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First Drive 2008 Renault Twingo
2007-12-24 19:49:00
Beloved in France, the Renault Twingo that arrived in 1993 was undoubtedly one revolutionary little car. Small, but with a roomy (for its size) interior, the Twingo?s big round headlights and squat stance earned it the nickname of la grenouille (?the frog?). Roughly 2.4 million copies were sold during its life span, but after 14 years on the market and a couple of mild face lifts?plus countless special editions?the original frog had finally croaked its last. The new, more refined and mature Twingo arrived in France this past summer and officially bid adieu to the wide-eyed headlights and egg-shaped body of the original.Unlike its equally new big brother, the Laguna, the tiny Twingo manages a smidgen of cuteness. Its tall greenhouse, very short front and rear overhangs, and upright silhouette have a jaunty charm. Far from being as adorable as the new Fiat 500, the Twingo is at least as visually appealing as the similarly sized Toyota Aygo or Volkswagen Fox. The Twingo?s 141.7-inch le...
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Lexus Announces Pricing for 2008 Lexus LX 570 Luxury Utility Vehicle
2007-12-24 19:45:00
Lexus today announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2008 LX 570 luxury utility vehicle. The third-generation LX offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces with a number of technological advancements and a new high-strength chassis. 2008 Lexus LX 570 The 2008 LX 570, with several new technology features, enhanced safety, performance and comfort, will carry a base MSRP of $73,800. The LX 570 features a new 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission built to handle demanding tasks with smoothness and refinement. The powertrain advancements make the 2008 LX 570 engaging to drive while providing an increased towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. An electro-hydraulic system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) reacts more quickly and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces. ...
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Honda Announces an All-New 2008 Honda Inspire for Japan
2007-12-24 19:44:00
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Honda Inspire . The appeal of the new model has been dramatically strengthened with performance and comfort enhancements, yet the price range remains ¥3,300,000 to ¥3,900,000?very close to that of the previous model. The new Inspire will debut on Friday, December 21 at Honda dealers throughout Japan . 2008 Honda Inspire In keeping with its status as a luxury sedan, the new, 5th-generation Inspire has inherited the sporty performance and quality feel of its predecessor, adding significant improvements to all essential elements of sedan performance?driving, cornering, and braking. The new Inspire is infused with dynamism and intelligence in all aspects of design, interior space, driving, and functionality. The V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine, available for the first time in Japan, features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving co...
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2008 Honda Fit
2007-12-24 19:32:00
The Fit belongs to a class?basic transportation?that we once acknowledged with a patronizing pat on the head but now take more seriously. There are two reasons for this. The first is obvious: Soaring fuel costs and environmental concerns are making small cars increasingly popular. The second is not so obvious: Basic transportation no longer means deprivation. Not only does the Honda Fit deliver what you?d expect?high mpg numbers and low ownership costs?but it also delivers something you might not: high-quality interior appointments, a high level of usefulness, and a high fun-to-drive index.The Fit scores well in those areas of unexpectedness. There seems to be more room inside this car than the tidy exterior could possibly contain, the seats flop and fold to yield great cargo versatility, and the interior appointments would do justice to an Accord.But it?s the Fit?s agility and terrier spirit that win our hearts. With 109 horsepower, blazing acceleration isn?t part of the deal, but ...
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First Drive 2008 Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet
2007-12-24 19:31:00
Nothing turns heads like a sexy convertible wearing Pininfarina badges on its flanks. The Italian design firm is world famous for creating pulse-quickening exotic cars such as the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and Maserati GranTurismo. However, the Pininfarina-badged droptop we recently took for a spin proudly wears a blue oval in the center of its grille. The Ford Focus coupe-cabriolet is designed and built by Pininfarina at its factory in Turin, Italy, at a rate of roughly 20,000 per year.It might not have a prancing horse or trident on its hood, but the Focus is hardly a shrinking violet when it comes to drawing attention. As we drove through posh Parisian neighborhoods?where any other Ford would be considered so déclassé?the coupe-cabriolet got plenty of admiring glances.Interesting DesignThe front end is filled with four large grilles, a pair of fog lights, and just the right amount of chrome to be tasteful but not tarty. A bold crease flows up from the headlights and hood before work...
