Club Racer-Inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR in the pipeline

Prototype Makes World Debut at the New York International

The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

"The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts."

The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.

Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).
The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber-style trim panels. Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment. Standard features for the S2000 include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it.

Mahindra Renault Launches Logan

Anand Mahindra and Carlos Ghosn

Mahindra Renault, a joint venture between M&M and Renault of France, today announced the launch of Logan in India. The Logan debuts in India with a host of class-defying features at an aggressive price.

• A real “wide bodied car”; redefines its segment in space, comfort and
style.
• State-of-the-art engines including both petrol and latest generation
1.5-litre common rail diesel versions
• Price range: Petrol starting at Rs. 4.28 lakhs; Diesel starting at
Rs. 5.47 lakhs.
• Available in selected Mahindra dealerships in 2 phases:
Phase 1: 10 cities, booking commences by April 14th;
Phase 2: Additional 15 cities, booking to commence by May.
Delivery will start 4 weeks after booking
• Logan marks Mahindra’s entry into passenger car market; Renault’s
entry into India

NISSAN LAUNCHES ALL-NEW GLOBAL VEHICLE IN INDONESIA

PT Nissan Motor Indonesia (NMI) launched the all-new Grand Livina in Jakarta today – one of a family of global models that was announced last July.

Indonesia is the first market to introduce the right-hand drive version of this all-new seven-seater MPV. The Grand Livina, manufactured in a recently expanded and refurbished plant of NMI, is expected to contribute substantially to Nissan’s sales in Indonesia.

“The Grand Livina is an irrefutable example of Nissan’s commitment to our customers in Indonesia. With seven variants in two engine sizes, we expect the Grand Livina to be a popular choice for Indonesian customers. For 2007, we expect sales of this model to reach 12,000 units, out of our total domestic sales of 21,000 units,” disclosed Nissan’s COO Toshiyuki Shiga, who is in Jakarta to officiate the launch.

Based on the concept of a stylish MPV, the Grand Livina offers a driving experience with sedan-like flexibility and ride comfort. With an elegant and sporty look, the interior is spacious and provides multiple seating or storage combinations. Using a monocoque body structure, the Grand Livina is powered by either a 1.8L MR engine or 1.5L HR engine with CVTC (continuous valve timing control) for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.8L model comes with the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission while the 1.5L version is equipped with either a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission.

The Grand Livina has been designed and engineered at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan, and manufactured at NMI’s plant located 75km east of Jakarta.

Abarth TV: the legendary scorpion gets its own internet television channel

Today marks the launch of http://www.abarth.tv/, a broadband TV channel dedicated entirely to Abarth, one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport marques. This is the first time that a brand in this sector has chosen internet television as a medium for presenting its history and future projects: from previews to video reports, historical film clips and interviews and in depth features on the cars, races and key figures of the legendary Scorpion.

The development of the project has been entrusted to WBBS s.a., a leading international creator of broadband television channels that has already developed many theme based channels viewable from the site http://www.baobabtv.com/.

The unique potential of broadband TV sets it apart from conventional television, and users are offered a variety of different modes for accessing a selection of programmes on a single niche theme: specifically, streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no territorial restrictions, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and live webcasting. In short, users themselves can define their own programme schedule, deciding which video to watch and when: from racing to modding and tuning, and from the latest Abarth models to up to date news about the brand. Luca De Meo, Chairman of Abarth & C, will be the subject of the first interview to be broadcast on “Abarth TV”. In the near future, users will also be able to submit their own video clips to the official Abarth website http://www.abarth.it/, to share them with the entire Abarth fan community.

All you need to view “Abarth TV” is a 400 K ADSL connection and Windows Media Player. The channel will be viewable in full screen and at remarkable quality thanks to the use of industry leading Narrowstep ® streaming technology.

Both innovative and original, “Abarth TV” is therefore perfectly in keeping with the initiative for the rebirth of the Abarth marque, which will restore the company to its past glories while bringing it right up to date, in readiness for the challenges of the future, adopting the new forms of communication made possible by the web, such as broadband TV. In a word, a new medium for a new brand.

Volvo Car Corporation global sales up by 8.5 percent in first quarter of 2007.

