ಬುಧವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 7, 2006

Worldwide Toyota Prius Sales Top 500,000 Mark


TOYOTA announced today that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, have passed the half-million mark, with 504,700 units having been sold by the end of April this year.

Toyota launched the Prius in 1997 in Japan and started selling it overseas, such as in North America and Europe, in 2000. The second-generation Prius, equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II, was introduced in 2003 with an emphasis on delivering both eco-friendliness and driving performance. It has been enjoying good sales both in Japan and overseas, especially in North America.

The Prius is now being made outside Japan for the first time, with production for the Chinese market starting in Changchun, China in December

Overall cumulative worldwide sales of Toyota (including Lexus) hybrid vehicles passed the 600,000 mark at the end of March this year. Toyota regards hybrid systems as representing a key technology for the 21st century and has been endeavoring to promote their greater use. Capitalizing on the high applicability of hybrid systems, Toyota aims to widen its hybrid vehicle lineup.

PRIUS

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Apr 2006

Total



Japan

0.3

17.7

15.2

12.5

11.0

6.7

17.0

59.8

43.7

11.2

195.1


Overseas

-

-

-

6.5

18.5

21.4

26.1

66.0

131.5

39.7

309.6


Total Sales

0.3

17.7

15.2

19.0

29.5

28.1

43.1

125.8

175.2

50.9

504.7




*One Unit = 1.000 vehicles
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ಮಂಗಳವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 6, 2006

BRABUS Tuning for the Updated Version of the new Mercedes E-Class

Concurrent with the market introduction of the newly updated version of the Mercedes E-Class BRABUS (www.brabus.com) already offers an extensive tuning program for all E-Class models.

E 350: A displacement increase of the four-valve engine of the E 350 model to 4.0 liters bumps power output to 332 hp / 244 kW and peak torque to 420 Nm.

E 500: For the new four-valve V8 engine of the latest Mercedes E 500 model the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. It develops a maximum power output of 462 hp / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm, a peak torque of 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm.

Equipped with this engine the Mercedes E 500 exhibits markedly more temperament. Sprint time to 100 km/h is shortened to 4.8 seconds. In combination with the BRABUS V/max unit that eliminates the standard 250-km/h speed limit top speed increases to 305 km/h.

E 320 CDI: The BRABUS PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning kit unleashes the true power inherent in the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the E 320 CDI - without sacrificing built-in safety reserves.

With BRABUS PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning power output jumps from standard 224 hp / 165 kW to 272 hp / 200 kW at just 3,800 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from normally 540 Nm to 590 Nm. Performance is on a correspondingly high level: The tuned E 320 CDI sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The new top speed is 250 km/h.

Tyres: The choice of BRABUS tire/wheel combinations for the updated E-Class ranges from one-piece 8.5Jx17 Monoblock A wheels with general certificate to the high-tech version with 9Jx20 wheels on the front axle and 10.5Jx20 rims in the rear. This combination was custom-developed by the BRABUS suspension engineers for the new E-Class and is available with multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock V and VI wheels as well as with the new Monoblock S rims. As optimal tires BRABUS selected high-performance tires from Pirelli and Yokohama in sizes 245/30 ZR 20 in front and 285/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Suspension: Extensive tests were conducted to develop sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions for the updated W/S 211 series. For the four- and six-cylinder models with conventional springs the BRABUS tuning program includes lowering springs or sport suspensions calibrated to the various vehicle weights.

For all air-sprung E-Class models BRABUS offers a suspension module that lowers the ride height of sedan and wagon by some 20 millimeters. BRABUS high-performance brake systems are available for the E-Class in three different versions.

Exterior: BRABUS also offers custom-tailored stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with two or four chromed tailpipes for all engine variants of the new Mercedes E-Class generation.

To add sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the modified Mercedes E-Class - sedan or wagon - the BRABUS designers have developed an elegantly shaped aerodynamic-enhancement kit manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality.

