Chrysler gives Europe a diesel SRT 300C

Later on this year, Chrysler will install a 3.0 V6 diesel engine in the 300C SRT which is borrowed from the regular 300C 3.0 CRD. This means 218 bhp, 163kW and 376lb ft of torque.

It will be available as a sedan or a touring model and boasts many of the SRT features including 20-inch alloys, body kit, chrome mesh grille. On the outside bootlid spoiler, revised rear light clusters, and extra LED lights will be incorporated in the facelift.

The interior will feature a satellite navigation system with a 20GB drive (referred to as MyGig), carbon-fibre detailing and leather sports seats straight out the of the 425bhp, 6.1-litre V8 SRT-8.

Honda Swindon plant produces 2 million cars

HONDA CELEBRATES ONE IN TWO MILLION:

£80m investment tops day of achievement

This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swindon car production facility. The silver CR-V is scheduled for production tomorrow evening (21st February, 2008) nearly 16 years after car manufacturing began in October 1992. Today the company announced substantial new investment, showing further commitment to its UK manufacturing operations. Building on its 22 year history, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is investing a further £80 million to upgrade and improve manufacturing processes.

This includes:

• £20 million into Plastic Operations which started mass production in January 2008 - capable of moulding and painting 1300 sets of bumpers for Civic and CR-V each day

• £16 million into a new casting facility employing the Honda patented process of ASCT (advanced semi-solid casting technology). This unique new process will enable HUM to independently cast diesel blocks, a process which, until now, has only been carried out at Honda in Japan

• A further £50 million being invested in welding and paint production technology, increasing efficiency and production flexibility. Honda's Swindon plant has shown a 25% increase in production volume over the last 18 months, with the company's UK sales operation breaking through the 100,000 sales barrier for the first time in 2007. Currently just under 30% of Swindon production goes to the UK market. In 2007, HUM produced 237,783 cars. David Hodgetts, Director at HUM, stated that "We are extremely proud of our workforce here in Swindon. This major milestone demonstrates the scale of our achievement since our operations began nearly 22 years ago. This fresh investment will enable Honda to improve overall competitiveness and increase the level of localised manufacture in Swindon. " Ken Keir, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said "The fact that there are over two million happy customers driving Swindon built Honda cars is testament to our Associates' commitment and is a great accomplishment."

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) : Key Facts 1) HUM Vehicle Production History

• Accord 4 Door (1992~2002 ) 280,432
• Accord 5 Door (1999~2002) 46,418
• Civic Aerodeck (1998~2000) 48,064
• Civic 3 Door (2001~Present) 213,810
• Civic 5 Door (1994~Present) 777,850
• CR-V (2000~Present) 633,426

Total 2,000,000

Suzuki Splash pricing announced (UK)

Prices for Suzuki’s all-new Splash mini-MPV, which goes on sale 8 March, will start from £8,999 for the 1.2 GLS model rising to £9,499 for the 1.2 GLS+, which adds 15 inch alloys, front foglamps and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

Both are powered by an 86 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The GLS+ model can also be equipped with a 4-speed automatic, priced £10,349. Combined fuel consumption is 51.4 mpg for the manual, 47.9 mpg for the automatic.

For those whose preference is diesel, the 1.3 DDiS model, with an identical specification to the GLS+, is £10,499. Its 75 PS Fiat-derived turbo diesel is capable of 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 120 g/km carbon dioxide, making it eligible for £35 annual road tax. Splash is one of the safest cars in its class – all models are equipped with six airbags – including two full length curtain airbags – and ESP® electronic stability as standard – reflecting Suzuki GB’s policy to make ESP® a universal fitment on all new models and all major facelifts.

All Splash models are also equipped with a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.

Petrol models are insurance group 3E, the diesel model 4D.

Mazda2 makes 100,000 milestone

Highly acclaimed, Demio posts strong global sales results Mazda Motor Corporation announced that production of the all-new Mazda Demio (known overseas as the all-new Mazda2) in Japan reached 100,000 units at the end of January 2008. This milestone was achieved only eight months after domestic production commenced at the end of May 2007. The all-new Demio was developed to inject a breath of fresh air into the global compact car segment. The vehicle concept was “a personal smart commuter” and development emphasized emerging modern values such as increased concern for environmental and safety issues, and a greater focus on design. The all-new Demio has won eight awards in Japan, including the 2008 RJC Car of the Year. Overseas, the all-new Mazda2 has been selected for 23 awards, including the New Zealand Car of the Year and second place in the 2008 European Car of the Year (as the highest ranked Japanese car). As demonstrated by 31 global awards earned in the seven months since its launch in July 2007, Mazda’s latest compact car already enjoys an excellent reputation among media and customers around the world. The all-new Demio is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model and boasts superb body rigidity through the use of ultra-high tensile steel. These advances help it to achieve top class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance and superior safety protection—all at the same time. In December 2007, the all-new Mazda2 was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)* crash testing; validation that its collision safety performance is world class. Against this background, the all-new Demio/Mazda2 is posting strong sales in global markets. In Japan, sales reached 34,389 units in the first six months, which represents a substantial portion of Mazda’s expanding market share in the challenging Japanese market. Mazda’s 2007 calendar year sales in Europe recorded 311,247 units, its highest volume since 1991. Sales of the all-new Mazda2 in Europe made a significant contribution to this achievement, reaching 12,591 units in just four months. To commemorate the RJC Car of the Year win, Mazda launched the Demio ‘Chiara’ special edition model with a custom body color and exclusive seat covers that give the interior a stylish and individual appearance. As of the end of January 2008, Mazda had received 578 orders for the Demio ‘Chiara’ in its first month of sales.

Related links:

Will the Mazda2 goto the U.S?

Mada2 goes on sale in China

Mazda2 diesel UK pricing

Mazda2 crash test results

Mazda UK wants Mazda2 MPS

Mazda2 production starts

Mercedes CLK Coupé exposed in snow

Mercedes engineers are currently working hard on testing the upcoming 09' CLK Coupé. These are the first shots of the new premium coupe undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden.

Although it’s hard to see underneath the camouflage, the front light clusters are expected to be spilt into two and with the rear light clusters, they maybe located on the boot-lid.

Based of the new C-Class sedan, the next generation CLK will show signs of a similar design. Engines aren't expected to change much but the current 3.5-litre V6 will most likely remain as the base powerplant, with the 5.5-litre V8 continuing as an option. Diesel engines will also be available for the European market. Rear-wheel drive will continue as well, although there is speculation that 4Matic will be added as an option.

The CLK coupe is due late 2008 with the convertible expected to follow in 2009.

Related link:

Mercedes CLK Coupé spied in Stuttgart