All The Car

The new Lamborghini LP 640 Versace is presented during the press days at the Paris Motor Show


An Eclectic electro-sun powered vehicle


Ferrari vice president Piero Ferrari, Ferrari chief executive Amideo Felisa and Fiat chairman Sergio Marchionne pose in front of a Ferrari GTB Fiorano 599.


A Venturi Astrolab Solar Commuter is presented during the press days at the Paris Motor Show.


The Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT is presented during the press days at the Paris Motor Show.


A creation "Totem-Mobile" by artist Chico Mac Murtie from New York for French car maker Citroen.


A Suzuki project concept is presented by senior executive officer Toshihiro Suzuki at the Paris Motor Show.


President of Japanese auto maker Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko poses with unidentifed rally drivers in front of a Pajero at the Paris Motor Show


Ford Motor Corporation's Fordiosis X concept car is seen at the Paris Motor Show


Ford Mondeo: a sign of what's to come in the 2008 Falcon.

Thursday, October 05, 2006 4:31 AM | Comments

American Suzuki Shows Full Line, 'Hip Hop' Concept Vehicle at 2006 Orange County Auto Show

With an array of vehicles designed to meet the needs of consumers'' active lifestyles, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the 2006 Orange County Auto Show with its full line of exciting cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).

In addition to Suzuki''s full-line of vehicles on display at the show, Southern California auto enthusiasts will be treated to a look at the Suzuki "Hip Hop" Grand Vitara, a concept vehicle designed in conjunction with SiTV, an English-language Latino cable network, to reflect the hip hop music "Way of Life."

"American Suzuki rolls into the Orange County Auto Show poised for an impressive 2007
campaign," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "We are coming off a record-setting year led by the popular Grand Vitara and top-selling Forenza family of vehicles, and we''re set to continue the momentum into the next model year with the XL7 and SX4."

The XL7 and SX4 add to the momentum of an extraordinary time in Suzuki''s history with last year''s launch of the completely redesigned Grand Vitara and record sales for the first nine months of 2006. Year-to-date sales of Suzuki cars and SUVs in the United States through September 2006 are up 28 percent over the same period last year.

Suzuki''s diverse vehicle line offers something for everyone with standout virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America''s #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

1:01 AM | Comments

Hyundai Rolls Out First Models with Standard XM Satellite Radio

Hyundai and XM Satellite Radio, the nation''s leading satellite radio service, today announced production of the first Hyundai vehicles with standard, factory-installed XM Satellite Radio. The first all-new 2007 Santa Fe equipped with standard XM Satellite Radio was produced today at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) in Montgomery.

The Santa Fe is the first of four Hyundai models to add XM Satellite Radio as a standard feature to all audio systems this year. Others include the 2007 Sonata, Azera and Elantra. Every 2007
Hyundai equipped with XM Satellite Radio also comes with a three-month complimentary subscription. These vehicles mark the beginning of Hyundai''s aggressive rollout of XM Radio as a standard feature in all audio systems of its U.S. vehicles.

"We are pleased to offer Hyundai buyers access to XM Satellite Radio''s industry-leading technology and programming as a standard feature across our 2007 Santa Fe model line," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America''s vice- president of product development and strategic planning. "Beginning with Santa Fe, Hyundai buyers can enjoy superb quality and value right along with the best possible in-car entertainment experience coast-to-coast."

"Hyundai has raised the bar in combining great styling with convenience, comfort, safety and technology features in their new model line," said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. "The Santa Fe marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between XM and Hyundai, one of the fastest-growing car companies in the world."

The first production vehicle to come from Hyundai''s U.S. design center, the Santa Fe is completely new for 2007 and packed with high-value features, including a choice of fuel-efficient V6 powertrains, segment-leading standard safety technologies, and for the first time ever, an optional third-row Seat -- all for a lower MSRP than its predecessor. Superior consumer value and appeal is a Hyundai hallmark, and adding award-winning XM Satellite Radio as an integral part of the standard features package is just one way that every Hyundai will deliver on the brand promise.

12:54 AM | Comments

Eight universities to hold Chevy Aveo "Livin' Large" Campus Challenge

Two-student teams from eight universities across the U.S. will be selected to participate in the challenge of a lifetime to win a new 2007 Chevrolet Aveo by staying in continuous contact with the car for five days and demonstrating just how large a lifestyle they can lead in the car by attracting as much in-person and online attention as possible.

