally positioned side-impact door beams.

The Subaru Boxer engine contributes to safety, because it allows more crush room in front impacts. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. In the rear, the spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle to avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment. Additionally, a specially-designed 'M-frame' structure protects occupants with added reinforcement in the event of a rear collision.

Advanced Air Bag Systems

The heightened focus on side impact safety continues inside, where the 2008 Subaru Tribeca features standard front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection, and curtain side air bags (front and middle rows) for head and rollover protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact air bags offer protection regardless of seat position. The curtain side air bags deploy from the headliner. Sensors in the vehicle determine if an impact engages the center pillar (deploying side air bags, belt tensioners and curtain air bags) or just the rear seat area (deploying curtain air bags). Special sensing and algorithms also will deploy and maintain the side curtain inflation when a potential rollover is detected.

The Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS) uses dual-stage- deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag's second stage. The system also takes input from a seatbelt buckle switch, to determine if the driver is using the belt.

The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection system that measures weight on the passenger seat - determining the presence of a child or adult - to control air bag deployment. In addition, the system takes input from a seatbelt tension sensor installed in the seatbelt anchor, as well as a seatbelt buckle sensor. If the system determines "empty seat" or "child" (based on weight thresholds), it sets the front air bag not to deploy and illuminates the "air bag off" indicator. If an adult is detected, the air bag will be set to deploy and the "air bag on" light illuminates.

All seating positions in the Subaru Tribeca feature a three-point seatbelt. The belt for the second-row middle passenger deploys from an anchor located in the headliner. All Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Additionally, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants' torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also comes standard with active front head restraints that are designed to help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A safety brake pedal system and impact-absorbing driver's footrest are also used to help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

In addition to these active and passive safety features, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, launched at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features more style and power. The vehicle boasts a new 3.6-liter engine that delivers 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque on unleaded regular gas. The exterior design of the new Subaru Tribeca is both streamlined and powerful, with a new, wider and taller grille, new front fenders and new hood design. In fact, all exterior sheetmetal is all-new for 2008 with the exception of the front/rear side doors. The grille is now integrated into the front bumper, featuring a new chrome spread-wing design.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America.

For additional information visit www.subaru.com

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

New German-Sourced Lincoln Crossover Reportedly Not Coming to U.S.

Plans have been killed for Lincoln to get a small German-sourced crossover vehicle from Ford in Germany, Automotive News is reporting, and the company is blaming the unfavorable currency exchange rate for the change.

The new small CUV will still be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show this fall and will hit the European market next year, badged as a Ford. It is reportedly based on Ford's 2006 Paris show concept called the Iosis X.

Importing the small crossover utility vehicle that would have been sourced from Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany was reportedly a pet project of new Ford chief Alan Mulally. However, it had not been formally given the green light, according to the publication's report.

Ford Motor Company Receives "EUBIA" Award for Its European Bio-Ethanol Vehicle Pioneership

Ford Focus Flexifuel

The European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA) has granted Ford its "2007 EUBIA" award, as a recognition of Ford's European pioneer ship in the area of bio-ethanol powered flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The award ceremony last Friday marked the end of EUBIA's 15th biomass conference in Berlin. During one week, approximately 1,400 experts from more than 80 countries had debated the future potential and challenges of bio-energy use.

"We are proud to receive this award", said Jan Brentebraten, director, flexifuel and alternative fuel vehicles strategy, Ford of Europe. "Flexifuel technology is already available today and it's affordable, not only for the environment, but also for the customer.

"We're committed to pursuing a portfolio of technologies with the ultimate goal of reducing CO2, and we see Flexifuel as one of the most affordable options, provided a sustainable bio-ethanol fuel infrastructure continues to grow."

Ford is a market leader and the market pioneer of FFVs in Europe where it sold more than 30,000 Ford Flexifuel units since market introduction in Sweden in 2001. Ford can also claim the largest owner body for FFVs in Europe as a result of this industry-leading initiative.

While the majority of these FFVs have been sold in Sweden, the two current models – the Ford Focus and Ford C-MAX Flexifuel – have progressively been made available in 12 European markets to date. Ford is confident that more markets will follow as the demand for this type of technology is expected to continue to grow, especially as the European Union works to increase the use of bio-fuels in the future.

Building upon the success of its FFVs, Ford or Europe has announced to extend its FFV range by offering Flexifuel versions of the new Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX ("European Car of the Year 2007") in early 2008. Through these actions, Ford will offer one of the broadest FFV portfolios in Europe.

Through this and its range of low-CO2 conventional vehicle technologies, such as its high tech clean diesel technologies with amongst-best-in-class CO2 performance (starting with the Ford Fiesta at 116 gCO2/km), Ford is offering one of the broadest low-CO2 vehicle portfolios in Europe already today.

Ford's Flexifuel models are designed to run on a high blend bio-ethanol in petrol (up to 85% bio-ethanol, sold as E85), as well as on petrol only, or on any combination of both fuels, making them exceptionally flexible. The use of bio-ethanol in combination with Ford's Flexifuel technology can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions significantly.

Note:

* For more information on the European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA), please refer to their website http://www.eubia.org/

Source: Ford Motor Company

Nissan Releases Revised Nissan Lafesta Minivan in Japan

Nissan Lafesta 20G (2WD) minivan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the nationwide sales release of the new Nissan Lafesta minivan in Japan. The Nissan Lafesta, originally introduced in 2004, receives a number of significant refinements, including new grille, bumper and light designs; revised seat shape, seat fabric and gauge designs; and availability of an advanced HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system.

