Auto Express Announce Ford Mondeo as Car of the Year

Around this time we get a flood of Car of the Year for every automotive website, magazine and publication. Some have chosen obvious cars as winners, some go for the more interesting cars.

This year, Auto Express UK has chose the new Ford Mondeo to be their Car of the Year.

Britain's higest selling weekly motor magazine chose the Mondeo as the best family car and the best estate car aswell. Editor in chief, David Johns hailed the Ford as "The new Mondeo is Ford's finest ever car,". He also stated the not just the saloon, but the hatchback and estate models also deserved the award being "been designed and engineered to the highest standards".

This will surely boost the very popular Ford top seller across Britain and help Ford with their financial worries with large debts, after needing to sell of Land Rover and Jaguar this year.




PRESS RELEASE:

NEW FORD MONDEO NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR

TROUBLED car giant Ford has been given a welcome boost by the news that the new Mondeo has been named Car of the Year.

The Mondeo was voted the best new car by experts at Auto Express, Britain's biggest-selling weekly motoring magazine.

And it was also named best in the family car class and best estate car too in the magazine's annual New Car Honours.

"The new Mondeo is Ford's finest ever car," said Auto Express editor in chief, David Johns. "Each and every model, whether hatchback, saloon or estate, has been designed and engineered to the highest standards. The car oozes quality, especially in the cabin which has levels of equipment and comfort which sets new standards for the class."

Ford - which is struggling with huge debts and facing having to sell-off Land Rover and Jaguar from its empire - beat rivals including prestige German makes, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and Audi to the overall Car of the Year title.

Other major winners included:
Vauxhall Corsa - Best Supermini
Honda Civic - Best Compact Family Car, and Best Hot Hatch (for the Type R)
Citroen C4 Picasso - Best MPV
Kia - for its industry-leading seven-year warranty

The Auto Express New Car Honours are the result of the biggest new car assessment programme carried out by any UK motoring magazine - with over 1,100 new cars independently tested each year on a wide range of key buying criteria, including practicality, value for money, performance, handling and safety. Uniquely, Auto Express also gives every car tested a green rating for environmental impact.

This year's winners were selected in 19 classes covering every size and class of car.

Source: Auto Express

Lexus Australia Introduces Limited Edition IS 250X

With more than 5000 Lexus IS cars on the road, Lexus Australia has decided to treat us with their limited edition Lexus IS 250X.

The IS 250X will feature a limited set of five-spoke, 18" alloy wheels, "X" badging and with a one-off Vermilion and Onyx pain job. They will also be matched with a black interior.

The Lexus IS 250X will be priced at $64,390 AUD for the standard manual model and will only be available to 260 lucky owners.

Source: Lexus Australia

Maserati Release New Images of the GranTurismo

With many previous pictures of the upcoming GranTurismo, Maserati have finally released new pictures.

Maserati GranTurismo is expected to be released at the end of the year.
• Engine 4244 cc 90° V8
• Power 405 PS (399 hp/298 kW) at 7100 rpm
• Torque 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) at 4750 rpm
• Top speed 285 km/h (177 mph)[2]
• Acceleration 0-62 mph 5.2 seconds
• Acceleration 0-400 m 13.4 seconds
• Acceleration 0-1000 m 23.9 seconds

Source: Maserati

Ford kills inline 6-cylinder

Inline 6 Cylinder Engines could soon be a thing of a past if Ford's decision to cut them by 2010 is any indication.

Citing economical and environmental issues, Ford has decided to invest heavily into the new Duratec V6 engines. According to Ford, the main concern behind the decision is the added pressure to produce a more environmentally friendly engine and due to the added increases of petrol prices.

As a result of this, Ford Australia has cut 600 jobs at their Geelong engine plant.

Ford Announces New Engine Direction

Ford Australia today announced a key step in a new product manufacturing strategy that will allow the company to achieve production efficiencies and access global economies of scale.

From 2010 Ford Australia will import a global new Duratec V6 engine, including high performance derivatives, for use in the company's locally made Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory model lines. The improved economies of scale resulting from the globally-sourced engine will offer increased flexibility to potentially incorporate future alternative fuel strategies, particularly diesel technology.

As a result, the company will discontinue its Australian I6 engine operations in Geelong in 2010. Redeployment opportunities will be maximised wherever possible and the company will work closely with its employees and unions to minimise the impact on the 600 people affected by the decision across engine operations. The company's remaining 1400 employees in Geelong and 3000 in Campbellfield will not be directly impacted by the decision.

Construction of the company's new Research & Development Centre, announced in 2006 as part of Ford's $1.8 billion Australian investment program, will continue and is due for completion later this year. Significant investment programs in new emissions laboratories and wind tunnel technology at Ford's test facilities at Lara will also continue, along with usual operations at the company's stamping plant and Ford Discovery Centre.

The decision to introduce the new engine and discontinue engine operations at Geelong follows industry-wide changes in consumer behaviour, including lower demand for large cars and the corresponding increase in popularity of smaller, imported vehicles. These changes have seen sales of locally produced vehicles as a percentage of the total industry in Australia fall from 36.1 per cent in 1998 to 19.4 per cent year-to-date in 2007 (Source: VFACTS).

"The Australian car market has fundamentally and permanently changed," said Ford Australia President Mr Tom Gorman.

"Our new engine strategy is a direct response to the lower manufacturing levels of locally produced large vehicles. Although we remain committed to our current local vehicle lines – Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory, it is imperative that we improve our ability to respond to the increasing consumer desire for alternative fuels, improved performance, and better fuel economy while spreading the investment required across a broader base of vehicles. Importing the new engine from 2010 will allow us to achieve these goals."

The new engine will be sourced from high volume US engine facilities that are anticipated to produce approximately one million engines per year by 2011. In contrast, Ford Australia's engine operation currently produces 70,000 engines each year.