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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2007-12-24 19:28:00
So effortlessly does the MX-5 respond to your steering inputs that you can guide the car along the most writhing road at breakneck speeds without effort or even apparent thought. This connection between the driver?s brain and the MX-5 is replicated in the car?s throttle response, braking feel, and transmission, which benefits from one of the most direct shifters on the planet. It all makes for an immensely satisfying drive and proves that a car doesn?t need pavement-wrinkling horsepower to deliver driving enjoyment.This motorized pleasure is accessible to all because the Mazda MX-5 starts at about $21,000 and is surprisingly practical for a sporting roadster. It has a trunk that provides room for a pair of soft duffels and is uncompromised by the position of the convertible top. The standard manual top is the easiest to use in the industry, completely operable from the driver?s seat, and the optional folding hardtop is a model of compactness and light weight.It adds up to a car that...
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Nissan Releases New Serena Minivan
2007-12-19 19:25:00
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the new Serena minivan, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers throughout Japan. The new Serena, which has been highly acclaimed by customers for its class-leading interior roominess, excellent outward visibility, flexible seating configurations and driving ease, features revised exterior and interior styling, leading technology features and a new model lineup.Marketed under the tagline "SHIFT_family ties," the Serena has been the top-selling minivan(*1) in the Japanese market in terms of cumulative sales for the first eleven months of 2007. New Exterior Styling Serena?s exterior styling has been enhanced with a more distinctive and modern front end design, including a new grille, new headlights, front bumper and fenders. The Highway Star model also features more dynamic front-end styling, with even stronger character lines. Other exterior improvements include remote-controlled power-folding body-colored outside mirrors incorpor...
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Nissan Grand Lavinia introduced in Malaysia
2007-12-19 19:22:00
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) launched today the all-new Nissan Grand Livina, one of a family of new global models from the company. The Grand Livina is a mid-size 7-seater MPV, designed and engineered in the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan, first introduced in China in 2006 followed by Indonesia, Taiwan & South Africa this year.Aside from its elegant and modern design coupled with its luxurious and versatile interior, the Grand Livina provides a sedan-like ride, comfort and handling that is unparalleled in this class of mid-size MPVs - hence it's communication tagline, "Drive's Like A Sedan, Fits Like A MPV". The Grand Livina also comes with new generation Nissan engines that offer brisk performance coupled with exceptional fuel economy to meet the needs of Mala ysia n drivers. Using a monocoque body structure, the Grand Livina is powered by either a 1.8L MR engine or 1.6L HR engine with CVTC (continuously variable valve timing control) for improved performance...
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2004 Hummer H1
2007-12-19 19:22:00
2004 HUMMER H1: ONE OF A KIND"Unique." "The original." "The world's premier off-road vehicle." There are many ways to describe the HUMMER H1. Also fitting is "cornerstone," since it's the foundation upon which the HUMMER sales growth is built."The H1 is what started it all for HUMMER," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager. "It's the vehicle that drew the interest of adventurous consumers across the nation, as well as the interest of GM. It offers superior off-road capabilities rugged enough for the Baja and powerful highway performance."More power and plenty of poiseHUMMER H1 is powered by a retuned 6.5L, turbo-diesel V-8 engine that for 2004 delivers 205 horsepower (152 kw) at 3400 rpm and an impressive 440 lb.-ft. (596 Nm) of torque at 1800 rpm. That's 10 horsepower (7 kw) and 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm) of torque more than the 2003 powerplant. Yet enhanced performance is only part of the engine's story. The retuning also enables the 6500 to meet the more stringent emiss...