The Nissan Lafesta model lineup has also been revised. The Highway Star model again provides customers with a more sporty derivative, while the Playful model has been discontinued.

Easy to drive

The new Nissan Lafesta continues to offer an easy-to-drive combination of agile maneuverability and superior outward visibility, as well as excellent acceleration, quietness and fuel economy.

For those spending time in the city, the Nissan Lafesta offers a class-leading 5.1-meter minimum turning radius and large windows that provide outstanding visibility to all corners of the vehicle.

Also contributing to Nissan Lafesta's reputation as one of the best-driving minivans on the market is its standard MR20DE 2.0-liter engine. Mated to the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Lafesta delivers class-leading*1 fuel economy, quick throttle response, smooth acceleration and quiet overall operation.


A Refined Exterior and High Quality Interior

* The new Nissan Lafesta's exterior and interior enhancements have been designed with quality in mind.. On the outside, the grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers and rear lamps have been redesigned, giving the standard models a more refined form, while the Highway Star model projects a crisper, sportier impression. An available panoramic glass roof*2, - measuring 1,500 mm in length and 800 mm in width - provides an open, airy feeling to the interior.

The new Nissan Lafesta is offered in a selection of seven body colors, including four all-new: Champagne Topaz titanium metallic, Sapphire Blue pearl metallic, Cerulean Blue metallic and Blade Silver metallic.

Inside, new seat fabric and other refinements give an upscale, modern feeling to the standard models and a sporty ambience to the Highway Star model. The redesigned seat shape, new seat and door trim fabric and increased head restraint size for the front and second-row seats add to Nissan Lafesta's enhanced level of craftsmanship.

The Nissan Lafesta's low instrument panel height and vehicle waistline combine with the large windows to provide a superb outward view from all seating positions. Silver-ringed gauges (with exclusive blue metallic-ringed gauges on the Highway Star) feature an elegant design and offer excellent legibility. Lafesta also adopts liquid-crystal-display odometer/twin trip meters showing real-time fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, range for remaining fuel and additional information. Nissan's HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system, with improved functionality, operating ease and fundamental performance, is available as a factory-installed option.

Sales, Pricing and Launch Events:

* Sales target: 1,500 units/month

* Price range: 1,869,000 yen to 2,394,000 yen, including consumption tax

*1: Among domestic three-row minivans with a 1.8-2.3-liter class engine and a maximum overall height of 1,670 mm.
*2: The roof opening is 1,360 mm long and 670 mm wide.

2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable Earn Top Safety Picks

- 2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable earn “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for achieving the highest ratings in frontal offset, side and rear impact crash protection.
- Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are the world's only large family cars to earn both the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and the U.S. government's highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.
- Ford and Volvo engineers worked together to create this innovative vehicle structure featuring crush zones so that energy is transferred around the passenger compartment.
- Class-leading affordability and safety combine to make Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable two of the best choices for safety-conscious consumers looking for full-size family cars.

2008 Ford Taurus

The 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable will arrive in showrooms this summer bearing Top Safety Pick ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the government’s highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.

The IIHS' "Top Safety Pick" rating can only be earned by vehicles that achieve the best-available safety performance in frontal, side and rear collisions and offer electronic stability control. In addition to being the only large family cars to merit IIHS' Top Safety Pick rating, these sedans stand alone for also earning five-star driver and passenger crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“It’s a true testament to the safety engineering of these vehicles that they achieved top crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA,” said Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “Ford and Volvo worked together to leverage our technical and intellectual resources to create this outstanding vehicle architecture, and now it's better than ever. These cars offer it all: safety, power, spaciousness, comfort and great features, all at a great value."

The Insurance Institute also gave both vehicles its highest rear impact rating for offering effective protection against neck injuries, as well as its highest front and side impact ratings for withstanding intrusion into the occupant compartment.

The structure of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable is engineered with crush zones designed to direct excess energy around the passenger compartment into a high-strength safety cage. An innovative cross-car beam “SPACETM Architecture” under the front seats reinforces the structure between the B-pillars, which helps direct energy away from passengers.

2008 Mercury Sable

Both vehicles offer an industry first two-row Safety Canopy™ side air bag system that provides additional protection not only in side impact collisions, but also deploys in rollover accidents. Side-impact protection comes from a combination of air bag technology and structural features that help safeguard occupants from intrusion by channeling crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

An advanced air bag controller uses front passenger classification sensing to determine if the seat is occupied, and if so, whether the passenger is a larger or smaller person. Air bag deployment is tailored – or altogether suppressed – to help provide an appropriate level of protection. The lower anchors and tethers for children, or LATCH system, provide mounting points for compatible child seats in the second row.

Both cars are available with AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control and all-wheel drive to provide drivers with a confident ride and smooth handling in all weather conditions. All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks will have standard electronic stability control by the end of 2009. ESC currently is standard on all Ford sport utility and crossover vehicles.

Ford Motor Company and its global brands have built more than 4 million vehicles globally with electronic stability control systems. More than one million of those vehicles feature Ford's industry exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, the world's only system with two gyroscopic sensors to actively measure and help control both yaw and roll movements.

