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Kia Brings Back the Hamsters for New Soul Ad Campaign
PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS AMERICA BREAKS NEW SOUL AD CAMPAIGN AND BRINGS BACK HAMSTERS BY POPULAR DEMANDGame-Changing Kia Halo Vehicle Still Stands Apart From Competition
* 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle rolls in clever, hip hop style spot
* Pop culture Hamsters compare Soul’s style and creature comforts to other boxy rides
IRVINE, Calif., May 26, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today officially released a new advertising campaign, titled "This or That," for the 2010 Kia Soul. "This or That" is the rebirth of the initial Kia Soul award winning advertising campaign created by David&Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record, and brings back the loveable Hamsters due to popular demand. Soul is a unique and highly personalizable urban passenger vehicle and the new spot builds on its creative theme in the style of a music video set to the classic hip hop track "The Choice is Yours" by notable 90’s hip hop group Black Sheep. The new campaign launches today on cable TV networks Comedy Central, Fuse, MTV, MTV2 and Spike and runs through July. Beginning May 28 it will appear in movie theaters across the country as well as have a presence online at Pandora, Facebook, Social Vibe’s PetVille, KMA’s Kia.com. and a YouTube contest.
"Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen’s Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. "We know the Soul target audience is digitally savvy and that they viewed the first commercial multiple times online, so the newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world and integrated Soul content for them to discover during repeat viewings."
[Source: Kia]
"Hamstar™" logoed clothing, as seen in the spot, will soon be available for purchase by fans at www.hamstarclothing.com (check soon for details).
Cruising through an urban landscape behind the wheel of an Alien Green Kia Soul, the hamsters in "This or That" cleverly compare Soul’s unique styling and plethora of personalizable creature comforts to other boxy rides – represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes – while rapping the title song’s lyrics, "You can get with this, or you can get with that."
A recipient of "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, and 2010 "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, as well as four special editions, including the recently unveiled special-edition Ghost Soul. Other special-edition Soul vehicles include Ignition Soul, Denim Soul and Shadow Dragon Soul. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000.
Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.
Kia Motors America in 2010
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®2 infotainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 20103). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
Hot News Up Date: Jaguar F-Type Gets Green Light
A new sports car, a fourth Range Rover, a BMW 3-Series rival and an executive estate, plus new factories in
The F-Type was first seen in the form of the XK180 concept back in 1998, but the project has been constantly delayed as the company struggled with its finances. But now, thanks to the promise of £1bn of investment every year for the next five years by new Indian owner Tata, a driver-focused sports car is imminent.
Despite the good news about Jaguar Land Rover’s investment in new product and advanced technology, Tata boss Carl-Peter Forster believes the firm remains committed to closing one of its
Put simply, Forster says “It is much better for a car company to have one large factory, than two small ones.”
Currently, Jaguar Land Rover is reviewing the future of its two West Midlands plants in
Meanwhile, JLR has confirmed it will open a new plant in
“This move isn’t about taking volume out of the
Thanks to: Auto Express
MPV on eurobippu style cars
catch-up some big ride on vipstyle..those people don't really care much of their ride on lowride the comfortness, what they really need is the stance and fitness their spirit in modification..that's reall dope guys 
Hyundai i45 In Australia
The Hyundai i45 mid-size sedan has landed in Australia priced from $29,490.
Created at Hyundai Design North America, the i45 represents the second iteration of Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design philosophy. Developed from the ground up, the i45 underwent over 500 quality checks on the production line, and had a powertrain engineered to provide hundreds of thousands of kilometres of trouble free motoring.
The drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd, contributes to the combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9L / 100 kms and a commanding road presence - long and low with a high beltline.
All four i45 models feature the new 2.4-litre Theta-II GDI petrol engine developing 148 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque.
The eye-catching exterior design of i45 starts with a smoked chrome grille, accented with striking headlights resembling a 'bird-of-prey'.