Strong start for the all-new S80.


The global Volvo sales in the first quarter of 2007 reached 117,614 cars compared to 108,352 during the same period in 2006. This is an increase of 8.5 percent. During the month of March global sales increased by 7 percent. The Volvo XC90 was the best selling model with 21,600 units, followed by Volvo S40 at 17,085 units. The all-new Volvo S80 increased by 132 percent during March in the US market compared to same period 2006.

Sales in the major European markets increased during March with 9.8 percent compared to 2006. This result is mainly due to recent new model launches like the Volvo C70, Volvo S80 and Volvo C30 The strongest markets during the first quarter were France (45%), Belgium (25%) and Italy (23.7%).

The developing markets continued their strong growth. China increased by 18.7 percent in March and in total 60.5 percent for the first quarter. Russia continued its outstanding performance with a sales increase of 146 percent in March.

"We can now see the result of our aggressive product plan, especially in the European market place. However, we expect stronger sales and we should be able to grow our volume to record levels during 2007, said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation
"Its important that we continue to intensify our efforts within the global sales organisation to release the full potential of Volvo", added Fredrik Arp.

Fredrik Arp

"In the US we still haven't seen the full effect of the Volvo S80 launch. And the Volvo XC70 and Volvo C30 will not be launched until later this year. However, I am confident that Volvo will perform well in the US during the second half of 2007, added Fredrik Arp.

The US sales were down 4.2 percent in March mainly due to the general economic trend in the USA. The overall sales in NAFTA were down by 4.8 percent for the same period.

Three small car concept from GM

They may be known for making land barges and straight-line speedsters but Genera Motors is now realising that size does matter. Smaller may be better.
They came up with three interesting small car ideas which may eventually find their way into the world market - Americans probably wouldn't want these tiny creations. Called Beat, Groove and Trax, they offer a unique window into the future at GM

Chevrolet Beat

Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It’s loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.

Chevrolet Groove

A “funkastalgia”-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be “cute,” the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with bodacious fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.

Chevrolet Trax

An urban crossover concept that’s equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine.

World's best car polish discovered?

Want to know which is the best car polish in the market then you should read Auto Express. This week they test 50 leading products so you don't have to.

Here is a snippet of their findings

The test

The last thing you want to see is all the hard graft of polishing vanish with the first rain shower, so at the heart of our test is stamina.

We tested all types of product, including polishes, waxes, sealants, synthetics and the latest offerings which you apply straight after rinsing your motor. Two bonnets were used, and we left control areas to ensure equal conditions. Our samples were checked regularly over eight weeks to see which were still beading water and offering protection. The test was two weeks longer than previous assessments, really stretching each product.

We also took into account ease of application and, of course, cost. The figures quoted are pack prices, and do not include delivery charges from online sources.

Verdict:

It was very close at the top, with Turtle Wax's Extra Gloss narrowly taking the title from fellow non-abrasive sealant and stablemate Gloss Guard, and Comma's champ from last year.

However, the third-placed Top Gloss is our favourite conventional polish. It's ahead by a clear margin from the Simoniz Original Wax and CarPlan's Nanomeric Sealant.

Top five car polishes

1. Turtle Wax Platinum Extra Gloss
2. Turtle Wax Gloss Guard
3. Comma Car Polish
4. Simoniz Original Wax
5. CarPlan Nanomeric Paintwork Seal & Protect

Best month in Audi company history

More than 100,000 vehicles sold for first time

* Worldwide sales record for March
* Europe, USA and China with double-digit growth rates
* Great Britain largest foreign market
* Russia achieves vigorous growth


For the first time ever in the history of the company, Audi has achieved the record-breaking figure of more than 100,000 vehicles sold in one month. The company in fact handed over more than 103,000 vehicles to their new owners in the month of March, thus recording a rise of 10 percent compared with the same month of last year.

The main driving forces behind the worldwide growth in March were Europe (excluding Germany) with an increase of some 15 percent (around 53,200 vehicles) and China (including Hong Kong), up 20.4 percent (8,623 vehicles). The largest foreign market in March was Great Britain with 19,238 vehicles (up 19.8 percent). Audi also enjoyed a highly successful month in the US market with growth rates of 14.7 percent (8,020 vehicles).

