Automotive News

Despite snow in the afternoon, more than 27,100 fans gathered for the "NISMO Festival" held at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture on Dec. 4. Some had even queued overnight waiting for the gates to open at 5 am. Nissan Motor Co.'s annual motorsports event returned to the Fuji Speedway this year from TI Circuit Aida in Okayama Prefecture after the Fuji circuit was closed for renovation for two years. This year's highlight was the parade lap of three recently restored historical racecars - the R380-II (1967), R381 (1968) and R382 (1969). Their rival in the late 1960s, Toyota 7 (1969) made a surprise rendezvous run with the three old-timers. Another surprise was the reveal of 350Z racecar for the 2006 season of Super...

Audi is adding another attractive version to its A6 line. The combination of a front-wheel-drive diesel model with automatic transmission is new to the range. The A6 saloon and Avant are now available with a 2.7-litre TDI engine and multitronic transmission. This six-cylinder power unit delivers 132 kW (180 bhp). The A6 2.7 TDI with multitronic reaches a top speed of 225 km/h. The saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and consumes an average of between 7.2 and 7.6 litres of diesel per 100 km. This model's peak torque of 380 Nm is available at between 1,400 and 3,300 rpm. Good pulling power is consequently guaranteed even at low revs. This high-torque engine goes extremely well with multitronic which, with its continuou...

Starting in January 2006, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will introduce a system that will allow "car life advisors," or sales staff, in Japan to make repair shop reservations for customers online, including on a mobile phone. The new system will allow sales people, who frequently make door-to-door calls, to respond quicker to customers' requests for such reservations. In the past, sales people would have to check with their dealer for available time slots. The "i-PORT" system was introduced on a trial basis starting in May 2005 and has been tested by 13 dealers. By September 2006, all of Nissan's 142 dealers nationwide are expected to have adopted the system. Nissan is the first automaker in Japan to introduce a s...

Honda Performance Development (HPD), a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., will become the single provider of engines in 2006 for the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, HPD President Robert Clarke announced today. Honda joined the IRL at the start of the 2003 season, and earlier this year announced a new plan to continue as an engine supplier in IndyCar racing through the 2009 season. With the recent announcement of Toyota's withdrawal from IRL competition, HPD will prepare and maintain the Honda Indy V-8 engines used by all teams for competition in the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. "Providing engines for the entire IndyCar field is a dramatically different role for Honda from that as one competitor in a multi-ma...

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline earned Motor Trend magazine's prestigious 2006 "Truck of the Year" award, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Ridgeline joins the all-new 2006 Honda Civic as this year's recipient of Motor Trend's "Car of the year" award, marking the first time ever that a manufacturer has won both honors in the same year. Since its introduction in March of 2005, the Ridgeline has re-defined the mid-size truck segment through its innovative and exclusive new features. Designed to meet the needs of a growing population of consumers purchasing trucks to support their active, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, the Ridgeline delivers a proportional mix of overall truck capability, towing pe...

The editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance know a thing or two about getting the most value for the money and according the magazine's 2006 Best Cars awards several Ford Motor Company vehicles offer customers the best value in the auto industry. The magazine divided 2006 model year vehicles into four categories: Best in Class, Best New Cars, First for Safety and Most Fuel Efficient. Within each category, the vehicles were sub divided into five different price ranges plus sports cars, SUVs, minivans and wagons. Best in Class honors in the wagon category went to the Volvo V70R. The magazine's editors picked the Volvo based on its, "safety, generous cargo room and a 300-hp turbo-charged engine that earn the V70 R the Bes...

In his visit to the country, Ford Motor Company Corporate Vice President and President of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, Peter Daniel, announced company plans to invest P1.1 billion (US$20 million) to build a Flexible Fuel engine plant in the Philippines. A Ford first in the region, the investment further establishes Ford's innovation leadership in Flexible Fuel technology and the use of bio-ethanol fuel. Ford's Flexible Fuel engines are designed to operate on either conventional gasoline or a combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol fuels. The investment translates to production of 100,000 engines over the next five years valued at about US$100 million. Start-up activities will be undertaken in the first quarter next year, with f...