The next stage in Ford Australia's new manufacturing strategy is to improve the capacity utilisation at its Campbellfield manufacturing plant.

"We are currently investigating a number of alternatives that will allow us to return our Campbellfield manufacturing facility to 100 per cent capacity," said Mr Gorman.

"We look forward to working with our employees to ensure we can deliver on the next step in our process to continue building our business here in Australia."

Mini remains as the top used car performer says Lex

Lex has published its top 20 used cars list which reveals the models that are going to be worth the most in the second hand market.

In 2007 not surprisingly those new models that are in current short supply have the best future residual value.

Top of the used car pile is the MINI, continuing where it left off in 2006. Lex reckons that Cowley’s finest will be worth 54% of its original cost new price based on a typical three year/60,000 mile contract.

In the second and third place are the stylish TT and A5, which together with the A3, Q7 and Cabriolet put more Audis in the Lex list than any other car maker.

Surprisingly the Lex list shows the anti-4x4 lobby has not hit residual value predictions, with no less than seven in the top 20, including the new Land Rover Freelander, Honda CRV and Mercedes M Class.

Bread and butter fleet cars have struggled to get anywhere near the top 20, but the nearest are the Audi A3 (7th) and the BMW 3 series (18th) which between them enjoy strong fleet sales. Volvo’s C30 is the only true three door hatchback in the top 20 at number nine.

There is only one green entry – the Toyota Prius in 15th place, while the Porsche Boxster, for so long top of the Lex list, has fallen to 14th. This shows how a car’s residual value halo can slip when a volume of cars start to appear in the used market.

“Most used drivers aspire to the same credentials as a new car buyer, that of style, exclusivity and reliability and that’s why this list is the way it is,” said Steve Jones, Lex Pricing Manager.

“Those used buyers who can’t afford a new Mini or Audi TT may well be able to stretch to a used one in two or three years time so they will be in high demand, thus pushing up prices,” he added.

Ranking Model % of Original Cost New Price

1	MINI	54%
2	Audi TT	52%
3	Audi A5	51%
4	Range Rover Sport	50%
5	Mercedes Benz SLK	49%
6	Mercedes Benz C Class	49%
7	Audi A3	48%
8	BMW X5	47%
9	Volvo C30	47%
10	Land Rover Freelander	47%
11	Toyota RAV4	46%
12	Nissan 350Z	46%
13	Honda CRV	46%
14	Porsche Boxster	45%
15	Toyota Prius	45%
16	Audi Q7	45%
17	Mercedes Benz M Class	45%
18	BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible	45%
19	Audi Cabriolet	44%
20	BMW 1 series	44%

2008 Jeep Liberty: Price Lowered and More Standard Content Added

The Chrysler Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo length and rear Seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open- canvas roof.

The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer. "The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers more value than ever before starting at under $21,000 for 4x2 models and under $23,000 for 4x4 models," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "We've reduced the MSRP by an average of $1,000 and added approximately $1,400 in features and content to both models. And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment."

Standard on both models is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. On-road ride and handling is improved with the addition of a new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems. Staying true to legendary Jeep heritage, the Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive systems to meet customer needs, including Selec-Trac(R) II -- the most advanced four- wheel-drive system available in its segment.

MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System, remote start, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's list of available features and options. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open-canvas roof, an industry exclusive; giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience. The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Available options include rain-sensing wipers and ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

2008 Jeep Liberty Sport

MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 is $20,990 and $22,600 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 has been reduced by $1,270 and has added $800 more content. The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 has been reduced by $1,170 and has added $900 more content.

The Jeep Liberty Sport comes standard with a proven and durable 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard on the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 is the Command-Trac(R) four-wheel- drive system. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic system provides peace of mind with available four-wheel-drive capability delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Standard features include side curtain air bags; body color fascias and wheel flares; cloth, low-back bucket seats; 16-inch aluminum wheels; P225/75R16 all-season black side wall (BSW) tires; tire pressure monitor; reversible cargo floor; fold-flat, reclining second row seats and AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and four speakers.

2008 Jeep Liberty Limited

MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 is $25,175 and $26,785 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 has been reduced by $720 and has added 2,000 more content. The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 has been reduced by $620 and has added $2,100 more content.

Standard features include Command-Trac(R) part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4); YES Essentials Seat fabric; fold-flat passenger seat; power front driver seat; Infinity premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer; four-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels; P235/65R17 all-season BSW tires; security alarm; speed control; universal garage door opener; tire pressure monitoring system with display; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; auto up-down driver window; auto down passenger window; power heated folding-exterior mirrors, full-size spare tire and 115V power outlet.

Available on the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is the all-new Selec-Trac(R) II full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. The system is ideal for a range of road settings including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems typically seen on competitors.

Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider(TM) Full-length, Open Canvas Roof

The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open-canvas roof.

With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.

The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof was designed and tested for safety to meet all regulatory and Chrysler Group requirements.

The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.

The Jeep Liberty is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.

Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2008 Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX

Subaru announced pricing on the all-new Subaru Impreza 2.5i and its performance icon cousin, the Impreza WRX arriving in dealer showrooms beginning in August. The 2008 Subaru Impreza starts at $16,995 and the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX starts at just $24,350.

"The all-new Subaru Impreza delivers the best combination of driving performance, safety and fun in its class," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "The 2008 Impreza really sets a new standard for value in its segment."

With new, more sophisticated styling and two new body styles, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door model, the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX breathe new life into the compact performance market. The new Impreza models deliver significant improvements in comfort and utility, while delivering the handling, performance and Subaru Symmetrical AWD that made the original Impreza such a success. Also new for 2008, is the availability of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on both the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX.

In 2002, Subaru changed the face of the performance market with the introduction of the original WRX, a car that could deliver turbocharged, rally-bred performance in any driving condition. The all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX follows that lead with an all-new breed of AWD performance car. Larger than its predecessor, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX now rides on a 3.7 inch longer wheelbase (103.1 inches) that improves ride, interior space and utility.