“We believe our electronic stability control systems enhance vehicle safety by helping the driver prevent many accidents from occurring in the first place,” Cischke said. “Making families safer is a key part of our pledge to drive safety innovation.”

AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control is standard equipment on most 2007 model year Ford Motor Company SUVs and crossovers. ESC will be standard on the 2008 model year Ford Taurus X. The 2008 Ford Taurus starts at $23,245 (MSRP); 2008 Mercury Sable, starts at $23,540.


Source: Ford Motor Company

New Saab 9-3 Range

Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling, inspired by the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, backed by cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal. .

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Saab Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design. This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range comprises Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3 SportCombi and Saab 9-3 Convertible models, each offering a unique ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85). Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August (TBC).


Source: GME Corporate Communications, Saab Automobile

Holden Releases Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute

Holden has released special edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon models offering key extra features and outstanding value for money.

Available now, Holden SVZ Ute offers a six-speed manual transmission from $29,990 and a five-speed automatic from $30,990.

Holden SVZ Ute is powered by the High Output Alloytec V6 engine which produces peak power of 190kW at 6500rpm (automatic transmission) and peak power of 187kW at 6000rpm (manual transmission) and 335Nm of peak torque at 3200rpm.*

Also available now, Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon is priced from $32,490 and powered by the 172kW 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission.*

Both offers are limited to private buyers only.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Specification

Additional content over SV6 Ute:

* 18-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare (CV8-R)
* Performance brake package with red painted brake callipers (Holden logo on front brakes)
* Onyx leather seats and door trim with SVZ embroided logo on seat face
* SVZ exterior badging

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

* Heron White
* Redhot
* Nickel metallic
* Impulse metallic
* Ignition metallic
* Phantom metallic

The new “Morpheous” metallic colour available on Holden VE Commodore sports models is also available with the special edition Holden SVZ Ute.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Recommended Retail Pricing:

From $29,990 - manual transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).
From $30,990 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Specification

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon offers more refined sports styling and outstanding value for money. Features over the current VZ Wagon include:

Exterior

* 17-inch alloy wheels (4)
* Distinctive front fascia with fog lamps
* Sports-luxury suspension
* Chrome exhaust extension
* Body coloured mirror scalps
* Black bezel headlamps
* Body colour rear wind deflector and roof rails
* Roof rack
* SVZ rear badge

Interior

* Anthracite cloth seat trim with leather faced bolsters
* Air conditioning
* 6 disc in-dash CD player
* Front and rear power windows
* Leather-wrap steering wheel, automatic transmission selector and handbrake grip

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon includes a selection of the new VE colours such as:

* Provence
* Sandstorm
* Red Passion
* Nickel
* Evoke
* Vespers Blue
* Impulse
* Phantom
* Heron White

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Recommended Retail Pricing:
From $32,490 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).


* Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

Source: Holden

Opel’s new Agila ready to hit the road

The theme with carmakers across Europe seams to be ‘going small’, with the minicar segment seriously heating up with new entrants due from most of the major labels. Pictured here is the new Opel/Vauxhall Agila five door hatch that’s due to hit showrooms by spring next year. Its versatile design allows users to fold down the back seats to accommodate a class-leading 1150L of storage space.

The next-gen Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox option will be available for the first time but only for 1.2L versions. The most popular will be the two petrol units, a 1.0L three-cylinder with 65hp and a 1.2L four-cylinder with 86hp. Diesel fans will get an updated 1.3L CDTi, as seen in the Corsa, with 75hp on tap.

The vehicle’s safety package comprises of comprising four airbags as well as an optional Electronic Stability Program. New Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September with final pricing expected to be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in the first half of next year.

Via motorauthority.com

2007 ASMA Design Eagle II Widebody based on Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The new Project becomes through our amazing performance kit a never seen experience on the roads of Germany. This amazing model is crowned with the name “Eagle II“.

The powerful wings of an eagle which are symbolized by the typical ASMA Design Air Intakes in the front fenders of the car, the perfect body kit with the typical ASMA Design elements and the bi-colour painting are creating this dominating presence.

Promises are promises and we keep our promises because we put another accent on the rear which makes you scared like the dominating front and the exhaust system.

Its body control is just stunning, its combination of comfort and structural integrity masterful. The ASMA Design wheels on the front axle in 9,5 x 21 inch and on the back axle in 11 x 21 are completing the excellent design of the car. The wheels are on the front axle vast 255/30/21 and on the back axle 295/25/21.

2007 Grabercars La Bala

The car is for sale in both turnkey-minus and self-assembly format. Pricing for the self-assembly model starts at $25,000 and is a complete package minus drivetrain and paint.

The key features of this car are its light weight (for a full-bodied car) of only 1,500Lbs, and the capability for the purchaser to utilize virtually any FWD drivetrain they desire. This is due to the modular construction of the engine bay. Of course the lighter the engine package the better balanced the car becomes, and with a turbocharged 1.6L Toyota powerplant (in the current car) making 170Hp, the car does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and has a F/R weight bias of 35/65. This is a street legal track car that is similar in size to a Lotus Elise. The photos I am sending show the car in full track trim. Length 124", wheelbase 98", track 57", width 67".

Grabercars is based out of Phoenix, Arizona and is only moments from Sky Harbor International Airport. We welcome prospective customers.

