PressPortal Automotive News

BMW Twin-Turbo 3.0L Diesel Updated

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:38:00 PDT

Lower emissions, more driving pleasure: No other car maker besides the BMW Group applies this principle so convincingly and successfully in practice. Both today and in a long-term comparison, BMW and MINI are far ahead of all competitors in the premium segment in reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This unique position held by the BMW Group is the result of the EfficientDynamics development strategy comprising all innovations serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions versus the former model and, at the same time, enhance road performance to an even higher standard.

2010 BMW 1 Series Details

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:34:00 PDT

Entering the 2010 model year, the BMW 1 Series as the guarantee for the broad-scale impact of BMW EfficientDynamics and as the epitome of Sheer Driving Pleasure in the compact segment is gaining even greater significance. Two additional, extra-economical low-emission engine variants are enhancing the model range of the BMW 1 Series Coupé as of September 2009: In the guise of the BMW 120i Coupé and the BMW 118d Coupé there will then be two further models with the EU5 emission rating. Following the successful launch of the new entry-level three-door and five-door models, the BMW 116i and the BMW 116d, in spring 2009, the BMW 1 Series is once again proving its value as the pacemaker for efficient mobility combined with outstanding driving pleasure in the compact class. Other new models as of September 2009 are the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the BMW 1 Series three- and five-door.

2010 BMW 7 Series Details

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:28:00 PDT

Following its successful introduction into the market, the new BMW 7 Series is further expanding its position in 2010 as the most innovative model series in the luxury segment. New drivetrain and equipment variants emphasise both the driving pleasure and the outstanding efficiency of BMW's top-class luxury saloon. The BMW 740d to be introduced in autumn, for example, will for the first time feature a new straight-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The second diesel model in the range, the BMW 730d, underlines its status as the world's most economical and lowest emission model in the luxury class by a further reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as optionally available BMW BluePerformance Technology. Hence, BMW now offers yet another production model already fulfilling the EU6 emission standard today. These innovations in the BMW 7 Series model range ensure truly thrilling diversity in the prestigious luxury segment. Including the new top-of-the-range BMW 760i and BMW 760Li with their twelve-cylinder power units, the BMW 7 Series is now available in three gasoline and two diesel variants.

2009 Renault Clio and Megane Special Editions Unveiled

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:19:00 PDT

Renault raises the temperature this summer launching hot special edition versions of New Clio and New Megane. Due to be unveiled at the World Series by Renault spectacular at Silverstone on the weekend of 4th and 5th July, the World Series by Renault special editions exude style and panache in an insurance-friendly package. World Series by Renault will light up the 3.2-mile Silverstone Grand Prix circuit as Renault’s free festival of motorsport is expected to draw a crowd of over 100,000 as fans flock to see a thrilling weekend of action-packed racing including the 500hp Formula Renault 3.5. Based on the most popular Dynamique trim level in the Clio, Megane Hatch and Coupe ranges, the three World Series versions add extra equipment with savings for the customer of up to £1,190.

2009 BMW 316d ES Launched

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:14:00 PDT

June 2009 heralds the launch of the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series the marque has ever produced. The new BMW 316d ES Saloon sets a new benchmark in the premium sector with its heightened blend of high economy, low emissions yet rewarding driving experience. The BMW 316d is powered by a 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel engine that records 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. This class-leading economy figure is enough to give the car a possible range in excess of 800 miles between fill-ups. Factor in its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km and the vehicle becomes the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever.

2009 BMW 730d Arrives - (Australia)

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:08:00 PDT

Buyers of BMW’s new 730d luxury saloon, which goes on sale this month, will benefit from fuel consumption that is identical to many small four-cylinder sedans and hatchbacks. In a pioneering breakthrough, the 730d also becomes the first, and only, car in the upper luxury sedan segment that emits less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre (192 g/km). This puts it ahead of hybrid and other diesel competitors in the segment which all use more fuel and emit greater volumes of CO2. “Buyers of large premium saloons can now make an even greater contribution to lowering CO2 emissions thanks to the arrival of the new 730d,” said BMW’s general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.