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Rinspeed sQuba Concept Car features dive and drive
2007-12-19 19:21:00
Mover Q your amphibious car designs are redundant, maybe they were good enough for the previous spies but the next-gen demands a more synced-up version. In case you need to take pointers, make sure you are there at the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th thru 16th, 2008), where Swiss design company Rinspeed will showcase their sQuba Concept Car . The makers claim that it is the world's first real diving car. And if its aquatic feats were not enough, the car can (at the push of a button) drive autonomously. It can dive to the depth of up to 10 meters (33 feet).The "sQuba" fulfills Rinspeed's boss Frank M. Rinderknecht long cherished dream of creating something that marries fictitious movie concepts to reality. Thus taking inspiration from "The spy who loved me", sQuba features an electric motor with powerful torque that drives the rear wheels. The thrust on the water is ensured by two propellers in the stern and two powerful jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle under water while diving...
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2008 Bitter Vero
2007-12-19 19:21:00
--- Specifications ----Price about $175,576Production --Engine 6 liter V8Weight --Aspiration naturalTorque --HP 362 hpHP/Weight --HP/Liter --1/4 mile --0-62 mph --Top Speed --The Bitter Vero is based on the Holden Statesman. Changes include different front and rear fascia, new hood, upgraded interior appointments, and improvements to the suspension and brakes.
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2008 Nissan Forum Concept
2007-12-19 19:20:00
Though minivan sales have cooled significantly in the past five years, American families snap up more than a million minivans annually. Brands like Ford, Nissan , and GM may have pulled back from minivans entirely but Chrysler, Honda and Toyota are still dedicated to providing buyers with those traditionally flavored family movers.The Forum concept isn't unrecognizable to minivan drivers and owners. It has the big box in back for kids and cargo, but Nissan designers have gone with a higher beltline, styled side glass and a wider stance, to give a more sporty feel to the traditional one-box van. Emphasizing that theme is a curvaceously sweeping grille that is accented by a soft LED light bar. While Nissan hasn't eliminated the sliding doors that parents love, it has carefully hidden their tracks.The front doors swing open to a 90-degree angle. Further enhancing the sense of spaciousness, the Forum's sides have lost the typical B-pillars that would reinforce the middle of its body; ...
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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Review
2007-12-19 19:18:00
IntroductionWith lots of functional cabin space for a vehicle of its size, the well-equipped Chevrolet Equinox has been a popular choice for a small SUV in recent years. Owners enjoy the Equinox's roomy cabin -- the rear seats slide fore and aft to boost cargo room or legroom when needed -- and often comment favorably about the vehicle's power and fuel efficiency.For 2008 , Chevrolet injects more style and performance into the Equinox. Leading the way is a new high-performance Sport model complete with lowered ride height and a new 3.6-liter V6 good for 40 percent more power over the standard 3.4-liter V6 engine. Chevrolet promises a 0-60-mph acceleration time under 7 seconds. The Sport's hydraulic power steering also addresses one of our Equinox criticisms that related to lackluster steering response on lesser versions. Like its stablemates, it offers the option of all-wheel drive.For those who instead desire more refinement and luxury, the new Equinox LTZ is differentiated by br...
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Lexus Announces Pricing on Certain 2008 Models and 2009 RX 350
2007-12-18 19:22:00
Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 ES 350, LS 460, and IS model luxury sedans, and the 2008 RX 400h and 2009 RX 350 luxury utility vehicles. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan MSRP will increase 0.3 percent, or $100, to $33,820. The IS entry luxury sport sedans will increase 0.3 percent overall, or $100. 2008 Lexus RX 400h The IS 250 rear-wheel drive model with a manual transmission will carry an MSRP of $30,555, while the IS 250 rear-wheel drive automatic will have an MSRP of $31,725. The IS 250 all-wheel drive and the IS 350 models will have an MSRP of $34,185 and $36,005, respectively. The MSRP for the LS 460 flagship luxury sedan will increase 0.8 percent, or $500, to $62,000 for the LS 460 and $72,000 for the LS 460 L. The 2008 RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle MSRP will increase 0.2 percent overall, or $100, to $41,280 for the RX 400h front-wheel drive, and $42,680 for the all-wheel-drive model. The 2009 RX 350 luxury utility vehi...
