Configure your Gran Turismo
By Yoann Besnard on 30 July 2007 | 
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Car configurators are never very much fun. They are dedicated either to mainstream cars with dull packages or supercars with few options. At least, that was the case before the configurator for the new Gran Turismo went online. With the Maserati configurator you do not waste your time on the optional packages but on the colours for the paintwork and the brake callipers. On the inside, you can change every piece of leather and every trim. There is only one downside to this configurator: you have to register to use it. This involves filling in a long and complicated form. But do not let this put you off. The reward is worth it.
See also : Fun
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Spyshots: Audi Q5
By Yoann Besnard on 30 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The Audi Q5 has been spotted in the Austrian Alps. This time, despite the covers, there is no doubt regarding the general design. As expected, the Q5 is close to the Shanghai Cross Coupe concept car. The hatchback will be different and the Q5 is higher than the concept car.
See also : Spyshots
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Lamborghini Gallardo V8 spotted at Sant'Agata headquarters
By Yoann Besnard on 28 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The website AutoGespot has released some pictures of the upcoming Gallardo V8, taken at Lamborghini’s headquarters in the Italian village of Sant’Agata.
See also : Lamborghini
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Audi R8 Spider revealed
By Yoann Besnard on 28 July 2007 | (2) Comments | Permalink
Yesterday we reported the A1 sketches scooped by the British magazine CAR. A day later the people at CAR have done it again. They have now released a sketch of the next R8 Spider. Its makes us wonder if they really did smuggle out the sketches as they claim.
See also : Audi
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560 orders for Tesla
By Yoann Besnard on 28 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Tesla Motors has received 560 orders since it went on sale. If we consider the £49,000/€73,000/$100,000 price tag, this is a very good news.
See also : Industry News
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Cerberus/Chrysler gives underperforming dealers six months to increase sales
By Yoann Besnard on 28 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Cerberus has decided to shake up Chrysler in an attempt to reduce the company's losses. There is no time for discussion and Chrysler has announced that it will give underperforming dealers six months to increase sales or face pressure from Chrysler to shut down.
See also : Daimler Chrysler
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Fiat will increase 500 production to meet demand
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In April Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said the 500's production had already been sold for the years 2007 and 2008. That amounts to more than 180,000 cars. With demand much higher than expected, Fiat has been forced to increase production for both years.
See also : Fiat
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Official Audi A1 sketches
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The British car website CAR has revealed three official design sketches of the future Audi A1 "stolen" from the Ingoldstadt's design studio. If this is true, it is a disaster for Ingolstadt's security system.
See also : Audi
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Mercedes will sell the B-Class in the U.S.
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It is official. After much equivocation, Mercedes has decided to sell the B-Class on the American market. The car will go on sale in 2011 or 2012.
See also : Mercedes
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Toyota tests plug-in hybrid in Japan
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Toyota USA CEO Jim Press last week revealed to the National Press Club that Toyota was developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Yesterday the Japanese giant said it had received the approval of the Japanese government to test a plug-in hybrid Prius on Japanese roads.
See also : Toyota
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Spy Shots: BMW X5 M?
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of a strange X5 that features bigger exhaust pipes and a front bumper with larger air intakes than the standard X5. It is possible that this is the unofficial M version of the X5.
See also : BMW
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Video: the rotating car
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Nissan released the Nissan Pivo at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. The car stunned people with its easily-rotating cabin. Nobody has been authorised to drive the car but an Australian journalist has been able to experience the rotating cabin. Very impressive!
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Kia three-door Cee'd revealed
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Kia has released the first picture of its three-door Cee'd, due to be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to the five-door hatchback, the 3-door variant is longer, lower and lighter.
See also : Kia
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Video: Volkswagen intensive tests
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is a funny video of Volkswagen engineers testing cars in the kind of silly situations encountered by drivers every day. Together with the German music, it is makes entertaining viewing.
See also : VW
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Expanded range for the next Polo
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Remember the time when the Polo was the black sheep of the Volkswagen family? Well, those days is over. For the next Polo generation, Volkswagen harbours great ambition. It wants to cover as many segments as the leading Peugeot 207. To do this, it plans to expand the Polo range with a coupé, a convertible and a MPV variant.
See also : VW
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MTM Audi TT Bimoto in failed record attempt
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
On July 17 the German tuner MTM tried to achieve a new speed record with its famous Audi TT Bimoto. The target was to crack the Bugatti Veyron's record but, despite all efforts, the Audi TT failed by a few miles. It reached 244.2mph/393km/h on the Papenburg test track in Germany.
