Ford, can you C Max?

Ford engineers are working hard on the next C-Max compact people carrier. Spied in Grossglockner, Austrian Alps, the newcomer should be on the European market by 2010.

So far, only 2 prototypes have been spied in the same location - 1 right-hand-drive model that has been widened and is sitting on 5-spoke alloy wheels and this left-hand-drive model which has been extended and widened. I noticed how the RHD mule registration was EU08 FFT and the LHD model was 1 letter off.

No information has been speculated yet but the current engine line-up is expected to be carried over, with the potential of the 2.5 litre petrol engine finding its way under the hood, and its platform will be used for the 2010 Ford Focus aswell.

The C-Max will rival popular mini-MPV's such as Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, Volkswagen Golf Plus and upcoming rivals like the Kia Cee'd Plus, Toyota Verso and the Vauxhall/Opel Zafira. Like the current Focus and recently launched Kuga and Fiesta, it will be available in the U.S in 2011. CEO Alan Mulally and product development boss Derrick Kuzak have both hinted at bringing over Ford’s European lineup to the U.S and such a move also ties in with the company’s latest global engineering strategy.

Oddly enough, in the same location, a slightly revised Focus was spied undergoing alitiude and engine testing. The lower-section of the radiator grille was very similar to the 2006 Ford Iosis concept car.

New Car: 2009 BMW 3 Series facelift

BMW has revealed the new 3 Series facelift. The new 3 Series will get beefier looks, cleaner engines and the option of a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Styling revisions include fresh front and rear styling that picks up on the themes seen on BMW’s recently unveiled 7 Series.

Up front, the car gets a heavily profiled bumper, newly contoured bonnet and reworked headlamps with altered graphics. At the rear there are new tail lamps with a revised bumper. According to BMW’s design boss, Adrian van Hooydonk, the changes are intended to emphasise the car’s width.

The biggest mechanical change is the introduction of BMW’s seven-speed dual clutch transmission which launched in the M3 cabriolet. The 318d also gets the option of a new six-speed automatic.

The facelifted 3 Series also sees the introduction of BMW’s new ‘BluePerformance’ brand - the firm’s equivalent to Mercedes’ BlueTec. The first BluePerfomance car will be a 330d fitted with a NOx trap, which will meet the forthcoming EU6 emissions regulations, not due until 2011. All other engines are carried over from the current car. The 3.0 litre twin-turbo, 265 bhp, 6-cylinder diesel powered 335d will reach American shores.

Suspension and brakes are the same as in the current BMW 3 Series, but the rear track on the six-cylinder cars has been widened by 24mm.

Inside, the iDrive controller gets four selection buttons to reduce the complexity of its operation and there’s a new, larger colour monitor. In-car Internet access will also be available as part of BMW’s new ConnectDrive technology, which will also be seen in the new 7 Series. Other features include a modified arm rest making the electric window buttons easier to access and a new optional 80GB hard-disk.

Both M3 coupe, cabriolet and sedan will receive the same treatment but will go on sale after the regular 3 Series.

The revised 3 Series will go on sale in the UK later this year. Prices and specifications will be revealed nearer to its launch date.

Unknown Audi mule spied in California

Spy photographers were baffled when they caught this mule undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley, CA.

Rumors suggested that the mule is a possible A5 Sportback. Considering the wheelbase on the vehicle seems unchanged, the A6 is 3 inches longer than the A5 coupe. Raise ride height and 20 inch Audi Q7 alloy wheels doesn't sound like an A5 Sportback. Another rumor is that it could be the A7 coupe, but the A7 is nearly production ready, so that is ruled out. With the large rear wheelarches, it is possible that this could be a 2010 A6 prototype because the wheelarch stretches back onto the rear bumper by 4 inches.

What do you think it is?

Toyota axes next generation Lexus SC and Avalon replacement under consideration (U.S)

Toyota will cancel the next generation of the SC coupe-cabriolet and may replace or axed the Avalon sedan.

The SC was designed in Europe, for Europe and since the SC's launch in 2003, it has been a very slow seller in the Lexus line-up. In the first six months, Lexus sold only 1,230 SC 430s in the U.S, down more than 40 percent from a year ago. Powering the SC is a 288bhp, 4.3 litre V8 VVT-i petrol engine, which is used in the current LS460. With carbon emissions of 269g/km and 24.8 mpg (UK) or 11.4l/100km, it was hardly going to be a popular car.

Toyota was developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders.

With the development of the 2012 Camry under-way, Toyota also is studying whether to cancel the planned replacement for the Camry-based Avalon, which is currently slated to go into production in Kentucky in early 2010.