Character lines sweep across the bonnet linking the radiator grille to the rear of i45, with a signature chrome spear following the window line to underscore its sleek, aerodynamic stance. Chrome finished door handles compliment the side profile silhouette, which is further enhanced by a distinctive, sharp crease line stretching across the panels.
Heated outside mirrors featuring LED side repeaters provide maximum visibility of turning signals with a power-fold 'up and in' feature to add protection while parking.
The roofline arches towards the boot of i45 in a single aerodynamic contour line, purposefully merging into a progressive coupe-like stance. The boot keyhole is discreetly located under a chrome garnish, linking the rear LED combination lamps which feature a luminous light guide application to enhance visibility. A high positioned LED stop lamp at the base of the rear screen further alerts other drivers of sudden braking.
Premium models feature the elegant three-piece Panorama Sunroof featuring motor-operated sunshades in both the front and rear cabin areas. The front panel acts as a deflector to reduce noise, the centre panel slides to provide a refreshing driving experience while the third fixed panel provides a sense of light and space to rear passengers.
The interior boasts high quality surface finishes and leather. Dominating the cabin, the 'X' concept centre console with its chrome and black high gloss piano-finish provides a sophisticated and practical interior environment.
Paddle shift controls - available on the Elite and Premium models - enable the driver to initiate manual upshifts and downshifts while maintaining steering wheel contact and control.
The i45 range are as follows:
i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol manual: $29,490
i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic: $30,990
i45 Elite 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic: $34,490
i45 Premium 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic: $37,990
BMW Z4 cars Lands In Australia
BMW Australia today announced pricing for its new high-performance Z4 Roadster, which has now joined the Australian model line-up.
Priced from $129,900, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is sits atop the current Z4 range, which consists of the Z4 sDrive35i, the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive23i.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is features a modified straight-six twin turbo engine with high precision injection technology with an output of 250 kW. Accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, the roadster’s performance time is identical to the six-speed manual BMW M3 Coupé. Peak torque is 450 Nm, increasing briefly to 500 Nm courtesy of an overboost function.
The new hero model for the Z4 range is fitted with BMW’s seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission which includes a launch control function. The unique M Sport Package features a particularly aggressive-looking aerodynamics kit and includes adaptive suspension which lowers the car by 10 mm.
An exclusive 18’ Star-Spoke option is also now standard. And unique floormats, embroided with the BMW Z4 sDrive35is model-designation, complete the sporting appeal of the range-topping roadster.
Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are identical to that of the 225 kW Z4 sDrive35i, exemplifying the BMW EfficientDynamics ethos of reducing emissions whilst improving performance.
The roadster is also equipped standard with BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering.
BMW Group Australia managing director, Stavros Yallouridis, says the new hero roadster would extend demand for the BMW Z4 which has dominated the segment since its introduction in May 2009.
“The Z4 is already recognised as a design icon and a triumph of engineering. Now in the form of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, Australian performance enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate BMW roadster experience,” he says.
The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is is available now in local BMW showrooms.
Cosworth Tuned Subaru WRX STI info
Legendary tuner Cosworth has collaborated with Japanese car maker Subaru to develop the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 based on the Impreza WRX STI 'hot-hatch'.
The first genuine Cosworth-developed road car since 1996, the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 is powered by a heavily tweaked 2.5-litre turbocharged ‘Boxer’ engine that produces 33 per cent more power than the donor car. Ddrawing heavily on Cosworth’s extensive Formula 1 experience, the engine, which drives all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, boasts an impressive 294 kW and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds, making it one of the world's most accelerative hatchbacks. The quarter mile is covered in a brisk 12.75 seconds at a terminal speed of 172 km/h. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 features an extensive range of Cosworth-engineered components in the engine, turbo system, exhaust, suspension, brakes and wheels, plus subtle improvements to the exterior and interior styling to create a truly distinctive high performance car with everyday hatchback practicality.