The second generation of the cult coupe, the Audi TT, to be launched in September 2006, is a force to be reckoned with and is already being eagerly awaited by the motoring press. And the current TT still looks as fresh as it did when it was launched, according to "Auto Bild". The new TT, which is to be available at dealers in spring 2007, will therefore inherit many details from the original, for instance the striking radiator grille and the line of the silhouette. These details provide the finishing touches to designer Freeman Thomas' outstanding initial design. New features include the extended wheelbase which will ensure plenty of space for four passengers. The luggage compartment of the new TT will also be more generously...

Two of General Motors newest, high-performance overhead cam engines - the 2.0-liter Ecotec Supercharged and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo - have been named among the industry's 10 best engines of 2006 by the editors at Ward's Communications. Both engines are variants from two of GM's most popular global, modular engine families, designed, engineered, and produced around the world. They also share a similar attribute, which Ward's noted as an important development occurring in the industry today: forced induction. "Turbocharging and supercharging allow us to develop big-displacement-like engine performance, while maintaining the efficiency benefits from a small displacement engine," said Sam Winegarden, GM Powertrain e...

Ford Motor Company's President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Padilla met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry Suriya Jungrungreangkit today and announced the acceleration of Ford's second phase of investment at its Ford/Mazda (AAT) manufacturing facility. The second phase investment will be made over three years (2005 to 2008) and underpins Thailand's importance as a major international production hub for Ford's one-tonne pickup truck. "Firstly, let me congratulate Thailand on achieving a major milestone with its 1,000,000 unit rolling off the production line in 2005. This is a major step for Thailand in realizing its 'Detroit of Asia' ambition and Ford is pleased to play a major role in...

Rolls-Royce plc, the world leading power systems company, confirmed today that it will go ahead in the New Year with Phase Two of the redevelopment of its Defence Aerospace facilities in Bristol. Work will begin in January on new buildings for the assembly of engines for the Typhoon, Hawk and Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and for the Group's helicopter programmes. Phase Two will also see the construction of a new services building that will include training and occupational health facilities as well as a new restaurant. Once completed, the redevelopment will allow the Group to concentrate all of its activities in the local Patchway area into a modernised single site, leaving the current East Works vacated and available for separate...

Lexus ranked number one in the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Customer Retention StudySM. Results released yesterday showed Lexus gaining 3.5 percentage points from 2004 to take the lead in 2005 by retaining 63.0 percent of its customers. The industry average was 49.6 percent. The study measures the percentage of new-vehicle buyers and lessees who replace a vehicle that was previously purchased new with a new vehicle from the same nameplate. According to J.D. Power, vehicle quality and customer service experiences are key factors in influencing customer retention. "At Lexus, we strive to provide our customers with great products and a superb ownership experience," said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager. &...
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The new generation of the Audi A4 Cabriolet also remains true to the soft top. Audi has quite deliberately decided against a hard top for reasons of aesthetics. And in no way does the soft top appear to be behind the times. It opens fully automatically in just 21 seconds - 5 seconds quicker than on the predecessor model. The top can even be opened and closed when driving along slowly at speeds of up to 30 km/h. Those who want to enjoy peace and quiet in the vehicle interior can order a special version of the soft top which features a higher material density and thicker padding. It boasts improved insulation and reduces interior noise by four decibels. But it is not only the soft top which makes the A4 Cabriolet so eye-catching. The four-sea...

The International Building Exhibition BATIMAT 2005 hosted over 500,000 visitors at Porte de Versailles in Paris. The stand for Renault Trucks highlighted its special series for public works and civil engineering professionals "BTP PRO" where many contacts were established. BATIMAT 2005 is a world leader for building trade fairs,. This year the event took place on November 7 to 12 with over 2,700 exhibitors, all of which are in the building industry, over a surface area of more than 130,000 m? at the exhibition park at Portes de Versailles in Paris. This leading trade fair, with over 500,000 visitors representing 129 countries, was a major opportunity for Renault to display its special BTP PRO series, pre-equipped vehicles that...

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress, California) will give the MITSUBISHI Concept-CT1 MIEV2 hybrid 4WD sport compact concept, which uses outer rotor type in-wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery system to drive all four wheels, and the new Eclipse Spyder convertible their world premieres at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The show will be held from January 8 to 22 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, and will be open to the general public from January 14. MITSUBISHI Concept-CT MIEV showcases the company's MIEV concept for next-generation electric vehicles that utilizes in-wheel motors and high energy-density lithium-ion batteries as core t...