Tesla Electric Vehicles Won't Go to Franchisers

Tesla Motors, maker of the hot and hotly anticipated $92,000 electric Roadster, will sell its products through factory-owned stores, not traditional dealerships. The company will put the first cars on sale in Santa Monica, California, in November, then move to major cities including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and eventually Denver, Boston and other major markets.

Automotive News quoted Tesla Marketing Vice President Darryl Siry as saying, "We can't hand over the car to an independent franchiser" who would "spend his time apologizing for the car's shortcomings." Therefore the company plans to run its own sales outlets, which he said would be more like an Apple computer store than a traditional vehicle dealership.

Bloomberg reports 400 orders have already been placed for the first model, the two-seat Tesla Roadster, with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and actor George Clooney on the list.

A second model, the WhiteStar sedan is due in 2010. Whether or not Tesla has the cash to produce the second model is still a question.

Mercedes-Benz AMG 40th Anniversary

40 Years of AMG: From a two-man start-up to a global business

Stuttgart, May 08, 2007 From its beginnings 40 years ago as a specialist motorsport and tuning firm, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars with some 750 employees, an extensive model range comprising 18 different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name which has gained a high level of recognition.

The company was founded on June 1, 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M); the third letter in the company name (G) came from Aufrecht's birthplace, GroЯaspach. The two men officially described themselves as "Engineering, construction and testing specialists in the development of racing engines". The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).

Breakthrough in 1971 with second place at the 24 Hours of Spa

In the early years of the company, its founders concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races. They did not have to wait long for their breakthrough: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG finished a surprising second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa in 1971 in Belgium, winning its class at the same time. The 315-kW/428-hp racing saloon was driven alternately by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz.
This historic victory was followed by countless successes at all manner of motorsport arenas: AMG took the DTM team title no less than five times. Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffett and Klaus Ludwig collected a total of eight DTM titles, with Schneider also taking the ITC (International Touring Car Championship) title. It was Bernd Schneider again, at the wheel of the Affalterbach team's CLK-GTR, who took the drivers' title in the inaugural FIA GT Championship in 1997, a success repeated by Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta the following year when they also won the constructors' title for Team AMG Mercedes – the CLK-GTR won all eleven races of the season. In the current 2007 DTM season, Bernd Schneider - who already has a record-breaking five titles to his name – is committed to doing everything he can to defend his 2006 championship title in the all-new AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Outstanding technological achievements boost business

AMG's success was to spread far beyond the world of international motorsport. By the 1970s, customers were beginning to acquire a taste for more individuality in their cars, a trend which the Swabian company used to develop its business. The transfer of technology from motorsport to series-production development was already an integral part of the company's philosophy. AMG's ability to deliver outstanding technological achievements and first-class quality as a result of its involvement in motorsport meant that the company quickly made a name for itself and became highly respected. As a result of the aims which it had set itself, AMG soon became one of the pioneers in the refinement and tuning of premium vehicles. The strong demand for refined and tuned Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the 1970s led to a steady increase in the number of orders received by AMG. The company outgrew its base in Burgstall and moved to Affalterbach in 1976. As the first Mercedes-Benz tuning company, AMG developed into a model for an entire branch of the automotive industry. The company's impact was evident at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a total of 176 exhibitors were involved in tuning and accessories for the Mercedes-Benz brand. An important event in the history of AMG was the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1982. The compact saloon soon became a favourite with German car tuners and helped AMG to tap into a whole new clientele.

AMG opens its second plant and the workforce grows to 100

AMG continued to expand: the company opened its second plant in 1985 and took on its 100th employee. Customers from all over the world began to come to Affalterbach, among them prominent figures from the spheres of motorsport, film, music, sport and business, not to mention royalty. Time and again, the extremely specialised requirements of these highly discerning customers resulted in exceptional projects, which AMG was always able to bring to fruition thanks to its unerring passion and expertise. As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG was able to draw on its ever-expanding wealth of experience to great effect. Ignoring short-lived fads, the company was already committed to its vision of securing – and maintaining – the position of world leader in its sector in terms of technology, design, sales and earnings.

Cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990

One of the key milestones in the history of AMG came in 1990, with the signing of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. Demand and customer acceptance were given a tremendous boost now that AMG products could be sold and maintained through Mercedes-Benz' worldwide network of company-owned sales and service outlets and dealerships. Further expansion led to the opening of a third plant in 1990 and an increase in the workforce to 400 employees. In 1993, the company unveiled the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG, the first jointly developed vehicle to result from the cooperation agreement. In another development the same year, the Patent Office recognised AMG as a trademark as the name was now so well known.

Incorporation into the DaimlerChrysler Group in 1999

Hans Werner Aufrecht transferred a majority stake in the steadily growing company to DaimlerChrysler AG on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2005 DaimlerChrysler acquired 100 per cent of the shares. This allowed the newly founded Mercedes-AMG GmbH to benefit to an even greater extent from the Group's resources and global standing. Also in 1999, the motorsport department was transferred to company founder Hans Werner Aufrecht's firm H.W.A. GmbH (now H.W.A. AG). Located in close proximity to Mercedes-AMG GmbH, some 200 staff now work there together with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to manage the two companies' long-standing involvement in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).

Involvement in Formula 1 with the official F1™ safety car

Mercedes-AMG has been an important part of the safety concept in Formula 1 for over ten years. The official F1 safety car is based on the CLK 63 AMG whilst also providing the technological blueprint for the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series. The C 55 AMG Estate, meanwhile, provides the basis for the official F1™ medical car. The decades of experience acquired in touring car and GT racing played a key role in the development of these two extra-special AMG vehicles.

Opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006

The opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006 marked the start of a new initiative to appeal to customers on a most individual level. In addition to the AMG high-performance cars available through the global Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the PERFORMANCE STUDIO develops and produces special series of AMG vehicles in exclusive numbers. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, these uniquely special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, race-track capability, distinctive technical and visual features or their exclusive equipment details, depending on the particular model in question. Apart from the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the latest product from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist's lightweight version equipped with an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine delivering 294 kW/400 hp, plus numerous components from the world of motorsport. As well as focussing on particularly compelling AMG vehicles, the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO also attends to customers' individual requests – a traditional forte of Mercedes-AMG. These special requirements can take the form of specific technical modifications, such as AMG sports suspension systems, AMG high-performance brake systems, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, limited-slip differentials and customised interior appointments, as well as bespoke one-off models.

Honda displayed its FCX concept

Honda says it will put its FCX hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle on the market in small quantities as early as next year. Japanese and U.S. buyers will be the first to be able to lease the car. The company also says it will produce a mass-market hybrid vehicle within two years, promising that it will cost less than $25,000 and be big enough to use as a family transport.

Honda displayed its FCX concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, saying then that it was the concept form of a vehicle "currently under development for release in 2008."

The automaker showed off two prototypes in the capital on Thursday on a test track. Honda said the fuel-cell vehicles get about 68 mpg and can hit a 100-mph top speed. Driving range is 270 miles, which is a 60-mile improvement over the existing Honda FCX model.

There are currently 20 Honda fuel-cell prototypes on the roads in the United States, mainly being used by government fleets. The automaker says it is working on ways to get large numbers of fueling stations set up, collaborating with Air Products, BP, Chevron and Shell. Another project Honda is working on is a form of home energy station that would let vehicle owners refuel using home natural gas supplies.

2007 Mercedes-Benz AMG DTM C-Class

Like the road car, the 2007 AMG-Mercedes C-Class also represents the third generation of this model. With 54 victories out of 106 races in which it has been entered until the end of 2006 (in 1994 and 1995 and since 2004 in the DTM and also in the 1996 ITC which had been derived from the DTM), the C-Class is not only the most successful Mercedes-Benz in the championship, but the most successful car in the history of the DTM.

Development, design and construction began in March 2006 when the technicians and engineers headed by Gerhard Ungar, technical director of HWA, received the CAD data for the new model. About ten months later – on January 24, 2007 – the new C-Class for the DTM made its debut on the race track. At the roll-out and initial testing in Estoril, Portugal, Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler took turns behind the wheel; the two drivers who had finished the 2006 championship in first and second positions respectively.

Ungar and his colleagues started with a 1:2 scale wind tunnel model, because aerodynamic development played an important role. Parts such as doors, front screen and bonnet had to be designed and manufactured completely new to match the car’s new silhouette. The V8 engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees, a capacity of four litres and four valves per cylinder has been further optimised, particularly with respect to driveability. Equipped with two air restrictors, each with a diameter of 28 millimetres, as stipulated in the regulations, the engine now develops 350 kW/approx. 476 hp at 7500 rpm and delivers a peak torque of 500 Nm. The engineers also worked on the suspension where the toe-in and camber angles offer great scope for further improving both handling and driving dynamics.

In the 2007 season, Bernd Schneider, Mika Haikkinen, Bruno Spengler and Jamie Green will race the new AMG-Mercedes C-Class. Schneider (42) has been a member of the Mercedes-Benz DTM team since 1991. He achieved 41 race wins, and clinched the DTM Championship titles in 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006. Hдkkinen (38) was the 1998 and 1999 Formula One World Champion with Team McLaren Mercedes. In 2001, the Finn retired from Formula One after 161 Grands Prix and 20 wins. Four years later, he came back in the DTM winning only his third race in the AMG-Mercedes C-Class at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. Bruno Spengler (23) is the youngest HWA driver. For the French-Canadian, 2007 is the third year in the DTM. In his first year as a works driver in 2006, he won four races and ended the season as runner-up behind Schneider. Green (24) was the 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series Champion with a Dallara Mercedes. In the DTM, the Englishman collected six pole positions and five podium finishes until now.

2007 Porsche Cayenne Emergency Vehicle

One of the fastest emergency vehicles, fully suited for rough terrain as well, has been developed in Zuffenhausen. With laborious hand work, 15 trainees of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart have converted the sport utility vehicle Cayenne S into a very modern deployment vehicle for rescue workers. The prototype will be employed by Health and Safety Services.

The interior of the original production vehicle from the first Cayenne generation was completely modified. The rear seat and passenger seat had to give way to an aluminum frame construction, onto which the stretcher can be slid through the tailgate of the vehicle. A seat for the emergency doctor was set up adjacent to the stretcher. The modified Cayenne S provides the doctor with highly modern medical equipment for administering first aid to the patient. Among other equipment, an EKG with a defibrillator an electroshock device for treating patients with ventricular fibrillation , an electrical suction pump, an emergency backpack and various rescue tools are included.

