Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
 Two specially prepared AMG high-performance cars will be on duty for the first time when the Grand Prix season kicks off in Melbourne, Australia (March 14 to 16, 2008).
The Safety Car, based on the SL 63 AMG, and the Medical Car, derived from the C 63 AMG Estate, have the task of ensuring maximum safety at all 18 Formula 1 races.
The Safety Car is immediately on hand whenever the safety of a race is threatened by accidents, adverse weather conditions or other hazardous situations. After receiving his instructions from the race management, Bernd Mayl?¤nder, the driver of the Safety Car, must go to the head of the Formula 1 field and safely guide the world’s fastest racing drivers around the circuit. Fast lap times are a must for the Safety Car, because otherwise the sensitive Formula 1 engines would overheat - and their tyres and brakes would cool down excessively.
In the 2008 Formula 1 season, Mayl?¤nder, 36, will be behind the wheel of a new SL 63 AMG. This high-performance roadster, which was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show, has a 6.3-litre V8 engine with a power output of 525 bhp, providing acceleration from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
The C 63 AMG Estate is powered by a 457 bhp version of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine which delivers 600 Nm of torque.
AMG has provided the Official F1 Safety Car for the past 12 years while the Official F1 Medical Car has carried the AMG insignia since 1996.
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Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
Established only five years ago, China’s BYD Auto is proving it??™s a fast learner, at least when it comes to drowning out neighboring press conferences at the 2008 Geneva auto show so the Shenzhen-based automaker could showcase its dual-mode hybrid, the F3DM sedan.
BYD is no stranger to battery technology. The company is currently the world??™s largest producer of cell-phone batteries. But its automotive subsidiary showed its savvy when Rolls-Royce began its own press conference just as BYD was unveiling the F3DM. The Chinese hybrid??™s moment of glory looked lost forever as a Rolls executive touted his company??™s success??”until a BYD representative grabbed a microphone to loudly proclaim his own company??™s gratitude to the crowd and his optimism regarding the future of the F3DM sedan.
BYD: 1
Rolls-Royce: 0
Standing up to one of the world??™s most high-brow automakers was easy compared with the task BYD has laid out for itself in Europe and America. BYD hopes to sell cars in Europe within three years, with U.S. sales to begin in three to five years.
A company representative told us that BYD will roll out its dual-mode hybrid sedan??”which can switch between full-electric and hybrid modes??”in China by the end of this year, via a test fleet of 200 taxicabs in Shenzhen.
In 2009, the goal is production of 2000 units per month for a carmaker with 100,000 annual sales, of which only 10 percent are exported.
BYD sales are minuscule compared with the industry giants, but the technology behind the Chinese company??™s dual-mode hybrid is impressive. The F3DM can be driven more than 60 miles on electricity alone before needing to be recharged, and there is a small gasoline engine as a backup if you run out of electric power. The car then functions as a regular gas-electric hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius.
The Toyota reference also applies when it comes to looks??”the dull design of the F3DM reminds us of the previous-generation Toyota Corolla, especially from the front. Maybe this shouldn??™t come as a total surprise, since BYD??™s other Geneva show car, the F1 hatchback, has been panned by the media as being a stylistic rip-off of Toyota??™s Aygo super-mini.
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Filed under: Others cars
Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
Mercedes is planning to offer a hybrid S-class starting in 2009. The S400 BlueHybrid, a mild hybrid powered by M-B’s 3.5-liter V-6, boasts a lithium-ion battery co-developed with supplier Continental and described by Daimler R&D boss Thomas Weber as “a crucial breakthrough.”
Unlike Lexus??™s LS600hL, the S400 is not aimed at the performance market. Instead, it uses its hybrid drivetrain solely for the traditional aim of fuel efficiency. Mated in the style of a mild hybrid with a 20-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the V-6 will turn off while the car is stationary and kick back on when the driver wants the car to move. Under braking, the batteries are charged. The electric motor can’t propel the S400 on its own but assists in acceleration.
The compact lithium-ion battery module is far more powerful than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is integrated in the car’s cooling system to ensure optimal operating temperature.
BMW seemed miffed at the announcement, with executives pointing at the joint hybrid-vehicle alliance between BMW and Daimler. But this particular battery is a Mercedes development, and the carmaker holds 25 patents on it.
With internal combustion and electronic wizardry working together to produce 295 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the S400 is capable of a 0-to-62-mph sprint in a claimed 7.3 seconds and will pull to a governed 155 mph??”all while delivering 30 mpg on the European cycle (up from 23 mpg) in S-class comfort. Additionally, the S400 packages all the hybrid equipment under the hood, so neither passenger room nor cargo space suffers for the driver’s conscientiousness.
Europe will get this hybrid in 2009, and a Mercedes spokesman confirmed that it will be offered in the U.S. later??”we believe in 2010. If 30 mpg is not enough for you, and you can??™t picture yourself in a Prius, start hoping Mercedes offers the upcoming and even thriftier S300 BlueTec diesel hybrid outside Europe.