The new Leon has been crowned "Car of the Year 2006" in Denmark. This accolade, which has been conferred by the Danish association of motoring journalists, is the first to be awarded to the new SEAT model. During their evaluation of the candidate models, the panel of 26 motoring experts paid particular attention to the following criteria: safety elements, practicality, comfort, driving characteristics and value for money. Out of the 23 cars which were entered for this award, the Spanish model came out on top ahead of the Mazda 5 and the Suzuki Swift, which came second and third respectively. Panel member Finn Knudstrup presented the "Car of the Year 2006" award for the new Leon to Henrik Hagen, representing the offi...

Kia Motors Corporation today released a preview sketch of the all-new Soul concept car, which will make its world premiere at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Kia Soul concept is a crossover utility vehicle with a sporty, bold look that builds on design cues from the Kia Mesa concept vehicle introduced at the 2005 NAIAS. A wrap-around windshield, muscular wheel flares, stylish front headlamps and a sloped roofline convey an athletic attitude for the Soul, which is geared toward an active lifestyle. Though small on the outside, it is big inside with practical interior room and a reconfigurable cargo space. The rear lift gate includes a unique drawer for wet or muddy items such as a wetsuit or hikin...

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has developed the world's first clear paint that repairs scratches on painted car surfaces, including scratches from car-washing machines, off-road driving and fingernails. "Scratch Guard Coat" contains a newly developed high elastic resin that helps prevent scratches from affecting the inner layers of a car's painted surface. With "Scratch Guard Coat" a car's scratched surface will return to its original state anywhere from one day to a week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch. The water-repellant paint also has a higher resistance to scratches compared with conventional clear paints. A vehicle painted with "Scratch Guard Coat" will have only one-fift...

An expedition of six Tucsons successfully completed a 6200km-long crossing of the African continent from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean in a demonstration of the Hyundai 4x4??s reliability and solid performance under highly demanding climatic and road conditions. "Tucson Coast-to-Coast" was organized by Entreposto VH, Hyundai??s distributor for Portugual, for the benefit of Tucson customers and automotive journalists. Starting in the Cape Cross, Namibia's port city on the Atlantic coast, the 22-day-long adventure took the team through the spectacular deserts and mountains of Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Swaziland before finally reaching Maputo on Mozambique's Indian Ocean coast, their final destination. Al...

Volvo Cars has developed what it calls a world-first innovation that can detect if a driver is getting drowsy. Called Driver Alert, the company says the system has never once missed a driver who was falling asleep at the wheel. Unlike existing technologies that measure eyelid movement, the Volvo system is designed to issue a warning well before that happens. "We do not monitor human behavior, which varies from one person to another," said Dr, Wolfgang Birk, project manager in charge of Driver Alert at Volvo. "Instead we have chosen to monitor the car's progress, which is the effect of that behavior." Birk explained the system is primarily intended for situations where the risk of falling asleep is the greatest, s...