See also : Fun
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BMW wins ambiguous victory in court battle over the letter 'M'
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
BMW and Nissan are at war over the use of the 'M' badge. The disagreement started in the nineties when Nissan decided to use the letter M for models sold on the American market under its luxury brand Infinity. BMW was extremely unimpressed by the idea. The German carmaker has been using the letter M to distinguish its high performance models from the standard models since 1979. Nissan people certainly have a lot of nerve. The carmaker even released a sport package called M6, which for BMW is a powerful sports coupé. This was too much for BMW, which decided to sue the Japanese carmaker.
See also : BMW | Industry News | Nissan
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Future Kia Mesa
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Do you remember the Kia Mesa concept car, unveiled at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show? You should. It was one of the surprise hits of the auto show. A four-door SUV that offered room for six people, it was a sign of the new direction being taken by Korean carmakers regarding concept cars: a coherent design strategy and a viable blueprint for production. Two years later, the SUV has reached production stage, according to two pictures that have recently appeared on a forum for enthusiasts.
See also : Kia
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Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall in the U.S.
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (2) Comments | Permalink
Mugen is a magical names for car enthusiasts. Every Honda car that receives the Mugen badge has something special, so special that Honda kept has always them in Japan. However, Honda USA announced yesterday that it would sell a Honda Civic SI Mugen in the U.S. this fall.
See also : Honda
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First profit for Maserati in 17 years
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
For the first time in 17 years, Maserati will make a profit for the second quarter of 2007. The amount is small, at £670,000/€1,000,000/$1,383,000, but it is still far better than the £17,500,000/€26,000,000/$36,000,000 loss recorded last year.
See also : Maserati
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Ford will build the Focus in Australia in 2011
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Last week I reported that Ford Australia will replace its inline-6 engine with the Ford Duratec V6 engine. Ford announced yesterday that its Australian division will produce the European Ford Focus in 2011. Production of the Focus will be entrusted to Ford's Campbellfield plant, which already produces the current Falcon saloon and Territory SUV models.
See also : Ford
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Callaway C16 Speedster to debut at Pebble Beach
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Callaway will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary by unveiling the C16 speedster at the next Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, probably the most upmarket car show in the world.
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First Phantom Drophead Coupés leave Rolls-Royce factory
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The five first Phantom Drophead Coupés left the company's head office last Friday. Despite the £260,000/$407,000/€370,000 price tag, all five customers chose the optional steel bonnet and the rear teak deck.
See also : Industry News | Rolls Royce
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Chinese government bans 444 vehicles
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
While the U.S. are still reluctant to reduce their car emissions, the Chinese government wants to improve its status in the world and nowadays the best way to do this is by reducing its carbon footprint. Beijing has therefore decided to forbid the sale of 444 vehicles because they do not meet current energy saving regulations.
See also : Industry News
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Ford to import the C1 platform to the U.S.
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Anyone who has ever compared the vehicle sizes in the U.S. with those in Europe will have quickly noticed that the biggest models here are seen as mid-sized cars across the pond. While we Europeans love the Golf, at 165 inches long, Americans love the Toyota Camry, at 189 inches long. However, troubled times are pushing American carmakers to consider the impossible: importing these small European cars onto American soil!
See also : Ford
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Porsche 911 Turbo SP580 by Sportec
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Sportec has unveiled its new interpretation of the Porsche 997 Turbo, the SP580. The number 580 stands for the power available on the most powerful variant. In order to reach 580bhp, the Swiss tuner reprogrammed the car’s ECU and added two in-house turbochargers. The torque reaches 564lb-ft/765Nm. The car also receives a new exhaust system and reinforced clutch.
See also : Porsche
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Cadillac lowers its sales target in Europe
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It is no secret that the Cadillac BLS is a failure on the European market. This a bad news for the American carmaker, who had planned to establish the brand on the continent with the mid-sized saloon. The time has therefore come to review the sales target. At the Cadillac headquarters there is no room for niceties. From the originally planned 20,000 units in 2003, the target will be 10,000 for 2007.
See also : General Motors
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Spyshots: Mazda 6 interior
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is the first interior shot of the next generation Mazda 6, due to be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
See also : Mazda
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2009 Seat saloon
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Seat CEO Eric Schmitt announced in May that the Spanish carmaker will launch two news cars in 2009, both set to compete on the mid-sized saloon market segment. At the same time, one sketch of each of the future cars was released. Yesterday, a further rendition of the future sedan was released on the internet.
See also : Seat
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CSL version for new E92 and all future M3s
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In an interview with Insideline, the BMW's M division vice president Gerhard Richter has announced that there will be light version of the new E92 M3 and that the same will be true for all future M3s.
See also : BMW
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Bugatti Veyron vs Mercedes SLR
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
A run contest between a Bugatti Veyron and a Mercedes SLR? Let's be honest, the dice are loaded. How can the SLR with 626bhp for 3,858lbs fairly compete with the Veyron, which produces 1001bhp for 4162lbs? No chance, but this video still demonstrates the incredible power of the Bugatti Veyron.
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Volkswagen may unveil a low cost car in Frankfurt
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the Germancarblog website, Volkswagen will unveil a low cost car at the next Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Due to be sold in 2009, the car will have a price of less than £5,300/€8,000/$11,000. The car will be sold first under the VW badge and then under the Skoda and Seat badges. The Volkswagen variant will feature improved equipment, including air conditioning and a CD player. It will retain the carmaker's typical look and feel, which customers have come to expect.
See also : VW
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BMW city-car for 2010?
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to Auto Motor und Sport, BMW might launch a city car in 2010 in order to compete with the future Audi A1.
The news seems rather suspicious. Audi is developing the A1 to compete with the Mini built by BMW. Why would BMW develop a car that would compete with its own range? Furthermore, according to the German magazine, the car will have the same length as the Mini. It will be a front wheel drive vehicle that will reject less than 100g CO2 per km.
See also : BMW
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Mini Colorado in the pipeline
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, BMW plans to launch a Mini SUV based on the Mini Clubman, set to be launched officially at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
See also : BMW
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More details on the next Honda Jazz
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The Japanese car magazine Mag-X has revealed more information about the next generation Honda Fit/Jazz due to be launched at the next Tokyo Motor Show.
See also : Honda
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Spyshots: BMW X6
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
With these spyshots, the BMW X6 reveals its the last remaining mysteries of its design. A lot of people have been speculating about the hatchback. Now the speculation is over. The X6 will be a German interpretation of the rather unique Ssangyong Actyon.
See also : BMW
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Audi A5 Sportback?
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
Remember the Audi 100/200 Avant models? In the eighties, they were considered the most stylish estates available on the market. The 200 Turbo Quattro Avant model built up a reputation thanks to its famous four wheel drive system and its turbocharged 2.2 litre 5 cylinder engine that produced 220bhp. Well, it seems that the Avant could be set for a comeback in the form of an A5 Sportback.
See also : Audi
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Spyshots: BMW 1-Series convertible
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some new spyshots of the next BMW 1-Series convertible. This time, the compact convertible has its roof down.
See also : BMW
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Porsche to launch a hybrid Cayenne in 2009
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui recently announced that Honda would rely on diesel engines for the top models because they offer more potential for economising than hybrids on bigger engines. This, however, is a step that Porsche will never take for its cars, even its SUVs. The German carmaker has opted for the hybrid solution to decrease its CO2 emissions. According to Autobild, Porsche will launch in 2009 a hybrid version of the Cayenne.
See also : Porsche
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VW China will design and build a saloon for the US
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to Automotive news, VW will sell a saloon designed and built in China on the American market in coming years.
See also : VW
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Mercedes G55 on three wheels!
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Imagine a 5,500lbs object powered by a 500 bhp V8 making a drift on a roundabout. Not the brightest of ideas, obviously, but still impressive. Enjoy the video!
See also : Mercedes
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Honda delays the next NSX by two years
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has announced that Honda will postpone the launch of the next NSX from 2008 to 2010. This is bad news not only for Honda fans but for all car fanatics.
The delay is due to the Acura brand that Honda wants to launch in Japan. Originally planned for 2008, Honda decided recently to postpone its introduction until 2010. One possible reason for their decision is fellow Japanese carmaker Toyota's lack of success with its Lexus brand on the Japanese market.
See also : Honda
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1941 Indy 500 video in colour
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is a masterpiece that only the internet allows us to find. A thirty minute video of the legendary Indy 500 made in 1941 and filmed in colour! Pure bliss.
See also : Fun
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More information on the Mercedes SLC
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes is planning a big move into aluminium technology, using aluminium bodywork for the new SLC due to be launched in 2010.