Students will compete in the Chevy Aveo “Livin’ Large” Campus Challenge October 23 – 27 with teams from seven other universities to rack up the most online votes through the creativity, ingenuity and sheer entertainment value they exhibit during the week to persuade people to go online to vote for them.

The contestants, who must be in good academic standing, will be able to leave the car only to
attend class and for periodic bio-breaks. The remainder of the time they must be in the car or be touching it. Web cams mounted both inside and outside the car will stream video footage to www.Aveolivinlarge.com so web surfers can see what the contestants are doing and vote for their favorite team. Contestants also are expected to help direct traffic to the “Livin’ Large” site through their personal Facebook and MySpace Web pages.

“Challengers will be left to their own devices to secure items they’ll need to get through the week,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “This may mean relying on friends, classmates or even strangers to bring them pizza, a bottle of water or a sweater. This campaign is all about creativity and how college students can live large in an Aveo, demonstrating how the Aveo perfectly fits the lifestyle of a college student.”

To keep things interesting contestants are encouraged to stage creative and entertaining activities from the Aveo to draw traffic to the car and the “Livin’ Large” web site where viewers can vote for their favorite team.

“The more interesting they make their five days in the Aveo, the more likely they are to rack up votes from viewers across the country and even around the world,” said Peper. “We’ll also stage daily contests where the students will compete in real-time challenges.”

At the end of five days, votes will be tallied, and the students on the team with the most votes will each win a brand new 2007 Chevy Aveo. The winning contestants’ university also will be awarded a car.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006 3:16 PM | Comments

Forty Seat Toledos 'patrolling' streets of Barcelona

Some forty Seat Toledos, equipped with state-of-the art police security technology, are already patrolling the streets of Barcelona as part of the City Police –Guardia Urbana– vehicle fleet. The cars are part of the new equipment supplied to this Barcelona police force, and were publicly unveiled last Friday, together with the force’s new shield, on the occasion of St. Raphael Archangel’s day, the force’s patron saint.

The official ceremony took place at Barcelona’s emblematic Arco del Triunfo (Triumphal Arch), and was attended by Jordi Hereu, Barcelona’s mayor, together with Ferran Julián, councillor for the city’s Law Enforcement Department, as well as representatives of the Guardia Urbana amongst other personalities. Seat was represented by Ramón Paredes, the company’s Vice President for Human Resources, and Benjamín González, Sales & Marketing Manager for
Catalonia, the Levant, Murcia and Aragon.

SEAT’s Vice President for Human Resources underscored the importance of Barcelona City Hall’s acquisition of units of this model for the Guardia Urbana “since it reaffirms the close collaboration of the brand with the official entities of the city, as an expression of its concern to further strengthen the links already existing with local administration”.

The vehicle chosen as a patrol car is the 105-hp, 1.9 TDI Seat Toledo. What the Guardia Urbana appreciated most when choosing the Seat Toledo to form part of its fleet of patrol cars was not only the vehicle’s high standards of quality and safety, but also its versatility and load capacity, in view of the large amount of equipment this particular police force carries around when patrolling.

This is not the first time that Seat models have been chosen as official vehicles by different official bodies. Since the end of 2005, some 500 Seat Alteas –first exponent of the new generation of the brand’s models– have been in service as patrol cars for the Catalan Autonomous Police Force

3:13 PM | Comments

Always Ready: "Flex-Fix" Also in New Opel Antara

Following the successful world premiere of the integrated rear carrier system “Flex-Fix” in the new Corsa, Opel will offer this innovative, exclusive extra with the new Antara as of early 2007. The four-wheel drive crossover Antara is currently debuting at the Paris Motor Show and will be available at Opel dealerships in a few weeks.

Having already established the interior flexibility benchmark with the Zafira’s patented “Flex7” seating system, Opel now sets new standards in exterior on-board flexibility with the practical Flex-Fix system. It can carry up to two bicycles and be easily pulled out like a drawer from the rear bumper, so no tools are needed at
all. Two major benefits compared to conventional bicycle carriers are the more convenient loading, as bicycles do not need to be lifted as high, and the fact that Flex-Fix is always available, because it is an integral part of the car.