The new WRX is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower and 226 Lb.-ft. of torque and is 50 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. The engine has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. With its broader and richer torque curve, the 2008 WRX delivers a smooth stream of power, improving drivability and fuel efficiency.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING

The new Impreza chassis has improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high tension steel at key structural points. The new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while the longer wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics as well as increased interior room and lower levels of Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

To further improve handling, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, thus lowering the Impreza's center of gravity. In addition, the new chassis improves crash worthiness and provides crisper handling and a stiffer platform. While the new Impreza WRX remains a driver's car, the new WRX represents a better combination of capabilities, maximizing performance, and ride comfort together.

In conjunction with the new chassis, the Subaru Impreza and WRX feature an all-new double-wishbone rear suspension. The suspension allows for less intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The new suspension also delivers improved ride refinement, decreased road noise, and a quieter cabin

MODERN EXTERIOR DESIGN

The all-new 2008 Impreza and Impreza WRX are available in two new body styles: a 4-door and a 5-door. The new 5-door design is clean and elegant, with a sweeping single curve roofline that flows into an aerodynamic rear spoiler. An all-new frontal design features the new spread wing logo design at the top of a widened grille. The new grille creates a connection to the Subaru aircraft heritage and places a focus on the Subaru star cluster logo.

Both exterior designs focus on detail touches such as the new clear rear lenses on the 5-door, distinctive curved fog lamps and an inward sweeping chromework that integrates the grille design into the bumper. An aggressive lower spoiler adds to the sporting character of the design.

The 5-door features a distinctive character line that sweeps upward at the rear, giving the car an agile look. The short rear overhang, new clear rear taillamp lenses and a vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into tail.

The 4-door Impreza and Impreza WRX are unique to the North American market. The new 4-door is 4.5-inches longer than the previous sedan and 6.5-inches longer than the new 5-door models. The extra space provides for a much larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature a 60/40 rear split folding mechanism that further enhances cargo capacity. On new 5-door Impreza models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour golf bags with the rear seats in the upright position

The design of the 4-door models creates an improved road presence, with a wider and sharper front design giving way to a crisp side body crease. The rear of the 4-door Impreza is set apart by red lamp lenses and a chrome strip below the trunk line that visually widens the tail.

On WRX models, a new available aero kit denotes the WRX rally car heritage. The 5-door WRX features a rear under body diffuser and single chrome exhaust pipe. The 4-door WRX features dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear trunk spoiler.

RICH INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior design of the 2008 Impreza places a new emphasis on comfort and space. The new sweeping twin cockpit embraces occupants and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the cockpit design, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. The door panels house molded recesses that can accommodate 24-oz. soft drink bottles, as well as loose items.

Despite retaining the same exterior width as the previous generation Impreza, the new 2008 Impreza features an interior with two inches more front shoulder room than before.

An available navigation and information center is the focal point of the center console. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices that can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. The interior of the new Impreza was designed to provide a feeling of quality with special emphasis placed on double-stitched fabrics and high-grade interior materials.

New for 2008 are framed windows that allow for improved body rigidity and provide for a quieter interior with better sealing for the windows. Larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear Seat access. The rear seatback angles have been reclined for improved rear comfort. Rear Seat legroom is also significantly increased.

ENGINES - IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY

The 2.5-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged flat fours have been modified to improve both emissions and fuel efficiency while maintaining the same high performance standards delivered by the current Impreza and Impreza WRX. Improved torque curves on the both engines are tuned for improved low-rpm acceleration and better drivability.

The new 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm. Low end torque and fuel efficiency for the 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine were improved by the addition of a new intake port. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine in the WRX delivers its maximum torque and horsepower a full 800 rpm earlier than the previous model, with 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm. Low end torque and fuel efficiency was improved through the addition of a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger.

SAFETY

The 2008 Impreza continues Subaru's legendary safety and crash worthiness record. New for 2008 are standard side-curtain airbags and available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Also standard is the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS), with front Seat head / chest side impact air bags (SRS) and a driver's side front air bag that deploys according to the driver's proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the Seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger Seat -- first determining if it is occupied, and if so by a child or adult -- to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new "Airbag" indicator light.

The new 2008 Impreza utilizes the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones. The new 2008 Subaru Impreza also incorporates 3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions), front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre- tensioners and force limiters, 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and active front Seat head restraints (Not available on WRX Performance Seats) to help reduce whiplash injury in a rear collision.

PRICING

TOTAL TOTAL
MSRP (1)(2) SUGG. RETAIL
before DEST. & including
DEST. & DELIVERY DEST. &
DELIVERY (1)(3) DELIVERY
IMPREZA 4-DOOR
Model Standard Package/ Transmission
Option
2.5i 5MT $16,995 $645 $17,640
2.5i 4AT-S $17,995 $645 $18,640
2.5i Premium Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $18,495 $645 $19,140
2.5i Premium Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $19,495 $645 $20,140
2.5i Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $20,495 $645 $21,140
2.5 Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $21,495 $645 $22,140
WRX (VDC) 5MT $24,350 $645 $24,995
WRX Premium Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $26,450 $645 $27,095
WRX Premium Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $27,450 $645 $28,095
WRX Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $28,450 $645 $29,095

IMPREZA 5-DOOR
2.5i 5MT $17,495 $645 $18,140
2.5i 4AT-S $18,495 $645 $19,140
2.5i Premium Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $18,995 $645 $19,640
2.5i Premium Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $19,995 $645 $20,640
2.5i Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $20,995 $645 $21,640
2.5i Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $21,995 $645 $22,640
WRX (VDC) 5MT $24,850 $645 $25,495
WRX Premium Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $26,950 $645 $27,595
WRX Premium Pkg. (VDC) 4AT-S $27,950 $645 $28,595
WRX Satellite Radio &
Navigation Pkg. (VDC) 5MT $28,950 $645 $29,595
Outback
Sport (VDC) 5MT $19,995 $645 $20,640
Outback
Sport (VDC) 4AT-S $20,995 $645 $21,640

(1) Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to
change without notice.
(2) Retail prices shown are suggested retail prices only and do not
include licenses and state or local taxes. Pre-delivery services are
included.
(3) Destination & Delivery includes handling & inland freight charges to
the dealer's location, and may vary in the following states: CT, HI,MA,
ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT. Destination & Delivery to dealers in
Alaska is $795.