See also : Mercedes
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Spyshots: future Volkswagen Scirocco
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are the first spyshots of the future Scirocco hatchback, due to be launched in 2009. Based on the concept car unveiled at the latest Paris Motor Show in September 2006, the production car preserves the general design. The aggressive face of the concept car will be kept and will be a further step towards Volkswagen's new identity, initiated by the head of Volkswagen design Walter Da Silva.
See also : VW
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Kia sports coupé concept car at Frankfurt Motor Show
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
After the positive reception of the Kia Cee'd by journalists, Kia is continuing to 'Europeanise' its range. At the next Frankfurt Motor Show, the Korean carmaker will unveil the car that is considered its “Audi TT” interpretation.
See also : Kia
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The Vanquish bids farewell and Newport Pagnell closes
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
Aston Martin announced yesterday afternoon that it produced the last Vanquish model yesterday at 11.45 AM. The car is a Vanquish S Ultimate Edition of which the serial number is 502 593. A total of 2,578 cars have been built since spring 2001. At an average price of £150,000, this is an incredible feat.
See also : Aston Martin
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Earthquake damages Japanese carmakers' production system
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The Japanese automotive industry is famous for its just-in-time production system, so effective that carmakers all over the world have emulated it. Unfortunately, despite Japan's efforts to plan for every eventuality, preparing for an earthquake is almost impossible.
See also : Industry News
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Ford stops producing the inline-6 engine
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It is well known that Ford is in serious trouble and that cutting costs may be the only method of survival for the American carmaker. There are big decisions to be made, such as whether or not to sell Jaguar and even Volvo. Lesser decisions are also being taken, such as the announcement that Ford will stop producing the inline-6 cylinders engine found on the Australian Ford cars.
See also : Ford
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New logo for Volkswagen?
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to Auto, Motor und Sport, Volkswagen is currently working on a new logo. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn apparently thinks it is time to refresh the company's logo to reflect the new direction that the German carmaker is taking.
According to insiders, the new logo will be bigger, the letters will be separated from the circle and Volkswagen will use 3D technology to design it.
See also : VW
2 million Honda Fit/Jazz
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Launched in June 2001, the Honda Fit/Jazz has been built at more than 2 million units. It is a big success compared to its predecessor, the Logo.
See also : Honda
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Spyker delays the C12 Zagato
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In an interview, Spyker’s chairman said that the company will delay production of the C12 Zagato in order to give priority to other models.
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Gran Turismo 5 Trailer
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is the first trailer of the new opus from the acclaimed Gran Turismo series. In the fifth generation, expect more detailed graphics of course, but also some new models like the Ferrari F430, the Nissan GT-R concept car and the Audi R8.
See also : Fun
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Chrysler will not build the Imperial
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler will not produce the Imperial concept car that was presented at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. In January of last year, it was rumoured that the American carmaker would produce the luxury saloon, but the increasing cost of fuel and the expected introduction of more constraining fuel economy standards has led Chrysler to abandon the idea. The company's Brampton, Ontario plant will be updated to build the next generation 300 instead.
See also : Daimler Chrysler
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Volvo C70 gets new four-cylinder turbodiesel engine
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Until now, the Volvo C70 was available with a choice of three engines: a five-cylinder 2.4 litre petrol engine producing 168 bhp/170 hp, a five-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit producing 217 bhp/220 hp and five-cylinder turbocharged 2.4 litre diesel engine producing 177 bhp/180 hp. Today Volvo announces the c70 2.0D, which will have an entry-level engine: the four-cylinder turbodiesel that is shared between with the PSA and Ford groups.
See also : Volvo
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Rolls-Royce's first used car scheme
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the British magazine Car, Rolls-Royce has introduced its first used car scheme, called Provenance.
See also : Rolls Royce
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Bugatti’s open-top Veyron?
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
After a difficult start, Bugatti is in great shape. It recently announced it will increase the annual production of its Veyron hypercar from the current 60 units per year to 75. If the rumours are to be believed, this revelation may lead to the production of an open-top version of the Veyron.
See also : Bugatti
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AC Schnitzer R56 Mini Cooper
By Yoann Besnard on 19 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German tuner AC Schnitzer is well known for for tuning BMW cars. This time it has decided to focus on the BMW's British brand Mini by presenting its interpretation of the Mini Cooper S.
See also : BMW
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Zhonghua Brilliance M3
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Brilliance revealed the definitive M3 coupe at the Changchun auto car fair. There is nothing new on the exterior or under the bonnet. The biggest changes are inside with a revamped interior. The amateurish red/black interior has been replaced by black. It is reminiscent of BMW interiors: very serious, and very promising. The M3 might be the right car to help us forget the disastrous crash test endured by the BS6 saloon.
