Mercedes C63 AMG pricing announced (UK)

Mercedes-Benz has announced prices for its C-Class flagship models, the C 63 AMG saloon and estate. Available to order now and on the road in spring, the latest additions to the highly acclaimed range will retail at £51,317 for the saloon and £52,567 for the estate, increases of just four and 4.5 per cent respectively over the previous generation C 55 AMG. That’s despite a substantially more powerful engine and enhanced equipment levels.

Prodigious performance is delivered courtesy of AMG’s new 6208 cc V8 engine, which produces 457 hp at 6800 rpm – up 90 hp on the 5.5-litre V8 of the C 55 AMG. Even more outstanding is the torque delivery which peaks at 600 Nm, a figure unprecedented in this class. What’s more, the driver always has more than 500 Nm on tap between 2000 and 6250 rpm, ensuring supreme flexibility throughout the rev range.

On the road that translates into a 0 to 62mph figure of 4.5 seconds for the saloon and 4.6 for the estate (C 55 AMG 5.2 and 5.4 seconds respectively), while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. As you might expect, there’s a delicious V8-sound track to match – all thanks to AMG’s race-winning heritage.

The engine is perfectly complemented by the seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission which features Sport, Comfort and Manual shift modes. Shift speeds are around 30 per cent faster in Sport compared to Comfort and 50 per cent faster in Manual mode using the steering wheel mounted shift paddles. There’s the added satisfaction of an automatic blip of the throttle as you downshift manually, which helps to maximise stability, particularly when braking into a corner.

The latest AMG models are more clearly differentiated than ever before, with a wide road hugging stance accentuated by flared wheel arches and two prominent power domes on the bonnet signaling the cars’ latent power. A honeycomb grille, large front apron, side skirts and a rear apron with black diffuser insert complete the assertive look. The standard light alloy wheels are titanium painted 8.0 x 18 five-spoke items at the front and 9.0 x 18 items at the rear. Optional 19 inch multi-spoke items are also available at £600.

A decidedly sporty interior features AMG sports seats with integral head restraints upholstered in luxurious Nappa leather with cross-piping and AMG badging. The small diameter AMG steering wheel has a flat lower edge and perforated leather trim and the trademark AMG tube-style instrument cluster adopts AMG specific lettering together with a 6.3 V8 logo in the rev counter. Front seats are fully electrically adjustable with memory, including adaptive backrests with side bolster and lumbar adjustment.As an alternative to the standard aluminium trim elements, carbon fibre trim is an option at £1520.

In common with all C-Class models, the C63 AMG features the readily intuitive central control system with colour screen, allowing rapid access to audio, navigation and telephone functions, and complemented by the multifunction steering wheel. Unique to AMG models is the Racetimer feature appearing in the central display which enables lap times to be recorded.

Naturally the estate model offers all the practicality of its siblings, including 1/3: 2/3 split rear seat, bag hooks and load ties, stowage compartments with covers, a collapsible shopping crate and a combined luggage cover and retaining net. Even more convenience comes courtesy of the standard Easy-Pack tailgate which automatically opens and closes at the push of a button. Able to swallow up to 1500 litres (VDA), no other premium estate in this class offers the C 63 AMG’s mix of performance and exceptional load carrying capacity.

AMG sports suspension with an all-new three-link front axle, a 35 mm wider track and the longer wheelbase common to all C-Class models delivers outstanding grip and agility.

The redesigned front wheel location is 100 per cent more rigid than the previous model to give more precise steering precision and more responsive braking, while the suspension geometry, larger anti-roll bar, and rebound buffer springs provide greatly improved lateral dynamics and higher cornering speeds. Feedback from the speed-sensitive AMG sports steering is also improved.

At the rear the multi-link suspension has been re-engineered with a 12mm wider track and more camber for enhanced cornering performance.

Stopping power is provided by 360mm discs with six piston calipers at the front, 330mm with four piston calipers at the rear.

New, three-stage ESP® can be turned off altogether for track use or switched to a Sport setting whose higher dynamic thresholds and corresponding drift angles allow greater driver interaction. Braking while in Sport mode or with the ESP® deactivated restores all normal ESP® functions until the brakes are once more released; traction control is active in all three modes.

Options unique to the C63 AMG models include the AMG driver’s package which increases the limited top speed and includes attendance at an AMG ‘Power and Passion’ driving event (£2160); and a Performance Package which comprises compound front disc brakes, a limited slip differential, performance suspension and a Nappa leather and Alcantara trimmed steering wheel (£3120).