Available in a choice of three exterior colours - Spark Silver, Dark Grey and San Remo Red - the Cosworth Impreza STI is, quite sadly, for the UK market only and is priced from £49,995 (AU$86,727). Only 75 units will be produced.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
New Cosworth Impreza STI CS400
Body and Chassis
Five-door, five-seat hatchback, with all-steel unitary construction body shell. Longitudinally-mounted petrol boxer engines driving the front and rear wheels (AWD) via a six-speed manual transmission.
Engine
STI 2.5-litre / 400 PS
Name – Subaru Boxer
Type – DOHC, horizontally opposed ‘flat four’
Capacity – 2.5-litres, 2457 cc
Bore & Stroke – 99.5 x 79.0 mm
Compression ratio – 8.2:1
Max power – 400 PS (295 kW) @ 5,750 rpm
Max torque – 542 Nm (400 lb.ft) @ 3,950 rpm
Valves – 16 (4-per-cylinder) with Dual AVCS
Fuel system – Multi-point injection
Construction – Aluminium cylinder block and heads
Emissions class – Euro Stage 5
Transmission
Manual, Six-speed
Gear Ratios
1 – 3.636:1
2 – 2.235:1
3 – 1.590:1
4 – 1.137:1
5 – 0.891:1
6 – 0.707:1
Reverse – 3.545:1
Final Drive (rear) – 3.900:1
Drivetrains
Full-time all-wheel drive with centre differential and viscous coupling, plus Vehicle Dynamics Control, Rear limited-slip differential, Front limited-slip differential and Si-Drive adjustable centre differential
Suspension & Damping
Front – Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson Struts, with Eibach coil springs and gas-filled Bilstein shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar
Rear – Fully independent subframe-mounted Multi-Link, Eibach coil springs and Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers (adjustable) anti-roll bar
Steering
Type – Electric power-assisted rack & pinion
Gearing – 2.5 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle (m) – 11.0
Brakes
Front – 355 x 32 mm ventilated discs with 6-pot callipers
Rear – 316 x 20 mm vented discs with single-pot callipers
ABS – Four-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
Wheels & Tyres
Alloy 18 x 8.5 inch, with 245 / 40 R18 directional tyres
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length – 4,415
Overall width – 1,795*
Overall height – 1,475
Wheelbase – 2,625
Front track – 1,530
Rear track – 1,540
Ground clearance – 140
*excluding door mirrors
Interior (all models)
Headroom – 1,024 front / 951 rear
Legroom – 1,091 front / 960 rear
Shoulder room – 1,430 front / 1,426 rear
Hip room – 1,384 front / 1,370 rear
Capacities (all models)
Fuel tank – 60 litres
Luggage (VDA) – 301 litres (rear seats up) / 1,216 litres (rear seats down)
Weights (kg)
Curb weight (min.) – 1,505
Gross weight – 1,980
Performance
Top speed / mph – 155 (electronically limited
0-to-62 mph / sec – 3.7
Fuel Economy (mpg)
Combined cycle – [tbc]
CO2 g/km – [tbc]
Hot News: Mini Plans to Release City Car?
Mini has kicked off studies into an affordable city car as part of a programme aimed at boosting sales by adding new models at the lower end of its line-up.
Described as a Smart Fortwo rival, the new model is aimed at complementing parent company BMW’s Megacity project. It will use conventional technology and modular mechanical components employed across the German car maker’s line-up to keep development costs down and hit profit targets.
Mini has long argued that cars smaller than its popular three-door lacked the profitability to be sustainable in the longer term. “The question we’ve asked ourselves all along is: how do we make money at this level?” a source within the firm told us.
But with BMW now committed to a three-cylinder engine and its officials investing heavily in new production techniques, Mini appears confident it can now build a solid business case for an ultra-frugal city car.
“Nothing is decided just yet,” said our source. “It is all at an early stage of conception. But there is a lot of momentum behind it right now. We may be ready to show a concept within the next 12 months or perhaps a little longer.”
Mini is tight-lipped about whether its city car will be a two or four-seater, and whether the engine will be at the front or rear.