See also :
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Spyshots: future Hyundai coupé
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the next Hyundai coupe out on public roads. Though its design is well known despite the body covers, the details remain secret and there are many rumours circulating about them.
See also : Hyundai
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Record figures for Volkswagen group
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German group has announced records sales figures for the 2007 semester. It built 3.09 million cars, an increase of 7.8 percent over the same period last year.
1.62 million vehicles were sold in Western Europe while 238,000 cars found a buyer in Central and Eastern Europe. The figure for Central and Eastern Europe is 22.8 percent more than last year. Germany is still its biggest market with 515,000 delivered vehicles but its supremacy will soon be contested by China, since VW group sold 431,000 cars there in the first 6 months.
See also : VW
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Lancia Lybra to become Chinese?
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
An unknown and very small Chinese carmaker, Zhong Tai, surprised everybody last week by declaring that it will produce the Lancia Lybra. The company has acquired the manufacturing tools and the intellectual property rights for the Lancia from Fiat. The Chinese Lybra will enable Zhong Tai to produce 50,000 car this year compared to 11,000 last year. Up until now the Chinese carmaker has been producing a Daihatsu Terios clone.
See also : Fiat
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Official picture of the Skoda Fabia Combi
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
This is the first official picture of the new Skoda Combi, due to be launched officially at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The former Skoda Combi, which could not really be described as sexy, was mainly appreciated for its huge boot capacity. Going by the picture, the design of the new model seems to be rather dull.
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E85 Viper breaks standing mile record
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
An E85 Viper has broken the standing mile record for street cars, achieving a speed of 220.07mph and beating the previous world record by 2.85mph.
See also : Dodge
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Which sports car are you?
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
This is not serious at all. It is basically a variation of the many personality tests available on internet, but that doesn't stop it being enjoyable.
See also : Fun
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BMW expects to sell 100,000 M3s
By Yoann Besnard on 18 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In an interview with the weekly German car magazine Automobile Woche, Carsten Preis of the M division declared that BMW plans to deliver 100,000 M3s in the coming years. Though the figure looks impressive, it is actually only 10,000 more than the previous generation.
See also : BMW
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Spyshots: Kia Soul is on its way
By Yoann Besnard on 17 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The Scion Xb model's success on the American market has aroused other carmakers' ambitions. Kia will be the first to respond to Toyota's brand. Here are some spyshots of the car due to be launched at the next Detroit motor show. The Soul will have enough room for five people(?) and will be powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine coupled with a five speed automatic gearbox.
See also : Kia
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Semi-official pictures of the Porsche 911 GT2
By Yoann Besnard on 17 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Recently we showed you some spyshots of the Porsche 911 GT2. Here are the first semi-official pictures of the most powerful production 911, taken from a leaked brochure.
See also : Porsche
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Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione enters the £100,000 club
By Yoann Besnard on 17 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The 8C Competizione is indubitably one of the nicest supercars in the world. Alfa Romeo succeeded in designing a supercar that does not look like a monster and pays tribute to the best of Italian design. But up until now have not known how much it costs. Now, thanks to Autoblog.com, I am sure that I cannot afford one: the 8C Competizione carries the impressive price tag of £108,000/€159,300/$220,000.
See also : Alfa Romeo
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Spyshots: redesigned Mercedes SL
By Yoann Besnard on 16 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the redesigned SL-Class, which provide some further insights into the Mercedes roadster. Thanks to these spyshots, we now know more about the back end of the car. Do not expect any major changes other than modified headlights at the back, however. The main changes have been made to the front end. The SL-Class will be given a new grille, new headlights that look like the CLS model's headlights, and new fenders. Unfortunately, these new features are hidden on the current pictures.
See also : Mercedes
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Toyota/Lexus LF-A: Nürburgring video
By Yoann Besnard on 16 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is another video of the Toyota/Lexus supercar, due to be launched at the next Tokyo motor show. It will be available with a choice of a V8 5.0-litre hybrid engine producing 400bhp or a V10 5.0 litre petrol producing 500 bhp. In the video, it seems to be the V10 engine that we can hear.
See also : Toyota
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Mercedes ML Edition 10
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
For Mercedes, 1997 was the year when it entered the SUV market by launching the M Class. To mark the 10th anniversary, the German carmaker recently unveiled a limited edition version dubbed Edition 10, with the label 'Edition 10' mounted on the car's fenders. The package includes a mix of a white paint, black grille, darkened headlamps and black tinted windows. It also comes with 20-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights. On the inside, it features a two-tone interior with cream leather seats.