New Car: 2008 Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Incorporating around 650 newly developed parts, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. A fast-running V6 sports engine developing 224 kW/305 hp and an optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two-seater SLK 350 to the fore. Furthermore, all of the engines in the line-up are now far more economical on fuel and, therefore, emit even less CO2, despite a substantial increase in output in many cases. The new-generation SLK models will be available from April 2008, pricing will be announced early in 2008. Since their first appearance in 1997, the compact SLK Roadsters have come to symbolise Mercedes-Benz' dynamic brand image. Already a familiar sight on our roads, the second-generation two-seater is to be further enhanced with the implementation of a raft of measures in 2008, to further emphasise the car's sporty character and continue the SLK-Class success story by introducing new, dynamic, powerful elements. Sales of the SLK-Class Roadster are now approaching the half-million mark with over 495,000 sold, over 40,000 of which were sold in the UK. The new-generation SLK displays new sporty highlights, further enhancing the appeal of the successful two-seater with the trendsetting vario-roof that transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coupé in a matter of seconds.

Distinctive character: even more pronounced arrow shape at the front end and a diffuser-style rear end:

The designers have given the already dynamic-looking two-seater cult model an even sportier appearance. Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow shape. Plus the area around the Mercedes star has been restyled to render it even more succinct. In addition, the designers have modified the rear end by introducing a diffuser-style lower section that makes the Roadster appear more powerful when viewed from behind – an effect that is enhanced considerably by the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights. The now larger exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely new.

High-quality cockpit and new three-spoke sports steering wheel

Many of the interior details have also been redesigned and upgraded following a careful process of material selection. Particular importance was attached to optimising the interior to make it even more driver-oriented. Centrepieces include a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster with captivating dial surrounds. Enhanced audio and telematics systems

Mercedes-Benz is installing the new NTG 2.5 audio and telematics generation in the SLK for the first time. It is easier to operate and offers an even wider range of useful functions. Standard features integrated in every radio include a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology and a new media interface in the glove compartment, allowing the full integration of mobile audio devices such as an iPod, which can then be operated via the audio system's user interface.

Together with the new telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an optional extra in the SLK-Class for the first time. Voluminous surround sound even when the roof is open

Passengers can enjoy a unique listening experience, regardless of whether the vario-roof is open or closed, thanks to the optionally available harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. Rich and voluminous surround sound makes for crystal-clear listening pleasure, the like of which has never before been associated with a roadster. Fast-running sports engine: higher output and much lower fuel consumption

The sporty credentials of the 2008 SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine – an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports engine that makes its debut in the new-generation SLK, totally altering the six-cylinder unit's character by making sweeping changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm – some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor. The peak torque has also been boosted, by 10 Nm, and now stands at 360 Nm when the engine is running at 4900 rpm. This result was achieved by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period – oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting. Other changes introduced include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.

Further aspects which add to the emotionally charged appeal of the new engine include deliberately powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly emotive sound design when decelerating. In combination with the 7G?TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. As well as producing an extremely sporty sound, this throttle-blipping function reduces load alteration effects.

Despite the higher output and high-calibre performance, the SLK 350 consumes considerably less fuel. With the six-speed manual transmission on board, combined fuel consumption is just 29.7 mpg; if the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission is fitted, the sports powerplant returns a combined fuel consumption of just 30.7 mpg. Lower fuel consumption means that CO2 emissions are also reduced – by 23 g/km to 219 g/km in the automatic version and by 28 g/km to 227 g/km in the manual version.

The engine line-up for the second generation of the successful SLK-Class is being augmented by three further variants:

The output of the four-cylinder supercharged engine has been boosted by 15 kW/21 hp (to 135 kW/184 hp), while its torque has been increased from 240 to 250 Nm. Combined fuel consumption has been reduced to 36.7 mpg whilst CO2 emissions have been reduced by 27 g/km to 182 g/km.

The SLK 280 has also been further improved with respect to fuel economy and, therefore, CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption has been cut to 30.4 mpg (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 31.0 mpg), while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 11 g to 220 g/km (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 6 g lower at 216 g/km).The SLK 55 AMG is still equipped with the familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant developing 265 kW/360 hp and a peak torque of 510 Nm.

Standard equipment for the three new SLK models includes a precise six-speed manual gearshift, while the SLK 55 AMG still comes with the 7GTRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. Optional extras available include a five-speed automatic transmission for the SLK 200 and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission or, alternatively, the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the steering wheel for the six-cylinder SLK 280 and SLK 350 models. New direct-steer system for outstanding agility and tangible driving pleasure A newly developed direct steering system with variable steering assistance, available as an optional extra (standard for the SLK 55 AMG), further highlights the qualities of the sporty chassis, combining agility and manoeuvrability when driving on twisting rural roads with steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when travelling at high speed. The direct-steer system is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system and operates by purely mechanical means, meaning that there is no need for elaborate actuators and complex sensors. At its heart is a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. The ratio is indirect when the steering is in or around the central position so as to ensure excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at high speed. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is fitted. This means that, even in city traffic, relatively little steering wheel movement is required to correct the car's path. Fast sequences of bends on rural roads can be negotiated almost intuitively with relatively small steering movements – with assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving enjoyment.