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the Mazda KABURA compact sports coupe concept vehicle, and the all-new Mazda CX-7, a crossover sports-utility-vehicle (SUV), at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), to be held in Detroit from Sunday, January 8 through Sunday, January 22, 2006 . Joining them on the Mazda stand will be a Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle-powered by a RENESIS hydrogen rotary dual-fuel-engine that can use hydrogen or gasoline, and offering both Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure and outstanding eco-friendliness. A Mazda Tribute Hybrid will also be shown. Mazda will hold a press briefing at the Mazda stand from 5:05 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2006 . Mazda KABURA, a comp...
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Hyundai Motor Company delivered the first of 10 Hyundai and Kia Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) to the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) today. The ceremony took place at AC Transit's Emeryville Bus Division and marked the beginning of a five-year demonstration and validation project designed to evaluate fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure technologies. "Hyundai's partnership with AC Transit represents the first time that a third-party has been involved in our fuel cell vehicle research, and it marks another milestone in our effort to bring this technology to commercialization," said Dr. Won Suk Cho, president, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., which is responsible for alternative...
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As Ford continues to drive American innovation, a new version of America's best-selling vehicle is rolling off the line at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Production of the first Ford F-150 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) began this month, continuing the company's commitment to producing 250,000 FFVs in the coming year. The flexible fuel technology is being built into the 5.4L, V-8 engine model and is available to consumers at no additional cost. FFVs can operate on gasoline or ethanol blends up to E85 - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. "We're pleased to begin production of F-150 FFVs. Flexible fuel vehicles give customers the option of fueling with gasoline or the ethanol," said Ken Ward, Ka...
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Drawing a blueprint for domestics on company turnaround, Nissan North America led five segments (one a tie) on Strategic Vision's 2005 Total Quality IndexTM (TQI). General Motors products also led five segments (one a tie) according to new owners, the San Diego-based research firm announced today. "The common thread in Nissan and Infiniti models is superior delivery of power, style and innovation, " says Strategic Vision vice president Daniel Gorrell, "that create a strong emotional response in new owners. The company's strongly focused product effort suggests a route struggling domestic companies might follow." Several new GM products took top honors in their segments. Pontiac's G6 medium sedan won ou...
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Real World safety is Volvo's highest priority. It's a dedication we have demonstrated time and again through the application of industry-leading expertise and modern facilities to enhance safety and pioneer our new safety systems. Designing vehicles with Real World safety is Volvo's methodology and priority. Excelling in one particular nation's governmental or third party tests is not. In third-party tests, such as the recent American IIHS Top Safety Pick Awards, or the NHSTA Crash Tests, vehicles are ranked based on the performance of front, side, and rear crashes. These rankings are based on results from one test vehicle, at one impact speed, and one angle of impact. While any form of testing can be a positive step, s...
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This year's German Architecture Award goes to the central building of the new BMW Leipzig plant. The building was designed by architect Zaha Hadid (London). The German Architecture Award is worth 25,000 Euros and is conferred every two years by the E.ON Ruhrgas AG under the auspices of the German Association of Architects. The architect will be presented with the award at the BMW Leipzig plant on 16 December 2005. During the award, Zaha Hadid will deliver a ceremonial speech. The official greeting and the welcoming speech will be held by Dr. Burckhard Bergmann, Chief Executive of E.ON Ruhrgas AG, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, head of production at BMW, Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Development, Prof. D...
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Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced details of its much-anticipated upcoming 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The company also confirmed that the car will make its public debut at the upcoming Greater Los Angeles Auto Show here, and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006. The Mazda CX-7 is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for the North American market. Mazda's five-seat CX-7 is a refreshing departure from the fleet of traditional SUV ' s currently plying American roads. Produced on entirely Mazda-derived platform architecture, Mazda CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practi...
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Impaired driving, whether from a variety of influences or just fatigue, is extensive. Each year there are approximately 300-400 fatalities on the American road, with another 20,000 non-fatal but disabling injuries, on New Year's Day alone! The numbers are even greater for the period around the Christmas.* During the holidays we always see a spike to such incidences. Without question, this time of year should not only be one of celebration, but one of reflection and a cause for action, on behalf of everyone. There was a recent article in an auto industry trade publication that should give me cause for alarm, but it doesn't. The story, entitled "Other Automakers Crash Volvo's Safety Party,"...is just another example...