Mercedes Revs Up for All-New 2008 C-Class Launch

Gearing up for its August retail launch, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is taking its long-awaited, new-generation C-Class sedan on the road to allow some 30,000 potential buyers to get an advance preview of the new vehicle and put it through its paces. The ride- and-drive event, called The C Drive, goes well beyond the traditional driving event by literally bringing the vehicle to the streets where buyers live. The C Drive is the hands-on element of a multi-faceted integrated marketing initiative -- the largest in the company's history -- which has been underway for several months now in anticipation of the debut of the newest generation of its best-selling model line, the C-Class.

According to Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for MBUSA, "The C-Class is literally the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand. We have among the strongest aspiration of any automaker, and this is the vehicle that allows new customers and younger buyers to fulfill that aspiration to own a Mercedes. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are the most youthful and exuberant cars in our model line, and now, for the first time, we'll be offering two distinct models, each geared toward a different buyer. On the one hand, we have Luxury models which will appeal to the buyer looking for the traditional luxury sedan -- their first Mercedes. On the other hand, the Sport versions offer a youthful, aggressive styling and performance that younger buyers are typically looking for. Both models provide all those attributes on which Mercedes-Benz has built its century-long reputation and with class-leading value -- a combination that we're pretty confident will put the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class on a lot of shopping lists for people who are considering stepping up to a luxury vehicle or over to Mercedes. Our marketing will reflect that."

MBUSA has been building interest in the new C-Class through relationship marketing outreach to over 1 million prospective buyers and a microsite (http://www.mbusa.com/TheNewC) on MBUSA.com which, to date, has yielded over 40,000 potential buyers and averages 40,000 visitors each week. Beyond photos and information, the microsite is designed to bring the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class to life, allowing visitors to turn the new C-Class models 360 degrees, examine them inside and out, and watch a video of what other prospective C-Class owners think about the new C-Class. Visitors can also get details about The C Drive tour and can register for their local event as space permits. The integrated marketing campaign also includes banner advertising on select third-party sites, events and relationship marketing outreach.

The C Drive

The C Drive tour will go to 11 cities across the country starting in San Francisco on August 4. According to Cannon, "We know from experience that what really convinces people that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the right car for them is spending some time behind the wheel. The agility, performance and sheer fun- to-drive factor of the C-Class takes a lot of people by surprise. Plus, bringing the vehicle literally to the streets where they live and showing it off in venues that are familiar to them -- yet maybe a little unexpected -- really personalizes the experience, which is important to our buyers."

Unlike traditional ride-and-drive events in the automotive industry, The C Drive gives guests a chance to drive the vehicle on city streets, in addition to experiencing a closed-course route. The dual test drives allow participants to put the C-Class through its paces and experience the unparalleled combination of performance, handling and safety available in the 2008 C-Class.

To further showcase the new generation C-Class, MBUSA will be hosting events at some of the hottest social scenes around the country -- non-traditional ride-and-drive venues such as art galleries, design studios, and airport hangers. At these sites, customers will not only receive information about the new C-Class and what sets it apart from the competition, but will also be feted by companies and services which complement the C-Class lifestyle.

At each venue, guests will be treated to a custom music soundtrack mixed by on-air talent from SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Other lifestyle partners for The C Drive tour include Bon Appetit, Continental Tires, Fiji Water, Harmon/Kardon, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Kinerase, Kitchen Aid, Miele, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Redken, Saks Fifth Avenue, Supersmile and W Hotels.

The events are free to those interested in attending, but pre-event registration through the event's web site at www.TheMercedesCDrive.com is required on a first-come, first-served basis.

A national advertising campaign is planned for early September in conjunction with full retail availability. In conjunction with the retail introduction of the all-new 2008 C-Class in early September, MBUSA will launch a national advertising campaign. A multi-tiered effort covering broadcast and print on both the national and regional levels will focus on the engineering prowess and DNA of the newest member of the Mercedes-Benz family.

The All-New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Set to begin arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the U.S. on August 7, the next-generation 2008 C-Class sedan was inspired by the legendary AMG performance division and comes with a greater emphasis on driving dynamics, comfort and safety. This new model is larger than its highly successful predecessor in virtually every dimension -- about 3.5 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider with a 1.8-inch wheelbase increase. An impressive list of standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a central controller, and an LCD display screen.

The 2008 C-Class will be launched in three variants: the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury, each powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228-horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; and the C350 which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With the exception of the C300 Sport which features a six-speed manual transmission, the C-Class is the only vehicle in its class to offer as standard a seven-speed automatic transmission which allows for maximizing fuel economy and making the transmission's reaction time extremely fast. In September, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with an all-new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

With a lineup that will begin at $31,975 for the new C300 Sport Sedan, including a $775 destination fee, the all-new 2008 C-Class offers segment- leading value.

Ford: Galaxy's the safe MPV choice

Complementing a top five star Euro NCAP crash test rating, Ford’s Galaxy has received yet more praise for its safety credentials.

In the recently-published Which? Car 2007/2008 magazine, the consumer champions named Ford's full-size MPV as the joint winner of their annual Safety Award. Praising the seven seater, Which? Car said: “The Galaxy is one of the safest cars we’ve assessed this year.”