Audi recorded particularly high growth rates in countries such as Russia, up 48.1 percent (1,140 vehicles), Switzerland, up 35.1 percent (1,569 vehicles), Sweden, up 35.2 percent (1,759 vehicles) and Belgium, up 16.1 percent (4,025 vehicles).

Audi’s upward trend in Germany continued: the high level of last year (25,784 units) was maintained with sales of 25,690 units. “Having felt the effects of the increase in value-added tax at the beginning of January, we have now shown in March that we are making good progress. The Audi TT Roadster and the launch of the Audi A5 in mid-year will have a further positive impact on our sales,” stated Jörg Felske, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG.

New LX570 breaks cover in New York

Lexus has revealed the all-new LX570 at the New York Auto Show, making this the third-generation of full-size SUV’s offered.
The LX 570 will be equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces, and this is mated to a six-speed auto transmission.

Underneath, significant upgrades to the suspension system mean less body roll, and the ability to adjust suspension for the type of terrain you’re on. There’s also crawl control to make it easier to maneuver the vehicle on rough surfaces.

It wouldn’t be a Lexus without a luxurious interior, so it’s nice to see the LX570 ticks all the right boxes. Buyers get increased space for all passengers, Bluetooth, and XM Satellite radio as standard. Luxury packs and entertainment upgrades are also available.

Interesting concepts at Seoul Motor Show

Unless you are Korean, it is not likely that you would have noticed doors to the Seoul Motor Show opening this weekend. Korean carmakers are doing their best to show the world what they can do on home ground.

KIA's KND-4

Kia, which has released some surprisingly nice concept cars at recent auto shows continues the trend with the KND-4, which was shown today at the Seoul International Motor Show. It’s clear that one major market for Kia is small to mid-size SUVs, as was recently shown with the Kia Kue.
The KND-4 is designed for customers with ‘active lifestyles’ – whatever that means – and features sleek styling to appeal to a younger market. The rounded nose features LED headlights, while flared wheelarches wrap around large diameter 20-inch wheels. Designed for four people with individual seats, the KND-4’s interior is ‘future-oriented’ with floor, dashboard and door trim panels in a metallic finish, highlighted by indirect lighting.
Conceived and created at the Kia Namyang Design Centre – hence the KND-4 naming – it is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine driving all four wheels via the latest version of Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system.

Hyundai HND Velostar

Not to be outdone by Kia’s new KND-4 concept, Hyundai has also released a concept car at the Seoul Auto Show called the HND-3 Velostar. The sporty 2-door coupe is powered by a 2.0L engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Despite the underwhelming specifications, the design is as futuristic as they come with a barely feasible rear end.
There’s some practicality behind the extended bum – the Velostar is a 2+2, not a simple 2-seater coupe as the pictures may suggest. Hyundai has a habit of showing sporty coupe concepts but hasn’t released any such production vehicle apart from the Tiburon.

We’ll update this story as more details are released.

Frugal Polo is World Green Car Finalist

The European-market Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 World Green Car title. A jury comprised of more than 40 international automotive journalists representing the world’s most significant automotive outlets chose this year’s finalists. The World Green Car of the Year will be declared April 5 at the New York International Auto Show.



The Polo BlueMotion is Europe’s most economical five-seat automobile, offering the equivalent of 60 miles per gallon. The key to the Polo BlueMotion’s efficiency is the optimization of an already economical package. Incorporation of longer ratio gears in the standard five-speed manual transmission, application-specific light weight alloy wheels, and lower rolling resistance 165/70 R14 tires all contribute to increased fuel economy. The lightweight body structure has enhanced aerodynamics to further improve its efficiency. The Polo BlueMotion doesn’t ask its owners to compromise, as its sprightly performance and sporty chassis dynamics provide the “fun to drive” element inherent in Volkswagen’s brand DNA.

The Polo BlueMotion is the first model to be launched under Volkswagen’s BlueMotion sustainability initiative aimed at developing low-emissions and low-fuel consumption vehicles at affordable prices.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

TOUAREG 2 is now out

VW's first-ever SUV has been restyled for the 2008 model year, returning as the Touareg 2. The updated version will enter showrooms with refreshed exterior styling, an impressive list of safety features and vehicle capabilities, and three powerful engine options. After its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Touareg 2 arrives at dealerships later this spring, with pricing starting at $39,320.