See also : Mercedes
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Renault Megane III
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Discovering the full design of the new Renault Laguna was tough. In complete contrast, the future Megane III has been unveiled - unnofficially and apparently unintentionally - in the latest issue of the French weekly car magazine Auto Plus. Rather than the usual artist's interpretation, put together using insider information and guesswork, the magazine has surprised observers by publishing a real photograph of the car.
See also : Renault
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Jim Press lives in a dream world
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
I do not know what the Toyota’s North American president, Jim Press, smokes but it must be high quality for it to lead him to declare that “everything will be a hybrid” in the future and to liken the Toyota Prius to the Model T.
See also : Toyota
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20,000 pre-ordered Smart ForTwo
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Could the U.S. market save Smart? According to Detroit News, the answer to this question could be a yes. Despite a price of around £5,900/€8,700/$12,000 for the entry model, more than 20,000 reservations have been made in total across the U.S. for the upcoming city car.
See also : Smart
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Calibra to be reborn?
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
When Opel unveiled the GTC concept coupe at the last Geneva motor show, everybody thought that it was a preview of a future coupé. Opel denied considering to build one derived from the next Vectra/Insignia Saloon due to belaunched next year. But the GTC was so acclaimed that Opel has altered its position. The German carmaker is now looking at a possible production version.
See also : Opel/Vauxhall
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Range Rover gets its own studio director
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Land Rover would like to build a brand under the Range Rover badge in the future. There have even been rumours that the Freelander LR2 could drop its Land Rover badge in favour of the Range Rover badge. Until recently it was pure speculation, but the nomination of Phil Simmons as studio director of the iconic Range Rover model is being seen as possible confirmation of the rumours. This is the first time the Land Rover has employed a studio director specifically dedicated to the Range Rover model.
See also : Land Rover
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Mercedes launches its own WebTV channel
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
At at time when more or less anybody can have his own TV Channel or at least put a video on YouTube, carmakers are starting to launch their own TV channels. Following in Audi's footsteps, Mercedes-Benz is today launching today the website Mercedes-Benz.tv.
See also : Mercedes
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100,000th 911 997 built
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Last week Porsche built the one hundred thousandth 911 997 model. Launched in April 2004, the 997 is the first Porsche 911 to be produced so quickly since the first generation sold in 1963.
See also : Porsche
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ABT AS5
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German tuner ABT has revealed its interpretation of the Audi A5. The car distinguishes itself from the crowd with a two-tone paint scheme. This paint scheme takes inspiration from the 70s sports cars. In addition to the traditional black bonnet, ABT created an original paint theme: cream for all body panels except for the bonnet and boot,which are white. Not everybody will like it, but it emphasises its muscular look.
See also : Audi
Maybach may build a convertible
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Some considerable time ago Maybach developed a open top Maybach 57/62 for a rich Swiss customer. The customer ended up not paying the bill and the car was left at Maybach. The story could have ended there, but it is rumoured that Dieter Zetsche would like to produce a batch of the cars, probably between 25 and 50 units in total. It is likely to be built based on customer order only.
See also : Mercedes
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Mitsubushi reveals more technical details about the next Evo
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In anticipation of the official launch at the next Frankfurt motor show, Mitsubishi is continuing to release more details about the next Evo at regular intervals. Compared to the Subaru Impreza, which was not well received, the Evo is rather an appealing compact saloon. We could even go so far as to call it Mitsubishi's 156 model. Yesterday the carmaker revealed that the new Evo will have a twin-clutch gearbox and an updated four-wheel drive system.
See also : Mitsubishi
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V6 diesel engine for Honda cars
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In an interview with Automotive News, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said that a V6 diesel engine was likely to be built in a near future. The V6 engine will be available in Europe on the Honda Accord's top version. The Honda Legend may also be equipped with the engine in order to improve its sales in Europe, which have so far been lower than predicted. Honda has also not ruled out the possibility of sell SUVs with the V6 diesel engine.
See also : Honda
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Paulin VR Concept
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
A previously unknown designer named Daniel Paulin has revealed his first car, at least in virtual terms: the VR Concept. The car is the Paulin's interpretation of the 2012 performance car. It is stylish, muscular and we love it.
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Skoda increases its sales for the first 2007 semester
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Skoda has increased its global sales by 13% for the first six months of 2007. The company sold a total of 311,000 cars worldwide.