Tough, practical, good to drive and comprehensively specified, Ford’s flagship MPV benefits from an array of advanced active and passive safety kit. Which? Car particularly noted the Galaxy’s side curtain airbags, knee airbag and reactive head restraints designed to minimise whiplash injuries. ESP is also fitted to all models.

With the school holiday period seeing more families on the move than usual, the Galaxy’s acclaimed safety standards provide added reassurance for buyers this summer. And while occupant protection is top of the agenda, the thoughtfully designed cabin provides a first-class travel experience.

Boasting 30 per cent more luggage space than the previous model, the Galaxy is one of the most flexible and adaptable MPVs in its segment. Thanks to the innovative Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS), with easily adjustable and individually folding second and third row seats, owners can choose from 32 possible interior configurations. All seats remain on board, but can be folded down to form a flat and vast load floor of 2.0 metres by 1.15 metres.

Offered across LX, Zetec and Ghia trims, Galaxy buyers can choose from 145PS 2.0i 16-valve petrol, two 1.8 TDCI diesels (100 and 125PS) and a 2.0 TDCI diesel producing 130PS in automatic guise or 140PS with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Galaxy's sportier sibling, the multi-award-winning S-Max, was also recognised in the Which? Car survey. Voted a 'Best Buy' in its segment, the S-Max, which comes with the option of the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine from the Focus ST, has become famed for its combination of engaging handling and seven seater capacity.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster combines high-tech from motor racing and the power of a top high-performance sports car with the long-distance attributes and sophisticated atmosphere of a classic Gran Tourismo car. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it too is made of carbon fibre, a material that endows the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé. In combination with the racing-type chassis this gives rise to outstanding ride characteristics.

The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h and therefore at the same high level as the Coupé. Although the Roadster offers undiluted open-top driving pleasure in the highest performance class thanks to its fully retractable top, the occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR legend of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

Puristic soft top is designed for high speeds
The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which has an interesting new look, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are highly unusual in a roadster. For example, the top speed of 332 km/h with the roof up matches the extraordinary figure set by the Coupé.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the purist character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be disengaged from the windscreen frame and briefly raised, after which it folds away electro-hydraulically. The aluminium bow integrated into the front section of the roof forms a stylish cover for the soft top when it is folded down. A high level of safety is assured by steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis
In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aero-acoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle. In order to provide the best possible weight distribution, and therefore perfect handling dynamics and a high level of braking stability, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster was designed as a sports car with a front-mid engine behind the front axle.

Thanks to its low installed position, its AMG V8 compressor engine with air-to-water intercooling, three-valve technology, dry sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters ensures a favourably low centre of gravity. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, catapults the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds.The open-top two-seater is equipped with a suspension that was bred on the race track, an electrohydraulic brake system, as well as high-endurance carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs which offer optimum braking performance, thermal resistance and durability.

Unrivalled safety and exclusive appointments
A high standard of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, Seat belt pre-tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized Seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD-changer.The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the Coupé, is produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in , in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria, and will be available from September 2007.

New Porsche 911 GT2 with 530 Horsepower

Presenting the new Porsche 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new Porsche 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption
of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

The power unit of the new Porsche 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new Porsche 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

The Porsche 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.

The new Porsche 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.-.

2007 Opel GT with KW Coilover Suspension V3

Sportier appearance and better handling: KW coilover suspension V3 for Opel GT

* Racing-technology for the road
* Customised lowering of suspension up to 45 mm
* Coilover suspensions produced in stainless steel "inox-line" technology

"Only flying is more beautiful" was the old commercial slogan in the late 1960s, when the first Opel GT was presented to the public. In terms of driving dynamics there are worlds between the new generation of the Opel GT and its predecessor. And there are even more between them, if you use a KW coilover suspension V3. With it one can lower the car in a range from 20 to 40 mm at the front axle and from 20 to 45 mm at the rear. The KW coilover suspension V3 for the Opel GT is available with immediate effect.

KW coilover suspensions - 3 damping variants for every type of driver

Coilover suspension V1 with preset damper setting permits customised lowering of the suspension and creates an optimised balance of sportiness, comfort and safety. Damping variant V2 is the ideal system for sporty drivers, who also wish to make modifications in the set-up to achieve a more customised lowering of the suspension. Thanks to the adjustable rebound damping, it is possible to adapt the driving comfort to suit the driver's personal taste.
With its separately adjustable pressure and rebound damping functions, coilover suspension V3 permits an even higher degree of customisation to the suspension and provides the perfect solution for those truly technically demanding drivers.

All KW coilover suspensions are produced in the unique stainless steel "inox line" technology. This assures the extremely high quality and durability of the suspensions plus a long-lasting perfect finish to match.

2007 Abt Sportsline Audi TT Roadster

An open roof sportscar in a tailor-made suit: The Abt TT Roadster

Before the first preliminary designs were published, it was clear that the leading Audi tuner Abt Sportsline planned to cause a sensation with the new Audi TT, as the first TT is one of the favourite cars of the Kempten-based company with a long tradition. And this is due to the fact that the race version of the Sports Coupe 2002 won a lot of DTM (German Touring Car Series) races.

Therefore it is only logical that, after the extravagant TT-Sport and TT-R, also the TT Roadster, which is already exquisitely beautiful as serial car, gets a special treatment in the Allgaeu: the designer from Abt Sportsline developed car body parts with which the open-roof TT becomes more danymical. Thus, the front skirt with its grid element emphasizes the area around the fog lights and the single-frame grill. The brawny laterally attached parts underline the design of the convertible and create a unit with the striking rear section of the car. There the rear skirt inset and the rear wing, providing additional down force, are the central elements. Also the 4-pipe rear muffler, which perfectly harmonizes with the rear skirt inset and its integrated rear diffuser, belongs to the distinctive rear view of the Abt TT Roadster.