The maneuverable vehicle considerably improves the chances for rescue in difficult terrain. Thanks to a permanent all-wheel drive with reduction gears and a locking central differential, a versatile off-road chassis and high ground clearance, the vehicle also reaches remote locations off the beaten track and can handle slopes of up to 45 degrees. A further advantage is its air suspension including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampening system - this permits especially careful transport of patients.

The idea for the concept of the Cayenne emergency vehicle came from Porsche Health Management. The industrial physicians have given the trainees the task of building four emergency vehicles, which are destined for the Porsche plants in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Weissach in Baden-Wrttemberg as well as the Leipzig plant. The Cayenne will also be stationed at the Porsche test track in Weissach.

Porsche trainees have since gained extensive experience in equipping special vehicles. Six Cayennes have already been prepared with different equipment for use in fire fighting, plant security and Health and Safety Services. "Every vehicle is unique with very special solutions. These special projects permit cross-divisional teamwork with the experience of mechanical designers, electronic specialists, vehicle mechatronic specialists, vehicle equipment assemblers and painters. The challenging task which requires the greatest handworking skills and precise work, motivates the young men and women," Porsche Head of Training Dieter Esser said. The special attraction is the production of a product which is extremely useful instead of practical experience in purely didactical way.

Honda confirms hydrogen fuel-cell sedan for 2008

Honda has announced that it will launch a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan next year as well as a new high volume hybrid vehicle priced under its $25,000 Civic hybrid in 09. The announcement was made at yesterday’s demonstration of Honda’s FCX fuel-cell prototype in Washington, a four-door concept with a range of 270 miles and a top speed of 100mph.

“We’re calling this the ‘FCX Concept’ but I can assure you it is not just some far out, pie-in-the-sky exercise in what may or may not come to fruition some day in the distant future,” said Honda fuel-cell marketing manager Steve Ellis in an interview with reporters from The Detroit News. Ellis explained that the new vehicle is key to attracting more green-conscious customers and that it will be initially launched in Japan and the US only.

A major problem holding back the introduction of more hydrogen powered vehicles is the lack of hydrogen fueling stations. One solution Honda is considering is launching an experimental home energy station that uses household natural gas to generate the clean fuel. The production fuel-cell vehicle Honda will release is said to be similar to the FCX concept car but will feature new bumpers and a more conventional interior.

Honda is not alone in its quest to launch the ultra-clean vehicles. China is reported to be investing heavily in the technology and General Motors is already planning to launch a worldwide fleet of them later this year for testing, with up to 100 hydrogen-fueled Chevrolet Equinox SUVs taking part. Ford and DaimlerChrysler also have their own versions and BMW has already released a 7-series saloon, which features an internal combustion engine that runs on pure hydrogen.

source: motorauthority.com

Tesla launching factory-owned stores for new roadster

Tesla will be selling its upcoming electric roadster through factory-owned stores rather than franchised dealerships with the aim to create the atmosphere of a trendy Apple Store instead of the staid image of a regular dealer. Automotive News reports that the first store will be opened on Santa Monica Boulevard in LA by November, with other stores to open soon after in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Miami.

The news comes from Tesla’s vice president of marketing Darryl Siry, who also mentioned that after the initial group of stores are opened, even more will be opened across the US in places such as San Diego, Seattle, Denver and Boston. Tesla is expecting to sell up to 1,200 units per year of the UK-built roadster.

Siry explains that the $92,000 Tesla roadster cannot be sold in a conventional manner. “A traditional dealer would spend his time apologizing for the car’s shortcomings rather than talking up the benefits”, he said. “We are going to design our own sales experience from scratch.”

Though this might seem like a lot of locations for a niche model like the electric roadster, building the retail presence is an important step in ensuring the success of Tesla’s next model, an electric sedan code-named WhiteStar.

Via motorauthority

2010 Hyundai Tiburon Captured

Spy photos of the 2010 Hyundai Tiburon have been leaked onto the Internet and are finding their way into Hyundai chat rooms. Sharing a rear-wheel-drive platform with Hyundai's new Genesis sedan that was unveiled in April as a concept at the New York auto show, the Tiburon is expected to go on sale in Korea in late 2008 and early-to-mid-2009 in North America.

Slightly bigger than the current Tiburon, this redesigned coupe takes many of its styling cues from the HCD-8 concept shown several years ago. Likely to share powertrains with the Genesis sedan, at least the DOHC V6 engine, Hyundai is focusing on the Infiniti G37 coupe as a chief competitor. The spy photos also reveal another engine possibility: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Pricing is expected to start in the high $20,000s.

Mercedes R-Class

Is it an MPV? An SUV? An over-inflated estate? No one's quite sure what the Mercedes R-Class really is, and the latest makeover on the biggest car in Merc's lineup won't do anything to clear up the confusion.

First, the R-Class is now being offered with rear-wheel drive. Previously a four-wheel-drive car only, we reckon that moves the R-Class nearer to MPV rather than SUV territory. Maybe.

But wait. Merc has rejigged the seating in the R-Class too. Whereas it was once strictly a six-seater - three rows of captain's chairs - you can now specify your family crossover-type-thing in five- or seven-seat guise.

That's a middle row of three seats plus an additional pair in the back, which can be removed to make way for Christmas trees or Jacuzzis or whatever it is people put in the back of an R-Class. Which might make it more of an estate. But we're not sure.

The R-Class has also been given a quick facelift, with new circular fog lamps and fresh body styling at the front and rear.