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Filed under: Mercedes-Benz
Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
It??™s been awhile since we??™ve seen something new from Scion, Toyota??™s youth division, but that changes with plans to show the Hako coupe concept at the 2008 New York auto show.
Scion has sent out a teaser picture of the front quarter of the Hako, calling it a ???sporty interpretation of the box concept,??? which could be interpreted as a variant on the Scion xB. The car was developed by the Tokyo Design Division, which includes in its r?©sum?© the study of ???global, youth-inspired trends.???
Check back March 19 for a complete gallery of pictures of the rest of the car and details from our New York show coverage.
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Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
It??™s been awhile since Suzuki offered a large car in the U.S., and we??™re hoping the automaker is getting close with the Kizashi 3, the third and final offering in its sports-sedan-concept series.
The Kizashi 3 will be made public at the 2008 New York auto show. It follows the Kizashi 2 from the 2007 Tokyo auto show, and the original Kizashi from the 2007 Frankfurt auto show.
The first car was a two-door, low-slung wagon. The Kizashi 2 was a four-door version that Suzuki described as a “crossover sports wagon.” This third installment is billed as a ???closer to production??? vision of the sports sedan that will become the company??™s flagship.
The concepts were developed by Suzuki??™s Advanced Design Group. We expect the eventual production sedan to have a 3.6-liter V-6 (part of the GM engine family but assembled at a Suzuki engine plant in Sagara, Japan). The same engine is under the hood of the Suzuki XL7, the automaker’s largest vehicle, but in the case of the Kizashi, we anticipate a six-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the five-speed in the XL7.
Suzuki has not had a mid-size or large sedan, premium or otherwise, on the market since it discontinued the Verona mid-size sedan??”a version of the second-generation Daewoo Magnus??”at the end of the 2006 model year. Suzuki has said its replacement will be all Suzuki and will likely get a new name to herald its Japanese roots.
Aimed upmarket, the D-segment-sized Kizashi would be Suzuki??™s largest sedan to date, and the concepts telegraph the automaker??™s future design direction. When the Kizashi does finally come to market, we expect a lineup of a sedan, a crossover with four-wheel drive, and perhaps a wagon, starting with the sedan in 2009, followed by the other body styles a year later.
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Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
It??™s a good thing Suzuki had a concept car to spare here at the 2008 Geneva auto show. The half-hearted claps welcoming the Japanese company??™s new Splash compact car were almost forgotten when the wraps were pulled off the handsome A-Star hatchback concept.
First seen in January at the New Delhi Auto Expo, the A-Star is making its European debut in Geneva. As global cars go, it??™s difficult to find one with a richer pedigree than this little Suzuki. Designed and engineered in Japan and India, the A-Star is now targeting European buyers.
Suzuki has been enormously successful in India. For going on three decades Suzuki has been working with Indian partner Maruti, and the Indian/Japanese joint venture now controls more than 55 percent of India??™s booming automotive market.
So it makes sense that the A-Star would capitalize on the 25 years of experience that Suzuki has working in India??”not to mention India??™s cheap labor costs. The A-Star will be built in India and exported around the globe, including Europe, where it should yield a nice profit margin.
Exact timing is uncertain. A-Star production begins in October, with initial sales for the Indian domestic market, followed by a rollout to Asia and Europe.
A name change is also likely for European versions??”although Suzuki officials confirm that the A-Star name will remain for India.
Whatever badge or name they slap on it, we don??™t expect it to show up on our shores. Powered by a tiny 996cc, three-cylinder engine, the A-Star simply lacks the horsepower that American buyers demand.
But there??™s no denying that the chunky proportions of the four-door hatchback look good. A fun, stylistic flourish that points to the car??™s Indian heritage is in the A-Star??™s taillights. Look closely, and you??™ll see there??™s an Indian paisley design worked into them.
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Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
Anti-lock brakes were added to the standard equipment list of all Altima’s this year, but the big news is the debut of the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe as the brand new and distinctive partner of the popular Altima Sedan. In addition to the Coupe’s smaller proportions, it distinguishes itself from the Sedan with its unique body panels, exterior trim, sport tuned suspension and aggressively bolstered sport style seats. The front wheel drive Coupe is available in 2 styles-the perky 4-cylinder 2.5 S and the even livelier 3.5 SE, which is equipped with a 6 cylinder engine. Although the appearance and performance of the Coupe differ from the Sedan in many ways, they do share the same set of engine and transmission choices.
The model numbers are indicative of the engine size, with the 2.5 S being equipped with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower; while a 270 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 powers the 3.5 SE. A choice of either a 6 speed manual transmission or arguably one of the industry’s best continuously variable transmissions is available for both models. A 2.5 S equipped with the manual transmission has impressive acceleration and goes from 0 to 60 in just over 6 seconds.