Quick and spontaneous

Owners of SUVs and crossovers like the Antara are often active people who want to transport bicycles, just like the Corsa’s young target group. This is where the spontaneity and versatility of Opel’s Flex-Fix perfectly matches the needs of these customers. It is capable of transporting loads of 40 kilograms and is suitable for standard bicycle tire sizes of 18 − 28 inches.

In the Trixx concept car at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, Opel first presented the idea of increasing car cargo capacity with a permanently integrated carrier system that disappears into the body when not in use.

But there was still much work to be done before it could be used in a production car; all important car design specifications, such as crash safety, had to be met without compromise, and the system had to be quick and easy to use, requiring no prior technical knowledge.

Tough tests before use in production cars

As the Flex-Fix system is an integral part of the vehicle, it must conform to Opel’s strict requirement that it last the car’s lifetime. The steel parts are therefore not only galvanized, but are also primed via cataphoresis and protected by a resilient topcoat to withstand years of abuse from grit and road salt

3:09 PM | Comments

BMW Creates 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible and Ultimate Driving Experience for 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Christmas is coming early this year, as BMW and Neiman Marcus partner to create the ultimate driving fantasy. BMW is offering, exclusively through the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible. The luxury convertible comes with a custom Ruby Black exterior finish accented with an interior with Piano Black trim elements, power sports seats wrapped in our custom Gold Brown shade of supple BMW Individual Merino leather, and M-radial spoke alloy wheel. The car also comes fully equipped with an incredible 11-speaker Surround Sound stereo and six-disc CD changer. Only 50 of these custom-made automobiles, including the once-in-a-lifetime driving experience, will be available for purchase in this year''s Christmas Book for $139,000.

As if the car itself wasn''t enough, BMW is offering these fortunate fifty Neiman Marcus customers the pinnacle of the "ultimate driving experience." Each gift opportunity features an
exclusive European adventure in which the purchaser takes delivery of their new M6 Convertible directly from the factory and drives on to tour the Bavarian countryside. And for the serious BMW- enthusiast, each customer will have the opportunity to meet with the automaker''s famous car designers, and be given a private tour of the BMW factory in Munich. Also included in the package are two round-trip business class tickets on Lufthansa(R) to Munich, Germany, gourmet meals, and luxurious accommodations for four nights. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery. The trip is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Bold and uncompromising, the BMW Individual M6 Convertible stands alone. The unmistakable roar of its 5.0-liter, V-10 engine delivering 500 horsepower at your command and the precision handling, M Variable Differential Lock, and Electronic Damping Control make every trip extraordinary. Its on-board computer, GPS navigation, and Voice Command System merge driver and auto into one intelligent entity. At the heart of this incredible machine is a Formula 1 inspired, V-10 engine with 10 individual throttle butterflies capable of revving up to 8,250 rpm thanks to its sophisticated design and knock control systems. Coupled to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Transmission with Drivelogic(R), it can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 exhilarating seconds.

A photo and description of the Limited Edition M6 Convertible appears on page 97 of the 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The opportunity to learn more and order this magnificent machine and experience begins at 12 noon EDT on Wednesday, October 18th when you call 1-866-303-2696. Interested buyers are encouraged to program their speed dial now. After all, who wouldn''t want to be first in line for this year''s hottest Christmas gift?

4:39 AM | Comments

Mitsubishi 'i' takes Good Design Gold Prize in Good Design Awards 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the "i", which was developed as an innovative Premium Small Car, has been awarded the Good Design Gold Prize and the new eK Wagon a Good Design Award in the Good Design Awards 2006 run by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization.

Already winner of the Good Design Gold Prize the "i" has also been nominated for the Good Design Grand Prize that is awarded to the most outstanding entry in all award categories.

The Good Design Awards, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, screens entries from all
fields of human activity from the viewpoint that design is a required element in all fields of everyday life and of industry.

Good Design Special Prizes

Good Design Special Prizes are awarded to Good Design Award candidates judged to have particularly outstanding design qualities from the perspective of the contribution they make in terms of social, cultural and everyday life values. The Special Prizes comprise: Good Design Grand Award, Good Design Gold Award, Universal Design Award, Interaction Design Award and Ecology Design Award. The 15 winners of the Grand and Gold Awards are referred to as the Good Design Awards Best 15 in recognition of the distinguishing excellence of their designs.