Oh, and there's a new entry-level petrol engine: a three-litre V6 that will see the R-Class to 62mph in just under 10 seconds.

The top-of-the-range 5.5-litre V8 remains though, which presumably makes the R-Class a luxury-sport-crossover... no, we give up.

First Drive: 2008 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

Previews

We’re not getting this V-8 diesel here, but we can tell you that the current Q7 flagship lacks soul, and that Audi’s B&O doesn’t stink.

At the tail end of our first drive experience of Audi’s mouth-watering A5 and S5 coupes, we were thrust into the driver’s seat of something entirely different in pretty much every conceivable way: the newly minted Q7 4.2 TDI. Some of us rolled our eyes at this, since this particular oil-burner, positioned as the current flagship of the Q7 line (until the V-12 TDI launches) in Europe, won’t be making it Stateside any time soon. Furthermore, Audi didn’t bring any 3.0 TDIs—which we will get late next year as an ’09 model—for comparison. But we set out to learn a thing or two anyway, as the Q7 4.2 TDI represents the interesting combination of a diesel SUV with a performance bent, and where better to explore the limits of this torquiest of all Audis than on the German autobahn? And so we did.

No surprises

Driving the big diesel Q7 offered absolutely zero surprises. With 561 lb-ft of torque available between 1800 and 2500 rpm, the 4134cc (yes, that rounds to 4.1 liters—don’t ask) turbo-diesel V-8 pulls the Q7’s three tons of metal, glass, rubber, and fattened-up passengers as if tethered to a Lufthansa 747. Audi says the big beast shoots from zero to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds—entirely believable, if a bit cautious. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system’s 40/60 front/rear torque split makes for predictable, tractable acceleration both in a straight line as well as in turns, and the Tiptronic six-speed is fitted with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, not that we desperately needed them with all that torque.

At high speeds, there is no drop-off in the fun factor. With 326 hp, the Q7 4.2 TDI has no problem maintaining speed and stability while the speedo climbs up into the 140-mph range (gotta love autobahns), offering plenty of passing power when called upon to take to the left lane. (The Q7 4.2 TDI’s top speed is 240 km/h, or about 145 mph). All the while, the interior remains remarkably quiet—not exactly silent as in an A8, but comfortable and conversation-friendly.


Pricing and Power

No soul

What’s missing, however, is soul. The Q7’s direct-injection gasoline motors in the Q7 3.6 and the Q7 4.2, are not only capable, but when pushed, they emit somewhat of a hearty, sexy growl, and by comparison the diesel V-8 feels disengaged, as if there is another pilot aboard taking care of propulsion. Yes, it is quick. Yes, it offers fuel economy (21 mpg average on the Euro combined cycle) relative to the petrol V-8. But no, it ain’t sexy in sound nor fury.

And it’s expensive.

How expensive, exactly? The price is set at 70,500 Euros (about $95,500) in Germany—3300 Euros more dear than the 4.2 petrol V-8—thus, the diesel is positioned as the Q7 flagship. In America, when we get the smaller 3.0 TDI with its 240-hp, 370 lb-ft V-6, we can expect about a 10-percent price hike above the Q7 3.6. There are no plans to bring us the big oil burner.

No V-12 for us

What about that Q7 with the monster 5.9-liter V-12 TDI that Audi said back at last January’s NAIAS that we could get as early as next year? Well, it ain’t gonna happen here, according to Audi of America’s latest assertions. Why not? Same reason we won’t get the 4.2 TDI: evidently we Americans still don’t see diesels as suitable powertrains for truly premium vehicles. Not even with 493 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, which would have helped the Q7 hit 60 in the mid-five-second range and peg a top speed of 155 mph.

For what it’s worth, the engine is still being developed for eventual introduction to the European market, but there is no official word as to when it might be taken out of the oven. Don’t look for it until at least 2009.


Bang & Olufsen Sound System

First ever B&O sound system in an SUV

In the meantime, something we can look forward to in U.S.-bound Q7s is something that sounds far more fabulous than any diesel engine we’ve ever heard: the Q7’s new Bang & Olufsen speaker system that will make its debut on the options list later this year. Like that found in the A8/S8, the sound system sends more than 1000 watts through 14 strategically placed speakers, each of which is powered by its own amp (yes, that’s 14 amplifiers).

Also like the A8/S8, the Q7 accommodates a pair of nifty pop-up tweeters near the base of the A-pillars that, through their 180-degree “acoustic lenses,” make true stereo sound for passengers regardless of seating position. Altogether, it does a remarkable job of dissecting tracks and distributing music in a simulated three-dimensional fashion, although the B&O system does not play DVD-A tracks (i.e.: audio DVDs).

When it becomes available on the Q7 this fall, expect a price of $6300, which is what it costs in both the A8 and S8.

BY STEVE SILER
caranddriver.com

First Drive: 2007 BMW M6 Convertible

Previews

Too much equals not enough? The pricey, portly M6 ragtop trades speed for sex appeal.

BMW hasn’t had it too easy from us recently. The Bavarian masters of driving arts once had an easy ticket to a first-place finish in virtually every comparo they entered. But then came iDrive, then active steering, and then everyone’s favorite “whipping tech,” the sequential manual gearbox. You could argue that those technologies, in many cases, created as many problems as they solved, at least from the purist’s point of view.

