Car maker Motor Show and Auto Review

HOLDEN RELEASES V-Series FOR 2006 COMMODORE

2006-11-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

New Omega model and V-Series headline value.

2006 VE COMMODORE RANGE FEATURES - HIGHLIGHTS

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said the 2006 VE Commodore range established a clear identity for each model. “Each car has a stand-alone position in the market, a unique set of features over the model below and logical price gaps around its position,” Batey said.“Holden buyers know they can buy a VE Commodore with advanced safety and technology built into every car, along with Euro-style looks and a major focus on exterior and interior quality.“They also have defined choices about where in the range they wish to purchase and whether they are seeking prestige or performance.” Key features for each model are as follows -

Omega
“Omega is an extremely well packaged, value for money entry level car for our new range. Omega is high on standard safety with passive and active features thanks to Electronic Stability Program and the structural rigidity and crashworthiness built into every VE Commodore. It comes with the capability to build in even more safety with an optional pack of side impact and curtain airbags and active head restraints,” Batey said.“Omega is also high on comfort which provides significant incentive for fleet, lease and private buyers alike. The replacement of two models with one has created a great first step into the all new Commodore range.” Standard features on Omega include -

. 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic
. Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
. 16-inch steel wheels
. Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags optional with active head restraints
. Cruise control
. Single disc CD player with MP3 compatibility
. Four-way power drivers seat
. Multi-function display with trip computer – five-inch screen
. Power windows front and rear

Berlina
“Berlina is a more significant step up in the VE range despite coming down significantly in price compared with the previous car. The realignment has allowed us to give Berlina greater personality with far greater standard specification. We can see great potential for this car in corporate and lease fleets as well as driveways around the country,” Batey said.Berlina has all Omega standard features in addition to -

Optional 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
17-inch alloy wheels
Additional cluster displays
Six-inch multi-function display screen
Side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
Rear Park Assist
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
Leather wrap steering wheel
Dual zone climate control

Arnejs Hyundai motor Cancept

2006-10-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Trio of New Hyundais to Premiere at Paris Show
Disscussion
Designed in Europe, the Arnejs has the strong presence and contemporary style that Europeans expect. What’s on show here is a concept, but it will form the basis of a production car that goes on sale next year. Hyundai is serious about this car, which can only be good news for car buyers in this highly competitive segment. Hyundai has shown it can be produce cars for the volume market that compete with the best (think Coupe, Santa Fe, Tucson). If they get this right, it could be a common sight on Europe’s roads two years from now.

Say:Hyundai-HED-3
Seoul, Korea Hyundai Motor Company will stage three premiers at its Paris Motor Show press conference on September 28: the elegant and dynamic Coupe, the stunning "Arnejs" codenamed FD which provides a glimpse of Hyundai's future model in the volume-leading C-class, and a CRDi-powered Grandeur, Hyundai´s first application of diesel power in the near-luxury segment.
The Hyundai Coupe (badged as Tiburon in some markets) has sold some 221,708 models worldwide since its launch, of which 73,670 have been sold in Europe. With the new facelift emphasis has been placed upon upgrading the modern and sporty style that attracted so many customers. The new facelift effectively introduces the second evolution of the Coupe, and is designed and destined to capture even more fans.
Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2005, the Hyundai Grandeur marked the company´s move into the European executive sedan market. Designed to compete directly against such cars as the Volvo S80, Audi A6 and the Peugeot 607, it introduced new levels of refinement, high build quality and distinctive design to Hyundai's European line-up. As a flag carrier during the Hyundai sponsorship of the FIFA 2006 World Cup, it also made many new friends for the company. The GRANDEUR is now fitted even more closely to the European market with the launch of the new 2.2 VGT common rail direct injection diesel version. In European trim this offers 110kW (150PS) @ 4000rpm and 340Nm torque @ 2000 rpm. It features inter-cooled turbo technology and offers a Euro 4 compliant particle filter. Grandeur retails under the Azera badge in the North American market.
As the designer preview "Arnejs" suggests, Hyundai´s up-coming "FD" C-segment vehicle will feature up-to-date technology and a very appealing design to compete with the volume C class models of major European car manufacturers. Led by Chief Designer Thomas Burkle, the Hyundai Motor European design team in Russelsheim, Germany, based the Arnejs on the development plans for the production vehicle. Its form language is a continuity of design elements first introduced with the Genus concept, which were further developed in order to create a strong brand identity. With the FD Hyundai expects to take another quantum leap, boosting sales and market share in the next years. Hyundai plans to launch the FD in late spring of 2007.