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Ford Fiesta may have a MPV variant
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the British weekly car magazine Auto Express, Ford is currently working on a small MPV based on the B platform. The B platform already used by the new Mazda Demio will also be used for the next generation Fiesta.
See also : Ford
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Roewe 450 at the next Frankfurt motor show?
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to insiders, SAIC may unveil the Roewe W2/450 at the next Frankfurt motor show. What better way for the Chinese carmaker to prove how much importance they attach to the European market? The car was originally expected to be launched at the Shanghai motor show in 2008. (so is it frankfurt or shanghai? bit confused...)
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A baby Land in the pipeline
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In a world where SUVs are not particularly welcome and where regulations are more and more constraining, Land Rover's future is threatened despite the Britishness that protects it from having the bad image suffered by American gas guzzlers. Land Rover must change and its CEO, Geoff Polites, is well aware of the situation. It is widely known that the British carmaker is actively working on a hybrid version of the future Range Rover. Unfortunately this alone will not be enough and Solihull is considering a baby Land Rover, smaller than the Freelander II.
See also : Land Rover
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Fiat 500 Abarth at the Tokyo motor show
By Yoann Besnard on 11 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Luca de Meo, Fiat Brand CEO, revealed last week at the international launch of the new Fiat 500 that the Italian carmaker will unveil an Abarth variant at the next Tokyo motor show. Unfortunately he did not give more details concerning the engine.
See also : Fiat
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Lexus LS600h starts at £81,000
By Yoann Besnard on 11 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The prices for the Lexus flagship have been announced. It will cost £81,400 for the entry model, the LS 600h. For this price, the buyer has the privilege of driving what is probably the most advanced luxury saloon in the world. If you are looking for more legroom for the rear seats you will have to pay £83,645 to access the longwheel base version dubbed LS 600h L. If you have a chauffeur, do not hesitate spending the few thousands pounds more, £88,000, to treat yourself to the Rear Seat Relaxation Package.
See also : Toyota
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Will 2007 be the best year ever for Audi?
By Yoann Besnard on 11 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Audi has announced that it produced 509,000 cars for the first 2007 semester. It is the best figure for a semester in the company's history. However, the carmaker appears cautious in its forecasts despite a new A4 due to be launched at the end of the year and the fact that the million mark will be passed in 2008.
See also : Audi
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Spyshots: redesigned X-Type
By Yoann Besnard on 11 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The X-Type is not dead and this redesign could prove it. In a difficult environment, Jaguar is struggling to revamp its models, a situation similar to that which MG-Rover found itself in a few years ago.
See also : Jaguar
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Gordon Murray and his latest project
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Having just set up his own company, Gordon Murray Design, the eponomous designer has already given some information regarding his latest project. It is well known that the engineer has been working on a new city car for the past decade. During the launch party for his new design company, the British magazine Car was able to gather more information about the long-awaited car.
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Erst XC 90
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
A tuner specialised in German cars is rather common but a tuner specialised in Volvo cars is a bit surprising. If the tuner is also Japanese, the surprise is complete. However, the Japanese tuner Erst has recently revealed its discrete body kit for the XC90.
See also : Volvo
Is El Camino back?
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the website pickuptruck.com, GM will revive the El Camino model in a few years. Last year, in an interview with Autoweek, the GM product guru Bob Lutz said he would “love to do another El Camino but the grownups amongst us don’t share that way of thinking”.
See also : Chevrolet
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Bristol presses stolen
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The legendary British carmaker Bristol had the unpleasant surprise last Monday when it discovered that thieves had broken into its factory and, rather than stealing the cars, had stolen the company's presses. The presses were used to build body panels for the Blenheim coupes.
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Rolls-Royce bought at auction for £800,000
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Like Ford that auctioned a Ford GT for a charity one year ago, Rolls Royce auctioned the Phantom Drophead Coupé at the 9th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball held to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A private buyer bought the spectacular coupé for £800,000.
See also : Rolls Royce
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Next Mercedes A-Class based on the new Mini?
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the German car magazine Autobild, Mercedes could use the new Mini platform for their next A-Class.
See also : BMW
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No Cadillac Sixteen
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Bob Lutz announced recently that plans to produce the Cadillac Sixteen have been shelved. Lutz cites GM's will to meet the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards.