Autocar has been told that Mini officials are keen to ensure it stretches to no longer than 3050mm — the length of the original Issigonis-engineered Mini. That would make it a good 700mm shorter than the modern-day version but some 300mm longer than today’s Smart.
Proposals for the new Mini are being developed primarily in Munich, although BMW’s design thinktank DesignWorks in Los Angeles is also contributing ideas to the project, which one official referred to by the name ‘Minor’.
Mini’s renewed interest in city cars follows Smart’s recent announcement that it plans to develop the next Fortwo with Renault, which is expected to sell its own styled version from 2014.
The last Mini city car concept to be made public was the Spiritual in 1997, three years after BMW’s takeover of the Rover Group. Shown in three and five-door form, it had an 800cc, rear-mounted three-cylinder engine.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: Alfa Romeo to Release 3-Series Rival
Alfa Romeo is close to signing off the final shape of the Giulia, its all-new 3-series challenger, which is little more than 17 months from the showroom.
With the launch of the Mito out of the way and the showroom debut of the Giulietta weeks away, getting the new Giulia saloon and estate exactly right has never been more crucial.
However, Alfa Romeo has never been better placed in terms of the quality of the components it has its disposal. Not only does it have access to the Fiat Group’s cutting-edge new Compact Global Modular Architecture, but Alfa will also be able to use upcoming developments of Fiat Power Train’s Multiair engine technology and new dual-clutch gearboxes.
The new Giulia is based on a longer version of the Compact platform used for the Giulietta. While the Alfa 147/GT platform has double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, it is ageing and significantly lacking in torsional rigidity. By contrast, the Premium platform that underpins today’s 159 may be extremely stiff and safe, but it is also too heavy.
Although the platform will not be the absolute lightest in its class, it makes extensive use of high-strength materials (accounting for around 90 per cent of the structure) and features lightweight crash structures front and rear, and aluminium suspension wishbones all round.
The new MacPherson-strut front end sits on a large subframe, which will allow the suspension to resist the distorting effects of the lateral forces generated by cornering. Among other advantages, this should mean the Giulia will not lose steering precision under hard cornering.
Alfa bosses say they want the Giulia to be ranked as best in class for ride and handling. Philippe Krief, head of dynamics for the Fiat Group, says that while the Compact platform’s suspension design and geometry has to cover all of Fiat’s brands, it will still be possible to tune the system to deliver Alfa’s dynamic targets.
Alfa engineers are also developing new two-stage dampers with Koni, and the company has 15 engineers working on the control software for an optional active damping system. It’s thought that the ‘DNA’ control for the throttle, steering and stability control will be standard. The Compact platform will offer Alfa the option of using a four-wheel drive system for the Giulia, as well as offering the Q2 electronic differential.
The Giulia will have some of the most modern engines of any car in this class. As well as the engines in the Giulietta (118bhp 1.4 turbo petrol and 168bhp Multiair petrol, and 104bhp 1.6 and 168bhp 2.0 diesels), the Giulia will get some even more advanced powerplants.
On the petrol front, Multiair 2 will be launched, combining the clever valve timing and lift set-up with direct injection. This step forward slightly improves CO2 emissions and dramatically reduces NOx pollution, as well as improving driveability.
A new 1750 TC GDI unit, delivering between 200bhp and 235bhp, looks like it could be the choice of the Giulia range. At the top end of the petrol line-up, it’s expected that Alfa will fit a Multiair 2 induction and injection system to Chrysler’s all-new Pentastar V6 engine. Alfa’s version should be a 3.3-litre unit delivering 273bhp with an unusually muscular torque curve for a normally aspirated V6.
There’s no news yet on whether Alfa will offer the V6 with the new torque-vectoring four-wheel drive transmission. Not only does an all-wheel drive system add considerable weight, but it can also blunt even the performance sensation delivered. If this range-topper does get the nod, at least one version will wear the GTA badge.