The production front bumper can be upgraded with custom-tailored BRABUS headlight inserts with two fog lamps and two high beams. In addition the designers have developed a front spoiler that reduces lift on the front axle and thus further optimizes directional stability at high speeds.

The BRABUS rocker panels give both body styles a longer, sleeker appearance and offer an interesting additional feature: Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on a door handle activates entrance lights integrated into the underside. They illuminate the ground on both sides of the E-Class for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

In combination with the BRABUS sport exhaust the strikingly shaped BRABUS rear apron, also available for sedan and wagon, rounds out the sporty yet elegant appearance.

Interiors: Luxurious and customized interiors are yet another BRABUS specialty. The list of options includes stainless-steel door sills, ergonomically shaped safety steering wheels with air bag and even an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior handcrafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The BRABUS design team has further developed special covers for the backs of the front seats that extend all the way up to the headrests. These consoles are designed to house seven-inch LCD-monitors with 16:9 ratio and an integrated DVD player.

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Peugeot 207 “Sexy Lady – Bug” Commercial

This is the pan European tv add of Peugeot’s 207 model, which shows us how sexy you can feel in their new supermini. Just to prove it, the French put two Love Bugs in the car. See what happens…



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ಸೋಮವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 5, 2006

Top Gear drives Prodrive’s P2 Coupe Concept

Remember the Prodrive Impreza WRX STi based, P2 Coupe Concept (see here Carscoop:)? Well, Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear got his hands on the 345 hp prototype and gave it a spin -luckily for Prodrive, he managed to bring it back without so even scratching it...

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2007 Seat Leon Cupra to Make World Debut At British Motor Show

SEAT has announced that the new Leon Cupra will make its world premiere at this year’s British International Motor Show on Tuesday 18th July.. The new hot hatch which will wear an updated version of VW Group’s 2.0 TFSI engine producing over 225Hp.

The Leon Cupra is the most potent embodiment of the SEAT brand, combining appealing design, sporty dynamics and high performance in a package that is set to offer the same great value as its illustrious predecessor. It will sit at the top of the SEAT Leon range.

It was decided that the British Show would be the ideal opportunity to reveal the new Leon Cupra, ahead of its arrival in UK Dealerships at the start of 2007. Hot hatches are big news in the UK, with Brits buying more than in any other country – indeed, the UK was by far the biggest market for the outgoing Cupra R model.

The announcement regarding the London debut was made by Dr Giuseppe Tartaglione, Executive Vice-President for Sales & Marketing, SEAT S.A., at the Madrid Motor Show last week. SEAT also used the occasion of Spain’s major international motor show to launch the Leon FR, which, along with the even quicker Cupra, will account for a sizeable proportion of Leon sales in the UK market.

Further details of the new Leon Cupra will be revealed closer to its world debut.

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ಶನಿವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 3, 2006

The largest BMW “kidney grille” exhibits at the Narita Airport in Japan

While munching on peanuts and drinking soda in the Narita airport 1st passenger terminal in Japan you can now catch a glimpse of the dynamic world view of BMW cars in the “more than life size” kidney grille. This enormous grille (standing at a height of 2.3m and a width of 3.8m) includes two television monitors which are installed inside the "kidney grille".

Top Gear’s German Pit-Bull Race: Mercedes McLaren SLR vs Porsche Carrera GT

The Brits over at “Top Gear” got a hold of two of the fastest German supercars ever manufactured and put the dynamic duo in a pit-bull race. Who wins? Take a look at the video below…

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ಶುಕ್ರವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 2, 2006

Chery V5 MPV

Chery has unveiled a new MPV model, called the V5 at the Hangzhou Motor Show in China. It will go on sale in China in June, and this will probably be one of the first models to be offered in the North American market.

The V5, which was originally unveiled at the 2004 Beijing Auto Show under the code name B14 is a 6-7-seater MPV developed with independent intellectual property rights. Chery was assisted by Lotus Engineering and a couple of Italian companies in the development of the new vehicle.

The V525 is the first member of the V5 family, powered by a 2350 cc locally-sourced Mitsubishi engine, capable of 130 kW / 5500 rpm and 198 Nm / 3000 rpm.