See also : General Motors
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Let's start the week with a video
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Let us start the last day of the working week by watching a video featuring Captain Slow and the first supercar, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
See also : Mercedes
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Close-up pictures of Nissan GT-R
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The British weekly car magazine Autocar has released close-up pictures of the long-awaited Nissan GT-R that will be officially launched at the next Tokyo motor show in October. Nissan had the audacity to show a disguised GT-R at Goodwood Festival of Speed officialy sponsored by none other than Toyota.
See also : Nissan
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Mazda 2 MPS
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
MPS is for Mazda what AMG is for Mercedes: a label for sporty models. It is thus no surprise that Mazda engineers are currently working on a Mazda 2 MPS. The current biggest engine, 1.5 litres, will be replaced by a turbocharged 2 litre. The power output will be 230 bhp and torque will reach 231 lb-ft.
See also : Mazda
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Peugeot comes back to the USA?
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The success of the C-Crosser on the British market has caused the media to speculate on further cooperations between Mitsubishi and PSA. While some rumours concern a Citroën pick up based on the Mitsubishi L200, other insiders report the possible return of Peugeot saloons on the American market thanks to Mitsubishi's presence there.
See also : Peugeot
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C63 AMG: it is official.
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are the first official picture of the C63 AMG and the least you can say is that it is a naughty car! With the C Class, Mercedes makes its revolution, more so than with any past models. The C63 AMG is aggressive and straight to the point, making use of the V8 6.2 litre already used in the bigger AMGs.
See also : Mercedes
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By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Despite a gloomy future, Jaguar is continuing to develop its unique new model, the XF, previewed at the last Detroit motor show. With the new XF, Jaguar gives the old British empire image up in order to adopt a German sporty spirit that meets with success in the biggest markets in the world. So, is there any better way to woe the public than offering a XFR that will produce 500 bhp/507 hp?
See also : Jaguar
2009 Mercedes E Class
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
Here are some renderings of the next Mercedes E-Class due to be launched in 2009, made by Auto Motor und Sport magazine. Known internally as the W212, the saloon will be revealed at the 2009 Geneva motor show while the estate will be launched at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
See also : Mercedes
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Twingo 2 CC
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the weekly French car magazine Auto Plus, Renault will display a Twingo II convertible at the next Geneva Motorshow in March 2008. The car will be sold a few months later at the competitive price of around £10,000/€15,000/$20,000.
See also : Renault
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Chrysler recalls 80,894 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Chrysler announced it will recall 80,894 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro models in the USA to correct a defect that could cause the engine to stall. Chrysler said the recall would allow dealers to reprogram the power module. This will eliminate the potential for a brief interruption of electrical power to the instrument panel and the engine.
See also : Jeep
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Passat CC
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In its last issue, the German weekly magazine Automobilwoche provides further information regarding the mysterious and long-awaited Passat CC. Internally known as the CC or I/O 511, the 4 doors coupé will be sold in May 2008 after a preview at the next Detroit motor show.
See also : VW
Cadillac BLS Wagon
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It would seem that Cadillac still has faith in the BLS despite the low sales figures in 2006. The carmaker revealed an estate variant dubbed Wagon last March that will be finally sold in November, just after an official launch at the Frankfurt motor show.
See also : General Motors
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Novitec Maserati Quattroporte
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The tuning firm Novitec has turned its attention to the Maserati Quattroporte. Unlike some German counterparts that succeed in making their tuned cars uglier than the original model, Novitec shows some respect to the Italian design.
See also : Maserati
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Volvo R-Design
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It was reported here two weeks ago. Now it is official. Volvo is launching a new sport package that will be available on the C30, S40 and V50. With this package, Volvo allows the customer to tailor his car to his personal taste ... Under the condition that his tastes are available in the package.
See also : Volvo
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Porsche 911 GT2
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some new pictures of the most powerful 911 ever produced. To be revealed officially at the next Frankfurt motor show, the GT2 will also become the first 911 to have more than 500 hp/500 bhp.
See also : Porsche
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Audi A3 convertible to be built in Hungary
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The long-awaited open-top Audi A3 will join the Audi TT coupé and roadster on the assembly lines in Audi's Hungarian factory. In a statement, Audi declared “”The Gyor (production) site (in western Hungary) has excelled in the production of premium vehicles during recent years ... therefore it is optimally suited for the assembly of a new model.“
See also : Audi
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Alfa Romeo will produce the 8C Spider
By Yoann Besnard on 4 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to the Italian magazine Quattroruote, Alfa Romeo will produce the magnificent 8C Spider that appeared for the first time at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Five hundred are scheduled to be built from 2008 and sold at €180,000/$245,000/£120,000.
See also : Alfa Romeo
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