Motor Show 2011

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Mercedes Ends SLR Production in 2009

McLaren and partner Mercedes-Benz are preparing to part ways on project SLR as production of the car is scheduled to stop in 2009. The marriage, brought together on and off the F1 race track, produced 261 SLRs in 2006, and 275 in 2007. These are not exactly the 400 – 500 a year figures that the makers were hoping for originally. The 467kW über two-seater’s exploits have been well documented, yet it never quite ignited the blaze its creators hoped it would.

McLaren is on course to start building their own supercar which is codenamed P11 for the year 2009. This is one of the reasons the Ferrari-McLaren saga continues to bite so deep; technologies learnt in F1 are often adapted for road cars by the manufactures concerned and for McLaren to learn so many Ferrari secrets is an endless sore point at Maranello.

Source: Autocar

Porsche Take On London Mayor's £25 Congestion Charge In The Courts

Porsche are pressing ahead with their judicial review aimed at quashing London Mayor Ken Livingstone's introduction of emissions-based congestion charging. The proposals, approved in February and due to take effect from October, outline a new £25 (50 USD) tier for entry of high-performance vehicles but also a number of large family cars and SUVs that emit over 225g/km of CO2.

Porsche's objections principally concern the 'disproportionate' new charging tier and the legality of such a measure, with Managing Director of Porsche GB adding: "The Porsche case is about protecting London and Londoners from a new tax that will not only fail to reduce CO₂ emissions in central London, but also increase congestion and damage air quality."

Alongside the introduction of an upper tier linked to higher-emitting vehicles, the scheme permits drivers of cars emitting less than 120g/km of CO2 free entry into the zone, expected to increase congestion and negate the positive effects of the congestion charge introduced in 2003. Adding insult to injury, Porsche drivers and other Band G vehicle owners presently eligible for the resident's discount will have that entitlement withdrawn, increasing the daily cost to some drivers by over 3000 percent.

For more information and to support Porsche's case, log onto porschejudicialreview.co.uk.

Source: Porsche GB

Full Size BMW M Cars Mounted to Huge Russian Billboard

You have to see it to believe it

Many automotive manufacturers have crazy advertising budgets to play with allowing them the freedom to create the most amazing and extravagant advertisements you are likely to see. This latest billboard advertisement found in Moscow, Russia promoting the M division of BMW has to be among the best we have ever seen, check that picture above and you will see full size BMW M cars mounted to the billboard which is reported to have a surface area measuring a cool 1.5 acres and just for the extra effect the cars headlights and taillights come on in evening.

Source: English Russia

Nissan Tiida Reaches Million Sales Milestone

Tiida was launched late 2004

Today Nissan announced that the Japanese carmaker has sold its millionth Tiida (known as the nissan Versa in the United States) in March 2008, three and a half years since production of the compact car started.

The Nissan Tiida started its life in September 2004 when it was launched in Japan, China followed in 2005 while North America saw the Versa in 2006 and certain European countries were introduced the the Tiida in 2007. Today, the Nissan Tiida is sold in 165 countries around the globe.

The current Japanese market Tiida received a face-lift last January, resulting in two months of 250% sales (target was set at 4,300, actual orders amounted to 21,540 units). The Tiida was voted Car of the Year in China in 2006, which has lead to strong sales in the country.

Source: Nissan

Related entries:

Nissan Tiida Facelift Revealed

Ford Focus Facelift According to Loder1899

Music for the eyes

Loder1899, one of Germany's top tuners when it comes to Ford cars and stable mates, has worked their magic on the recently facelifted Ford Focus. Loder1899 developed a new sportier body kit, staying true to Ford's new slogan: The new Ford Focus is music for the eyes.

The sporty new body kit consists of a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and roof spoiler and is complemented by 17 to 20 inch alloys, pictured are 9x20 inch W1 alloy wheels in special edition black 'polished glam' finish. Besides the faster look, Loder1899 also provides a new engine management kit, providing the hatchback with and additional 30 hp and now peaks at 165 hp at 4,200 rpm. The new Focus is also lowered by 35mm thanks to a new sports suspension.

The entire kit costs just over Euro 5,000 (excluding assembly and painting).

Source: लोदेर१८९९.

Related entries:

2008 European Ford Focus: In Depth

New Seat Ibiza Revealed

All new from the wheels up, the fourth generation Seat Ibiza is the work of ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke. Seat sees the new Ibiza as the most important new model in its recent history. The new Seat Ibiza will kick off Seat's product offensive, among which further Ibiza variants and the long awaited new upper-medium segment saloon and estate based on the previous generation Audi A4.

The new Seat Ibiza hopes to reinforce its position as a leader in the supermini segment with a bigger and better new generation model. The five-door hatchback comes with 'big-car' options like seven-speed DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox, Hill Hold Assist and front fog lights with side illumination function.

The new Ibiza has grown in size and now measures 4.05 meters in length (versus 3.97 meters previously) with a 292 liter boot space with the rear seats in place. Width has grown too, thanks to its Agile Chassis the front and rear tracks are 30 mm and 33 mm wider respectively.

The front wheel drive car comes with a choice of 1.2 liter three cylinder 70hp petrol engine, 1.4 liter four cylinder 85 hp petrol engine or 1.6 liter four cylinder petrol engine producing 102 hp. All three engines are paired with a 5 speed manual gearbox. Seat has established itself in the diesel market and will in due course offer its sporty diesel engines on its supermini too.

Seat UK Peter Wyhinny commented: “The debut of the spectacular new Ibiza is the clearest sign yet that SEAT is serious about putting enviable quality and state-of-the-art technology alongside sporting ‘auto emoción’ as the cornerstones of the Brand. With the debut of this distinctive and clearly design-led five-door we are embarking on a major development of the SEAT range, with plenty more to come in the months ahead!”

Source: SEAT

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Hyundai i800 on sale in June (UK)

Updated: 24/04/08

Forget about the popular Volkswagen Caravelle, if you want value for money, then this is just your type of MPV.

The Hyundai i800 (H-1 in oversea markets) is a 8 seater minivan and will go on sale in the UK with a starting price tag of £17,000 rising to £20,000, so expect to see value for money. High grades will see a satellite navigation system, leather seats, parking sensors, ICE for rear passengers and multi-zone air conditioning.

Under the hood will be a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine developing around 168bhp and 289lb ft of torque. Expect a 5.1 metre mono-cab commercial variant called the i50M later on in the year.

Dear readers, please excuse my hiatus. During the last 16 days, the PC I’m using has become unresponsive. Please bear with me as I’m sorting out the problem

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