To replace this, Toyota may opt to produce a long-wheelbased Camry for such markets as North America and the Middle East. The redesigned Camry currently is slated to begin production in mid-2011.

Nissan rises price of '09 Murano and '08 Sentra (U.S)

Due to the rising prices of steel, Nissan North America has announced that it will be hiking prices on the 2009 Murano SUV and the 2008 Sentra sedan. On top of that, Nissan will also rise the price of destination and handling charges on all 2008 and '09 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. The exception is the Nissan GT-R, which went on sale in the U.S on Monday.

The entry-level 2009 Murano S now starts at $29,250, including a $780 destination charge, with the "interim pricing adjustments," Nissan said in a statement. Previously the 2009 Nissan Murano S started at $28,675, including a $745 destination charge. When the 2009 Murano went on sale in January, Nissan said it was priced $1,500 less than the previous-generation Murano. Pricing on the 2008 Nissan Sentra increases by $135. Previously, the 2008 Sentra S started at $16,930, including a $660 destination charge; now it starts at $17,030, including a $695 destination charge. Can this be a good thing for sellers since the Murano and Sentra are 2 of the most sought after Nissan models?

Japan rules Toyota engineer did die of overwork (JP)

The Japanese labor bureau has ruled that a top Toyota engineer's death back in 2006 was in the line of duty, agreeing with the claim that he died directly from overwork. The ruling will let his family collect employee benefits.

The 45-year-old man was the head engineer in the development of the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The employee, whose name was withheld at his family's request, averaged more than 80 hours of overtime each month in the two months, preceding his death in January 2006. He passed away of ischemic heart disease in the midst of preparing a vehicle for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Death from overwork is common in Japan, so much so that there is a specific term for it in Japanese: karoshi, and even a karoshi hotline and website devoted to the issue.

5 door Toyota Yaris arrives Stateside (U.S)

The Toyota Yaris was only available as a 3dr hatchback and 4dr sedan, but Toyota wants to add the 5dr to the current Yaris range.

The reason for bringing a 5dr Yaris over is to help broaden appeal of the affordable and fuel-efficient (34mpg city, 40mpg highway) range. The company’s sales have been falling off last year’s pace over the past several months, but it is in a unique position to leverage its overseas products to bring quick and affordable solutions to the U.S, unlike most of its American counterparts.

The 5dr will go on sale in the U.S late this summer.

Chevrolet UK produces an Aveo made of pennies (UK)

Chevrolet UK created chaos with its 20ft billboard ad made entirely from one-pence coins in London’s Oxford Street. The unique billboard that consisted of 20,000 pennies or £2,000 was created to advertise the 769,500-pence (£7,695) starting price of the new Aveo supermini.

Understandably, it didn’t take long for hundreds of passers-by to strip it clean. To be exact, the penny-billboard only lasted for a mere 30 minutes.

Chevrolet's Les Turton commented: “There have been some great car adverts before, but none that has stopped traffic and actually put money back into the motorist’s pocket so this is certainly a first. We’re glad we’ve topped up lots of people’s wallets, purses and, in some cases, rucksacks, but it would have been nice for the billboard to last a little longer than 30 minutes.”

250,000th Russian built Ford Focus rolls off production line (RU)

Ford’s 250,000th Russian-built Focus rolled off the production line this week at the company’s plant in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg. The 250,000th model was a Moondust Silver 1.8 litre Focus Ghia wagon that will be delivered to a customer in Moscow. The Focus that is built in Russia in four body styles (3dr, 5dr, sedan and wagon) has been Russia's best-selling foreign car for the past five consecutive full years.

"We were the very first foreign manufacturer to open our own production facility in Russia and when the first locally-built Focus was built at Vsevolozhsk in 2002, the plant had an annual production capacity of 25,000 cars," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In order to keep pace with demand from customers in Russia, that figure has risen today to 75,000 units, and it will rise again to 125,000 units in 2009, when the Ford Mondeo will also be produced at the plant," he added.

'09 Kia Sorento uncovered!

Dutch online magazine, Autoweek, have spied the next Kia Sorento undisguised. Internally known as the "XM", the SUV will go on sale in 2009 and will be marketed as a 2010 model in the U.S. The model pictured was going to be used as a road-going prototype, judging by the thick disguise located by the front bumper and around the room. The Sorento has been on the European market since 2003 and has been very succussful since it gives customers value for money, practicality and ruggedness for off-road use.

This is yet another work penned by Peter Schreyer and cues heavily from the Kia KND-4 concept that debuted in Seoul last year. Unlike the current Sorento which uses a built-on-frame like the Borrego/Mohave, the newcomer will use a unibody platform just like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Like the Cee'd interior, the Sorento's interior will be more-upmarket, better-looking and European influenced.