The TT Roadster from Abt is an absolutely successful open-roof sportscar, a design masterpiece for ambitious pilots. Therefore, Abt Sportsline offers a number of power upgrade packages. The highlight of the product range is - similar to the Coupe - the TT-R with the VR6 3.2 K. The supercharger aggregate provides 355 hp (262 kW) and accelerates the car in about 5 sec. from standstill to 100 km/h. But also the other versions are extremely sporty. No matter if VR6 3.2 or 2.0 T-FSI engine, an Abt TT Roadster is always fast. For the favoured 2 liters Turbo FSI, Abt offers a power upgrade from 240 hp (177 kW) with special iS technology, sparing purse and environment, up to powerful 300 hp (221 kW). Matching to the always enormous propulsion of the TT Roadster: Abt suspension kit. For more security in ticklish situations cares the Abt sports brake system with its huge disc diameters of 380x34 millimeters.

To perfectly round off the dynamical and powerful appearance of the TT Roadster, Abt recommends the wheels AR 19 and SP1 in the size 19 inch, as well as the one inch bigger wheel AR20.

Porsche 911 green

This whole green thing might be catching on. Exhibit A: a 911-based GTStreet from Techart.

Yes, it's another German tuning firm doing the modding thing on another supercar. But look at the sheer greenness of it all.

It really is very, very green. And in spite of ourselves, we think we like it.

Techart claims it started 'with a blank sheet of paper' when it created the GTStreet. Which isn't strictly true. It actually started with a 911 Turbo.

But the GTStreet gets a full bodykit with retractable carbon-fibre splitter, as well as a range of new and intriguing air inlets.

Techart has fiddled under the bonnet too, extracted another 150bhp from the Turbo's 3.6-litre flat six. That raises overall power to a scary 630bhp, while torque is up to 501lb ft. That knocks half a second off the Turbo's 0-60mph, which now comes up in just 3.2 seconds.

There's a fat new set of brakes as well, but all we can focus on is the hypnotic luridness of the paintjob.

If only we'd known going green was so easy, we wouldn't have had to worry about all that jatropha and hemp. And that poor G-Wiz.

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Concept Design by Lars Martensson

Subaru is making a hatchback for 2008 so I designed my own Impreza STI 2008 model.

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin Launches the V8 Vantage Roadster

Los Angeles - Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster is revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November.

Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience.

“The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember.”

Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance, the Vantage Roadster is uncompromisingly modern yet also incorporates classic Aston Martin design cues. The elegant lines are fused with traditional craftsmanship and striking 21st century style, with an interior hand-trimmed and finished in the finest quality genuine materials.

The Vantage Roadster will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the flagship Vanquish S, the elegant DB9 and the agile V8 Vantage Coupe.

Design

The design of the Vantage Roadster is elegant and uncompromising, a single fluid form with characteristic attention to detail, both inside and out, representing the open sports car in its purest form.

The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin's synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

The three-layer fabric hood gives a taut, aggressive appearance when closed and when folded, the flow from front to rear is smooth and elegant, enhanced by the leather speed humps that create a unique transition between interior and exterior. Even in convertible form the Roadster retains the critically acclaimed design of the Vantage Coupe. The hood is stowed neatly beneath the rear tonneau cover and is either opened or closed at the press of a button located on the centre console, in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30mph (50km/h) with no manual intervention required.

Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminium, Vantage Roadster customers will have an extensive choice of body and trim colours from which to choose.

Performance

Developed from the outset alongside the V8 Vantage Coupe which was launched in 2005, the Roadster shares the unique-to-Aston Martin bonded aluminium VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture – the backbone to all modern Aston Martins. Adding to this structure sophisticated materials such as lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites are used for the body, further contributing to the car's low weight and high rigidity.

Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars – providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.

Despite the additional mechanism associated with the Vantage Roadster’s convertible roof and the additional body stiffness, Aston Martin’s engineering team have ensured only a minimal weight increase to preserve the agile and sporting characteristics of the V8 Vantage Coupe. At just 4.38 metres (172.5 in) long, Vantage Roadster remains not only the smallest model in the Aston Martin range but also one of the leanest cars in its class.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-100 km/h (62 mph) achieved in 5.0 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds) and a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph).

Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission – an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Specification:

Body
Two-seat, two-door body with soft cover convertible top and heated glass rear screen. Bonded aluminium structure. Aluminium alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy body. Extruded aluminium side impact bars and integral rollover bars. Halogen projector headlamps. LED rear lamps.

Engine
Aston Martin all-alloy quad overhead camshaft 32 valve, 4.3 litre V8. Variable inlet camshaft timing. Dry sump lubrication system. Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. Front mid-mounted engine. Rear-wheel drive.

Transmission
Rear mid-mounted six-speed manual with optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. Alloy torque tube with carbon-fibre propeller shaft. Limited slip differential. Final drive ratio 3.909:1

Steering
Rack and pinion power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock to lock. Column reach and tilt adjust.

Wheels and Tyres
Standard: 18 inch alloy wheels – 10-spoke design - Front: 8.5J x 18 inch / Rear: 9.5J x 18 inch. Bridgestone Potenza tyres - Front: 235/45 ZR18. Rear: 275/40 ZR18.

Optional: 19 inch alloy wheels – seven-spoke design - Front: 8.5J x 19 inch / Rear: 9.5J x 19 inch. Bridgestone Potenza tyres - Front: 235/40 ZR19. Rear: 275/35 ZR19.

Optional: Pirelli P-Zero Corsa sports tyres – Front: 245/40 ZR19. Rear: 285/35 ZR19

Suspension
Front: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating longitudinal control arms, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar.

Brakes
Radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Traction Control. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Positive Torque Control.