The car rides on a 2800 mm (110.2-in.) long platform. Main dimensions are: 4662 x 1820 x 1590 mm (183.5 x 71.6 x 62.6-in.). Standard equipment includes four airbags, ABS + EBD and traction control systems, electrically operated windows, GPS navigation, DVD player etc.

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Volkswagen Golf FSI & TDI Engine Commercial - Funny!

Yet another good commercial from Volkswagen. Maybe its time we rethought the general attitude towards German humor! Watch the kid playing with his toy Golf TDI and…

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2007 Opel – Vauxhall Corsa Five-Door

The new five-door Opel – Vauxhall Corsa, revealed in these pictures for the first time, is set to make its debut alongside the three-door version at this year’s British International Motorshow in London.

The five-door offers the stylish design and driving dynamics of the sporty three-door model, but with added practicality that makes it more versatile than the average five-door supermini.

The bold, flowing lines of the five-door Opel Corsa have a strong, powerful appearance, yet despite its road presence the newcomer is only slightly larger than its predecessor – 183mm longer, 61mm wider and 52mm taller. It has a deliberately different look to the three-door, which is aimed at a younger, sportier market.

GM Europe’s design chief Bryan Nesbitt said; “Dynamics and functionality are not mutually exclusive. Our new five-door Opel Corsa, like its big brother Astra, renders a completely unique design for the three-door versus the five-door. In short, these are tailor-made cars for different types of customer.”

Inside, New Opel Corsa five-door inherits the stylish cabin design of the three-door, with the same translucent dials on some models and an equally smart fascia. As well as more passenger space than the outgoing car, the boot can carry up to 1,100 litres with the seats down.

The excellent luggage space comes thanks to a clever new system known as ‘DualFloor’, where the load bay can be set on two different height levels thanks to a removable top floor panel. When removed, the top panel can be used as a vertical divider to separate the load bay into two sections, helping to prevent shopping from rolling around the load bay.

A further innovation is ‘FlexFix’ – an integral carrier system similar to that shown on the 2004 Opel Trixx concept car. Available as an option on all new Opel Corsas, FlexFix is pulled out from the rear bumper of the car like a drawer and can safely carry two bicycles, yet completely retracts into the bumper when not in use.

These flexible innovations complement other examples of Vauxhall’s latest technology, which will be offered across the range, including halogen AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), Cornering Brake Control and an optional Panorama sunroof.

Five-door versions of new Opel Corsa will have an identical engine line-up to the three-door, with 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as Vauxhall’s award-winning 1.3-litre CDTi common-rail diesel, producing 70 or 90PS. An all-new 1.7-litre CDTi unit with 125PS will also be on offer, and will provide a perfect blend of performance and fuel economy.

Prices and specifications for both three and five-door versions of New Opel Corsa will be announced when the model debuts at the British International Motor Show in July.

Dimensions

Length

3.999 mm

Width

1.707 mm

Height

1.494 mm

Luggage space

285-1.100 litres

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ಮಂಗಳವಾರ, ಮೇ 30, 2006

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R


A “mini” EVO? Well, not exactly as the new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R is basically a tuned up Colt Turbo. Ralliart has given the Japanese compact hatch an aggressive look with a new body kit.

The mechanical changes –from what I can read from the translated kit, seem to be located in the stiffened suspension, the bigger brake discs (from the European Colt Turbo) and a new exhaust system that slightly improves the 1.5 Turbocharged engine (154PS/6000rpm, torque 21.4kg-m/3500rpm).The Ralliart Version-R kit is also available with Mitsubishi’s compact MPV edition of the Colt, Colt Plus.

If you still think that this hot hatch is underrated, Ralliart has the answer for you as Mitusbishi’s official tuner has a bag of tricks that upgrade the car’s appearance and –or- its dynamics.

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Top Gear gets its hands on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Yet another great video from Top Gear testing the all new 520 hp 2007 Porsche Cayenne Turbo in Cyprus. But wait –what's that helicopter doing there…?