Good Design Gold Award (conferred by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry)

This prize is awarded to those entries in each category that are judged to have design qualities of particularly outstanding excellence.

• "i" (launched in January 2006)The Grand Prize winner will be selected from the 15 Gold Award candidates in a vote on the day of Good Design Awards presentation ceremony, October 25.

Good Design Award

Good Design Awards are presented to products and corporate activities selected for their superior design qualities in a screening process conducted by a jury of specialists.

4:33 AM | Comments

Kia Motors America Sets New September Sales Record

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a new September sales record of 23,877 units, a 2.0-percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales also improved over last year''s record numbers, totaling 221,998 units for Kia, a 2.6-percent increase.

"Kia continues to build momentum with another month of record sales," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "With the new auto show season on the way, keep an eye out for more exciting product from Kia."

The Kia Sorento posted a strong September with 5,582 units sold. The Kia Sportage also sold well with 3,178 units.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.

4:25 AM | Comments

Mitsubishi launches new Pajero

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the Japanese market launch of the fully redesigned Pajero SUV at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan on October 4. The company has sold some 2.5 million Pajeros in over 170 countries and regions since its introduction in 1982. Pajero has established a rock-firm reputation among customers as an all-round sport-utility vehicle that delivers go-anywhere off-road performance with the high-speed cruising performance and comfort of a sedan. Tax inclusive prices for short body models range from 2,415,000 yen to 3,486,000 yen and for long body models from 2,625,000 yen to 4,368,000 yen.

During development the 4th-generation Pajero underwent a full range of testing programs subjecting it to the harshest conditions imaginable. These included simulated compatibility
testing at 2,500 m in the European Alps and minus 40-degree temperatures in Northern Europe, as well as actual off-road driving in African desert and Australian outback conditions. Enhancing its off-road capabilities and durability further, the new Pajero also benefits from technologies and know-how fed back from the Dakar Rally, the most grueling endurance rally in the world.

The new Pajero retains the all-round independent suspension and Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) driveline introduced in the 3rd-generation model to give it unmatched go-anywhere capabilities over all surfaces. New technologies distinguishing the new model include an upgraded Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system that can accommodate the installation of a new rear differential lock, a weight-reducing aluminum engine hood, and stiffer body joins and use of more plated steel sheet for improved durability and reliability. A new sound system and classy uptown interior also contribute to making the new Pajero a premium-value global-standard all-round SUV.

The new Pajero also brings significant improvements in safety and environmental performance. Dual-stage SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact and curtain airbags and other new passive safety measures earn the new Pajero the equivalent of a 6-star JNCAP rating in in-house testing. In terms of environmental performance all models achieve 3-star emission ratings with levels that are 50% below the Japanese 2005 Emission Standard requirements. The new Pajero also meets in advance the standards laid down in JAMA''s Voluntary Vehicle Interior VOC Reduction Initiative for new cars introduced in and after April 2007 and levels of hexavalent chromium, lead, Mercury and other environment-loading substances have also been substantially reduced. The new Pajero boasts significantly better build and finish quality with the introduction of Mitsubishi''s In-stage Quality Creation (ISQC) system on the assembly line.

4:21 AM | Comments

Renault is unveiling its new Nepta concept car, a four-seater cabriolet with fluid lines and a thoroughbred profile. The low-slung body shape is an expression of elegance and movement, while the spacious and comfortable interior has all the hallmarks of a top-end model. Nepta is a dynamic four-seater GT cabriolet, offering performance at the wheel that is worthy of a prestige sedan.

Renault Nepta is a combination of the dream car and the love of fine mechanical engineering. The motor-driven gull wing doors open to reveal the interior and the engine, which is elegantly housed in its compartment. The centrally positioned door hinges are covered by polished aluminium panels representing a shooting star that runs the full length of the front bonnet, contributing to the impression of movement that the body shell creates.

Nepta’s longitudinally mounted 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine is the embodiment of pleasure at the wheel. This 420hp powerplant takes just 4.9 seconds to reach 100kph from a standing start. Coupled to the seven-speed automatic gearbox with flick-shift controls mounted on the steering wheel, this direct injection petrol engine combines an outstanding drive with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:01 PM | Comments

Nissan bring form concept car QASHQAI to market

One of the less-thrilling cars unveiled this month is the ridiculously monikered Nissan QASHQAI.