2009 Skoda Superb Launched - (Australia)

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:05:00 PDT

Although new to Australia, the Škoda Superb has a long history – there has been a Superb in the Škoda line up at one stage or another, since the 1930s. It is not only the most luxurious car Škoda has ever built, it is one that sets new standards for quality, practicality, design and value. Sitting at the top of the Škoda product range, it demonstrates that through bold design and engineering innovation, Škoda has created one of the most desirable cars in its segment. Its arrival completes a model range where each line now has distinct Škoda design DNA rather than styling cues borrowed from elsewhere. At the same time, its confidence will ensure Škoda’s plans for growth.

Hyundai Taking Pre-Launch Orders for Elantra LPI Hybrid

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:58:00 PDT

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, began taking pre-launch orders for its Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), its first hybrid vehicle for commercial sale. Hyundai will accept pre-launch orders until July 7, a day before it officially introduces the car in the South Korean domestic market. The car, which is the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine, was first unveiled at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in April. To be sold under the Avante badge in Korea, the LPI HEV will ensure eco-friendliness as well as economical operating costs and differentiated design.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Special Edition Announced

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:38:00 PDT

For lovers of exclusive cars Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the arrival of an eye-catching new version of the C-Class on the scene. The new Special Edition is set to draw admiring glances with its sporty, elegant design features, reserved for this model only, a high-quality interior plus some exciting technical highlights as part of the standard specification, including AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System, ensuring that even the most discerning requirements are met for those looking for refinement, motoring pleasure and a car with a distinctive character. The Special Edition is available as a saloon and an estate and with all the C-Class engines.

2009 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Launched in Limited Numbers

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:35:00 PDT

Following successful trials in the UK, the iconic, zero-emission, smart fortwo electric drive is ready for small series production. Reaction from customers taking part in the UK trial, including the Metropolitan Police, universities, local councils, architects and energy companies, has proved so encouraging that smart's parent company, Daimler AG, can confirm that the smart electric drive will go into small series production, with cars coming to the UK in early 2010. The second generation smart electric drive will also be taking part in projects in Rome, Milan and Paris. Several cities in the US are also due to start trials of the fully electric car and the invaluable feedback will be incorporated into the development of future production models.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 and S65 AMG Pricing Announced

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:22:00 PDT

The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the powerful top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.

2010 Nissan Green Program

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:16:00 PDT

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today provided an update on its comprehensive environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), along with a preview of future actions. Among the new initiatives is the review of long-term CO2 emission reduction scenarios. Nissan also announced the introduction of an automatic transmission (AT) model with a clean-diesel engine in the Japanese market, planned for spring 2010. Nissan already has produced tangible results toward its goal of reducing CO2 emissions, one of the priorities of the NGP 2010. These reductions include development of electric vehicles (EV), introduction of clean diesel and fuel-efficient vehicles, and energy savings in manufacturing, logistics and facilities operations. Along with the mid-term NGP 2010 plan, which was originally announced in December 2006, Nissan is reviewing its long-term CO2 emissions-reduction scenarios. These will be reflected in the next mid-term environmental action plan.

2009 Toyota iQ3 Announced

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:12:00 PDT

Toyota’s iQ range is extended for the first time since launch with the introduction to the line-up of a 1.33-litre engine. The highly efficient lightweight unit, already successfully deployed in Auris, Yaris and Urban Cruiser is offered exclusively in the new Toyota iQ3 model. Benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology for a class-leading combination of power, fuel economy and low emissions, it uses Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves to deliver strong torque at low to medium engine speeds and achieve maximum efficiency.

2010 Ford Mustang Glass Roof

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:10:00 PDT

Panoramic glass used on the 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang filters almost all of the sun's harmful rays and reduces cool-down time and wind noise while offering a convertible-like driving experience Scientific studies show increased exposure to sunshine or bright light – like that provided in the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang – is therapeutic because it regulates the body's mood-regulating hormone and circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness; also triggers a natural remedy for "the blues"