Visually enhanced SLK 55 AMG:

On a technical level, the SLK 55 AMG remains almost unchanged. The only differences are a few visual enhancements. The front end of the AMG model now features a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps. The trendsetting SLKAs trendsetters and technology leaders, the SLK-Class Roadsters have long enjoyed the image of a modern cult car. Even after the extensive modifications, the familiar outstanding qualities remain, for example, the vario-roof that transforms the roadster into a coupé in 22 seconds, not to mention the extensive standard-equipment package, including head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt-force limiters. Plus the roadster also comes with the option of the unique AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows open-top driving pleasure all year round, even in winter. UK pricing for the new-generation SLK will be confirmed early in 2008.

A diesel engine could even find its way under the hood in 2009.

Mazda2, Renault Laguna, Mercedes C-Class & Volvo V70 score 5 stars

European car safety testing body Euro-NCAP yesterday announced its latest batch of results. They came as great news for Volvo, Mazda, Renault and Mercedes, whose cars were all award five-out-of-five.

Latest versions of the Volvo V70, Mazda2, Renault Laguna and Mercedes C-Class all scored five-out-of-five for adult passenger protection.

Combining individual scores for adult passenger, child passenger and pedestrian protection, the Volvo V70, emerged safest of all, tallying 91 points. That was in spite of a problem with side airbag deployment on the Volvo which the manufacturer has promised it will recall cars to fix.

The Mazda2 becomes the eleventh supermini to score five-out-of-five for adult passenger protection, but it ranks second only to the Peugeot 207 once adult passenger protection, child passenger protection and pedestrian protection are factored in. It scored a commendable 89 points overall, to the Peugeot’s 91.

A fault with the Mazda’s front airbags caused late detonation in its initial tests, but Euro-NCAP agreed to a retest after Mazda fixed the problem, and promised to recall all new Mazda 2's involved and carry out reparation work.

Also tested in the latest batch were the Daihatsu Materia and Honda Civic which both scored four stars for adult passenger protection.

Mazda2 Press Release:

The all-new Mazda2 supermini has been awarded a 5-Star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests.

In terms of occupant protection, the new Mazda2 proved itself to be among the safest cars in the small car segment – earning the maximum 5-Stars for adult protection, plus a class-leading 4-Stars for child protection and a competitive 2-Stars for pedestrian protection.

“This is an excellent result for Mazda2, which is now officially one of the safest small cars,” commented Rob Lindley, Managing Director Mazda Motors UK. “Mazda’s designers and engineers have demonstrated that lightweight construction, which is so important in cutting fuel consumption and reducing emissions, does not mean having to compromise on strength or safety.”

The new Mazda2 weighs under 1,000kg, significantly less than the outgoing model, and its lightweight construction using ultra high-tensile steels, combined with sophisticated aerodynamics, enables the car to achieve reduced CO2 emissions (from 129g/km) and fuel consumption (up to 52.3mpg), while ensuring brisk acceleration and agile handling characteristics.

The three-strong Mazda2 range of petrol models is available in the UK from just £8,499 (on-the-road), with diesel models in showrooms from March 2008.

During the tests of the Mazda 2, a supermini, and the Volvo V70, a large family car, problems were noted with the deployment of both these cars’ airbags. In the frontal impact test of the Mazda 2, a small disturbance shortly before impact led to a delay in the firing of the airbags and protection of the front seat occupants was compromised. Although these disturbances are not part of Euro NCAP’s tests, they could occur in real life accidents. In the case of the Volvo V70, curtain airbag deployment was delayed in the side pole test.

Both manufacturers took steps to rectify the problems in their vehicles. Mazda improved the airbag control software in production cars and will contact all Mazda 2 owners, to ensure their cars are upgraded. Volvo agreed to modify production cars and to contact all V70 owners. As a result of the commitment shown to modify the cars to the upgraded specification, both Volvo and Mazda were granted re-tests. The results released today are based on these re-tests. During the re-testing, the airbags of the Mazda 2 deployed as expected but, unfortunately, the Volvo V70’s curtain airbag again fired late. Volvo is currently investigating this issue. Consumers who are concerned about their own vehicles should contact their local dealer.

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP ‘This is exactly why Euro NCAP exists: to independently evaluate the protection that these cars offer consumers and to spot just this kind of error. If there is a safety problem, we will not re-test the vehicle unless the problem is fixed on all cars.’

Europes worst drivers revealed

It may be worth taking extra care next time you cross a road or get behind the wheel in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as a report out today revealed Europes worst drivers.

Despite the decreasing number of road deaths across the Continent, these countries' burgeoning economies have placed more cars on their roads - putting residents at increased risk of traffic-related deaths.

They top Forbes.com's first-ever ranking of Europe's most dangerous drivers. The list was compiled by calculating the number of road deaths per million inhabitants in 28 European countries, using 2006 data from the European Commission and the International Road Traffic and Accident Database. It gathers data on traffic and road accidents from 28 of 30 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, a statistical clearinghouse. Turkey and Mexico are not included. We used provisional 2006 results for 12 countries that have yet to submit final data: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Finland and Malta.

