Saturday, September 8, 2007

Mazda CX-9 in Australia?

According to an Australian car magazine its rumored that Mazda could be bringing the CX-9 over.

Despite being designed only for the U.S, Mazda Motor Corporation has enjoyed great success with the CX-7 which was also designed for the U.S.

Although it is early days rumors suggest that there will be no 2WD and only 4WD. The Australian market could be offered 7 - 9 seater guises.

Dacia working on a Logan Ute?


It looks like it. Dacia which is a Romanian car manufacture owned by Renault is working on 4 new models which should all be released by 2009.

First of the 4 new models will be a hatchback that will join the Logan variants in 2008. A few prototypes have been sighted in Northern Sweden and engines will be taken of the Logan hatchback.

Secondly will be the Logan facelift which itself could make its way into the UK market. There will be no dramatic changes but an aggressive front lower grille will be included.

Thridly will be a new ute which has been sighted in France doing some top-secret testing. The ute is based of the Logan wagon and will be on the market next year. There are no main-stream rivals but if the Fiat Strada is one of the rival's if this comes to the South America market.

Last but not least could be a 4x4. The Dacia Logan Steppe concept shown a few years ago could offer alot of hints on what the production model could look like. Just like the Logan wagon it will offer 7 seats and will be cheap to run and buy. This could make its way onto the European market in 2009.

Friday, September 7, 2007

2008 Mercedes CLK Coupé spied in Stuttgart



Long awaited amongst Mercedes fans, we got the first spy shots today in Stuttgart. Mercedes is hard working on the next generation CLK which is bigger and yet a bit more elegant than the outgoing model. The new CLK coupe and convertible just like their predecessor will be based on the still-new W204 C-Class saloon. Going in the same direction of the new C-Class, the CLK's chassis is expected to give greater driving dynamics and will lose some of it's softness in pursuit of a slightly younger, more performance orientated driver. Although heavily covered in flat black tape, we can see the overall shape of the CLK as well as some design details such as obvious C-Class styling in the front grille and headlamps plus trapezoidal exhaust tips for the CLK 550 model.

Engines are expected to match those coming from the C-Class line-up in addition to the S-Class 382hp 5.5 liter V8 for the CLK 550 pictured here with the registration plate M ZY 1011. We expect the car to arrive at dealers in summer 2009 with the convertible following a year later.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

New Car: 2008 Nissan Note





Well here it is. Its the slightly revised Nissan Note which has been on sale in the Europe market since mid 2006. The Note managed to shift over 170,000 units in Europe. The specification will be altered.

Whats missing is the black strips on the front and rear bumper.

Expect it to see it in European showrooms in early 2008.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

New Car: 2008 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi




Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating a new Caddy dimension at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) for passenger cars. The Caddy Maxi Life. The new vehicle combines the qualities of a transporter with the versatility of a compact people carrier in a new class of vehicle.

Compared to the familiar Caddy, the Maxi has been stretched from 4.41 metres to 4.88 metres. This has created an amazingly spacious vehicle with up to 4,200 litres of stowage volume (in the panel van version). Moreover, the multitalent is equipped with a new top-of-the-range engine: a TDI that generates 103 kW of output and 320 newton-metres of torque.

Stretched by 47 centimetres, the Caddy Maxi is one of the largest models among the compact shuttle vehicles and small transporters. Load capacity up to 4.2 m3, 800 kilograms payload, 1,500 kilograms trailer load and load area up to 2,250 millimetres long, depending on the interior configuration. These are record figures in this segment. Alternatively there is space for seven people to be carried in maximum comfort. The design of the Caddy has been adapted 1:1 for the Caddy Maxi. The major difference is the body, which has been lengthened by 470 to exactly 4,875 millimetres. Compared to the 4,405 millimetre long "standard version" of the Caddy, the growth can be broken down as follows: plus 151 millimetres rear overhang; plus 319 millimetres between the sliding doors and the rear axle. The wheelbase has grown to 3,002 millimetres. A major factor in the great success of the Caddy is its variable, clearly structured interior with its sophisticated design. For this reason, the space concept was transposed unchanged onto the Caddy Maxi. The seats and the cockpit area, which has been recognised as being of very high quality, are also identical.

In this case, not only the driver and front passenger are able to enjoy outstanding comfort and generous space, but also the five passengers in the two rows of seats in the rear. Even getting into to the Caddy is comfortable. The reason for this is the 700 millimetre wide and 1,108 millimetre high sliding doors. In addition, especially for the new Caddy Maxi, the space between the second and third rows of seats has been increased by 50 millimetres. Even when all seven seats are occupied, the luggage compartment still has a volume of 380 litres. The second row of seats can be folded down and forward. The third row of seats can be removed completely with just a few simple steps. The load volume is then increased to 1,350 litres.