Under the hood, a 3.8 litre Lambda V6 petrol and a 3.0 litre V6 VGT turbo-diesel engines will be available, although it is unlikely the 3.8 litre V6 will come to the UK. Like the outgoing model, expect value for money and a starting price of £21,500 when the vehicle goes on sale in 2009. Both automatic and manual transmission's will be available.

The 2010 Kia Sorento will be manufactured in Kia's West Point, Georgia plant, the firm's first North American assembly line. The engine will be assembled in Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama plant that also produces the Santa Fe SUV and Sonata sedan.

Via Autoweek.nl > Kia Sorento undisguised

New Car: 2009 Kia Forte

Following the teaser images of the new Forte sedan, Kia has decided to released some early press pictures and specification for the South Korean market before the car goes on sale on 21st August, however, Kia is putting the Forte though its paces on Korean roads before its reaches dealers.

The new Forte will replace the Spectra/Cerato. Measuring at 4530 mm and 1775 mm, the new Forte is larger and more economical than its predecessor. South Korean spec'ced range-topping Forte's will feature 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 tires. Customers can opted for voice-activated satellite navigation system, push-button start with smart key, sunroof, Bluetooth and 17" alloy wheels.

2 engine will be available: 1.6 litre Gamma 4-cyl petrol engine developing 124bhp which is mated to an automatic transmission and a 1.6 litre diesel engine producing 128bhp. A 2.0 litre petrol engine will be made available at a later date. The U.S market is unlikely to receive the diesel engine and will see the Forte in mid 2009. A coupe variant will make its way into showrooms later on in 2009. The 1.6 litre 14.1 km/L or 33mpg (U.S), while the diesel boasts 16.5 km/L or 38mpg (U.S). The interior images will arrive soon.

The U.S Forte is undergoing mechanical and road-testing testing in Death Valley, CA and in parts of Michigan. MI.

The new sedan will make a world debut at the upcoming Paris motorshow but will not go on sale in Europe as previously reported, which is a shame since the Forte is a good-looking car.

Related link:

Teaser: 2009 Kia Forte

New Car: 2009 Peugeot 308 CC

Peugeot has released official pictures of its new 308 CC. The 308 CC replaces the popular 307 CC. The front end and interior of the 308 CC look almost identical to the RC Z concept, however, besides the lower diffuser section in the rear bumper fascia, the rear gets a more conventional design in line with the little sibling, the 207 CC.

Besides the existing engines in the 308 range, it has been hinted by Peugeot officials that a diesel hybrid engine as demonstrated in the Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi may be used. If so, it would be the world's first hybrid coupe convertible.

The new car will be revealed at the September Paris motorshow.

Press Release:

Peugeot pioneered the folding roof concept

Benefits from all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range

To be revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show

As the pioneer of “folding roof cars” with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models from the 1930s, Peugeot now reveals details of its latest coupé cabriolet, the 308 CC.

It’s now over seven years since Peugeot introduced its best known coupé cabriolet, the 206 CC, which then evolved in 2003 into the 307 CC and then, in 2007, into the UK’s current best selling open top car, the 207 CC. This successful concept will shortly evolve again with the introduction of the Peugeot 308 CC.

The 308 CC, with its four full-size seats, capitalises on all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range whilst still embodying the “307 CC spirit” and Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise. Above all, it promises enthusiasts of “lifestyle” motoring a unique and genuinely attractive offer.

An attractive design…The 308 CC stands out due to its elegant and stylish design, both in its coupé and cabriolet configurations. A low sporty profile confirms the dynamic potential of the 308 CC and the prominent shape and spectacular LED rear lights create a unique signature for the car by day and by night.

The passenger compartment has an undeniable personality. Particularly striking in the “cabriolet” version, it has a different feel from the hatchback and creates the impression of a grand touring car.

The deeply sculpted and supportive front seats, with their integral head restraints, have an inbuilt air vent which diffuses warm air around the occupant’s neck. The rear seats also mirror this distinctive design and offer rear accommodation that is surprisingly generous for a cabriolet.

The 308 CC will be available with both simple and an “integral leather” interior trim. The entire passenger compartment is now also trimmed in leather, which is unusual in this segment.

Key Features:

Fully automatic retractable roof that can be magically transformed in 20 seconds

Four full size seats, with increased rear leg room

New 2.0 litre HDi FAP Euro 5 140 bhp diesel engine

Six-speed manual gearbox

Wider front and rear track, larger diameter disc brakes and ESP

Excellent structural rigidity

Low interior noise levels

Full complement of airbags including chest/pelvis side airbags built into the front seats and a side head airbag which is a world first, guaranteeing effective protection of all parts of the body regardless of seat position

Active rear roll-over protection bars

The Peugeot 308 CC will see for the first time on a Peugeot coupé cabriolet the introduction of a warm air heating system built into the front seats. This “Airwave” system acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature, flow and direction around the occupant’s shoulders / neck.