Taking design cues from others in the Volkswagen model lineup, the Touareg 2’s updated exterior styling now echoes the brand’s signature design with its new Volkswagen “face”— specifically its chrome front grille. The Touareg 2 also has a redesigned aerodynamic and sporty rear spoiler with integrated third brake light. Other distinctive exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, standard on the VR6 FSI, and 19-inch alloy wheels, standard on the V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo models; redesigned headlamps and darkened taillights; redesigned luxury seating system, with standard 12-way power driver’s seat; and four all-new exterior color options – Alaska Gray, Cranberry, Galapagos and White Gold.

The Touareg 2 boasts three engine variations— with both the VR6 FSI and V8 FSI recently upgraded. The Touareg’s 3.2-liter VR6 has been replaced with a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, which has an additional 40 horsepower, now at 280 hp. The FSI technology has considerably improved the driving performance of the Touareg 2. This significant performance upgrade is accompanied by increased torque with an optimized torque curve. The recently upgraded 4.2-liter

V8 FSI is the first eight-cylinder Volkswagen engine with unleaded fuel direct injection, generating an impressive 350 horsepower, 40 more than the previous V8, and 325 lbs. ft. of torque. The Touareg 2’s 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo offering delivers 310 horsepower and a staggering 553 lbs. ft. of torque. All three Touareg 2’s offer an incredible 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.

The Touareg 2 also features a variety of driving systems designed to ensure safety and enhance the vehicle’s handling. These features include a new rollover sensor system, which records both turning angle and turning speed to determine whether the vehicle will encounter a possible rollover situation. The rollover sensor system merges with the airbag control device to activate side and side head curtain airbags if a rollover hazard is present. An enhanced tire pressure monitoring system that informs the driver of any tire pressure loss is now standard. The Touareg 2 features various Electronic Stabilization Program innovations, including hydraulic braking assist, a preventative braking pressure build-up system for sudden lifts off of the gas pedal which prepares the vehicle for a sudden stop. Other ESP innovations include rain brake support, which intermittently wipes the rotors dry when windshield wipers are activated; and an understeering control logic system which improves turning behavior during understeering.

In addition to these features, the Touareg 2 boasts a world-first “ABSplus” braking system. This Volkswagen-developed and patented system shortens braking distance for the Touareg 2 by up to 20 percent on loose roadbeds by pushing a portion of the road material under temporarily locked wheels to form a chock. This innovation is the first of its kind in the world and is a Touareg 2 exclusive feature.

The Touareg 2 includes a noteworthy array of vehicle capabilities. A permanent four-wheel drive system, 4XMOTION^™, provides improved traction on virtually any surface. Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist features stabilize the Touareg 2 during off-road ventures. Standard independent suspension and improved axle pitching further allow this powerful vehicle the capability to navigate uneven terrain with confidence. The Touareg 2 also boasts 33-degree approach and departure angles, 45-degree climbing capability, 35-degree lateral inclination, adjustable air suspension and up to 23-inch fording depth with the optional air suspension.

Additional standard features include Sirius™ Satellite Radio, park distance control, power liftgate, new instrument cluster with larger display, and a new silver metallic trim standard on the VR6 FSI.

Touareg 2 is available with all-new Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie option packages. These packages further enhance the Touareg 2 with additional upgrades including a ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, keyless access with a start/stop button, and Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II, which help improve night time visibility and enhances the driver’s ability to negotiate turns by allowing them to ‘see’ into the curve.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at

Proton Update

So many things have been said about the deal between Proton and VW. Firstly it must be said that the deal-making involves only the shareholders ie Khazanah and VW.
Proton management is only consulted on technical matters so it would be wrong to blame them for failure to strike a deal. anyways, we have to wait for the meeting between VW boss Dr Martin Winterkorn and Pak Lah to find out what is going to happen.
For now, Proton needs to simply buck up and pull themselves up by the bootstraps so they can go forward on a good note. It does the industry no good for everyone to think that Proton is close to collapse and unable to right itself.