2007 First photos of the new Volvo C30

2006-10-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

The edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark. The C30 will represent a new segment entry for Volvo. "The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo," commented Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly."
Global sales of the new C30 are targeted at 65,000 cars annually. Fully 75 percent of those sales are expected to come from Europe, with the largest markets being Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), is currently evaluating the possibility of introducing the new C30 to the U.S. market.

All-New Volvo C30 Design Linked Closely to Detroit Motor Show ConceptThe design of the production Volvo C30 is highly reminiscent of the C30 Design Concept that was unveiled to the automotive press at the Detroit Motor Show at the beginning of the year. The front clip retains its sporty, dynamic character with the aggressively angled headlamps and the low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel arches and sloping roofline give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the design of the side glass. As expected with any modern Volvo, the shoulders of the C30 are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the highly stylized lighting pattern of the tail lamps and glass tailgate. The available spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate comes in two distinctive styles.
"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package," noted Volvo Car뭩 Design Director Steve Mattin. "Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following."
Sport Bucket Seats for Four AdultsThe new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two sport bucket rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are positioned slightly inboard to provide a feeling of space and exceptional outward visibility through the windshield. The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating center stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate. The folding rear seats really help meet the needs of the targeted customer's active lifestyle.
The interior program has been designed to meet the C30 buyers taste for personal choices. Even the base program offers the sporty T-Tech upholstery "The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30's youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo's traditional customers." commented Anne B?ec, President and CEO of VCNA.

Chevrolet WTCC Ultima Concept

2006-10-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hidden beneath the WTCC Ultra's wild touring car looks is Chevrolet's 2008 Ford Focus rival. GM's headline concept car at today’s Paris motor show (Thursday 28), the Ultra previews Chevrolet's future design direction, as well as the Lacetti replacement. Although the muscular bodykit, ultra-wide track, funky graphics and slitty rear window will all be toned down for production, 'you won’t miss the connection when the production car arrives,' a GM insider told CAR Online. Although the race spec interior features a roll cage and paddleshift transmission, the concept runs a most un-touring car like 2.0-litre diesel engine.

The aggressive nose, far removed from today's range of rebadged Daewoos, shows the future direction for European Chevys. An exaggerated Chevy bow tie-badge dominates the front end, sandwiched between two aggressive grilles. Expect the funky headlamp shape to figure on the finished car, because that sculpted bonnet has been built up to meet European pedestrian protection regs – a sure sign that the front end is destined for production. The profile view is extremely sporty, with its sleek glasshouse and dynamic lines sweeping up to the rear of the car. The Ultra is a five-door, although the rear doors aren't obvious because the handle is hidden in the window section, Alfa 147-style. The General's Australian design outpost at Holden styled the car, under the guidance of GM Asia-Pacific design boss David Lyon. He wants to transform the image of Chevrolet in Europe, getting rid of slab-sided cars like today's Lacetti hatch. 'We are working with the engineers to ensure features like much bigger wheels and a wider track,' says Lyon. 'We want to push the car’s architecture and stance to be more expressive.

The concept car measures 4.3m-long, bang on the size of a European hatchback. The production car will be underpinned by a new GM global architecture, which will replace today’s Delta plaftorm that underpins the latest Astra. Four-cylinder engines will be mounted across the nose, with drive sent to the front wheels.'It doesn’t need to have a big block engine under the hood, it just needs to look like it does,' says designer Lyon. He's true to his word. The WTCC Ultra runs the 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine that will be offered in the current Lacetti in spring 2007, although a higher pressure turbo boosts output to 190bhp.

Lyon decided on a racing concept car because it taps into the most exciting Chevrolet in Europe (bar the Corvette): the victorious Lacetti World Touring Car. And the Ultra WTCC's cabin is as true to its racing theme as the uncompromising exterior. Unpolished metal, carbonfibre inserts and dark leather inspired by Batman's suit dominate the cockpit. The adjustable pedal box, steering wheel and sequential gear lever all encircle the driver, to enable him to fully concentrate on ruling the track.

