All The Car

Shanghai General Motors is showcasing a brand new luxury saloon at this year’s international motor show in Beijing, Auto China 2006, which begins on November 18. The Cadillac SLS has been designed for the Chinese market and is based on the STS luxury saloon. The interior has been styled to meet the requirements of China’s primarily chauffeur-driven luxury segment and it has been lengthened by 100 mm to add extra rear seat legroom.

Cadillac has enjoyed remarkable success since its introduction to the Chinese luxury automotive market in 2004. The Cadillac China portfolio, consisting of the CTS saloon, the XLR roadster and the SRX crossover, will now be complemented by the new SLS.

“The Cadillac SLS is a very important addition to our line-up in China as it meets very specific market needs,” said Cadillac general manager, Jim Taylor. “Cadillac reacts to country specific requirements and is proud to offer the SLS to Chinese luxury customers who demand extra space in the rear and other features. At the start of 2006, we introduced the new BLS saloon to Europe and other international markets to satisfy the need for a smaller Cadillac and a turbodiesel engine.”

“The SLS is a strategic addition for Cadillac in China, which will enable the brand to strengthen its presence in the luxury saloon market,” said president of Shanghai GM, Mr Ding Lei.

The new SLS will be built at the Shanghai GM plant for the Chinese market. Three engine options will be available: 2.8L V6, 3.6L V6 and the range-topping Northstar 4.6L V8.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1:25 AM | Comments

Most of the 20 classic Cadillacs in this year’s LBVCR are regulars in the event, six of which date from 1903, a year after the Cadillac’s inception. Drivers and their passengers include a pharmacist, a professor of aerothermal technology and a journalist from the New York Times. Entrants will be travelling from as far as North Carolina, USA, giving the quintessentially British event a truly international flavour. The veteran vehicles, which collectively have an average cruising speed of 19 mph, include one that
was used in the 1953 film Genevieve, and several others with nicknames such as Bess, Madge and Geraldine that have been cherished by their owners for many years.

The LBVCR takes place on the first Sunday of November each year, commemorating the Emancipation Run of November 14, 1896, which celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act. The Act raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for such vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot carrying a red flag.

Further information on the 2006 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, including details of all entries, can be found on www.lbvcr.com.

1:14 AM | Comments

• World's first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon for everyday use, trendsetting model within the BMW 7 Series based on the BMW 760Li, milestone in achieving a new standard of mobility free of pollutants and with full sustainability.

• Complete integration of hydrogen technology in the process of series development, driving dynamics and motoring refinement typical of BMW, wide range of premium comfort features, production parallel to the BMW 7, 6, and 5 Series at BMW Plant Dingolfing.

• Dual-mode twelve-cylinder combustion engine for a long cruising range and superior driving dynamics, based on BMW's twelve-cylinder 6.0-litre gasoline engine featuring VALVETRONIC in the BMW 7 Series; maximum output 191 kW/260 hp, peak torque 390 Newton-metres/287 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm, acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.5 sec, top speed 230 km/h (143 mph), limited electronically.

• Direct fuel injection in the gasoline mode, external mixture formation with intake manifold injection in the hybrid mode, same engine output in both operating modes, smooth and consistent switchover with no time-lag from one operating mode to another, flexible engine management with VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS, innovative injection valves as key technology for hydrogen drive.

• Hydrogen tank accommodating approx 8 kilos of liquid hydrogen, gasoline tank with a capacity of 74 litres or 16.3 Imp gals, liquid hydrogen as drive energy for a long cruising range and a high standard of everyday use, more than 200 kilometres/125 miles cruising range on hydrogen plus 500 kilometres/310 miles on gasoline.

• Engine emits virtually nothing but vapour in the hydrogen mode, practical solution for rapid reduction of CO2 emissions and changeover to drive energy independent of fossil fuels, pacemaker for ongoing progress.

• Trendsetting vacuum super-insulation for the hydrogen tank, liquid hydrogen consistently and for a long time remaining at a temperature of - 253 °Celsius, same insulating effect as with a 17-metre-thick layer of styrofoam.

• Simple, clean and risk-free tank-filling process, tank filler manifold connected to liquid hydrogen filler pipe in the same way as with
a conventional fuel pump, tank manifold and filling process locked in position and conducted by system control.

• High powerdome as a clear sign of distinction highlighting BMW Hydrogen 7, clear reference to the high-rising engine modified in its dimensions
on account of hydrogen injection valves, weight- and crash-optimised combination of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and steel body components.

• Modifications inside the car: rear Seat bench moved 115 millimetres/4.5´´ further to the front than in the BMW 760Li due to the arrangement of the hydrogen tank and 25 millimetres/1.0´´ further to the rear than in the BMW 760i, centre console fitted firmly on the rear Seat bench on account of the car''s package, four seats, special hydrogen function displays in the cockpit.