Central Europe hotspot:

Greece took fourth place, with island neighbour Cyprus only a few places below at number eight. But Central and Eastern Europe dominate the top 10, with Poland, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic all reporting over 100 road deaths per million inhabitants. There is, however, a big gap between these countries and Lithuania, which reported over 200 fatalities per million. It's not surprising that the three Baltic states have the worst road safety records in Europe. Breakneck economic growth over the past five years has increased consumer spending and put more cars on the road, but without any major improvement to infrastructure or increased awareness of dangerous driving.

"There is a lot of drinking and driving," says Agnia Baranauskaite, a Lithuanian-born analyst for the research firm Eurasia Group, in London. "Because of persistent levels of corruption and bribe taking, most people feel that they can drive drunk, even if they get caught by a policeman." European Commission data released earlier this year found that 23.5% of 2006 road deaths in Estonia were caused by those driving over the limit. For Latvia the figure was 21.7%; for Lithuania it was 14.8%. Baranauskaite says that although governments have been cracking down on drunken driving in capital cities, it is more difficult to enforce the law in smaller towns and rural areas.

More rail needed:

Depending on the severity of the offence, those driving under the influence there may lose their licences and pay hefty fines. The increase in the number of drunken drivers on the roads could also be a result of an overall traffic increase. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the area has been flooded with foreign investors drawn by an attractive tax environment, says Dr. Friedrich Heinemann, economist with the Centre for European Economic Research, a nonprofit research institute based in Mannheim, Germany. A planned intra-country rail network should ease the situation. The Rail Baltica project is intended to upgrade Soviet-era train links between Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. However, it will not be completed until at least 2014.
In the meantime, the Baltic states could learn from their Western neighbours. These mature European economies with better experience in road safety, traffic coordination and road upkeep have been able to keep their number of fatalities relatively low. France, Germany, the UK and three Scandinavian countries are in the bottom 10 of the rankings, with fewer than 75 road deaths per million inhabitants. This could have something to do with the European Union's goal of cutting annual Continent-wide road deaths by 50%, to 25,000 by 2010. It's supporting its members by circulating and funding road safety and accident data research, enacting motor vehicle legislation to regulate vehicle safety standards, and, most recently, discussing directives on infrastructure safety, says Fred Wegman, managing director of the Institute for Road Safety Research in the Netherlands.

The European Union also held its first 'road safety day' this year, on April 27, to increase awareness of its goal. Although road fatalities are falling, with the EU estimating that 38,600 people were killed on its roads last year (compared with 50,437 in 2001), there is still some way to go before the 25,000 goal is reached. Until then, brace yourself for a bumpy ride in Europe.

Top 12 worst drivers list:

1. Lithuania

2. Latvia

3. Estonia

4. Greece

5. Cyprus

6. Iceland

7. Slovakia

8. Italy

9. Ireland

10. Luxembourg

11. Finland

12. Malta

Ford leads in main UK car markets

From the Ford Ka city car across the range of Ford Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy people carriers, each model is strengthening its sector-leading position.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) confirmed:

Ford Ka takes one fifth of city car sales. Volume of 9,287 units year-to-date up on last year.

Almost 10,000 customers a month choose a new Ford Fiesta, with more than 39,000 registrations in the first four months of the year and a 18.5 per cent segment share.

Ford Focus sales of 46,850 are beating its January to April 2006 total and account for 22.8 per cent share of the medium car market.

Bonus news for Ford Mondeo - currently enjoying positive media reviews of the new model on sale in June - is the continued popularity of the current model. Registrations so far this year have topped 18,000, or 800 ahead of a year ago, to make up 21 per cent of large car business.

New Ford Galaxy, together with European Car of the Year Ford S-MAX, is proving its sustained popularity among drivers of Multi-Purpose Vehicles. This year Ford Galaxy has increased its volumes by 80 per cent to 3,800 vehicles (37 per cent of all MPVs sold). Over 4,750 examples of its Ford S-MAX cousin have been sold this year.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and MD, said: "Having just tested new Ford Mondeo, I know we have another sure-fire winner on our hands. The car is set to keep Mondeo in the number one large car slot. With every other major Ford model also ahead of the competition, our summer sales are forecast to be hot."

Ford commercial vehicles including Transit, Europe's International Van of the Year, took 30 per cent of the medium CV segment.

Ford's total car and CV volumes are more than 10,000 vehicles up on this time last year - putting the blue oval's overall share at 16.7 per cent (16 per cent April 2006 year-to-date).

Quarter pounder pollutes more CO2 than 3 hour drive

A study carried out has found that producing 2.2lbs of beef causes a greater carbon footprint than a three-hour drive.

The research team investigated the levels greenhouse gases emitted throughout the process of feeding, raising, and transporting cattle to produce beef.

It was revealed that producing 2.2lbs of beef used up 169 megajoules of energy and produced over 80lbs of CO2; enough, the study says, to run a car for three hours or power a 100-watt bulb for three days.