Both models have an appealing and well equipped cabin. The base model 2.5 S has an abundance of features that are highlighted by 16-inch steel wheels, chrome tipped dual exhaust, remote keyless entry and start, air conditioning, full power accessories, trip computer and a 9 speaker Bose audio system. The 3.5 SE switches out the wheels for a set of 17-inch aluminum rims, and keeps adding to the standard features list with fog lights, sport tuned suspension system, power side view mirrors with turn signals, and a power operated sliding/tilt moon roof. Many additional and popular features are can be added to both models by purchasing one or more of the specially designed options packages, though they tend to be a bit pricey.
Aside from the expensive and available as package only options, the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is an attractive and versatile option in the crowded midsize segment, delivering a smooth ride and room for 5 passengers with a rear seat that accommodates three in a pinch, but would be more suitable for use on short trips by 2 adults. The Altima Coupe differentiates itself within the midsize segment by successfully bringing forth a gripping blend of chic style, practicality and sport that stands out amongst the competition.
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Posted on March 6th, 2008 by Auto News
 UK buyers wanting a Nissan GT-R are being warned to expect a lengthy waiting list, even though order books haven’t officially opened yet.
Pricing for the car was revealed this week, with the base model costing ??52,900. The Premium edition with automatic headlamps and a Bose stereo costs from ??54,200 and the Black edition, with special black paintwork, grey alloy wheels and leather interior, from ??55,000.
That’s considerably less than the anticipated ??66,000, but considerably more than Japanese buyers are paying: the 7,770,000 Yen asking price equates to around ??35,000.
However, although deposits are not officially being taken until April, ahead of delivery in March 2009, a shortage of cars is expected because Nissan’s Yokohama plant. Can produce only 1000 cars per month.
‘From the moment we announced the price structure we had people queuing up to place orders,’ said a Nissan official. ‘Someone even came over to the stand at the Geneva motor show and tried to leave a cheque for the car there and then. We are anticipating huge demand.’
The GT-R can be ordered online or at one of 10 appointed dealers in the UK for the car. All service work will also be carried out by one of these selected dealers.
Nissan has cracked down on anyone trying to import the car from Japan for sale or private use in the UK, saying that it will unable to provide service assistance or parts for any cars brought into the country this way.
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Posted on March 6th, 2008 by Auto News
 Renault Design Director Patrick Le Quement has confirmed that the new Megane range will not include a traditional three-door hatchback. Instead the range will feature a coupe based on the concept coupe unveiled at Geneva.
“You have the design before your very eyes,” said Le Quement. He added that the car would be launched before the end of the year along with a more conventional five-door version. And while the new Megane is “a strong design statement”, Le Quement believes it will not polarise opinions in the same way as the current model.
Renault also plan to shorten the timespan of the model renewal programme. “The entire Megane range will be renewed by the end of 2009,” said Le Quement. This includes saloon, coupe-cabrio and estate bodystyles, plus “at least one more model”.
The coupe-hatch sector seems to be hotting up nicely then, as the Megane will pretty much go head to head with the new VW Scirocco as well as the more established Volvo C30.
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Posted on March 6th, 2008 by Auto News
 Tata will soon gain ownership of Jaguar, and although the deal isn??™t complete yet, Tata is already making plans to extend the Jag line-up with the addition of a lightweight sportscar in the same vein as the 2000 F-Type Concept. Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata, announced at the Geneva show that plans to take this model into production are currently being discussed, but speculation is rife that Tata will need a considerable loan to put these plans into action.
This would tie in with the rumours that circulated not too long ago about the Coventry marque wanting to develop a spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type for 2011. If this is so, the new sports car is set to take on the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 911. Jaguar company chairman, Geoff Polites, has confirmed that Jaguar is currently exploring a number of options for future models, including a two-seater sports car.
There are also plans for Jag XJ sedan to receive a facelift, as well as the production of the XF coupe. Plans for a four-door XK and a crossover are also on the cards. It seems then, that Jaguar and Tata have similar ideas in mind as to the future of the brand.
Current Jaguar parent company, Ford, put both Jaguar and Land Rover on the auction block in mid-2007. It seems that Tata had the winning bid, and an official announcement of the switchover is expected soon after the Geneva show has wrapped up.
This deal, however, is not coming cheap. According to various reports, Tata is seeking $3-billion in loans from investment banks Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase to acquire the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. When Tata gets its hands on the money and the deal is signed and sealed, it will be exciting to see what the Indian manufacturer will be able to do with the otherwise failing brands. Given the attention it has reveievd, Jaguar??™s latest XF saloon could well be the company??™s most successful vehicle in a couple of years.
The Jaguar XF will be available in South Africa as of April 2008 in four variants ??“ 2,7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged diesel, a 3,0-litre V6 petrol, a 4,2 naturally aspirated V8 petrol, and a 4,2-litre supercharged V8 petrol. The power outputs for the 3,0-litre V6 petrol and the 2,7-litre V6 diesel units stand at 175 kW and 152 kW respectively. The V6 petrol has a maximum torque of 293 N.m, while the diesel has 435 N.m. In its normally aspirated form, the 4,2-litre V8 produces 219 kW of power and 411 N.m torque, while the top-of-the-range SV8 has an output of 306 kW and torque of a whopping 560 N.m. The entry-level model will set you back about R509 000.
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