The Caddy Maxi Life has been specially tailored to carry up to seven people and their luggage with a maximum of comfort in three rows of seats (2/3/2). Characteristic equipment on the Caddy Maxi Life includes two practical sliding doors and bumpers and attachments painted in the colour of the body. In the interior, the full trim and numerous stowage nets gives the Caddy Maxi Life an especially sophisticated and elegant feel.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer the Caddy Maxi with one petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol engine generates an output of 75 kW. The two TDI engines are characterised by even more power and superb economy. Here, the 2.0 litre TDI with 103 kW is new in the range. As in the past, the tried and tested 1.9 TDI with 77 kW represents the entry level in the world of diesel. It may be combined with the optional dual clutch gearbox DSG. A diesel particulate filter comes as standard with both TDI engines.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer three equipment versions of the Caddy Maxi. These are specially tailored to the needs of the respective clientele. The Caddy Maxi Life, in the style of a people carrier, will hit the market from autumn 2007. This will be followed in early 2008 by the universal talent, the Caddy Maxi Kombi and the Caddy Maxi Kasten panel van, which is designed for commercial use.

Mercedes Maybach not selling well

Executives at Mercedes-Benz are saying that it doesn’t cost much too keep the Maybach brand on the market, although dealers aren’t too happy. 70 U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships spent over $500,000 or £250,000 preparing their showrooms for the Maybach brand, however the car isn’t selling as well as they’d hope.

While Mercedes-Benz set an annual target of 500 Maybachs when it debuted in 2003, dealers have sold only 778 cars up until July of 2007. So what’s next for Maybach?

The Maybach 57 and 62 are both build on the platform of the old S-Class, but executives are not talking about whether the brand will blend into other Mercedes models.

There have been talks of a smaller Maybach that will be closer to the S600, although pricing will keep up with Maybach standards. There have also been rumors of a Maybach version of the GL-Class as well as a convertible based on the Ocean Drive Concept, which originally started its life as a Maybach.

The only addition Maybach has recently made is the 62 S, which is a longer-wheel-base version of the 62 that is powered by a 6.0 litre V12 that produces 604 horsepower. Starting price is $428,750.

Lincoln Mark LT could be axed

The Ford Motor Company plans to phase out the Lincoln Mark LT pickup after the 2008 model year because of slow sales. A report in Automotive News, the industry trade publication, cited dealer and supplier sources as saying the truck has never lived up to Ford's sales expectations. Introduced in early 2005 as a successor to the short-lived Blackwood, sales of the Mark LT peaked in 2006 at 12,753 units. In two and a half years, total sales have amounted to only 28,000 units — well below the company's target of 20,000 units per year.

The Mark LT had been scheduled for a major face-lift in fall 2009, but suppliers say the makeover has been canceled. The Ford F-Series pickup on which the Mark LT is based is getting a significant overhaul for model-year 2009.

Automotive News said the 2009 F-Series will add a high-end model called the F-150 Platinum.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Burnt up Audi R8

Audi engineers were testing the R8 despite being released in many markets but the test drive didn't last long. The R8 supercar caught fire. Why? Well, theres alot of claims like some of the petrol managed to get in contact with the very hot exhaust pipes which led to this fire, when re-fuelling the petrol tends to spray all over the place, oil leakage or there is a problem with the gearbox. With this claim we have a quote from an R8 owner and Audi:

"It has been a simple software update for the gear box hydraulic system and this should eliminate the problem"

Audi R8 owners advice is "be carefully before you re-fuel". More incidents can be read below:

Earlier on this year a similar this happened with a RS8 prototype which was lapping around the Nurburgring racetrack undergoing high speed testing. The whole car was burned up but thankfully the test engineer was fine. Also this year a family in Belgium bought a new Audi Q7. Whilst travelling down the motorway in France the whole SUV flipped on to its nose and roll over several times. Its believed the airbags didn't even inflate. The SUV was stopped by a barrier but if the barrier wasn't there the SUV could have fallen down the cliff edge. No-one was hurt. According to Audi, the front passengers side alloy wheel was deformed and caused this accident.

Last winter during cold weather testing in Germany, 2 Audi engineers died on the site after their TT prototype crashed into the back of a truck.

Apparently, Audi is investigating these series of accidents and calling back some models but don't let this put you off buying or being a fan of Audi.

Peugeot 308 Hatchback pricing & spec announced (UK)

Peugeot UK have officially revealed the prices for their new 308. Prices start from £11,995 for the 3dr and £12,595 for the 5dr entry level Urban grade. This grade comes with trip computer, electric front windows, electric operated door mirrors, remote central door locking with dead locks, front side & curtain airbags, drivers and passengers front airbags.