For diesel buyers, there’s a new, sophisticated Multiair and Multijet 2 combined induction and injection system on the way. There’s no news as to which engines will get it, but the upcoming 3.0-litre V6 diesels (220bhp and 250bhp) are the most likely. A 140bhp version of the 2.0-litre JTDm with a variable-vane turbocharger is also on the cards. Multiair also helps to significantly clean up the pollution from diesel engines.
Aside from the standard-issue six-speed manual gearboxes, there will be some interesting high-end units on offer. The M40 unit is good for handling up to 295lb ft of torque, and it will come in six-speed manual and automated manual forms. These specs could point to the technical make-up of the Giulia GTA.
Higher-performance Giulias will have the option of the new C635 twin-clutch transmission, which comes in front-drive and four-wheel-drive forms and can handle between 185lb ft and 258lb ft of torque.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: 2014 BMW i1
Heading for a city near you soon, these artist impressions from Germany, show what the new BMW Megacity could look like when it debuts in 2013. Currently referred to as the i1, the vehicle in the drawing gets its inspiration from the 1-Series, but it could be mistaken for a miniature X6.
The five-seater will be similar in size to the VW Golf, but the rear-wheel-driven car will be fully electric. Part of a new BMW sub-brand, the 'Megacity' range will be a specialist division comprising solely of electric vehicles. Joining the city-focused car, BMW is als developing a two-wheeler and three-wheeler. Featuring all the latest technologies, the i1 will be very light and also highly aerodynamic too.
Nothing has been confirmed about the drivetrain yet, but it is expected to be closely linked to the Concept ActiveE which debuted at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.
BMW has also announced it plans on building a plant in Moses Lake, Washington, which will employ 80 people and this is where a lot of the development will take place.
The official transportation provider for the 2012 London Olympics, it is likely prototype versions of the new i-range including the i1 will transport athletes and officials around the Olympic village. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied: 2011 Honda Civic (Europe Version)
Work on the new Civic has begun! Our spies caught a prototype of the next-generation Honda hatchback out testing in the Italian mountains.
The current model made its debut back in 2005 but has continued to look fresh thanks to its radical design touches, a feature the new car promises to carry on when it arrives early in the spring of 2012.
Because it's such a long way off, the prototype snapped here looks very similar to the old car, and the wheelbase is unchanged, but it does have a slightly wider track overall dimensions won’t differ much from today’s model. this tis
The test car was disguised with a fake front suggesting we’re looking at the old Civic, but one closer look reveals the front bumper is actually mounted yet in front of the real piece that is therefore hidden underneath.
Power will continue to come from four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units delivering between 80 and 140 hp. The current 1.3-litre, 115-hp hybrid motor will be carried over for the new model, too. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News: GM to Release New Small Truck??
General Motors is reportedly working on a new small truck that will be closer in size to the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma of yore than the current-generation Colorado and Canyon duo, according to PickupTrucks.com's sources.
Toyota RAV4 Collection 2010
The Rav4 lends fresh meaning to the mini-SUV concept. This car comes in either the 2-door or the 4-door version. With the 4-door, the Rav4 is capable of carrying 5 passengers and there is a big cargo well behind the rear seats. This is not just a practical car; the Rav4 is the definition of fun. What more could you want from a car? Aside from its ravishing looks and build, Toyota Parts Rav4 are in a variety of spectrum. The Rav4 definitely has the IT factor for not only does it respond to your basic car needs, like transporting luggage and cargo, it also completes your fashion statement!
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
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Unofficial Picture: 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Racer
These pictures of a Ferrari 458 Italia converted for race use have sparked speculation that there will be a one-make race series for the car from 2011 - and give the first clues as to how a hardcore Scuderia model could look.
As well as standard race preparation features such as a rollcage, plastic windows and race seats, the prototype car appears to be lower than standard, have a revised aerodynamic package and wider side skirts.
Ferrari hasn't released any information about the car.
The pictures came from the Axis of Oversteer website.
Thanks to: Autocar
Spied: 2011 Ford Mondeo Estate
Get a load of this! These are the first and best pictures yet of the Ford Mondeo Estate.
The facelifted car, which is due to go on sale later this year, promises to build on the appeal of the current machine with greater attention to detail and interior quality.