It's claimed that the true effects of producing beef are greater still, as the study didn't include emissions produced by transporting the meat after slaughter, or managing the farm equipment needed to keep cattle.

Over a third of the energy went into making the animals feed but most of the emissions came from the cows themselves in the form of methane which is more poisonous than carbon dioxide.

Mitsubishi Evo X/Ralliart pricing announced (UK)

The new Mitsubishi Evo X will be priced from £27,499 when it goes on sale in Spring 2008.

Mitsubishi UK has just released the first official information on pricing of the fast 4x4 saloon which confirms that it will be available in two trim levels and three different states of engine tune.

The cheapest model will be the Lancer Evolution X FQ-300 GS, which gets a five-speed manual gearbox, Super All Wheel Control four-wheel drive, 18in alloys and a CD tuner as standard.

Power comes from Mitsubishi’s all-aluminium ‘4B11’ 2.0-litre four-pot and, according to Mitsubishi UK, there will be 290bhp of it, and 300 lb ft of torque, as standard.

If you want more power, Mitsubishi UK will be glad to provide it via engineering specialists HKS, who have developed two engine upgrade packs for the Evo X.

The first is the £30,499 FQ-330, which gets a Drager exhaust, a hybrid filter, a new downpipe and intercooler pipe, a racing suction pipe, an upgraded catalyst and a reprogrammed ECU. The second is the £35,499 FQ-360, which gets another different ECU, a new fuel pump assembly and additional standard items of equipment such as a carbon lip spoiler, a vortex downforce generator, a sports meter kit and premium leather seats with suede inserts. Headline power and torque figures on the faster models will be confirmed nearer to their February launch.

All Evo X models come with a five speed manual gearbox, with the exception of the £31,999 FQ-300 GSR SST, which features Mitsubishi’s new six-speed, paddleshift, twin clutch sports shift transmission.

The new Evo X sits at the top of Mitsubishi’s all-new Lancer model family, which itself stretches all the way down to the 1.5-litre, £12,499 Lancer GS1 model. Thanks to an injection of improved build quality and style, a broader range of engines and a proper hatchback option, Mitsubishi claims, the car can now be taken seriously as a proper Focus-class contender.

The new Lancer will be available in both four-door saloon and five-door ‘sportback’ body styles by September next year, the last being the more conventional hatchback model.

The standard range will feature three engines and four trim levels, ranging up to the six-speed 2.0-litre Di-D GS4 model, which gets pan-European sat nav, a 30GB music system, heated leather seats, and VW’s 138bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. 108bhp 1.5-litre petrol and 142bhp 1.8-litre petrol engines will also be available.

While the Evo X will only be available as a saloon, there also an all-new sporting model at the top of the five-door range that promises to compete head-to-head with hot hatches like the VW Golf GTi, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane R26; it’s called the Lancer Ralliart.

Named after the firm’s works WRC outfit, this new hot five-door will have a more lightly blown version of the Evo’s 2.0-litre petrol engine generating just under 240bhp. It will also have a six-speed SST paddleshift gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive, and the Evo’s Active Yaw Control and Active Centre Differential.

Mitsubishi UK has yet to announce a UK price for it, but according to a company source, it will be “competitive with the current market.” That should translate as a price tag starting at around £21,000.

Concept Car: Nissan FORUM

The Nissan FORUM, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation. Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas – from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swiveling 2 nd row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology. FORUM makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Two Independent Zones In One Room:

As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a “gathering place,” bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked “zones.” Targeting families with older children who not only can entertain themselves but also demand to, FORUM respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids.

In front is the parents’ zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats designed to enhance driving pleasure. The rear zone is the dedicated kids’ space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM’s advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family “togetherness” space.

“From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo – or sometimes traditional minivans – the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers,” said Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. “It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children – allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology.”

The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers. “Traditional minivans are often perceived as the ‘Mom’s car’ – but FORUM is designed to be gender neutral. The reality is that both Moms and Dads want style, performance and driving pleasure in their vehicles, whether transporting kids or not.”

Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules. During the week, FORUM’s primary driver might be a mom, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons – so we’ve incorporated advanced communications systems such as rear seat camera monitoring cameras and audio controls. “Sometimes being a mom is just about managing the chaos, but moms also deserve some personal space of their own. FORUM is designed to give moms a balance between needs and the kids” said Nguyen.

On the weekends, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives – so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling, and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles. FORUM also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other “weekend gear.”

“We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids’ playroom – losing their identities in the vehicle,” continued Nguyen. “FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge.”

Ultimately, FORUM is conceived as a place to share – a destination in itself, as well as enjoyable transportation to other venues.

“There are many occasions during a week when, with a family’s busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together – so we’ve incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious ‘quality time,’” said Nguyen.

Pushing the Envelope of Exterior Design:

Though respecting the basic layout of a “one box” design, FORUM Concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance.