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2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
2007-12-18 19:21:00
The new Saab 9-3 range features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting a series of powertrain improvements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful diesel, gasoline and BioPower (E85)engines. The distinctive frontal styling,inspired by Saab?s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range?s sporty appeal. 2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan It heralds the introduction of a?tri-fuel? engine line-up that now includes, an innovative 180 hp(132 kW), twin-stage 1.9 turbo diesel, an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8V6 turbo gasoline engine and an additional 175hp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200 hp (147 kW) on E85fuel. The advanced all-wheel-drive system (Saab XWD - ?cross wheel drive?) is exclusive to 9-3 AeroSport Sedan and SportCombi models. It features innovative developments in wheelslip management and the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential. The new 1.9-liter two-stage turbo diesel offers class-leading efficie...
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2008 Saab 9-5
2007-12-18 19:20:00
The Saab 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi range is a clear expression of the sporty and multi-dynamic appeal of the Saab brand. Distinctive styling and strong turbocharged performance are combined with outstanding ride comfort, responsive handling and high levels of crash safety. Positioned in the upper medium segment of the premium car sector, the Saab 9-5 range provides a more individual, self-expressive choice in a marketplace crowded with more commonplace competitors, such as the BMW 5-series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-class and Volvo S80/V70. 2008 Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Sedan The all-turbo powertrain line-up leads the premium segment in offering a 'tri-fuel' choice of gasoline, diesel or bioethanol powered engines. The range is led by the high performance, 260 hp/ 191 kW Saab 9-5 Aero and includes a powerful yet frugal 150 hp/ 110 kW 1.9TiD option and two Saab BioPower variants offering enhanced performance from E85 (85% bioethanbol/15% gasoline) fuel. Exterior Design * Bold, distinctive ...

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
2007-12-18 19:19:00
The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer brings the bold, dynamic and taut lines of the company's show-stopping Concept-X to the showroom. The stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation compact sport sedan from Mitsubishi, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. The exciting new design serves as the perfect showcase to package the 2008 Lancer's European-inspired driving dynamics, refined interior appointments and impressive equipment levels. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS The new Lancer offers a distinctive interpretation of the new Mitsubishi design language - first seen on the new-generation Outlander - that conveys the performance-oriented essence of the brand. Variations on the aggressive-looking front end, in particular, will be seen on more future Mitsubishi models. Dimensionally, the new-generation 2008 Lancer projects a tighter, more confident road-hugging stance. The new Lancer is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track, but with ...

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2007-12-18 19:18:00
The 9-3 Convertible confirms Saab ?s leading position in the premium convertible segment and is the product of more than 20 years? experience in designing four-seater, four season soft tops that are as practical as they are stylish. The Saab Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be ?more than a Convertible? by offering all-year-round transport. In addition to its functional qualities, the Convertible also offers strong driving appeal through sharing the excellent chassis dynamics of the 9-3 range. The extensive engine line-up incorporates a 'tri-fuel' choice of gasoline, diesel or bioethanol powered engines. It includes an all-aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine rated at 250 hp (184 kW); three 2.0-liter, four cylinder, all-aluminum turbocharged engines rated at 150 hp (1...

Infiniti Announces Infiniti EX35 Goes on Sale
2007-12-18 19:17:00
Infiniti announced that the all- new 2008 Infiniti EX35 personal luxury crossover SUV goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning today. The new Infiniti EX offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems -- including an available Around View Monitor (AVM) system, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system and "Scratch Shield" paint. 2008 Infiniti EX35 The 2008 EX is offered in four models -- Infiniti EX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive), Infiniti EX35 RWD Journey, Infiniti EX35 AWD (all-wheel drive) and Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $31,300 for the EX RWD and $34,850 for the EX RWD Journey. The EX35 AWD with ATTESA E-TS intelligent all-wheel drive system is priced at $32,700 and $36,250 for the EX35 AWD Journey model. "We're pleased to be making the new 2008 Infiniti EX35 available just in time for that last-minute holiday shopping," said Mark Igo, vice president and gen...