• Independent, non-partisan safety certification, successful completion of comprehensive test series conducted by the South German Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV South Germany), sensor-based control system operating independently of the engine, hydrogen components with multiple redundancy/back-up.

• Chassis and suspension with double-joint tiebar spring strut axle at the front and integral-IV multi-arm axle at the rear, BMW AdaptiveDrive
with anti-roll stabilisation and electronic damper control, telemetric TPC Tyre Pressure Control system.

• Innovative remote diagnosis system, direct dialogue with driver/vehicle user.

• First series production car based on decades of BMW experience in testing hydrogen as a drive technology, development and examination of hydrogen engines since the 1980s.

• Promotion of nationwide hydrogen supply infrastructure by the BMW Group in close cooperation with the Clean Energy Partnership Berlin, BMW Hydrogen 7 acting as a series production hydrogen car for everyday use and establishing new momentum for ongoing development and expansion of a complete, all-round network of filling stations.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 2:24 AM | Comments

Citroën has long been a key player on the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. The constant match between Citroën’s range and market trends enabled the Marque to take 10.2% of the European market (26 countries) and the number-three spot in 2005.

To give an idea of the importance of the LCV business for the Marque, 1 Citroën in five sold worldwide is an LCV and 1 LCV in 10 sold in Europeis a Citroën.

Positioned between the Berlingo and the new Jumper, the new Citroën Jumpy is an excellent addition to the LCV range.

After a successful 11-year run with the previous edition, Citroën has developed the new Jumpy with a view to conquering market share. The vehicle offers new features to appeal to a broader customer base.

The new Jumpy is packed with technological innovations and equipment dedicated to passenger and driver comfort and safety. The new vehicle offers many more combinations in terms of volume, payload and load length. This versatility is designed to appeal to increasingly demanding users.

The new Jumpy features:

• a bigger payload: the new version of the Citroën Jumpy has a much bigger payload, ranging from 1,000 kg to 1,200 kg, versus a range of 815 kg to 900 kg on the previous version.

• more load volume: the new Jumpy combines two lengths with two wheelbases and two body heights. The load volume has been increased significantly to a range of 5 m3 to 7 m3, versus 4 m3 to 5 m3 for the previous Jumpy.

The interior load length of the new Jumpy has also been increased by 12 cm to 16 cm depending on the version, and can be extended a further 65 cm with the optional stowage tunnel for long loads in vans with a partition.

• a broad range of body styles and trims. The new version of Jumpy consists of two main families. The first comprises standard panel and window vans, as well as flatbed cabs for bodywork conversions.

The second consists of combi vans for transporting people.

The combi van family is intended for small-business people whose work involves transporting people, and for consumers who are looking for a spacious, functional vehicle. The combi van family offers three trim and equipment levels and a five-seater and a nine-seater version. The top two trim levels for the combi van will be marketed under the name Atlante with a monogram on the vehicle, except in Germanyand right-hand-drive countries. The interior of these versions features a carpeted fl oor and upholstered door panels.

• status-enhancing, dynamic styling. On the outside, the tough, modern design of the front end features a gutsy radiator grille and oversized bumper for extra protection against shocks. The rear has been designed for easy loading.
At the same time, the layout of the driving position, soundproofing and ergonomic design, ensure that the cabin satisfies the requirements of the most demanding business users and consumers.

• a wide choice of engines. There is a choice of three diesel engines: the 1.6 HDi 90 (66 kW), the 2.0 HDi 120 (88 kW), and the 2.0 HDi 140 (100 kW) fitted with a particulate filter. All three engines are mated to manual gearboxes, with six speeds in the case of the last two.

One petrol engine, the 143 bhp (103 kW) 2.0i, is offered, with a manual five-speed gearbox.

The new Jumpy can also be fitted with a wide array of options rarely seen on

the LCV market, such as pneumatic rear suspension and automatic wipers and headlights.

With ABS and EBS fitted as standard, Jumpy also offers excellent road handling.

2:17 AM | Comments

Nissan will host the National Wheelchair Marathon “NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2006” for three days from December 1 through December 3, 2006 together with various local organizations led by the Oppama Tourism Association (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture).

The event, a wheelchair marathon with the aim of achieving local revitalization as well as promoting sports among the disabled, will be held in the town of Oppama in the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture.

Around 200 athletes from all over Japan, including top-level performers, are expected to join the three-day meet. The course for the road race, which would utilize the Nissan Oppama Plant
premises as well as surrounding public roads, is a certified course by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

Since the marathon was first held, it has been principally organized by the Nissan Oppama Plant in conjunction with various local organizations as a private sector-led endeavor. With around 800 Nissan employees along with local volunteers acting as course marshals and manning water stations, the merit of the event lies in the close ollaborative efforts between the corporate sector and local community.