Pronounced "cash-kai", the vehicle first debuted as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004. It will finally go on sale as a watered down production car in February next year, and considering the striking looks of Nissan's Murano soft-roader, the QASHQAI looks rather dull.

It will be competing directly with the likes of the new Honda CR-V - debuting at the Paris Motor Show later this month - and represents another attempt to consolidate an average passenger car with a 4x4. But it will also be pitted against vehicles such as the Corolla Verso, Ford C-Max and other MPV-type vehicles. So what we're promised is a vehicle with car-like handling but added practicality.

Four engine options will be available: 1.5 and 2.0 diesel units; and 1.6 and 2.0 petrol versions. Both 2.0 engines will be available with a 4x4 system. There will also be a choice of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, as well as six-speed auto and continually variable transmission (CVT) option with manual mode.

It will at least be built in Sunderland and will actually be exported back to Japan - where it will be known as the Dualis - and to the other overseas markets. Nissan said they believed they would sell 100,000 QASHQAIs a year across Europe, of which 80% would go to customers who had never before bought one of their models.

11:58 AM | Comments

South Korea is to host a race on the coveted Formula 1 Grand Prix calendar from 2010, it was announced today.

A new circuit will be built in the South Cholla province of South Korea. The Herman Tilke designed 5.45km track is expected to cost in the region of £137 million.

Korea is one of the world’s largest car-exporting nations and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is keen to bring the F1 parade to as many previously neglected nations as possible. Turkey, China and Bahrain have all entered the Grand Prix fold in the last few years.

Ecclestone has tried previously to bring F1 to South Korea, striking a deal in 1996, but a promised track was never constructed.

11:51 AM | Comments

Hyundai release first pictures of the Arnejs concept car

Hyundai has released the first pictures of its stunning Arnejs (that's pronounced Ar-nez, car fans) concept, which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

It's the best clue yet as to what the company’s all new C-segment car will look like when it arrives in the UK next summer. The Arnejs concept car will be on display at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

Designed at Hyundai’s European research and design centre in Germany, the Arnejs builds on design elements first seen in the Genus concept at Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. A pokesman said the Arnejs marked "a further significant milestone in Hyundai’s development of a stronger brand identity". Whatever that means, it looks nice.

11:48 AM | Comments

Fiat Panda Panda and Multipla Multi-Eco Concept car

The two cars on show in Paris are further evidence of Fiat Auto’s concern for environmental protection, a fundamental principle behind model development in the company. The ‘Panda Panda’ that is due to go on sale next January and the ‘Multipla Multi-Eco’ concept car that combines an innovative powertrain architecture – consisting of an engine that can run on three different fuels i.e. petrol/methane/benzene + ethanol) - with the use of eco-compatible materials (recyclable or of natural origin) inside and outside. On the one hand, the Panda Panda extends the diverse range of petrol/methane dual fuel power units; on the other hand, the Multipla Multi-Ecoconfirms Fiat’s desire to carry on making breakthroughs in the field of alternative minimum environmental impact power unit research with a view to broadening its range of Natural Power power units.

The Tao symbol is a mark of universal harmony, beginning and end, yin and yang, black and white, male and female. A realm where opposites live together and enhance one another, respecting the rhythms and balance of nature. Customers who choose the Panda Panda love nature and respect it, although they wish to move in freedom. Opposites finally meet in the Panda Panda: driving satisfaction and low environmental impact, dual fuel and low fuel consumption. Twofold energy for a single movement.

Smart, practical, fun and environmentally sound: these are the distinctive features of the ‘Panda Panda’, the new minimum environmental impact vehicle equipped with a 52 bhp 1.2 engine with a dual petrol/methane fuel system.

This original Natural Power sets out to become the new benchmark in the sustainable urban mobility vehicle scenario. The Panda Panda is also even more innovative because it overcomes the drawbacks typical of methane cars. The floorpan, derived from the 4x4 version, incorporates two separate methane tanks, each with a capacity of 72 litres. The two tanks fitted in this way allow the same amount of room as on the original car for both passenger and luggage (more than 200 litres with the rear seats upright).