Under the bonnet there will be a 2.0-litre Ecoboost petrol unit, already available in the current Mondeo and debuting in the S-MAX and Galaxy. Delivering 200bhp, 300Nm, the Mondeo will take less than 9 seconds to go from 0-62mph.
Ford’s PowerShift transmission will be featured on a Mondeo for the first time, coming as standard with 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and it will be an option with the 138 and 160bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi variations.
A smaller 1.6-litre version of the Ecoboost will also come. Added to this there will be the usual healthy selection of diesel variants. Highlighted by an updated version of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCI, there will be three cleaner, more efficient options, with power ratings of 113, 138 and 160bhp. There is also expected to be a 2.2-litre diesel, offering around 180bhp. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied Up Date: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Last time we saw the Jetta, it was sweating through summer testing in the desert wearing heavy camouflage!
But now we have caught Volkswagen's newest sedan with almost all the camouflage removed!
While there are still a few pieces of body-coloured camouflage on this 2011 Jetta prototype, most of the car is completely production-ready.
And while VW seems to have stuck fake, Toyota-looking badges on this car, it only takes a quick look at the steering wheel centre cap to see the VW logo under a thin piece of tape!
Internally known as NCS – or New Compact Sedan – this updated Jetta will be built on a re-engineered fifth generation Jetta platform. Expect the new car to be longer and wider than the current model.
The Jetta name will likely be carried over, and assembly will continue to take place at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico, plant, but the new Jetta will be somewhat longer and a bit wider. Volkswagen will hope to sell 160,000 units annually as they try to lure potential Corolla and Civic buyers in the U. S. with its lower base price. The car will also make it to European dealers but is – again – not expected to be a hot seller.
Although cost-cutting measures may be obvious as compared to the current Jetta, there is speculation that an AWD option may be offered. Production is expected to start in the 4th quarter of 2010, making this updated entry a 2011 model when it crosses the border. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News: Mini Moke is Back!
The Moke is back! MINI bosses have given Auto Express strong hints that the buggy-inspired Beachcomber concept will be sent down the production line.
Designed to show off the new Countryman crossover, the stripped-down Beachcomber proved a massive hit when it was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
So much so that MINI is close to giving it the green light. Head of brand management Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht said: “We will come back to this to see if there is a business basis, as we were overwhelmed by the reaction. MINI will never show a concept that won’t make production.”
The Beachcomber was built around the road-ready version of the Countryman, but lost the doors and roof panels in homage to the Moke – the legendary Mini-based take on the classic beach buggy. Its four individual seats are wrapped in wetsuit material for all-weather durability, and the rear-mounted spare wheel holder is actually a lockable storage box. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, a fabric tonneau can be attached to the car, while more long-term rain protection is provided by lightweight, removable plastic door and roof panels.
As with the Moke – made from 1964 to 1993 – the Beachcomber has a metal, body-coloured grille, only this time the designers have inserted driving lights. Off-road ability is enhanced by higher ground clearance than the Countryman, as well as chunky tyres. Plus, the new ALL4 four-wheel-drive system is likely to be included as standard.
If it is built, the Beachcomber would have few natural rivals – perhaps only the permanently open-topped Smart Crossblade.
And the name? Bank on Moke, if Dr Armbrecht’s comments are anything to go by. “MINIs need authentic names,” he said.
The Countryman goes on sale in the UK in September, with prices starting at £16,000 for the 1.6-litre One model. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied: 2012 BMW 3-Series Touring
As the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series plows through its fourth year of production, we've begun to catch glimpses of the sixth-generation car set for 2012. Today, we've captured the first images of the next BMW 3 Series Wagon.
Hyundai launches i45 "Driven by obsession" campaign in Australia
Hyundai Motor Company Australia has launched a campaign for its new mid-sized sedan i45, with its ads featuring water droplet technology that creates shapes from cascading water.
The TV ad shows individual water droplets falling and creating shapes as they hit the car. One of the key images is a massive sword being “thrust” into the i45.