2009 Fiat Bravo MSN Edition Announced

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:08:00 PDT

A combination of beauty and functionality, shape and content, exclusive Italian style matched with technological innovation: this is the special edition Fiat Bravo MSN Edition, the latest addition to the Fiat medium-sized car family which has proven extremely popular among the public in Italy and marks a further chapter in the collaboration between two industrial leader like Microsoft and Fiat Group Automobiles. Over the last few years, this collaboration has led to the launch of Blue&Me (a device which allows you to listen to music on several types of MP3 players, to phone hands free, to scroll down names in your phonebook and receive text messages, all with Bluetooth without ever taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road) as well as Eco:Drive, which analyses your driving style to improve it and reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From today – with the contribution of Magneti Marelli, another company that excels in automotive technology – the Fiat Bravo MSN Edition is also available with the new on-board Instant Nav which combines a satellite navigator with maps on SD Card, a radio, a CD player and an Mp3 player, integrated with Blue&Me, in a single device (exact and quickly updated) built into the dashboard.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition Announced

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:05:00 PDT

The world’s first four-door Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, is now even more distinguished and powerful with the introduction of the new Mercedes CLS Grand Edition. Only 560 units will be coming to the UK, with deliveries starting in July. There is a choice of five colors, including, for the first time on the CLS, Palladium Silver. For those customers who want an even more exclusive look there is also the option of the unique designo Palladium Silver Matt Paint, which is not only eye catching, but also highly scratch and dirt-resistant.

2010 Vauxhall Astra Interior Unveiled

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:59:00 PDT

These are the first interior pictures of the Vauxhall Astra, which will debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show and will reach UK dealers by late this year. Echoing the flowing forms of its bodywork, the new 2010 Vauxhall Astra’s interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the UK’s compact sector, and continues Vauxhall’s design evolution which started five years ago with the current Astra, followed by a further step-change last year with the launch of the Insignia. The 2010 Vauxhall Astra’s interior employs the recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the Insignia and are now used in a fresh and innovative way. The blade theme is expressed in details like the gooseneck shape of the door grab handles and the trim for the gearshift moulding and steering wheel.

2010 Ford Mustang GT Track Pack Available

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:26:00 PDT

The 2010 Ford Mustang, now in dealer showrooms, builds on a proud, unbroken 45-year heritage of Fast, Fun and Affordable with an all-new exterior design, available cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements pioneered on Ford's extensive racing and special programs. One hallmark of Mustang's enduring popularity is the opportunity to customize this American icon. Enthusiasts who have personalized and customized Mustangs range from legends, such as Carroll Shelby, to professional drivers to hobbyists who enjoy a weekend at the track. For those customers interested in more-aggressive performance, an optional factory-installed Track Pack is available this summer for 2010 Ford Mustang GT coupes with manual transmission. Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Package also is available for those enthusiasts who want even more aggressive suspension tuning and can be installed in their garage or at a Ford dealer. Car and Driver magazine recently declared a 2010 Mustang equipped with a Track Pack the winner in a comparison test against the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, calling the body control of the Mustang with the Track Pack "astounding."

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir Launched

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:21:00 PDT

Just a year after the celebrations for the Centenary and as ever a synonym of refined technologies and high performance engines, Alfa Romeo announces the marketing from September of the Alfa Romeo MiTo with 1.4 Turbo petrol MultiAir engines, the revolutionary technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The range of a winning model is therefore even broader, for a model which, since its launch to date, has seen 60,000 orders and is sold in 34 Countries throughout the world in 5 different continents. The new engines are an important "breaking point" from the current petrol engine scenario, just as was the case for the diesel Common Rail technology which saw its debut on the Alfa Romeo 156 in 1997. Just think that, compared to a traditional petrol engine with the same displacement, MultiAir engines ensure an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), as well as a considerable reduction in consumption levels (up to 10%) and CO2 emissions (up to 10%), of particulates (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%).

Citroen 3.0HDi V6 Diesel Engine First Details

feeds@pressportal.com.au — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:19:00 PDT

Citroën has released first details of an advanced 3.0HDi V6 240hp engine to be introduced to the C5 and C6 ranges later this summer. The unit is the most powerful production engine in the history of the Marque. It delivers the neat trick of offering more power and improved performance, alongside better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The new engine improves fuel economy by 13-17% and reduces CO2 by 12-15%, compared to the current 2.7HDi V6 208hp unit.