FORUM’s design innovations include wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars – creating exceptional access to the 2 nd and 3 rd row seats. FORUM’s front doors open 90 degrees, which combined with the long sliding side doors, create wide openings for easy entry and exit of all three rows. “We were able to engineer the lack of B-pillars through use of extra thick reinforced roof and door frames – putting the material where it needs to go to help maintain structural integrity for this concept,” said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design, NDA. “Not only does this greatly enhance the ease of getting in and out of the rear seats, it allows us to utilize the 2 nd row seat as a sort of ‘bleacher’ – adding a new dimension to watching sports, picnicking or other outdoor family activities.”

Another exterior innovation is FORUM’s trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile. A special patented hinge system makes the trackless door possible.

Integrated into the SkyView™ moonroof panels are hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. Other exterior features include LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets.

A Suite Interior:

Inside the sophisticated skin is where FORUM really comes alive. The aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style driver’s and front passenger seat and cockpit area – surrounded in rich aluminum and wood – offers “front cabin” comfort and control.

FORUM’s dramatic “floating” instrument panel design blends next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. The instrument panel includes dual climate controls, Bluetooth® wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats.

FORUM also features special vertical wave pattern carpeting. The one-inch thick “modern shag” style carpeting is 100 percent wool and, despite its elegant appearance, is easy to clean.
Designed in conjunction with the pillar-less side doors, Forum’s revolutionary “Turntable Seating” 2 nd row bucket-formed seat rotates 90 degrees to either side to create “grandstand” seating for watching sports or for picnicking and “side-gating.”

The seat also rotates a full 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers. The 2 nd row seat is operated by a small motor mounted in the vehicle floor. When it is time to rotate the seats, the center console lifts up and the two seat halves come together. At the same time, the two front seats move forward to aid in rotations clearance.

The 2 nd row seat also includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console, for watching DVDs or playing games, and integrated seat belts (also utilized in the front and 3 rd row seats).

Togetherness Through Technology:

FORUM’s interior is also a showcase for the latest mobile communications technology, much of it developed in conjunction with the Bose® Corporation.

“With older, more self-sufficient children, the driver’s role become more of a coordinator, rather than a protector, allowing the driver to enjoy her or his own time while facilitating togetherness,” said Campbell. “The idea is to enable controlled craziness in the rear zone, rather than complete chaos – which we’ve accomplished with a combination of communications and monitoring systems.”

Close watch on rear cabin occupants is provided by a “Kids Cam” monitoring system, which utilizes 2 nd and 3 rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display monitor. Selectable camera control switches are mounted above the rearview mirror.

A one-button audio muting “Time Out” system, with the controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel, allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the FORUM and broadcast the driver’s voice over all interior speakers – enabling quick and easy communication to both rows of rear seats.

“The ‘Time Out’ system gives the driver and passengers a sometimes much-needed time out, while the rear zone cameras enable observation – and interaction – when needed, while helping drivers keep their primary attention on the road,” explained Campbell.

FORUM also offers an advanced Bose® Media System, which combines infotainment features and intelligent design, with single knob proximity sensor-based controller helping the driver, again, keep their focus where it should be – on the road. Waving a hand near the controller triggers infrared sensors to bring up the initial system interface.

The Bose® Media System’s unique interface allows easy access to a wealth of features, including XM® Satellite Radio, hard disc drive music storage, DVD, iPod® interface, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and an advanced navigation system.

FORUM also employs Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, found in the new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The AVM system includes front, side and rear-mounted cameras and an advanced controller that combines the images together to give the driver a unique view of all four sides of the vehicle – helping to reduce driver blind spots when parking.

State-of-the-art audio is provided by the Bose® SeatCentric™ system, which includes headrest and seatback speakers for consistent stereo image event as the seat swivels – along with independent audio programming for all three rows.

Working in conjunction with the wide opening sliding side doors is the Bose® FreeSpace® outdoor audio system, with speakers mounted on the trailing edges of the sliding doors and a wireless media player controller – providing full-range audio entertainment outside the FORUM.

Respect For The Environment:

FORUM’s efficient, intelligent design features also extend to the powertrain. Though as a design exploration, FORUM’s emphasis is limited to form and functionality, conceptually a modern, next-generation family passenger vehicle would include a clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant.

“Nissan has previously announced that it will be offering a clean diesel engine in the United States in the next generation Maxima, so a similar powerplant would be a definite consideration for a vehicle like FORUM,” said Campbell. “Nissan is also an industry leader in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, so you could predict smooth, responsive performance worthy of the Nissan badge.”

Redefining Family Transportation and Quality Time:

“While some people think that family transportation vehicles are a thing of the past, Nissan’s view is that vehicles just need to evolve along with changing family dynamics,” concluded Nguyen. “Quality time used to be more about the quantity of time spent together with the kids. Today, it’s more about dedicated moments for family fun, entertainment and communication. FORUM is a great place to gather together and rediscover each other once in a while.”