CHEVROLET CONCLUDES WINTER TEST PROGRAMME IN FRANCE
First Privateer Lacetti Runs In Magny Cours
MAGNY COURS, 10 March 2006 — The Chevrolet WTCC team finished its winter test programme in Magny Cours, France today. The team had disembarked in France for four days of development tests with all three drivers and cars present. Despite being limited in their track time due to the bad weather, the team still managed to solve a number of smaller earlier issues, making the drivers feel cautiously optimistic for the big FIA test at Monza, later this month.
“Fortunately we had booked four days of track time, just to be sure to have some dry time, as the weather hadn't been on our side at the earlier tests in Brands Hatch and Albacete,” Team Manager, Mark Busfield said. “We were the only one of the factory teams present with a car for each driver, which obviously helps the drivers in getting the best possible understanding of the 2006-spec Lacetti. Each drove his own car, as well as the others' cars, all three of them set-up in varying specs. Two cars were set up with different suspension settings and weight distribution, which is a new given for us considering we are running a left-hand drive car this year. All three drivers swapped between both cars to get back-to-back impression. Unfortunately we didn't get round to all of our planned suspension work, as we would have needed four hours of dry track time to do so, but we know which direction to go and we will get to that in Monza. We obviously now have a good wet weather set-up on the cars, and we validated the reliability and endurance of some revised 2006-spec components as well. The team now returns to base to make any necessary changes for the Monza test.”
“We tried out some new ideas and sorted out some older issues,” Rob Huff said. “The Yokohama tyres will be the main variable for us to get used to. We still have to learn the way they work, when they kick in and when they drop off. But so far we can say that it has been a promising start to hopefully a good year.”
“This was our last major test before we go to Monza,” Chevrolet Europe's Motorsport Manager, Eric Nève said. “Lap time wise we seem to be there, compared to the other teams running at the same venues, but obviously we haven't been helped by the weather.”
Swiss outfit Team Maurer Motorsport was also present at Magny Cours for their maiden run with the first privateer Chevrolet Lacetti WTC. The team had asked reigning German touring car champion, Mathias Schläppi and reigning Belgian touring car champion, Vincent Radermecker top put the car through its paces for the first time on Thursday.
“We are obviously flattered by the fact that the championship winning team has chosen Chevrolet to defend their title and I hope they will be able to successfully do so,” Nève said.
“For us it was a logical step,” team owner, Beat Maurer said. “We were looking for a manufacturer with a long term vision to help us defend our title, and Chevrolet was the right choice for us. It is still early days yet, but so far the collaboration between the factory team and our team is working fine, and the interaction here at the track has been great. As things stand now, we are looking at participating in the WTCC rounds of Magny Cours and Valencia. We had hoped to enter a car in the Oschersleben round, but unfortunately there is a round of the German Championship at the same track on the same weekend, which makes it impossible to convert the car from German-spec tyres and fuel to WTCC-spec tyres and fuel in between races.”

2006 BMW X5

2006-10-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

The all-wheel-drive midsize X5 was the first of a small group of sport utility vehicles that skew heavily toward sporty on-road performance and handling. Competitors include the Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne — although the latter is capable of extreme off-roading as well.
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Changes for 2006 include making the formerly optional onboard trip computer standard, adding chrome rings to instrument dials with the available Sport Package and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design as part of the 4.4i Sport Package. Stratus Gray has been added to the exterior-color palette.
The X5 debuted as a 2000 model and was last updated in 2004, when it received cosmetic tweaks and BMW's then-new xDrive AWD system. Unlike most models in its class, the X5 offers neither a third-row seat, nor a rear DVD entertainment system to help quell unruly kids.
The base 3.0i version has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that generates 225 horsepower. That's barely enough to bring this large, nearly 5,000-pound vehicle briskly up to speed.
The midlevel X5 4.4i is much more pleasing to drive thanks to its lustier 315-hp 4.4-liter V8. Meanwhile, the 4.8is offers even more power with its 355-hp 4.8-liter V8. Despite being considerably stronger than the six-cylinder, the two V8s are no less fuel efficient than the six-cylinder, averaging around 19 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base (3.0i) version, with a five-speed automatic transmission optional. The V8 models come with a sophisticated six-speed automatic gearbox. All three versions of the X5 can tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds.
BMW's "intelligent" xDrive AWD system permits infinitely adjustable front-to-rear power distribution for surefootedness on wet or snowy pavement and loosely packed dirt roads, as well as added prowess in favorable road conditions. Dynamic Stability Control adds another layer of safety by automatically adjusting throttle and/or brakes to help keep the X5 on track during extreme or emergency maneuvers.
A four-wheel independent suspension gives the X5 lively handling, which is what one expects from a BMW. There's still no getting around its heft, which you feel when the body leans through corners and resists being tossed around. The suspension on the 4.4i and 4.8is is self-leveling and can raise and lower the vehicle at the push of a button. This air suspension is optional on the 3.0i.
Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with rims and rubber as large as 20 inches in diameter available (generally speaking, the larger the wheel diameter, the shorter the tire sidewall). Lower-profile tires offer better handling but often at the expense of ride comfort.
The X5's interior is tasteful and handsome without being too dressy and offers a choice of three wood treatments at no extra cost. A wealth of standard features includes front-side and head-curtain airbags, power seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Notable options include a large, dual-panel Panorama sunroof and a navigation system that swaps a cassette deck for the standard CD player.
MSRP Price Range: $42,500-$71,100