Front: Ventilated and grooved steel discs - 355mm diameter
Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs - 330mm diameter

Interior
Full grain leather interior. Gunmetal facia. Graphite interior fittings. Electrically adjustable seats. Automatic temperature control. Heated rear screen. Reversing sensors. Battery Disconnect Switch (BDS). Trip computer. Dual stage driver and passenger airbags. Side airbags. Alarm and immobiliser. Tyre pressure monitoring.

In-Car Entertainment
160W Aston Martin Audio System with six CD autochanger.

Options
Sportshift automated manual transmission. Xenon (HID) headlamps including power wash. Bright finish grille. Piano Black facia trim. Alternative brake caliper finish (black, red, silver). Heated seats. Cruise control. Passenger seat height adjustment*1. Memory seats (3 positions). Battery conditioner. Powerfold exterior mirrors. Auto dimming interior rear view mirror*1. Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener*1. Voice activated Bluetooth telephone preparation*1. Integrated GSM telephone*1. Satellite navigation system with optional Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC)*1. Tracking device*1/2. Alarm upgrade (volumetric & tilt sensors). Smokers pack. Sports tyres. 19 inch alloy wheels – seven-spoke design, with silver finish. 19 inch alloy wheels – seven-spoke design, with anthracite finish. Front wheel stone guards. Personalised sill plaques. First aid kit*1. Umbrella & holder. 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II. Wind deflector.

Length:4380mm Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres
Width:1865mm (exc. Mirrors) 2025mm (inc. Mirrors)
CO2 Emissions*3: 358 g/km
Height: 1265mm
Max power: 283kW (380 bhp) @ 7000 rpm.
Weight:1710kg
Max torque: 410 Nm (302 lb.ft) @ 5000 rpm
Wheelbase: 2600mm
Acceleration: 0-60mph – 4.9 seconds 0-100km/h – 5.0 seconds
Boot capacity: 144 litres
Max speed: 175mph (280 km/h)

*1 Not available in all markets
*2 Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription. Standard in UK.
*3 Data not applicable to North American market

2007 Paulin VR Concept

Paulin Motor Company launches innovative concept vehicle

Paulin Motor Company, founded by well-knowned designer Daniel Paulin launches its first vehicle. This concept car aims to demonstrate Paulins vision of future design directions aiming for the market requirements of 2012 and further.

Daniel Paulin have a background as designer at Ford Motor Company where he among other projects where responsible for the exterior design for the 2004 Ford Focus concept car, the exterior Ford Focus C-Max 2003 and also designer for the FAB1, Thunderbirds the movie.

- I have studied the development of the last decennium and believe this is a logical development where I have tried to create shapes where controlled sculptural surfaces meets dynamic graphical break-ups, says Daniel Paulin, CEO and Creative Director of Paulin Motor Company.

Paulin Motor Company has used Opticore visualization solutions to produce images and real-time presentation environments.

- Opticore Real Time Ray Tracing has helped my product to come to live, Daniel Paulin says. Since there is no physical mock-up, Opticore solutions have given me a great solution to demonstrate my vehicle for prospective partners. Its very interesting times for the high end visualization business. With Opticores tools, the boundary in-between virtual reality and real life is now removed. The quality has reached a level where many design decisions can be made with out the need of physical prototypes.

Paulin currently involved on several design projects around the globe will continue to launch concepts to highlights trends and ideas of where automotive are and should develop.

The concept car features several creative solutions both from a design and a technical perspective.

With its proportion the car is a pure 2 seated GT concept. Cockpit feeling is inspired by modern jet-fighters. The windshield/roof is hinge in the cowl area. In open position, the doors can be open independently.

The rear wing is integrated in body with a flush condition. In use it moves up and rotates to create appropriate down force. Camera mirrors in the shape of blades, located above the rear fender for best visibility. The view can be seen on a wide display just above the instrument panel.

In the interior, less is more - 2 bucket seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and a control unit. Paulin continues. This concept car is a pure driving oriented vehicle where the design intent is all about simplicity and functionality in true Scandinavian fashion.

Rossion Q1

America does not have a happy relationship with restyling European cars.

Look at the chunky bumpers inflicted on the Porsche 911 in the early 1970s or the weird front end dictated for the Jaguar XJS.

However, we have to tip our hat to 1G Racing, which now owns the rights to the Noble M400. Taking its cues from the Noble M15, the 1G has a meaner, more race car-like look.

1G has changed the Noble's name to the Rossion Q1 and upped the power of its twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 to 450bhp.

The extra oomph is welcome but doesn't alter performance as the Q1 is slightly heavier than the previous Noble M400.

The Rossion Q1 costs from $69,000, though you need to fit the engine yourself to get round American legislation. Or you can go for a complete car that just needs a bit of tweaking to get it working for $90,700.

With the pound looking so rosy against the dollar, this is one export we'll happily allow back into the country.

Castagna Aznom

Back when Top Gear was young and impressionable, we thought a coachbuilder was a mutant amalgamation of a football coach and a bodybuilder - a steroid-pumped, whistle-blowing, press-up dictating maniac.

And, on the evidence of the coachbuilt Castagna Aznom, we weren't too far off the truth.

This snarling lump of supercar is the product of Italian firm Castagna Milano, and it's the scariest thing to come out of Italy since Caligula. (Always on the ball with topical references, us.)

Coachbuilding, of course, is the art of sticking a new body on an existing chassis, and the frame that underpines the Aznom is that of the Corvette Z06.

However, Castagna has bolted a carbon fibre/aluminium frame on top, taking styling cues off the 'Vettes of the 50s and 60s to create a deep-vented, mad-grilled schoolboy fantasy.

A retracting rear wing, F430-esque rear diffuser and fat 20-inch alloys give the Aznom plenty of intent, but we're not so keen on those stuck-on wing mirrors. There are a few more cultured touches inside the cabin, including a Google Earth satnav system.