The 72 litre capacity allows a superior trip range that is about 300 kilometres using methane alone (20% more range than that offered by the Fiat Punto, for example). The fuel tank capacity remains unchanged compared to the petrol version (30 litres) thus ensuring peace of mind even where methane suppliers are thin on the ground.

The ‘Panda Panda’ confirms Fiat’s leadership in the methane sector and its continuous quest to find solutions that reconcile customer needs with the greatest respect for the environment. Methane vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 23% compared to the equivalent petrol vehicles and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions to practically zero. Emissions when the car is driven in methane mode amount to 114g of CO2/Km compared to 133g of CO2/Km in petrol mode (NEDC cycle).

The Panda Panda will also be available with a Dynamic specification to ensure that even the basic version of the car is packed with creature comforts and may be customised on the basis of individual requirements. The new Panda version is also ideal for small company fleets since it can be driven around freely in any city centre.

11:33 AM | Comments

Seat: a new model in the Altea range

With the arrival of the Seat Altea two years ago, the Spanish brand introduced a new generation of products, joined later by the Toledo and the León. Now, a new member has arrived to supplement the new Seat range: the Altea XL. A model which shares its siblings'' innovative and evocative design, combined with the character and sporty design inherent in any Seat car. In addition, it boasts enhanced interior functionality thanks to its generous dimensions.

After all, the XL, as its name suggests, is an Altea aimed at those customers who need more space than that offered by the current Altea dimensions. Anyone who was attracted by the Altea''s lines and sporty design, but who found it did not meet their needs, now has no excuse.

The new Altea XL is 18.7 centimetres longer than the Altea. The logical result of this is
significantly increased interior space, flexibility and load capacity. In the new model, load capacity has increased to 532 litres compared with 409 in the Altea. However, if the seats are moved forward 14 centimetres, the boot size increases to 635 litres: the largest in its class.

Aesthetically, the rear section of the Altea XL is what really sets it apart. A particularly striking feature are the generously sized rear lights which extend along the tailgate, giving it the robust appearance of an upmarket car. Also, elements such as the roof rails stand out, adding the feel of a family car to their unquestionable practicality.

As is only to be expected, the Seat Altea XL offers a high degree of safety, both active and passive. Active safety is assured by the ABS, TCS and ESP systems with emergency brake assistance. In addition to this, the previously mentioned Agile Chassis offers outstanding stability and performance for this type of vehicle.

When it comes to passive safety, the Altea XL boasts up to eight airbags: six as standard with rear side airbags as an option. In addition to the airbags, the Altea XL has other safety features such as three-point Seat belts or Isofix mountings for a child seat. As a member of the Altea family, the Altea XL has the maximum EuroNCAP passenger safety rating - 5 stars.

There is a choice of three equipment levels: Reference, Stylance and Sport-up.

All offer standard features such as air conditioning, MP3 radio with Aux-in and six speakers, tyre pressure monitoring, 16" steel wheels, black roof rails, cruise control and trip computer, electric windows front and rear, electric door mirrors with parking position, flexible luggage cover and height-adjustable driver''s seat, amongst others. In terms of safety, six airbags are offered as standard together with ABS and TCS from the Reference equipment level upwards

3:15 AM | Comments

Renault Twingo concept car - very wired
Renault’s new Twingo Concept car is more wired than most homes out there. The city car is inspired by youth culture and it shows. It has a USB port in the center console, and sockets for your iPod and your Nokia smartphone. There’s also a mixing deck built into the dashboard to help you get your freak on. The car has just a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine which kicks out 100 horsepower, so you won’t beat a real car off the line, but at least you’ll look good on the 17 inch dark chrome rims.

Monday, October 02, 2006 3:26 PM | Comments

Citroen C-Metisse Concept Unveiled at Paris
Citroën is unveiling C-Métisse at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Through this concept car, inspired by passion and reason, the Marque is exploring new paths dedicated to automotive pleasure. C-Métisse is a coupé of character, boasting a high level of on-board comfort and performance, while also respecting the environment.
Read article

3:17 PM | Comments

Paris Show: Peugeot 207 Spider Gives 20Cup Concept Some Legs
PARIS — At the Paris auto show, Peugeot is displaying the 207 Spider, a racecar with its own one-make series about to be launched by Peugeot Sport. The car is the offshoot of a pair of concept cars, called the 20Cup, introduced last year at the Frankfurt auto show.