This year marks the marathon’s seventh year. In addition to the road races, which consist of a full marathon and a half marathon, short-distance races and training sessions for beginners mainly for the juniors will be held.

Contributions are being collected from Nissan employees to commemorate the event and the collected funds will be donated to athletics organizations for the disabled to promote more sports activities for the disabled.

Please refer to the attached sheet for an outline itinerary of the National Wheelchair Marathon “NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2006.”

General Outline of the National Wheelchair Marathon “NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2006”
1. Organizational Structure
1) Event name “NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2006”
2) Hosts NISSAN Cup Event Organizing Committee
3) Co-host Kanto Athletics Association for the Disabled
4) Organizers Yokosuka City Athletics Association
5) Sponsors Kanagawa Prefecture/Yokosuka City/Yokosuka City Board of Education/
Yokosuka Chamber of Commerce and Industry/Yokosuka Hojinkai/ Japan Association of Athletics Federations for the Disabled
6) Special support Taura Police Department, Kanagawa Prefecture
2. Event Schedule
Day One December 1 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Tentative)
· Track racing and coaching session for juniors (tentative) at the athletics field of Iriyamazu Park in Yokosuka.
Day Two December 2 (Saturday) 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Tentative)
· Middle-distance races (2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km) for juniors and able-bodied people at the Nissan Oppama Plant test course.
Day Three December 3 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Tentative)
· A full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km) and 10K road race to be held using public roads mainly along the Oppama shopping district in Yokosuka and roads inside the Nissan Oppama Plant premises.
* The race courses are all certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations. Finishing times will be recorded and accredited by the Nissan Cup Event Organizing Committee.
3. Official Website
http://nissan-cup.com/
4. Other Information
Following the road races, a lunch social for volunteers and athletes will be held at the Nissan Oppama Plant.

2:15 AM | Comments

Smart fans get their first glimpse of the eagerly awaited new Smart fortwo, with the release of photographs to coincide with the World Premiere.

To be launched in the UK in autumn 2007, the new Smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.

The new car has a fresh, more masculine appearance, but retains its unmistakably iconic look. The striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features, and the innovative but practical plastic bodypanels, are still an essential part of the car that has become a familiar sight on British roads.

The new Smart fortwo has re-engineered, uprated petrol engines and is slightly larger in size. The 19.5 cm (7 inch) increase in length has been used to give even better pedestrian safety and rear impact protection, as well as improved ride comfort.

The car has a newly developed transmission system, with five gears, which offers considerable advantages in terms of comfort, fuel economy and driving agility.

The Smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is just one example of the enhanced comfort in the cabin. It is now fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.

The familiar equipment lines will continue to be available; pure, pulse and passion.

UKpricing and specification to be announced nearer to the launch date.

Monday, November 13, 2006 6:11 AM | Comments

Chrysler Group’s all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited have notched a trio of prestigious national awards within two weeks — the latest recognition in Jeep Wrangler’s 65-year storied history.

“These awards are a testament not only to the combination of rugged capability and refinement of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, but also to the talent and dedication of the people who created them,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President –
Body-on-frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. “We’re very proud to have been recognized with not one, but three of the most prestigious awards in our business.”

On Oct. 31, 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine announced that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ranked tops among eight competitors for 4x4 of the Year, using a 1,000-mile test of each vehicle’s suspension, engine, transmission and transfer case. Consideration was also given to style and creature comforts. 2007 marked the magazine’s 25th annual evaluation for 4x4 of the Year. This was the 11th time that a Jeep vehicle has won the award.

On Nov. 1, Four Wheeler magazine named the Wrangler Rubicon winner of the Four Wheeler of the Year award for 2007, besting a field of seven new sport-utility vehicles. The week-long competition incorporated a 1,000-mile test drive on city streets, gravel roads, desert dunes and rocky trails at elevations ranging from sea level to 7,000 feet. Test criteria measured on- and off-road performance, interior refinements, safety features and exterior fit and finish. The magazine’s Four Wheeler of the Year competition has been held annually since 1974.

This week, Popular Science magazine named the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as one of only 10 automotive winners in the “Best of What’s New” for 2007. Every year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and technologies, narrowing its focus to the 100 most impressive advancements in 10 categories, including gadgets, computing, engineering, recreation and automotive.

More information about the competitions and awards will be available in the February issues of 4-Wheel & Off-Road and Four Wheeler, and the December issue of Popular Science.

6:05 AM | Comments

The all-new Ford S-MAX has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Car of the Year 2007.'

The 'Car of the Year' is an international award, judged by a panel of 58 top motoring journalists from 22 European countries. Its objective is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the date of the title. It is organised by a group of seven leading European publications: Auto ( Italy), Autocar ( Great
Britain), Autopista ( Spain), Auto Visie ( Holland), L'Automobile Magazine (France), Stern ( Germany), and Vi Bilagare ( Sweden).