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GM names Troy Clarke as new North America president. Nick Reilly to Succeed Clarke as President of GM Asia Pacific

Troy Clarke has been appointed president of GM North America and GM group vice president, effective July 1, General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today.

Clarke, president of GM Asia Pacific since 2004, will work closely with Wagoner in implementing the GMNA turnaround plan, and will oversee day-to-day operations of GM's largest sales region. Wagoner has been leading GMNA since April 2005 to develop and drive the region's turnaround strategy.

"While much work remains to be done, we have reached several significant milestones in our turnaround plan over the past year," Wagoner said. "This is the right time to turn the region's day-to-day operations over to Troy, who has the experience and skills to help lead the GMNA team as it continues this unprecedented restructuring. Troy has a track record of success in general management, manufacturing and labor relations in the United States and globally, which will be invaluable in his new assignment."

Wagoner said he and his senior leadership team will continue to be actively involved in executing the next key steps in the GMNA turnaround plan, including a successful resolution of the Delphi reorganization; completion of the accelerated attrition and capacity-reduction programs, and achievement of the $7 billion structural cost-reduction target; flawless launches of key new cars, trucks and advanced technologies; and ongoing refinement and acceleration of GM's brand and product-focused marketing strategy.

David "Nick" Reilly, a GM vice president and president and CEO of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. in South Korea, will replace Clarke as president of GM Asia Pacific and will become a GM group vice president, also effective July 1. Reilly also will succeed Clarke as chairman of the GMDAT Board of Directors. A replacement for Reilly as CEO of GMDAT will be announced at a later date.

"Nick has demonstrated his managerial strength, most recently in growing GM Daewoo into a profitable enterprise that has quickly become a key part of our global expansion plans, well in advance of what was generally expected," Wagoner said. "The success of GM Daewoo is a tribute to Nick's leadership and commitment."

Vice Chairman John Devine, 62, who announced in December that he planned to retire this year, has decided to make his retirement effective June 1, Wagoner said.

"We all owe John a tremendous debt of gratitude for his vast contributions to GM over the past five years," Wagoner said. "John took on a number of challenging and important assignments during his tenure as vice chairman and chief financial officer. His extensive experience and expertise in the auto business, along with the respect he enjoys on Wall Street, enabled him to contribute to our turnaround in an exceptional manner."

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Toyota Recalls 1 million cars globally

Toyota announced on Tuesday that it would recall a total of about 1 million vehicles globally to replace faulty intermediate shafts and sliding yokes that could cause drivers to lose control of the steering wheel -although the company said it didn't receive any reports of accidents from the defects.

According to the statement, subject to the recall are a total of 565,756 vehicles (Allex, Isis, Wish, Prius, Corolla, Corolla Runx, Corolla Fielder, Corolla Spacio, and Ractis) manufactured between September 2002 and November 2005. A Toyota spokesman said the recall would also cover about 400,000 units overseas.

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Bugatti Veyron Doors vs Tom Cruise = Mission Impossible…

This is a no comment video …just hilarious!

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Maserati MC12 Corsa : The 1.000.000 euro car

Maserati announced the production of the MC12 Corsa, a supercar build-to-order for a select number of Maserati clients. Total production of the Maserati MC12 Corsa will not exceed 12 units worldwide.

The MC12 Corsa has been developed from the MC12 GT1 type which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup, and will allow its owners to test their driving capability in the most exclusive gentlemen drivers’ environment. It will be used exclusively on track during private test sessions - or exhibition activities organised by Maserati. It will not be homologated for road use or for any racing activities.

The Maserati MC12 Corsa – living testimony of Maserati’s ability to individually tailor-make specially produced high-tech cars - will be on sale at the price of 1,000,000 Euros (plus tax) starting from next Autumn. Available in the official Maserati “Blue Victory” color, it can be personalized upon request with several optional items, starting from a different colour upon request by the client.

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ಸೋಮವಾರ, ಮೇ 29, 2006

Volkswagen Eos "5th Gear" Test Video

Nice first drive video of the all new Volkswagen Eos Coupe-Cabrio from the guys over "5th Gear" during the official presentation of the car in Athens. So is VW's new hard top worth the fuss? Click below to find out “5th Gears” first impressions.