Since Peugeot has suspended its rallying efforts, the company was looking for another place besides Le Mans to show the company's racing side. The new 207 Spider will fulfill this role.

Unlike the 20Cup, which was a three-wheeler, the new Spider has a more traditional four-wheel setup, with a rear-mounted turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine capable of 175 horsepower. The powertrain is standard, with the exception of the intake and exhaust systems. Several parts, including the steering and brakes, have been lifted from other Peugeot models. The car is built around a tubular chassis and complies with international sports-car regulations.

The 207 series will act as a "curtain raiser" to the five-round Le Mans Series, the company says.

What this means to you: It's always a good marketing idea to participate in a racing series that contains an inherent guarantee that your car will win.

3:03 PM | Comments

Conceive This: The Lancia Delta HPE Concept Car - VIDEO ENHANCED STORY
TURIN, Italy - September 28, 2006: The Lancia Delta HPE Concept Car, presented worldwide earlier this month at the 63rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival, takes its inspiration from the car concept embodied in the Lancia Beta HPE during the second half of the Seventies to offer an up-to-date take on the idea of a sporty yet practical saloon.
Click here to watch exterior video of this very attractive concept car.

2:57 PM | Comments

Official Look: Toyota Auris Concept Points to Next Corolla
The original Toyota Corolla, unveiled in 1966, helped the Japanese company become a global force to be reckoned with. Now the Auris will replace it, and the new model made its debut in the form of the Auris Space Concept at the Paris Motor Show.

More than 30 million Corollas were sold worlwide in the past four decades. Toyota's popular family car eclipsed the Ford Model T and the Volkswagen Beetle and Golf in total sales volumes. Now in its ninth generation, the Corolla is manufactured on four continents and sold almost everywhere.

Next spring comes a brand-new model to replace the Corolla, and the Auris Space Concept provides us a glimpse.

Designed by Toyota's European design studio, ED2, the Auris aims to become a more upmarket model than its predecessor. In the European market, it will compete against the Volkswagen Golf and the Alfa Romeo 147. Its styling inherited some cues from the new Yaris, but it also received some neat individual touches such as the interesting shape of the central console.

A few technical details had already been released; it is understood that there will be both hatchback and sedan versions.

Meanwhile, what of the Corolla name? Toyota Sales and Marketing Vice President Andrea Formica assures that Toyota "won't let such an important nameplate disappear."

What this means to you: Judging by the enthusiastic reaction at Paris, Toyota's new family car will offer one thing the Corolla never could: the ability to stir emotions.

1:20 PM | Comments

According to its makers, the WTCC Ultra concept car at this year's Paris Show "takes Chevrolet styling language to the extreme". They're not kidding. The Ultra is Chevrolet's idea of how Touring Car racers might look in the future, and it also serves as a useful reminder of the company's current involvement in the World Touring Car Championship, of which Chevrolet driver Rob Huff won a round in the Czech Republic earlier this month.

Externally, the concept is as aggressive as get out thanks to as many motorsport-inspired styling cues as could be packed in to the design. The story is the same inside, where the WTCC Ultra looks ready to take to the tracks as soon as it can get off the Paris Show stand.

Design Chief David Lyon says that, with this project, "we wanted to explore the concept of a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe." This overlooks - no doubt deliberately - the fact that Chevrolet muscle cars have nothing to do with the Chevrolets that are on sale in the UK these days, which owe pretty much all of their heritage to the cars formerly known as Daewoos.

There's certainly nothing all-American about the WTCC Ultra. In fact, it's a truly international piece of work. The initial concept and early design work come from the GM DAT Advanced Design Studio in South Korea, and the finalised exterior is the work of Ewan Kingsbury, a graduate of Coventry University now working for GM's Australian design department.

Kingsbury's colleague Breony Crittenden was responsible for the colour and materials, the design was co-ordinated by engineers in the US and Switzerland, and construction took place in Japan with help from British company Ray Mallock Ltd, which runs the World Touring Car team.

The result of this planetwide collaboration doesn't just look dramatic - it also actually goes. Power comes from a turbo diesel engine which will soon be launched in the Captiva SUV, though the Captiva won't share the Ultra WTCC's maximum power output of 187bhp.

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