Mini confirms name of new SUV

MINI fans have a new reason to get excited, now that the name of the company's upcoming crossover has been released. The MINI Crossman, previously referred to internally as the "Colorado” and “Monte”, will bring the brand firmly into a new territory. This news comes from an Auto Motor Sport interview with MINI CEO, Kay Segler.

What will likely be called the R58 within BMW from here on out, the Crossman is expected to ride higher than current MINI models and they will all have All Wheel Drive, making it a possible choice for off-roaders. With these new capabilities, MINI plans to expand their customer base to include young men who want something a little more "masculine" than the current models.

First reaction to the new name has made some wonder if MINI lost its creative edge. Likewise, one latent downside to the company releasing a crossover is, if they will end up alienating the fan base that has rallied around the small car brand since the release of the Cooper.

This new vehicle will also mark the first time a MINI is assembled outside the U.K. Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr will build the car for MINI, which is quickly running out of space at their current facilities.

The MINI Crossman is scheduled for release in 2010. Segler says there are currently no plans for a fifth MINI model.

MINI AWD

Teaser: 2008 Ford Focus RS

Earlier this year concerns over producing a powerful, high C02-emitting hot hatchback was threatening on the RS’s future but Ford has finally decided that it’s worth putting the car into production in spite of them.

This time, the car will need to make money. The last Focus RS was approximated to have lost Ford around £7k per car; during the beginning of this one. Insiders say the business case has been as important for Ford’s RS division as anything else.

However, it looks like the company won’t be compromising on much for cost reasons. The car’s body has been heavily modified with much wider wheelarches, which were thought to have been ruled out as too expensive. The huge lower front intake features unusual secondary vents at either side.

Ford will not confirm any of the RS’s technical specification but the company has said the car is based on the Focus ST. It’s likely to have over 300bhp from a twin-turbocharged version of the ST’s five-cylinder engine and will have a dump valve as standard.

Four-wheel drive is thought to be on the cards as the ST’s body shell can accommodate a rear differential, but it's not a given. As one Team RS spokesperson told us recently, "There are many ways we can give the RS more traction without adding the extra weight of a four-wheel drive system."

Press Release:

Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.

The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008.

"With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."

The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months already. Now that the programme has been given the 'green light', Capito and his team will be concentrating fully on this programme.

"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

Ford of Europe will not reveal any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first time in mid-2008.

"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito added. "Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking."

"We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

This official rendering is the first image of the new hot hatch, which will go on sale in 2009, with the concept due to debut at the London motor show in 2008.

Mercedes GLK undisguised on set of "Sex and The City"

Snapped on the set of American cable TV show “Sex and the City”, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK is wearing no disguise thus revealing all of the design details. As a bonus, we also get a glimpse of the attractive Kim Cattrall, one of the four main characters in the romantic comedy. These photos were taken last Sunday on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills through the filming of the movie-version.

At first, the new GLK looks like a disguised GL but in reality, this production model is significantly smaller than the large SUV. Translated, the name GLK basically means "short version of GL" as K is a diminutive of the German "kurz," meaning short.

The GLK will use mechanical components from the all new Mercedes C-Class (which its based on), and it will keep very close in design to the GL.

The GLK will debut as a 2009 model at the Frankfurt motorshow in Germany 2008. The SUV sighted here is a GLK 350 and power is expected to come from a 3.5-litre V6 with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive standard. All versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic transmission. Later on there could be a V8-powered GLK63 AMG version.

While the U.S is gradually moving away from large SUVs, Mercedes is losing market share to small SUVs like the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander/LR2. With this new GLK it is hoping to get back on top again.

Diesel engines will look a little like this; GLK 220, 280 & 320 CDI. BlueTec models will arrive later on. European pricing is expected to start in the regions of 35,000 EUR but we noticed how the SUV is kitted out with parking sensors, xenon headlamps, power tailgate and tinited windows.

There will be no RHD models due to Mercedes presuming sales won’t be sufficient so the primary markets will be Mainland Europe and the U.S.

Buy an Audi R8 for £45 (UK)

You don’t have to be excessively extravagant to give a little piece of Vorsprung durch Technik this Christmas. This R8 sports car, configured specifically with stockings in mind, has been designed to make a reassuringly modest dent in the festive budget – at £45 it represents a saving of exactly £78,150 over the standard R8.

The rare and highly sought-after Audi sports car of the moment has been immortalised in zinc in 1:18 scale, enabling its fans to bypass the current twelve month waiting list for a full-size example and park one on the mantelpiece almost immediately.

The meticulously finished model is faithful to the much admired design of the full-blown original right down to the detailing of its windscreen wipers. 750 examples of its all-aluminium, mid-engined and quattro-equipped big brother will find homes in the UK in 2008, thrilling their drivers with a mighty 420PS output, 4.6-second acceleration from rest to 62mph and, for those lucky enough to be visiting an Autobahn next year, a 187mph top speed.