The “Driven by Obsession” campaign, created by Innocean Worldwide in partnership with Disciple, includes television, cinema, print, online, point of sale and outdoor.
Tim Brown, Disciple creative partner, said: “We’d seen graphic waterfalls technology at trade shows and felt that using it was a beautiful and captivating way to tell our story.”
Innocean took over the car maker’s creative account in April last year.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries April 2010 VFACTS report, Hyundai’s vehicle sales in the year to the end of April rose 65.4 per cent, compared the same 2009 YTD period.
This was compared to the overall car market which was up 20.3 per cent during that same period.
[Source: Hyundai]
The TV ad shows individual water droplets falling and creating shapes as they hit the car. One of the key images is a massive sword being “thrust” into the i45.
The “Driven by Obsession” campaign, created by Innocean Worldwide in partnership with Disciple, includes television, cinema, print, online, point of sale and outdoor.
Tim Brown, Disciple creative partner, said: “We’d seen graphic waterfalls technology at trade shows and felt that using it was a beautiful and captivating way to tell our story.”
Innocean took over the car maker’s creative account in April last year.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries April 2010 VFACTS report, Hyundai’s vehicle sales in the year to the end of April rose 65.4 per cent, compared the same 2009 YTD period.
This was compared to the overall car market which was up 20.3 per cent during that same period.
[Source: Hyundai]
Hot News: Mahindra Eyes Ssangyong Motors
Mahindra & Mahindra is learnt to be keen to make a bid for the ailing Korean car manufacturer SsangYong Motor Company. Bidders had to submit their letters of intent by end of May.
The acquisition of Ssangyong may be a good fit for the Indian company in its quest to become a global player in SUVs and pick-ups. The Korean company has two plants, one of which makes SUVs such as the Rexton II and a luxury saloon called Chairman, and the other plant manufactures engines.
M&M may have to shell out up to $300 million to bid for Ssangyong, which has been attracting investments since December 17, 2009. China’s SAIC is the single largest shareholder in Ssangyong. Some years ago, M&M had planned to introduce the Rexton in India under a licensing agreement but that never materialised.
Thanks to: Autocar India
Hot News: New Volvo XC to Replace S40?
Is the S40 dead, set to be replaced by a baby XC softroader? That’s the most likely conclusion we've drawn from discussions with a number of key Volvo personal last week.
Discussed in the shadow of the launch of the S40/V50's larger and much more accomplished S60 sibling, the future of Volvo's Focus-based small sedan and wagon looks far from certain. In fact, it seems even the decision to facelift the car is on hold.
Volvo insiders admitted to the Carsales Network that any announcement regarding the future of the S40/V50 was still some way off. They expected the future of the car would be resolved in "the next 12 months" but would not comment on any timing for a facelift for the car, nor the timeframe for the debut of its replacement.
"With most models there is a clear plan. We have no news on timing for [the S40]," our Volvo source stated.
"We are keen to understand how the S60 and V60 will impact the S40. Currently there is less space in our line-up for the car [S40/V50]. It doesn't sit in any segment and doesn't directly compete with established small or medium car."
The current second generation S40 arrived Down Under in 2004. Though it's been tweaked since, the car is essentially unchanged. In the faster moving flow of small and medium cars an all-new replacement is almost overdue.
Volvo execs said the next 12 months are "crucial" for the S40.
"Maybe the gap between C30 and S60 is too big -- but how to fill it?" our source mused.
At the Sintra Portugal launch of the S60, Volvo execs again categorically ruled out the prospect of a five-door variant of the C30. Speculation is therefore that the S40/V50 'gap' will likely be addressed by a compact softroader.
With BMW seemingly onto a winner in sales terms with X1 and a Q3 reportedly in the wings, XC40 has a pleasant ring to it.
Thanks to: Car Point
Sneak Peek: 2011 BMW X3
These are the first pictures of the new BMW X3 – although little is given away about the new SUV, which will appear for the first time at this autumn’s Paris motor show.