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Car and Driver Magazine has named the 2006 Honda Accord as one of the winners of its prestigious and highly competitive annual "10Best Cars" award. Named as the "Best Family Sedan," the Accord has achieved "10Best" status 20 times in the 24 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The full lineup of Accord vehicles - including the Accord Hybrid and the four-cylinder- and V6-powered Sedan and Coupe - have been recognized by the magazine's staff as outstanding vehicles in their respective classes. Honda vehicles have made the magazine's 10Best list 41 times - more than any other automotive brand in the award's...
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Ford and Lincoln nameplates will be on two new crossover vehicles in 2006. The Lincoln Aviator will be reborn from a traditional sport utility vehicle into a redesigned crossover. Recently, Ford unveiled the first look at the Ford version to be called the Edge. The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is expected to be one of the stars of the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Edge's bold, American design will turn heads in the CUV market - the fastest-growing vehicle segment - in a year that CUV sales are expected to surpass traditional SUVs. "Much like Fusion has done for the mid-size sedan, the new Ford Edge will inject a healthy dose of American design and personality into the hot crossover market,...
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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that it has decided to suspend participation in the FIA World Rally Championship series from 2006. With the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan as a basis, MMC has made a solid start toward revitalizing its business operations. However, to strengthen and build upon this base, MMC realizes that it must focus management resources on the continued promotion of the revitalization plan. Mitsubishi Motors hopes to return to the WRC Championship series from 2008, after the completion of the revitalization plan, which covers fiscal 2005 to 2007. This decision however does not extend to MMC's efforts in the Dakar Rally (commonly known as Paris-Dakar). Mitsubishi Motors will continue to com...
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Motorists will be alerted to The Prostate Cancer Charity's awareness campaign by the latest liveried trailer in Ford of Britain's truck fleet. The charity has joined forces with Ford's Transport Operations team to spread the message that men should be more aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. Ford has liveried the sides and back of one of its parts delivery trailers with The Prostate Cancer Charity's eye-catching "Real Men Know All About It" campaign. Around 10,000 die each year in this country from the disease - the most common cancer diagnosed in men. The trailer takes to the road this month and will travel throughout Britain displaying health advice aimed at male car and lorry drivers. John Neate, c...
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For the second straight year, Ford has placed both a car and a truck in the coveted North American Car and Truck of the Year finals. Ford vehicles also were voted both car and truck finalists in back-to-back years in 1995-96. No other automotive brand has achieved this feat since the awards were founded in 1994. The Ford Fusion mid-size sedan and the Ford Explorer SUV have been named finalists for the 2006 North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year awards respectively. Last year, Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Freestyle were both named finalists for the NATOTY, while Ford Mustang was a COTY finalist. (Ford Escape Hybrid was later named the 2005 North American Truck of the Year - itself a back-to-back accomplishment as the Ford F-15...
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The widely anticipated all-new 2006 Mazda MX-5 is the first total redesign of the lightweight, nimble, open-air roadster since it was launched in 1989. All-new from bumper to bumper and from the wheels to the top, the 2006 MX-5 has grown in size yet the exterior design and shape remain true to the lively roadster concept. Modern style updates include a wider cockpit with additional hip, shoulder and elbow room. The low, flowing shoulder line is complemented by body panels that smoothly wrap around the nose and tail. The heart of the 2006 MX-5 is a highly-responsive MZR-series 2.0-liter, 170-horsepower (at 6,700 rpm) powerplant. The 2006 MX-5 has a light and compact engine, featuring chain-driven double overhead camshafts, lightweight fly...
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The Audi TT Coupe has become a veritable design icon since it was first presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997. The muscular body of the car with its almost identical proportions at both front and rear and the attractively designed interior attract numerous enthusiasts even today. In particular, lovingly crafted details such as the gentle "clacking" of the air vents and air conditioning switches still generate enthusiasm. This is no way diminished when it comes to driving the TT. The engineers gave the agile coupe, which was joined by a classic roadster with soft top in 1999, exceedingly precise steering with a direct response, which increases driving pleasure and emphasises the dynamic sound of the four-cylinder turbo en...
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For the second time in just a few months, the Daily has won a "Van of the Year 2005" title. After being voted "Fleet Van of the Year 2005" by the magazine Motor Transport, the Iveco light vehicle has now received this prestigious title from "What Van?", the largest specialist journal in the UK. The award was presented yesterday during a ceremony at a venue in London, attended by operators from the delivery sector and light commercial vehicle dealers. This dual success in so short a space of time confirms that the Daily range is considered the top of the class by both large fleet owners and small businesses. The "What Van?" jury chose the Daily after careful analysis lasting a whole year, during whic...