Castagna has also fettled the Z06's seven-litre V8 up to a massive 750bhp, which should be good for a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 217mph.

And that's before it gets down the gym and puts in some serious reps on the ergs. Or whatever it is that goes on in gyms.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0- liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N*m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system,
MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels.

Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go Seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; ParkSense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster Seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Mercedes M-Class 'Edition 10', Exclusive special anniversary series

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 10th birthday of its successful M-Class, the top-selling premium SUV with 850,000 units to its name. To mark the occasion, Mercedes-Benz is bringing out the attractive special “Edition 10” model. The specification includes 20-inch wheels, bi‑xenon headlamps and special bodywork highlights in titanium-look as well as dark-tinted tail lights. The sporty, refined interior features two-tone all-leather appointments, sports instruments and stainless steel sports pedals. The “Edition 10” can be ordered from autumn 2007.

The “Edition 10” is a fitting tribute to mark the tenth anniversary of the most successful Mercedes-Benz premium SUV. It recalls the market launch of the M‑Class a decade ago, a vehicle now regarded as the pioneer of the premium SUV. Compared with the series-production models, the anniversary edition sporting the special “Edition 10” logos on the wings features even higher-grade appointments and is instantly recognisable from the exterior, courtesy of its eye-catching design and engineering details. Highlights include the 20-inch light-alloy wheels shod with 265/45 R 20 V tyres.

Depending on the customer’s preference, the light-alloy wheels in gleaming silver provide an interesting contrast to the “Edition 10” design ‑ or blend in harmoniously with if the darkened “chrome shadow” finish is specified. The darkened housings for the bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System and identically styled fog lamps with integral cornering light function lend the vehicle’s front end an even more striking appearance. The package of measures at the front end is rounded off with a special radiator grille and simulated stainless steel underride guard, both in titanium-look.

Dark-tinted tail light clusters, a simulated stainless steel underride guard in titanium-look and twin-pipe exhaust system with separate chrome tailpipes adorn the rear of the M-Class “Edition 10”. Blue-tinted glass and special chrome trim elements on the door handles, rub strips, radiator grille and rear bumper add the finishing touches to the striking appearance. The special model is available in obsidian black, iridium silver or calcite white.The two-tone all-leather appointments in cashmere beige and black create an interesting contrast in the interior. The black roof lining, the sports instrument cluster and wood trim elements either in “anthracite poplar” or “pale birch” further enhance the interior refinement.

Velour floor mats with an embroidered “Edition 10” logo welcome occupants, while the driver can enjoy the special touch of brushed stainless steel sports pedals. Power-adjustable front seats and the interior lighting package round off the specification.The standard equipment of the powerful trendsetter includes the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC with DIRECT SELECT, ESP®, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS traction system with additional functions including Downhill Speed Regulation, hill-start assist and off-road ABS. Difficult terrain is easier to negotiate with the optional Off-Road Pro engineering package, which includes a low-range ratio, electronically controlled multi-disc differential locks for the centre and rear differentials and increased ground clearance.

Optional extras include the AIRMATIC air suspension system with the Adaptive Damping System ADS, the COMAND APS telematics system or KEYLESS-GO, all of which add extra comfort and convenience.

A choice of five “Edition 10” models
In addition to the powerful V8 diesel engine with its 700 Nm of torque in the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC, two superlative V6 diesel units are available. The V6 entry-level unit in the ML 280 CDI produces 140 kW / 190 hp, the ML 320 CDI develops 165 kW/224 hp from the same displacement. The ML 350 and the ML 500 with the new 5.5-litre V8 unit bring two petrol versions to the line-up with outputs of 200 kW/272 hp and 285 kW/388 hp respectively.

Ten years in Tuscaloosa – a German-American success story
The first generation of the M-Class (W 163) was launched in 1997, paving the way for today’s premium SUVs. Fitted with all-wheel drive as standard, it combined the comfort and handling safety of a passenger car with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. The Sports Utility Vehicle also offered ample room and optimum adaptability, virtually assuring its success from the off: some 600,000 units of the first-generation M-Class were sold worldwide before it was replaced by the all-new model generation in 2005.

The W 164 series consummately perpetuates this success story; around 250,000 Mercedes-Benz customers have already purchased this model.Like the first generation, the current M-Class is manufactured at the DaimlerChrysler Tuscaloosa plant in the U.S. state of Alabama. The production facility was opened on May 21, 1997, two years after construction began, and was the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car plant outside Germany. Shortly after production started, worldwide M-Class demand easily outstripped forecasts. In addition to the initial 300 million U.S. dollars, the company invested another 100 million U.S. dollars to increase capacity from 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles a year. In 2002, more than 88,000 M-Class vehicles were produced in Tuscaloosa, setting a new record. Between 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also produced at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, where the legendary G-Class is built.

The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive story began a hundred years ago
In addition to marking the 10th anniversary of the model series, the launch of the M-Class “Edition 10” in 2007 also recalls another significant event. In 1907 – exactly a hundred years ago – the Berlin-Marienfelde plant rolled out the world’s first all-terrain all-wheel-drive passenger car. This one-off vehicle, painstakingly designed by Paul Daimler, was used by the German Imperial Colonial Office in German Southwest Africa, now Namibia. The technology used in the 3.6-tonne vehicle with its touring car body and six seats was ahead of its time. In addition to the permanent all-wheel drive, the large vehicle even had all-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability.

The entire powertrain was encapsulated, making it perfectly suited to the ubiquitous dusty desert tracks of German Southwest Africa. A sturdy underride guard protected the transmission. The “Dernburg Wagen”, named after Bernhard Dernburg, the head of the German Imperial Colonial Office, was used successfully for several years, mainly in the area around Windhoek and Swakopmund, and clocked up no less than 10,000 kilometres. The trail of this unique vehicle went cold in the post-colonial era – its whereabouts are now a mystery.