Other new features will also be introduced including:

Automatic remote-control locking of interior storage compartments (glove box and storage under the central armrest)

A special “rear seat access” function which electrically slides forwards the front seats

Deadlocking of doors and selective unlocking

LED courtesy lighting in the door mirrors

The 308 CC is also a car that can be used on a daily basis due to its usable boot which includes a number of dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot carpet designed to hold the optional wind stop). It has a capacity of 465 litres or 266 litres with the roof folded.

Finally, to make any journey as pleasant as possible, the 308 CC will benefit from a comprehensive range of Peugeot’s latest in-car-communication systems.

A MP3 CD audio system

A MP3 CD audio system, USB Box (iPod / MP3… connectivity) and hands-free phone kit

A user-friendly satellite navigation system offering a MP3 CD audio system, Bluetooth functionality and satellite navigation with a retractable 7″ 16/9 colour display

A top-of-the-range satellite navigation system with a 30 GB hard disc with Juke Box function, MP3 CD audio system, integral mobile phone, Bluetooth functionality, USB connector and a retractable, high-resolution 7″ 16/9 colour screen with a 3D display

Finally, for all music aficionados a JBL Hi-fi option will also be available with 10 speakers offering a made-to-measure sound experience.

The new Peugeot 308 CC will be the star of this year’s Paris Motor Show in September.

'09 BMW 7-Series receives official unveiling in Moscow (RU)

The all-new BMW 7 Series has received an official presentation on the Red Square of Moscow, Russia.

400 international guests were invited to the event, the 7-Series was housed inside a huge hourglass hidden by more than 180,000 shiny balls which gradually fell revealing the all-new model in its full glory.

Press Release:

The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics, combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.

The flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body too. All three engines produce more power yet use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace.

Model: 730d, 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li

Power hp: 245, 326, 326, 407, 407

Torque Nm: 540, 450, 450, 600, 600

0 – 62mph (seconds): 7.2, 5.9, 6.0, 5.2, 5.2

Top Speed (mph): 153, 155*, 155*, 155*, 155*

Combined Mpg: 39.2, 28.5, 28.2, 24.8, 24.8

CO2 Emissions g/km: 192, 232, 235, 266, 266

* Electronically-limited.

The BMW 730d sets a new benchmark in terms of drivetrain performance. The new all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. Its effortless real world driving smoothness comes courtesy of a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm. The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any previous BMW 7 Series and it is also the most economical 7 Series ever. Its 192g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, while no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 153mph top speed. To put the BMW 730d’s competitive advantage in context this luxurious vehicle records near identical fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the Mercedes C320CDi – a car that is two market segments below the 7 Series and is smaller and lighter than the BMW. The impressive performance of the 730d is, in part, possible due to third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, incorporating piezo injectors, that operates at a peak pressure of 1,800 bar. This system ensures a near perfect combustion process. Weighing 185kgs the new six-cylinder diesel engine is also 5kgs lighter than its predecessor. The BMW 730d is set to be the biggest seller in the UK, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of sales.

The BMW 750i and 750Li are the range flagships. The new 4,395cc V8 engine from the recently launched X6, featuring twin-turbochargers and high-precision direct injection technology, produces 407hp from 5,500rpm to 6,400rpm; impressive figures that are backed up by an equally stunning 600Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm. Such breathtaking performance sees the BMW 750i accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption on the combined cycle is 24.8mpg, while CO2 emissions equate to 266g/km.

The all-aluminium V8 engine powering the 750i and 750Li also features its own world first - twin-turbochargers and catalysts that are placed within the V-space of the engine block. This not only optimises packaging but the reduction in manifold length and larger cross sections mean the engine breathes better for enhanced performance. Double-VANOS variable valve technology and high-precision direct injection technology further aid engine performance to the degree that all the innovations combine to offer a V8 engine that has an equivalent output of a traditional 12-cylinder unit. Aimed at customers who prefer the characteristics of a petrol-powered BMW six-cylinder engine, the BMW 740i and 740Li are also offered. Using an internationally-acclaimed 2,979cc powerplant, the BMW 740i musters 326hp and 450Nm of torque for rapid yet serene performance. The twin-turbocharged engine features high-precision direct injection and Double-VANOS variable valve technology to achieve optimum performance. The car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the 740Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The 3.0-litre BMW 740i and 740Li post combined fuel consumption figures of 28.5mpg and 28.2mpg respectively, while returning emissions figures of 232g/km and 235g/km. All BMW 7 Series models come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.