The cryptic teaser pictures released in Germany reveal little more than the styling of the rear lights and bonnet, both of which have been inspired by the new BMW 5-series.
The pictures also show the car’s exterior and interior designers at work on the new X3’s styling.
Previous spy pictures of the new X3 have revealed it to be bigger and bulkier in size than the current model, meaning it will sit between the X1 and X5.
Its wheelbase will be around 2900mm. The increase in dimensions will help answer two of the biggest criticisms of the original X3: its lack of rear legroom and poor access to the back seats.
BMW has always been serious about making its SUVs handle like the rest of the range on asphalt, and the new X3 has undergone extensive testing at the Nurburgring.
Despite the new car's larger dimensions, four-cylinder diesels will continue to be offered in its line-up, alongside six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
The new X3 is expected to reach UK showrooms in October, with prices starting at around £35,000.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: ItalDesign is Bought by Volkswagen
Despite demand from Chinese carmakers for seductive designs from renowned Italian design houses, firms like Pininfarina, Bertone and Italdesign (IDG) have found making money pretty tricky in the current financial climate.
But help is at hand for the latter at least, with news that the VW Group has acquired a 90.1 per cent stake in the firm, with the founding Giugiaro family retaining the remaining shares.
Speaking at the announcement of the deal, VW Management Chair Dr. Martin Winterkorn said “With this shareholding in Italdesign, we are participating in one of the most renowned design and development companies with one of the richest traditions in the automobile industry.”
Giugiaro designed the original VW Golf and Scirocco, and produced concepts for the Passat and Audi 80. But more recently, the IDG has been collaborating with VW on work on the firm’s new Up! range of fuel-efficient small cars over the last two years.
Taking advantage of taxation rules, IDG was purchased for the VW Group by Italian-registered Lamborghini Holdings. As well as the Up! models, IDG will work on making the firm’s entire line-up more attractive to the ever-growing Chinese market. IDG currently generates sales of over €100 million and has a workforce of 800 employees. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Cosworth
The Cosworth badge is back – on a Subaru Impreza. Based on a standard STi, and re-engineered by Cosworth, the 395bhp CS400 aims to set new performance standards. With only 75 being built, it
will be an instant collectors’ item, too.
Racing pedigree runs through the car’s long list of modifications, yet while power output has shot up from the standard 325bhp, so has the price tag: it now weighs in at an eye-watering £49,995.
The 2.5-litre boxer engine remains the same size as normal, but the added grunt comes courtesy of a brand new turbo and remapped ECU. Its internalsare hand finished to ensure that they cope with all the extra power, and the head gasket, con rods, cylinder heads and pistons are tougher and more durable.
A shortened throw and new clutch plate speed up the changes offered by the six-speed gearbox, giving the CS400 a Porsche 911 Turbo-rivalling 0-62mph sprint time of only 3.7 seconds.
Even so, don’t be fooled into thinking that the Cosworth Impreza will be a rock-hard track-day special. Although the ride has been lowered by 10mm and the track has been widened, Subaru claims that new Bilstein gas shock absorbers and Eibach springs improve comfort as well as giving sharper, more controlled handling at the limit. There are larger, 355mm ventilated discs from AP Racing at the front, with heavy-duty six-pot calipers to rein in the Scooby.
All of the upgrades were deliberately kept simple, the reasoning being that Subaru wanted the Cosworth to be a much faster, harder Impreza that is also a reliable, comfortable and usable everyday car. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News Up Date: Toyota Prius MPV to be Called 'Alpha'
Toyota is charging ahead with its plans to expand the Prius range, with a compact people-mover as one of its top priorities. Now in its final stages of development, the Prius mini-minivan, dubbed Alpha, will be the first vehicle in the Prius line to use lithium-ion batteries when it debuts in March 2011. Just one-third the weight of the nickel-metal hydride battery pack used in the current production Prius sedan, the new lithium-ion batteries generate greater power and are already in use in the prototype Prius plug-in hybrid.
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