The S grade comes with the Urban features and climate control, front fog lamps, body coloured door mirrors and door handles.

Sport grade come with the S features and comes with cruise control with speed limiter, steering column with airbag, leather steering wheel, rear electric windows, ESP.

SE grade features Sports features and comes with Cielo panoramic glass roof, electric folding door mirrors, electrochrome rear view mirror, auto headlamps and wipers, lumber support, head adjustment.

The GT grade comes with the SE features and xenon headlamps, rear parking aid, alarm, tyre pressure sensor.

Urban spec and prices:

RD4 Radio/CD Player
Classic front grille
Classic rear bumper
Black instrument dials
A+ display screen
15" wheels trims
Electrically operated door mirrors
Grey coloured centre console
Electric front window
Remote control central locking with deadlocks
Trip computer
Front, side and curtain airbags
Drivers and passengers front airbag
ABS + EBFD + EBA

Prices:

3dr - £11,995
5dr - £12,595

S spec and prices:

Urban equipment plus:

Body coloured door mirrors and door handles
Climate control
Front fog lamps

Prices:

3dr - £12,895
5dr - £ 13,495

Sport spec and prices:

S equipment plus:

Steering column airbag
Cruise control with speed limiter
Rear electric windows
Front armrest
Boot net
Leather steering wheel
ESP
Fully body exterior colour
RD4 Radio/CD Player with MP3 playback
Sports front grille
White instrument matrix
C-B/W display screen
17" alloy wheels
Aluminium colour centre controls

Prices:

3dr - £14,395
5dr - £14,995

SE spec and prices:

Sport equipment plus:

Ambiance pack; Fragrance diffuser, ambient lighting
Cielo panoramic glass roof
Electric folding door mirrors
Comfort pack; Lumber support, height adjustment, underseat trays, rear armrest
Electrochrome rear view mirror
Visibility pack; auto headlamps and wipers
Dual zone climate control
Sports rear bumper
White instrument matrix + dials
16" alloy wheels

Prices:

5dr - £15,895

GT spec and prices:

SE equipment plus:

Half leather upholstery sports seats
Carpet mats
Tyre pressure sensors
Alarm
rear parking aid
Xenon headlmaps
Bluetooth handsfree telephone kit
Colour display screen
18" alloy wheels

Prices:

3dr - £18,195
5 dr - £18,795

The new 308 will go on sale immediately across Western Europe (UK, France, Spain, Portugal) after the Frankfurt debut in 2 weeks time.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Crash test results: 2007 Renault Twingo 1.2 Dynamique


The Fiat 500's rival, the Renault Twingo only scored 4 stars in frontal crash test rating. The front scored 28 points for adult safety, 11 points for pedestrian safety and 16 points for side impact safety but there is only 1 seatbelt reminder.

Front impact:

The passenger compartment remained stable during the impact. Structures in the dashboard presented a potential hazard to the knees and femurs of both of the driver's legs and to the passenger's inboard leg.

Child-protection:

With the front seats set to the Euro NCAP test position (mid-position of fore-aft adjustment), the child restraints recommended by Renault could not be fitted in the rear seats. Therefore, it was not possible to establish the child protection rating of the Twingo.

Pedestrian protection:

The bumper offered predominantly fair protection to pedestrians' legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet was rated as poor and scored no points. The bonnet surface was rated as predominantly poor for the protection offered to pedestrians' heads.

Crash test results: 2007 Fiat 500




EURO NCAP FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATING FOR FIAT 500:

The Fiat 500 has just achieved the prestigious Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating, (with a total of 35 points), so taking over top spot in its segment for safety.

This important award adds to those assigned recently to the Fiat Bravo and Grande Punto, and confirms the special attention Fiat Automobiles SpA pays to all aspects of driver and passenger protection.

This is the first time that a car of this size has achieved five stars and the 500 is now one of the safest vehicles on today’s roads. To achieve the rating, Fiat designers examined every possible type of accident: front and side impacts, roll-overs and rear-end collisions. The different speeds at which collisions take place, different types of obstacles and the protection of occupants with widely varying physical characteristics, were also taken into consideration.The Fiat 500 offers, as standard, two dual stage front airbags, two front side airbags for chest/pelvis protection, two window-bags and a driver’s knee airbag. Front seat-belts with a double pretensioner and load limiter are also standard equipment.

As well as incorporating a high performance braking system, the Fiat 500 features ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). This sophisticated system is standard on the 1.4 16v version and an option on the other two versions (1.2 and 1.3 MultiJet).

The Fiat 500 is a car designed and built to achieve the highest levels of quality, as the safety award by Euro NCAP confirms. This total protection feature has contributed to the sales success of the model – since its launch this summer the car has already won over Italy and France, with around 70,000 orders to date.