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Chrysler Group and the Iacocca Foundation announced details today for a new diabetes fundraising effort. Chrysler Group will become an official sponsor of JoinLeeNow, an initiative by the Iacocca Foundation that is raising funds for a clinical trial to test a potential cure for type 1 diabetes. As part of the sponsorship, Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealer advertising associations are contributing on behalf of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers $1 for every car sold beginning November 1, 2005, the first day of National Diabetes Month. The program will run through the end of 2006. All funds raised will go to the Iacocca Foundation's JoinLeeNow fundraising campaign to raise money for diabetes research. "Lee has and always will be...
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American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the 2005 Motor Trend International Auto Show in Las Vegas at a unique time in its 20-year history selling cars and SUVs in the United States. Sales growth, new-product introductions and customer and dealer excitement for the brand are at all-time highs. Las Vegas auto enthusiasts will be treated to an early look at Suzuki's comprehensive 2006 product line, given the arrival of the all-new, media-lauded Grand Vitara, which recently rolled into dealerships and offers innovative design, technology and numerous safety features. The new Grand Vitara delivers the capabilities buyers expect from compact SUVs both on-road and off-road. The 2006 Grand Vitara joins a diverse product line that...
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While many manufacturers claim title to creating the Sport Utility Vehicle category, few can provide the kind of evidence in support as can Land Rover. Lost in the patchouli-scented mists of the Sixties is the fact that the then-British owned automaker conceived and created a vehicle that personified what the companys marketing department of the day defined as "tough luxury." The idea, according to Land Rover lore, was "to build a vehicle that combined saloon car levels of performance, handling, ride comfort and refinement, with all the ruggedness and off-road ability of a Land Rover." Hmmm... sounds awfully like the 21st century SUV sales pitch to me. And just what was that new vehicles name? Range Rover, a vehicl...
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China Motor Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi's partner in Taiwan released the first official details on its new Zinger Multi-crossover RV. Zinger is based on the Challenger offroader and will also be equipped with 4WD system. Zinger will be launched on the local market in December. More details on the new vehicle will be released on 1 December....
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Volvo Cars' new D5 engine is now finding its way under the bonnet of the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. With 180 horsepower on tap, the in-house developed five-cylinder turbodiesel is a powerful complement to the two four-cylinder alternatives offering 109 and 136 horsepower. The Volvo S40 D5 and Volvo V50 D5 will be unveiled at the Bologna motor show in the beginning of December. The first cars will be built in the factory in Ghent, Belgium, in early 2006. The Volvo S40 D5 and Volvo V50 D5 will initially only be available with a five-speed automatic transmission. The compact D5 engine will also be fitted to the new Volvo C70 during 2006, and the annual production target for the three models is 10,000 cars. For the Volvo S40 and V50 t...
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Ford Motor Company today staged the world premiere of a stunning concept pick-up truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. The concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that brings together Ford's "tough truck" DNA with ideas that explore practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford pick-up trucks of the future. The concept takes a typical pick-up truck and adds a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It's a workhorse that delivers on the "Built Ford Tough" promise by offering true off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families and leisure time. Pick-u...
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Ford Motor Company today marks full-scale production of its second hybrid vehicle at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. The new Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV continues the company's commitment to increasing hybrid production ten-fold - to 250,000 units annually - by the end of the decade. Lean and flexible manufacturing processes and specially trained employees at the plant allow the hybrids to be built on the same production line as conventional Mariner and Ford Escape SUVs. Mariner production was pulled ahead by a year as part of Ford's stepped-up hybrid commitment. The Mariner joins the Escape Hybrid as two of five hybrids Ford will have on the road in the next three years. Ford today is the only American automaker with a hybrid...
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A leader in environmental innovation, Ford Motor Company is turning paint fumes into fuel, saving energy and money. Piloted in 2004 at the Ford Rouge Center, Fumes-to-Fuel is turning emissions from its painting operations into electricity for the Michigan Truck plant. The Fumes-to-Fuel process generates 55 kilowatt-hours of electric power every hour - enough for an average city block. Ultimately, the system could power one-third of the plant's paint shop. The technology works by pulling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the paint air emissions by using fluidized carbon beads. The cleansed air emissions are then sent back into the environment. The scrubbed VOCs are sent to a generator where they are transformed into electricity....
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As drinkers toast Britain's move to 24-hour licensing, Ford has issued a strong anti-drink drive message after researching the consequences of getting behind the wheel when over the limit. Ford's volunteer drink driver consumed alcohol under test conditions until his levels were one and a half times the legal limit. He found confidence soared when driving on the secure track - just as his accuracy and control plummeted. Ford staged the experiment at its European proving ground at Lommel, Belgium, where six driving control tests were attempted every two hours during a day of continuous drinking. Twelve units of alcohol - glasses of wine - were consumed in total during a six-hour period. The driving tests, using the latest Ford...
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The all-new Honda Civic earned Motor Trend magazine's prestigious 2006 Car of the Year award, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The award extends to the entire Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe lineup including the environmentally responsible Civic Hybrid and high-performance Civic Si models. The Motor Trend editorial staff selected the Honda Civic from a field of 28 new or substantially revised models - the largest to date - recognizing it for exceptional value, superiority in its class and the most significant development on the new-car scene for 2006. Testing took place over a two-week period that included thousands of miles of on-track driving and on-street evaluation, along with several days of walk-around appraisals. &...
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Hyundai Motor America announced pricing today for the flagship 2006 Hyundai Azera. With segment-leading standard safety technologies including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and eight airbags, premium convenience features, an all-new 3.8-liter 263 horsepower V6 that delivers 28 miles per gallon on the highway and more interior space than the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 760i, the Azera may be the most car for the money ever. 2006 Hyundai Azera Pricing: - Azera SE - $24,995 - Azera Limited - $27,495 - Azera Limited with Ultimate Package - $29,995 "The all-new Azera takes luxury appointments and personal comfort and makes them genuinely affordable," says Robert Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. &quo...
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The Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged continued its Time Attack assault at Buttonwillow Raceway Park on Nov. 8, finishing with the fastest time overall (1:51) and first in the Front Engine Front Drive (FF) Unlimited Class at the Toyo Tires Time Attack presented by Super Street and eurotuner magazines. It is the second fastest time ever for a Time Attack run at Buttonwillow and eclipses the previous records set for FF Unlimited (1:57) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) Limited (1:54) classes. Race-prepared by GM Performance Division for FF Unlimited Time Attack competition and driven by current SCCA driving champion John Heinricy, the Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) Cobalt SS Supercharged bested more than 50 competitors driving such established AWD racecars...
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MOTOR TREND magazine, the world's automotive authority and part of the PRIMEDIA Consumer Automotive Group, today announced the selection of the Honda Civic as the 2006 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year. The Honda Civic has an impressive 2006 lineup that includes 4 new models - all winning the Car of the Year award. Now in its 57th year, the MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award is the most coveted and most recognized honor in the automotive industry. "Honda deserves a standing ovation for not playing it safe again," said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of MOTOR TREND. "With the sizzling Si, a sleek coupe, an elegant sedan and a Hybrid that averages 50 miles per gallon, each model shines through with what MOTOR TREND looks for w...
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It is now official: the new Audi sports car will be called the Audi R8. Presented as the "Le Mans quattro" concept study two years ago at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi has now taken the decision to build its new sports car. Everything is already being prepared for the series production of the R8 at Audi's plant in Neckarsulm, due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2006. The market launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2007. 28 million euros are being invested in the R8 production line. The Audi subsidiary quattro GmbH will be responsible for production. Development and test construction at quattro GmbH and technical development at AUDI AG are currently in full swing. 250 employees will work on the production...
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Audi is exhibiting its broad model range and a number of attractive new products at the Essen Motor Show from 25 November to 4 December. The new Audi S4 Cabriolet is celebrating its show world premiere on the Audi stand in Hall 3. This dynamic four-seater unites the genes of an open-top sports car with those of an elegant cruiser. The Audi S4 Cabriolet is powered by a 344 bhp (253 kW) eight-cylinder engine which develops a beefy 410 Nm of torque. The Audi S4 Cabriolet sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, at which point the governor cuts in smoothly. Audi is exhibiting its power-enhanced 220 bhp (162 kW) Audi A4 2.0 TFSI for the first time on its stand in Hall 3. Developed by quattro GmbH, the...
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New dimensions in driving dynamics coupled with innovative technology - plus exciting styling and a level of equipment that lives up to even luxury-class standards: the new Audi RS 4, the latest high-performance product from quattro GmbH, combines a thoroughbred sports saloon with supreme everyday driving qualities in the premium segment. This car is now available for ordering and costs E69,900. The first RS 4 models will be in dealers' showrooms by the end of this month. Numerous technical innovations - many of which originally hail from motorsport - give the new Audi RS 4 its unique class and character. These include the high-revving concept, now being introduced for the first time in a production Audi, innovative FSI technology in...
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