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Ford of Europe Confirms New High Performance Ford Focus RS Is on the Way in
2007-12-18 19:16:00
Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking. 2009 Ford Focus RS The new 2009 Ford Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008. "With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, m...
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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
2007-12-18 19:13:00
For 2008 , the Mitsubishi Outland er offers a compelling blend of driven-to-thrill dynamics, bold styling, and five-or seven-passenger versatility. Outlander features the segment's first flap-fold tailgate for easy loading and several user-technology firsts for the compact SUV segment. The Outlander is based on a new performance-engineered global platform derived from the foundation of the Mitsubishi Lancer and next-generation Lancer Evolution models. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander ES The Outlander LS and XLS models are powered by a new 3.0-liter 220-hp aluminum MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a six-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission (with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters in XLS models). New for 2008, the Outlander ES model is now powered by an all-new, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 168-hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed with a new Sportronic CVT transmission. A new Outlander Special Edition model combines the economy of the 2.4-liter powertrain with upscale amenities an...

It's official Focus RS on the way
2007-12-18 19:13:00
It's finally coming. Ford has today confirmed that the second-generation Focus RS is on the way, and it's set to be the hottest Focus ever.And, just to prove they're serious, the guys at Team RS have shown us a dark, teasing picture of the new RS. It looks mean.Based on the new Focus ST but with bigger, blistered wheelarches, bonnet vents and a gaping front air dam with secondary side intakes, the RS is described as a 'no-compromise Focus for more enthusiastic drivers'.Technical details are scant, but the RS seems likely to get four-wheel drive and a twin-turbo version of the ST's 2.5-litre five-pot engine. That should be good for some 300bhp and a 0-60 time in the five-second bracket - genuine competition for the Subaru Impreza STi.Expect the RS to command a similar price tag to the Impreza, too. Despite a cult following, the original Focus RS - launched in 2002 - wasn't too profitable: Ford is reported to have lost £7,000 on every model. The new one is expected to cost arou...
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2008 Volvo S60 Review
2007-12-18 19:12:00
IntroductionA midsize entry-level luxury sedan, the 2008 Volvo S60 stands apart from its rivals in many ways. Whereas most of the cars in this segment are powered by normally aspirated V6 engines, the S60 offers turbocharged five-cylinders instead. Styling is also left of center. Even as it enters its eighth year of this model cycle, the S60 still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor. The cabin is more functional than flashy, but you'd be hard-pressed to find fault with its solid ergonomics and comfortable, orthopedically correct seats. Where the S60 falls short is in performance -- the Swedish sedan's handling dynamics are a bit dull compared to newer rivals -- and in the backseat, where the S60 has less real-world legroom than Volvo's compact S40.As the S60 relies upon a turbocharged inline-5 for power, its acceleration can feel a little sluggish compared to competitors like the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and Lexus ES and IS sedans. All those rivals offer...
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Can you figure out the point in the new BMW X6
2007-12-18 19:11:00
You are part of history. You are witnessing a world first. You are looking at the universe's only Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6.There could, of course, be a very good reason why no one has previously come up with a Sports Activity Coupe (or SAC, if you prefer). But before we pass judgment, let's take a quick look over the X6.Based on the X5 platform but adding a fastback, four-door body, the X6 combines the sporting presence of a coupe with the height and presence of an SUV, says BMW.It'll certainly be quick: the X6 comes with the choice of two petrol or two diesel engines, with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 topping the line-up. It'll be called the xDrive50i, and develop 407bhp along with a hefty 442lb ft of torque.That'll propel the X6 to 60mph in a scary 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph. As you'd expect, the xDrive50i isn't the most frugal - BMW is quoting combined economy of just 22.6mph and CO2 emissions of 299g/km. Ouch.All X6s will come with a si...
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Aston Martin unveils V12 Vantage RS
2007-12-16 16:12:00
At the official opening of Aston Martin ?s first ever dedicated design centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, DR Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, thrilled an audience of more than seven hundred VIP guests with a surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin?s critically acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company?s design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics. In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: ?Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept ...

Aston Martin unveils V12 Vantage RS
2007-12-16 16:12:00
At the official opening of Aston Martin ?s first ever dedicated design centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, DR Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, thrilled an audience of more than seven hundred VIP guests with a surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin?s critically acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company?s design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics. In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: ?Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept ...

Aston Martin opens new Design Studio
2007-12-16 16:11:00
Aston Martin ?s new design studio cements the company?s reputation as one of the world?s most technologically sophisticated sports car manufacturers. Design is one of Aston Martin?s core values, and the new Studio , located in a world class building adjacent to Aston Martin?s manufacturing and engineering centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire, integrates the process into the heart of the company. ?Aston Martin is about design and it is about beauty,? says Aston Martin?s Chief Executive Officer, DR Ulrich Bez, ?yet until now it has never had its own design studio.? The elegant modern pavilion, designed by the Weedon Partnership in collaboration with Austrian pre-fabrication specialists Holzbau Saurer, has been built using the latest construction technology and is a showcase for environmentally sustainable design. The architecture is modern and uncompromising, making extensive use of structural wood and large expanses of glass. The modular wooden structure has been sourced from managed fo...
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Mazda Furai Concept and new Mazda RX-8 to make world debut at Detroit Show
2007-12-16 16:11:00
Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that it will stage the world premieres of the new Mazda Furai concept vehicle and the heavily revised version of the Mazda RX-8 sports car in Detroit on press day (Sunday 13 January, 2008), at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Following its show-stopping debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in October, the Mazda Taiki concept vehicle also will make its North American debut, the first time it has been shown outside Japan. Additionally, Mazda will have a special display of racecars on its stand during the press days, and the full line-up of production cars for consumers to view for the public days. All attending media are invited to Mazda?s press conference and the formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand at 13.45 hrs, Monday 14 January 2008. Mazda Furai ??Sound of the wind?Inspired by the fact that, on any given weekend, there are more Mazdas and Mazda?powered racing cars in action on circuits across the United States than ...
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New Opel Agila: Mini Monocab Starts from 9,990 Euros
2007-12-16 16:10:00
Featuring high practicality at an affordable price, the new Agila can now be ordered from 9,990 euros and will be available at dealerships from spring 2008. The new Opel Mini monocab offers plenty of feel-good space for family and friends, as well as up to 1050 liters of cargo capacity despite the car?s compact exterior length of 3.74 meters.The new Agila is the youngest member of the highly successful Opel monocab family. A monocab is distinguishable by its hood line that flows without a visible break into the combined passenger and luggage compartment. Thanks to this design and clever innovative details, the fully fledged five-door, five-seat Mini monocab can set standards in space economy and variability ? just like the small Meriva and compact Zafira monocab have already done. The Meriva has been the top-selling small monocab in Europe since its launch in 2003, and leads the overall monocab segment together with the Zafira.The new Agila is not only very affordable, but also boas...
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Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270
2007-12-16 16:09:00
This year the Essen Motor Show is experiencing a very special premiere: the debut of the Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270. It is still a concept car. And yet, it becomes impressively clear just how much potential this car holds. RaVe 270 ? it stands for the 270 PS developed by a four-cylinder TSI with direct gasoline injection and turbocharging. RaVe 270 ? it stands for a customized interior with exclusive leather bucket seats. RaVe 270 ? it also stands for techno music from a powerful 1,400 Watt sound system of the prestige class. This system really hammers. It is based on the brand-new RNS 510 radio-navigation system. System controls include a user-friendly touchscreen and multifunction keys. Hardware of the RNS 510 includes a 400 MHz Power-PC processor and a dedicated graphic processor. The navigation and entertainment data are stored on a 30-Gigabyte hard disk drive.A SD card slot (including for MP3 files) is located beneath the touchscreen. But the real highlight is the fact t...
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