The diminutive R8 is now available from Audi Centres nationwide, details of which can be obtained by calling Audi Customer Services on 0800 699888 or by visiting http://www.audi.co.uk/ and clicking on ‘Find Centre’.

Tata likely to win Jaguar & Land Rover

After 6 months of negotiations the battle for Land Rover and Jaguar has been whittled down to three serious bidders: Tata, fellow Indian car group Mahindra, and American buyout group One Equity, and Ford is likely to name Tata as its preferred bidder in the next couple of weeks.

Tata will pay in the region of £1 billion for the British marques although they will still have to negotiate a seperate deal with Ford for the continued supply of their engines. A settlement will also need to negotiated with the pension trustees.

The three UK factories will remain safeguarding 15000 UK jobs, although we won't be surprised if production is slowly shifted to India.

Hyundai builds new plant in Russia

Hyundai is to assemble a new plant near St. Petersburg in Russia. The factory will be able to produce 100,000 cars per year and will cost the company £199m to construct.

Its unclear what models will be produced at the new factory but it is possible that all the vehicles produced there will be sold in Russia.

Russia is one of the fastest growing car markets in the world and though Hyundai and KIA already own as much as ten per cent of the market, it's keen to cash in even more on the growing demand.

This will be the eighth Hyundai factory, excluding Kia's Slovakian plant in use across the globe.

New Car: 2008 BMW X6

BMW finally decided to unveil the X6 crossover SUV. The X6 will be the firm's first model to be given its new twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine when it goes on sale late next spring.

The 90-degree unit, which will power a number of new performance-orientated BMW models in the next 12 months, is billed as a replacement for the company’s existing normal aspirated 4.8-litre V8, in a move that underlines an obligation towards engine downsizing from Munich through a mixture of twin stage turbocharging and direct injection.


BMW's new firebrand 4x4: X6 xDrive50i:

Producing 407bhp at 5500rpm along with a extraordinary 443lb ft of torque between 1750rpm and 4500rpm, the blown V8 starring in the BMWs X6 flagship delivers a commendable 40bhp and 81lb ft more than BMW’s naturally aspirated V8.

That’s enough to launch the X6 flagship model, the 2190kg xDrive50i model from zero to 62mph in just 5.4sec – better than a 650i automatic. Fuel consumption is a claimed 22.6mpg.

Design and dimensions:

Based on the X5’s platform, the X6 shares its wheelbase but it’s longer by 23mm at 4877mm and wider by 50mm at 1983mm. The slanting roof and a lower ride height make it 86mm lower than the X5, at 1690mm.

Despite the X6’s large frontal area and obvious bulk, BMW claims a drag co-efficient of 0.33 – better than a Smart Fortwo, thanks to tricks such as flaps behind the grille that only open when the engine requires extra cooling.

Inside the design and trims draw heavily on the X5. Front seat height is put at a 944mm, with individual rear seats for two passengers. Boot capacity is put at a nominal 570-litre – 70-litres less than the X5, rising to 1450mm with the split fold rear seats lowered.

Target: best-handling 4x4 on the road:

The X6 aims to displace the Porsche Cayenne as the best-handling SUV. Building on the X5’s consummate chassis, it comes with BMW’s new torque vectoring unit that allows drive to be varied between the front and rear axle’s dependent upon traction and between the left and right wheels greater agility improved traction and less steering effort.

Other improvements on the X6 include a 56mm wider rear track for added stability. Six-cylinder models come as standard with steel springs, with the more upmarket V8 riding on air springs.

The rest of the range:

Along with the new twin-turbo V8, the X6 will also be offered with Munich's twin-turbo six-cylinder engine – the 3.0-litre with 306bhp/295lb ft is in at £42,925 xDrive35i.

The mainstream of British sales will come from a pair of 3.0-litre common rail diesels; the twin-turbo 286bhp/428lb ft xDrive35d at £44,135 and the £41,995 235bhp xDrive30d.

Audi A3 facelift spied with LED lights

A facelift for the Audi A3 Sportback appears to be in the works, as evidenced by this prototype which spy photographers caught testing at Audi's Tech Centre in Germany. The refresh brings the upcoming A3 closer to the new Audi A4 and adopting some key design quality that are defining the new face of Audi.

Although the overall shape of the headlights appear untouched. The lower segment of the lenses are concealed by tape, possibly hiding a version of Audi's latest design innovation; the daytime LED strips which can be found on the new A4 and Audi R8. We never saw LED lights on previous Audi A3 prototypes.

Headlight updates are joined by a new front bumper and new outer intakes that wrap further around the sides of the nose toward the front wheels. The Audi signature grille appears unchanged but the low central intake strip has been reshaped to resemble the new A4. New side mirrors add in LED indicators.

Changes to the A3's rear include a new rear bumper with a blacked-out portion at the bottom to provide a sportier stance and revised tail-lights will all be part of the fresh face.