Nissan GT-R orders reach more than 1,500 units

Talk about being popular, although its not surprising that the GT-R orders have now reached 1,500 units in Europe. It follows in the footsteps of the Japanese market where 2,200 GT-R's were ordered and the U.S market selling out until mid 2009. Leading the way is the UK market with 970 orders taken.

56 Nissan High Performance Centres across Europe will be supplying the necessary specialist attention to the GT-R but before the 1,500 future GT-R owner receive their keys, they will be invited to a series of events where they get to see the car up-close and personal and have the chance to experience their new car's performance.

Nissan's Chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno said that the Euro-spec GT-R will receive a few tweaks that further improve the already impressive performance figures. The global GT-R has already undergone some minor tweaks like slightly stiffer springs and harder engine mounts, while the Euro GT-R will most likely be featured with new rubber bushes in the steering system and possibly a recalibrated rear differential.

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Nissan GT-R debuts at Geneva

Nissan dealers rip off potential GT-R buyers

Nissan GT-R in high demand

New Car: 2009 Nissan GT-R

Mercedes SLK reaches 500,000 milestone

Mercedes' most popular premium roadster has reached a 500,000 milestone after 12 years. With the creation of the SLK, Mercedes-Benz carved out a new niche in the market for the premium compact roadsters segment with innovative features such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF. This first generation went on to sell 310,00 units until it was replaced by an all new model in 2004.

The second generation (2004 +) so far was just treated to a mid-life facelift featuring a re-designed front and rear with some slight interior modifications resulting in a much sportier appearance. This model sold in excess of 190,000 units with the UK market taking 40,000 SLK's. The engine range for the SLK also received some mid-life tuning from the Mercedes engineers, the manual transmission SLK now consumes 1.1 litres/100km less than its predecessor whilst power has gained 33 hp bringing the grand total up to 305hp.

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New Car: 2008 Mercedes SLK facelift

Volkswagen Passat CC pricing announced (UK)

The entry level 1.8-litre TSI 160bhp Passat CC will start from £21,040 rising to £31,120 for the flagship 3.6-litre V6 300bhp.

Only 2 grades will be available; CC and GT. The CC will come with 17” ‘Phoenix’ alloy wheels, 2Zone Climatronic air conditioning, touchscreen CD stereo system with six-disc autochanger, six-way electrically adjustable sports seats, a multifunction leather steering wheel, six airbags and ESP. The additional extras on the GT model include the CC specification plus 18” ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, ‘silversprint’ upholstery, tinted windows, front foglights and Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC).

Volkswagen UK hopes to sell 6000 units annually with the diesel engine likely to be the most popular.

With the Passat CC, VW is entering into a new market which was previously monopolised by the Mercedes CLS and will give consumers a non premium option in the 4-door coupe segment.

Hyundai i800 pricing announced (UK)

Hyundai's largest MPV has been given a price tag of £19,495. Tony Whitehorn, managing director of Hyundai UK said: “Anyone wanting to carry eight people in car-like comfort currently has to take two cars – or spend a lot more than £20,000. We think the i800 will prove massively popular with families and businesses who need to move people in style.”

Even with eight people seated in the vehicle, the i800 still has 851 litres of space in the boot – twice as much as an average estate. Special thanks must go to the vehicles exterior dimensions, length stands at 5.125 metres and the width measures at 1.920 metres which is roughly the same size as the KIA Sedona L/Grand Carnival. Power comes courtesy of the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine, which is intercooled and features a variable-geometry turbo power peaks at 170hp.

The i800 will go on sale in the UK on 20th June with a price of £19,495 while cheaper variants may arrived before 2009.

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Hyundai i800 on sale in June

Dacia Sandero launched in France (FR)

Launched last year in Brazil, the Sandero has proved popular. Now it makes its way through Europe with France being the first country to receive it. Order books open on Thursday 22nd May and the first Sandero's are scheduled to reach dealerships on 27th June, right on schedule according to last years planning. The Maghreb (NW Africa) will also see the Sandero while South Africa alongside the United Kingdom will have to wait untill 2009.

The Dacia Sandero will be available in 4 trim levels and an option of 2 petrol engines; a 1.4 MPI 75bhp and a 1.6 MPI 90bhp. No diesels have been officially confirmed. Prices start from €7,800 for the entry level model going upto €10,900 for the flagship model.

1.4 MPI 75hp 1.6 MPI 90hp
Sandero: €7,800
Ambiance: €8,500
Lauréate: €9,300 €9,800
Prestige: €10,900

The options are fairly basic for the entry level models, but classier options are available like 15 inch alloy wheels, climate control, front head/thorax lateral airbags (includes height-adjustable front seat belts with pyrotechnical pre-tensioners and new generation fixed front headrests) and metallic paint.

The Sandero has been marketed as a b-segment car rivalling the likes of the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, Proton Savvy, FIAT Grande Punto, Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Chevrolet Aveo, KIA Rio, Hyundai Getz, Nissan Micra, SEAT Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and the Citroen C3/Peugeot 207. Lets just hope for Dacia's/Renault's sake there will be a diesel option....

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Renault Sandero launches in Brazil

New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero