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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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Honda Pilot Headed to NAIAS
2007-12-16 16:08:00
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at...

Saleen Supercharged Limited Edition American Flag
2007-12-16 16:08:00
Saleen salutes the American military with the production of twenty-four limited edition AF (American Flag ) supercharged S281 vehicles. The supercharged Saleen AF S281 celebrates our American heritage with a patriotic color pallet (8 red, 8 white, 8 blue vehicles), unique graphics package, a 465 hp supercharged engine, tuned suspension and 20 inch wheels and tires starting at $49,995. "We wanted to take time during the holiday season to honor the men and women that serve our country at home and abroad," said Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. "Our armed forces represent the best of the American spirit and we want to honor that spirit in our vehicles." The program was developed when Saleen began receiving emails from soldiers returning from Iraq stating that they had purchased a Saleen to reward themselves. In keeping with Saleen's strong American heritage, the American Flag vehicles will be dedicated to the men and women who fight for our country everyday. Th...
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30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK
2007-12-16 16:06:00
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK. Over the past four decades, more than 15,800,000 units have been sold across the globe, making it one of the most popular cars in the world. The first Accord went on sale in the UK in 1977 after being initially launched in the US and Japan. Seven generations on, Accord has evolved into a significant corporate model equipped with the latest advanced technology, great driving dynamics, an acclaimed diesel engine and a steadfast reputation for reliability. The next generation Accord will go on sale in the UK in summer 2008, and production versions of both the Saloon and Tourer versions will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. During 2007, Accord has been highly-commended in the What Car? Reliability survey and earned the prestigious award of ?most reliable model? in Fleet News?s respected industry survey ? the FN50. This success is mirrored by Accord?s rapidly improving status in the corporate sector, with 62 ...
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Maserati has entered into a partnership with Ferragamo
2007-12-16 16:05:00
Maserati has entered into a prestigious partnership with Ferragamo , the world leader in the production of luxury accessories, to interpret the outstanding class of the stunning GranTurismo with a sleek luggage set made from exclusive high-quality materials. This unique partnership will seduce even the most passionate devotees of Italian luxury. The GranTurismo?s grille provides the inspiration for the exquisite luggage set, and the emotive slogan ?Salvatore Ferragamo for Maserati? is embossed on each individual part of the set. To celebrate the arrival in the UK of the first Maserati GranTurismos and this partnership, Ferragamo?s London flagship store at 24 Old Bond Street is currently displaying the complete luggage set in their window until Monday 24th December 2007. The luggage set is available in two leather finishes: ?Firenze?, hand-boarded calfskin which has a clean, smooth appearance, and is available in dark brown or Maserati blue; alternatively ?Modena? a sportier finis...
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Buyers prefer their used cars with less than 60,000 miles on the clock
2007-12-16 16:04:00
Potential used car buyers continue to discriminate against vehicles with higher mileages, according to EurotaxGlass?s.The company has compared the trade prices and mileages of over 200,000 vehicles, identifying a steady increase in rates of depreciation as odometer readings rise. The analysis indicates that, for the average three-year-old car, the highest falls in value are apparent between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.EurotaxGlass?s used as its benchmark a three-year-old car with a typical 40,000 miles. If the same make, model and age of car had covered 50,000 miles, the trade value would be 4 per cent lower. However, from 60,000 up to 100,000 miles, the financial penalty increases to 5 per cent for each multiple of 10,000 miles.?As soon as a car passes the 60,000 mile threshold, the penalties increase because perceived desirability falls,? comments Adrian Rushmore, Managing Editor at EurotaxGlass?s. ?There remains an additional stigma attached to a used car with more than 100,000 ...
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Lexus Announces Pricing on Certain 2008 Models and 2009 RX 350
2007-12-16 16:02:00
Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Lexus ES 350, Lexus LS 460, and Lexus IS model luxury sedans, and the 2008 Lexus RX 400h and 2009 Lexus RX 350 luxury utility vehicles. The Lexus 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. 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 Lexus 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 L...
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General Motors Refuses to Pay Christmas Bonuses to 25,000 IUE-CWA Retirees
2007-12-16 16:02:00
General Motors is playing Scrooge in a big way this holiday season, at least in the eyes of their 25,000 GM/Delphi IUE-CWA retirees, by refusing to provide their "Christmas Bonus." The bonus actually is a lump sum payment provided in December and is used by many IUE-CWA retirees to buy Christmas and holiday gifts for their families.IUE-CWA has been negotiating with GM since early October for a new contract covering 2,500 workers at the Moraine, Ohio, SUV assembly plant. GM has told IUE-CWA that it will not pay the lump sum payment to retirees until an agreement has been reached.President Jim Clark of IUE-CWA said GM's decision was shameful, especially coming in the weeks just before Christmas. "I am very disappointed in GM's decision to withhold the Christmas lump sum payment to thousands of retirees. These retired workers, who live on a fixed income, count every dollar, especially in today's economy with gasoline, oil and food prices skyrocketing. To deprive them of the ability ...
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NAIAS: Land Rover LRX concept
2007-12-16 15:43:00
Land Rover unveils a vision of its future at the NAIAS (Detroit Show) in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand?s progressive shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability focussed technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world. "The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different Land Rover. "LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you'd expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where thebrand has ne...
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Ford of Europe Sales Rise 3.2 Per Cent in November 2007
2007-12-14 21:30:00
A strong performance in November has put Ford of Europe on course for record 2007 sales. With demand for its stylish new models continuing to rise, the company sold 149,600 cars and commercial vehicles in November 2007, an increase of 3.2 per cent over the same month last year. Ford's November market share was 8.7 per cent. Highlights: * Ford of Europe sales increase by 4,700 in November to 149,600 * Year-to-date sales rise by 5.4 per cent to 1,680,900 The Ford Focus led the way with sales rising to more than 41,000 units, strongly supported by the Ford Fiesta, and the acclaimed all-new Ford Mondeo. Showing its enduring appeal, the Fiesta sold 27,500 units, with the Ford Fusion adding a further 9,850. Ford Mondeo sales increased almost 55 per cent, to 15,675 units, as the new model continues to win praise from both press and public. Ford's commercial vehicles also remain in demand. Sales of the Ford Transit increased by over 6.4 per cent to 20,150 vehicles, while the Transit...
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Dodge Promotion Aims to Aid Ailing Relationships of Car Freaks
2007-12-14 21:29:00
Zach Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo., has been named the winner of the Dodge brand?s ?Are You Tuned Out?? search for the nation?s most ?tuned-out? car enthusiast and vehicle tuner. Nominated by his fiancée, Tricia Champagne, Madrid represents the 63 percent of men who, according to a survey conducted by Dodge and Ipsos Public Affairs1, are ?tuned in? to their cars and trucks, sometimes at the expense of their personal relationships. 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 In her nomination essay, Champagne said Madrid is completely ?tuned-out,? so much so that she has no chance of having a ?civilized conversation? with him if there is any sort of car show on television. According to Champagne, Madrid has sketch books full of visions, concepts and customized versions of his favorite Dodge cars, and has memorized the exact horsepower and torque for the entire SRT lineup. ?The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is awesome. I can?t believe I?m going to have a brand new one sitting in my driveway,? said Madrid. ?I ne...
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New Mercedes System Warns Tired Drivers
2007-12-14 21:29:00
A new type of assistance system, designed by Mercedes -Benz to warn the driver of tiredness and the dreaded phenomenon of nodding off at the wheel is now undergoing a final test phase. The system uses various sensors to analyze driving behavior and recognizes tiredness-related changes in the driver?s personal driving style. In this event the driver is prompted to take a break. Once all of the tests have been completed, the system will go into series production at Mercedes-Benz in 2009. Mercedes-Benz Safety System s for Tire d Drivers Official statistics cite tiredness as the reason behind around one percent of all serious traffic accidents. However, experts believe that the number of unattributed cases of this type of accident is significantly higher, as tiredness is often a factor which is impossible to ascertain or prove when reconstructing the accident. According to the latest European studies, 24 to 33 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve overtired drivers. This means tha...

Honda Pilot Prototype Headed to North American International Auto Show
2007-12-14 21:28:00
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced. Honda Pilot Prototype sketch The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience. The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007). Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda CR-...

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR Lands Starring Role on Knight Rider
2007-12-14 21:27:00
When the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR launches this spring don't be surprised if there's some confusion over what the letters "KR" stand for. While the super car has been known to racing fans as "King of the Road? since 1968, it's about to star in a remake of the hit TV series Knight Rider making mix-ups inevitable. 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR "It's purely a coincidence and a nice one at that,"" said Al Uzielli a senior advisor, to Ford Global Brand Entertainment the Ford office in Beverly Hills which works to place Ford branded vehicles in movies, TV and other media. "Auto enthusiasts will know what KR stands for. But most viewers will probably think it means Knight Rider ; at least at first." The popular American television series which ran from 1982 to 1986 starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a kind of modern day "knight". His partner was an advanced Pontiac Trans Am with artificial intelligence. Not only could it talk, it could morph into an attack vehicle that accelerated t...
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Nissan Qashqai Hits 100,000 European Sales
2007-12-14 21:27:00
Sales reach 100,000 in nine months Nissan ?s compact crossover, the Nissan Qashqai has just hit the landmark of 100,000 customer sales in Europe. Sales began in March and the 100,000th customer sale was completed during the last week of November. 2007 Nissan QASHQAI The UK, Russia and Italy are the Nissan Qashqai?s three largest markets, with sales at the end of November of 17,554, 15,376 and 10,746 units respectively since launch. Furthermore, demand for Qashqai in countries such as Austria, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia and Norway has dramatically exceeded expectations. Indeed, the Nissan Qashqai has exceeded all sales forecasts since its launch in March. To meet demand for the car in Europe, production was increased by 20% in June at the factory in Sunderland, England, where it is manufactured. And starting this month, the manufacture of the Japanese version of Qashqai will be transferred from Sunderland to Nissan?s factory in Kyushu, Japan, freeing up extra production capac...
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2008 Opel Agila Mini Monocab Starts from 9,990 Euros
2007-12-14 21:25:00
Featuring high practicality at an affordable price, the new Opel 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. 2008 Opel Agila: © GM Corp. The new Opel 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 Opel Meriva and compact Opel 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 Opel Zafira. T...
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Toyota Announces Pricing For 2008 Toyota Sequoia
2007-12-14 21:24:00
Sequoia Adds 105 More Horsepower With Nearly 12 Percent Better Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions Torrance, CA -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new second-generation 2008 Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), ranging from $34,150 to $55,600. A 5.7-liter V8 engine is now available. In addition to an improvement of 105 horsepower, fuel economy was increased by nearly 12 percent on the highway compared to the standard 4.7-liter V8. The 5.7-liter engine is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) and provides an available towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. 2008 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Scheduled to go on sale in late December, the completely restyled 2008 Sequoia has more power to provide the necessary performance, comfort, and convenience to meet the demands of active families. It is offered in three grades ? SR5, Limited and the top-of-the-line all-new Platinum. The new DOHC 5.7-liter V8 engine ...
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