A brighter spot came in the form of the 2006 BMW M6 coupe, a 6-series coupe made even more salivating with zoomier styling, a sexy carbon-fiber roof, and one of the most delicious engines on God’s green earth: a race-bred, heart-pounding, high-revving 5.0-liter V-10 producing an incredible 500 horsepower at 7750 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 6100 rpm. So prolific is the engine that not even the entire alphabet’s worth of techno-acronyms could keep the fun away. Then came the new convertible version—whoo-ee! What could be better, right?

Looks to Kill, Comfort to Thrill

Our tester showed up in the M6 coupe’s “feature color,” Indianapolis Red, a metallic crimson that looks no less fetching on the convertible, even with its black convertible top raised. With a smiling, M-specific front bumper topped by 6-series brooding headlamps, there is something deliciously ironic about the front end of the M6. Down the bodysides are sill extensions and, of course, fender vents with M6 badge inlays. In back, the rear apron is sculpted to match the front end and also to accommodate the quartet of fat exhaust tips through which the V-10 sings its high-pitched song (a song that, incidentally, is easier to hear than in the closed-roof M6).

The M6’s interior is no less intense. The optional carbon-fiber center-stack trim on our tester—the best $300 you can spend, we feel—glistened in the sunlight, and pretty much everything else that wasn’t aluminum was covered in Indianapolis Red and Black Merino leather. We’re still no fans of iDrive, but at least the M6’s pivoting display didn’t get washed out in the sunlight as with so many such systems on other cars.

The front seats are wonderfully supportive, although even at an as-tested price of nearly $116,000, they lacked the active side bolsters found on the M5. The M6 also could benefit from an extra cup holder (it comes with only one), more spacious back seats, a truly usable glove box, and an HVAC system that can keep up with the torrential top-down windstorm that occurs when speeds climb toward (or, um, past) legal highway speeds.



Performance

Heavier, Slower

At a claimed 4400 pounds, the M6 convertible is an eye-popping 500 pounds heavier than the dimensionally identical, carbon-fiber-topped, 3908-pound M6 coupe. Yep, you read that right: 500 pounds. This could explain why, even with the sequential gearbox on its quickest setting and the power button activated (more on that later), it seemed more difficult to get the M6 convertible’s sticky 285mm-wide rear tires to chirp as easily on takeoff (and even during first-to-second gearchanges) as it does in the 300-pound-lighter M5 (to say nothing of the featherweight M6). This also may account for an even greater feeling of mass than in either of the M6 convertible's plenty hefty 500-hp siblings. BMW says the ragtop’s 0-to-60-mph time slips just 0.1 second compared with the M6 coupe's, which, based on our testing of the M6 coupe, would put the convertible at 4.2. We didn’t get a chance to test the convertible, but it certainly didn’t feel as if the two variants would be so close.

So what accounts for all that heft? As with the entry-level 6-series convertible, the 650i, the structure has been reinforced in numerous places to retain structural rigidity, leaving it with numbers quite close to those of the closed-roof car. Impact protection—side and rollover—was addressed in the form of reinforced structure, pop-up roll bars, and a reinforced A-pillar and windshield header. And, of course, all those motors controlling the convertible top account for a bunch of pounds, too.

That having been said, taken on its own (i.e., not comparing it with the overachieving coupe), the M6 still feels quick. Indeed, 4.2 seconds to 60 is far from slow. And it shares the M6’s 155-mph top speed. Although we’re getting no more used to SMG, we do love the ease of use of the sexy paddle shifters. Even better news: A regular shift-it-yourself six-speed manual has recently become available on all M5 and M6 models.

Still a Dancer

For all that weight, what seems unchanged from the seat of the pants is steering feel. Turning the wheel is met with scalpel-like precision and perfect weight that increases with speed. Highway stability is as sure-footed as, well, you might expect a 4400-pound BMW to be, and with the adjustable dampers set on comfort, ride quality is almost plush. Set on the sportiest setting, however, the ride becomes brittle, although directional changes are quick and deliberate and body roll is quashed. At that point, you might want to try steering with your right foot as opposed to your hands (providing you’re in the northern part of the rev range).


Price

Then there are those fabulous cross-drilled, pie-plate brakes, which are tremendously powerful and seem not at all concerned with the convertible’s extra quarter-ton. What’s more, properly programmed, the M6’s stability-control system can be wonderfully unobtrusive, even when not “deactivated,” although given the car’s formidable size, we didn’t find ourselves pushing its limits unless there was plenty of wiggle room in case something went afoul.

All told, we found the M6 ragtop entertaining. Like that fat girl at your high school prom who could dance all the way “down, down, down” to the ground in “Rock Lobster,” we were left amused, if not aroused.

A Trade-off not Everyone Would Make

Which brings us to the bottom line: with a base price of $108,675 (six grand more than the hardtop), the M6 convertible really should leave us salivating as much as the coupe does. Making matters worse was its as-tested price of—yee-ouch—$115,770, in which state our M6 convertible came missing several features that we believe ought to have made an appearance, including radar cruise control (even though we wouldn’t have liked it), curve-following headlamps, and ventilated seats.

Thus, we believe that for some—including many of us at Car and Driver and, we suspect, many of you—the added glamour of al fresco motoring might not be enough to offset the compromised performance and added cost of the convertible M6 versus the coupe.

Still, we wouldn’t kick it out of bed for eatin’ crackers.

BY STEVE SILER
caranddriver.com