The Ford S-MAX was declared the winner following a closely fought competition in which 41 contenders for the award were reduced to a shortlist of just eight -- the Citroën C4 Picasso, Fiat Grande Punto, Ford S-MAX, Honda Civic, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30.

"We are absolutely delighted that this all-new model in the Ford range has secured the ultimate accolade as 'Car of the Year,' especially against such worthy competitors and in a year that has seen a record number of eligible contenders," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"Since we launched S-MAX earlier this year, we have been amazed at the reaction to the car, both from the opinion forming media as well as our customers. This award confirms what we dared to believe -- that Ford S-MAX is different, and creates a new vehicle segment in which elements of a sports car and a multi-activity vehicle combine together to deliver a dynamic and stylish family vehicle that you really want to own," Fleming added.

Commenting on the award, Ray Hutton, the president of the 'Car of the Year' jury said: "This was a very close contest with all eight of the finalists deserving a place on the shortlist. It is clear from the voting that the Jury is impressed by the concept of the Ford S-MAX: a spacious and versatile car that drives like a sports saloon. Its victory is well-deserved."

Since its launch in April 2006, over half of the S-MAX vehicles built have been delivered to customers who are new to Ford, according to market research. The most popular S-MAX is the "Titanium," with more than 50 percent of customers ordering this top-of-range model.

"We are delighted with the response to S-MAX, and this award will strengthen the model's appeal," said Stephen Odell, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "The fact that S-MAX is attracting new customers to us demonstrates the renewed appeal of the Ford brand in delivering great -looking, well-engineered cars and driving enjoyment without compromises."

As well as being a new model in the Ford of Europe portfolio, the new S-MAX is the first Ford production model to introduce elements of 'kinetic design' and a range of exciting new driver-focused technologies to Ford customers.

New active safety technologies targeted at providing high levels of control and accident avoidance include Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Collision Mitigation by Braking and a new Interactive Vehicle Dynamics active suspension system with continuously controlled damping.

Ford S-MAX has also achieved a class-leading five star rating for adult occupant protection under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. Together with the new Galaxy and the Focus, Ford now offers three vehicles that achieved a maximum 5-star rating in Euro NCAP. With 2 stars and 13 points, Ford S-MAX also achieved a competitive result for pedestrian protection

S-MAX is one of the first production Ford models to feature a Human Machine Interface (HMI) system, which provides drivers with comprehensive information through a series of configurable menus. Easy to control toggle switches on the steering wheel allow the driver to review key data including in-car entertainment and navigation systems.

It is also the first production Ford vehicle to feature elements of Ford's "kinetic design" language. Sporty styling expresses energy in motion, emphasizing Ford's dynamic driving capabilities in a more overt way.

"We are very excited about the reaction to our 'kinetic design' form language," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director of Design. "The 'Car of the Year' award for S-MAX proves we're on the right track with our invitation to customers to 'Feel the Difference' and our commitment to broaden the appeal of Ford's future European vehicles beyond the rational and into the emotional."

The 2007 award for Ford S-MAX marks Ford of Europe's fifth 'Car of the Year' win, with the original Ford Focus last collecting the award in 1999. The Ford Focus set new standards in its class, and won by one of the biggest margins in the award’s 44-year history. Ford also won the title in 1993 with the first generation Ford Mondeo, in 1985 with the Ford Scorpio, and in 1981 with the Ford Escort.

6:03 AM | Comments

Eight classic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts dating back to the early part of the 20th Century will lead a new Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show. It will be the first time that this spectacular line-up will have been seen anywhere in the world.

Jointly organised by the 20-Ghost Club, Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club
and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, each car has a remarkable story. A 1914 H. J.Mulliner Tourer, originally owned by His Grace the Duke of Westminster, was one of several Silver Ghosts used in the First World War as a scout car and subsequently for the King’s Messenger Service. The line up also includes a 1912 Barker Torpedo Phaeton Tourer - the original Bombay agent’s demonstrator from 1912, and a 1912 Hamshaw Torpedo Tourer, an original ‘London to Edinburgh’ sports tourer.

Speaking at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufacturing plant and head office at Goodwood, Chairman and CEO, Ian Robertson, said, “We are delighted to support the Lord Mayor’s Show in conjunction with our colleagues in the Rolls-Royce car clubs. We are especially pleased and honoured to present these wonderful motor cars together for the first time.”

The Lord Mayor’s Show, the oldest street procession of its kind in the world, will take place on Saturday 11 November and will welcome John Stuttard into office as the 67th Lord Mayor. This year the record breaking three mile long parade will involve 6000 participants, 1550 military personnel and over 250 vehicles.

5:44 AM | Comments