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Opel Astra Twin Top Commercial

This commercial of the Opel Astra Twin Top –Vauxhall in GB, is airing in the UK. It shows the coupe-cabrio version of the Astra as a surfer puting a fight in sea.

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Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed for road and track

In October, Porsche will launch the new 911 GT3 RS in Europe while sales for the North American market will start from March 2007.

The GT3 RS is distinguished by its performance capability and an unadulterated driving experience similar to that of a racing car. But while particularly suited for use on the track, the car also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars.

The reference "RS" will quicken the pulse of Porsche connoisseurs. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the 1991 Type 964 911 RS were also sports cars that stood out on account of their extreme degree of maneuverability and handling. That tradition is continued with the new 911 GT3 RS. In common with its predecessors, it provides an homologation model for use in a range of racing series.

The powerful, normally aspirated engine boasts a displacement of 3.6-litres to generate 305kW (415 bhp) at 7,600rpm. Maximum revs are reached at 8,400rpm. The power output per litre of engine capacity is 115.3 bhp. These figures are shared with the recently-announced 911 GT3, but bespoke drivetrain components in the RS ensures it puts in an even better performance. Thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and 20kg lower vehicle weight, the engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100kph (62mph) in 4.2 seconds. That's one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. And it takes just 13.3 seconds to hit to 200kph (124mph). Maximum speed is 310kph (187mph).

One characteristic of the new RS is the body, which is 44mm wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models with which it shares its shell) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip of the two-seater coupe.

Despite its specialised body, the RS is 20kg lighter than the GT3, weighing in at just 1375kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fibre wing, the use of a plastic rear lid and a lightweight plastic rear window. As a consequence, the corresponding engine power to kerb weight ratio is over 300bhp per tonne.

With a view to the registration regulations for the important GT motor racing championships as future fields of application, the road version of the GT3 RS features technical attributes that will also appear in the racing version. These solutions will include the design of the entire wheel carrier and split wishbones on the rear axle, in addition to the carbon fibre components of the body.

The interior of the 911 GT3 RS lives up to the vehicle's sporting aspirations: two lightweight bucket seats made of carbon fibre composite materials come as standard, together with a bolted-in roll cage and pre-wiring for a battery master switch. A six-point seatbelt for the driver and a fire extinguisher are also provided. Internal trims are black, with the roof lining, steering wheel and gear stick trimmed in high-quality Alcantara leather.

The available exterior paint finishes are Arctic Silver metallic or Black; as an option, the GT3 can also be obtained in Orange or Green. All vehicle insignia and the wheels themselves are styled in orange or black to contrast with the body paintwork.

The retail price for the 911 GT3 RS is £94,280, including a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and a Porsche Driving Experience programme.

The basic price for the 911 GT3 RS is €111,600 (excluding country-specific requirements). In Germany, the coupe costs €129,659 including sales tax. The GT3 RS will also be available for sale on the North American market from March 2007.

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ಗುರುವಾರ, ಮೇ 25, 2006

2007 Toyota Avensis Facelift - Official Pictures

Toyota brings some welcome positive news for the UK’s car manufacturing industry with the unveiling today of its new, British-built 2007 Avensis range at the Madrid Motor Show.

The new Avensis has fresh styling inside and out, increasing its dynamic and premium quality appeal. It also benefits from two new engines from Toyota’s latest generation of clean, efficient and refined D-4D common rail diesel units.

They are the 175hp D-4D 180, which exclusively powers a new flagship Avensis T180 model, and the D-4D 130, a more powerful replacement for the previous 2.0-litre D-4D engine, with additional gains in fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions.

The new Avensis also delivers improved handling and ride, thanks to a series of detail revisions in the steering and suspension systems. The full range of saloon, hatchback and Tourer models will go on sale in Europe on 1 July. Pricing and specifications will be announced nearer that date. Click on the pictures to enlarge:

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