Author: yoann besnard

Mitsubishi delays twin-clutch gearbox

It has been revealed that the twin-clutch gearbox will not be featured on the first Evo X. Indeed, the Japanese carmaker is encountering a few problems with building the gearboxes.
Dubbed the Twin Clutch SST (short for Sport Shift Transmission), the new gearbox offers the same characteristics as the VW’s gearbox. One clutch deals with the first, the third and the fifth gears while a second clutch deals with the second, fourth and sixth gears. The gearbox offers three modes: city, sport and super-sport.
For the time being, however, the Evo X will be equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.
November 13, 2007
Future Hyundai coupe interior and engines revealed

This is the first picture of the interior for the next-generation Hyundai coupe. Like the facelifted Sonata that will be unveiled this week, Hyundai designers have put all their expertise into designing an upmarket interior.
Like the overall shape, the interior takes inspiration from Japanese trends, or rather Nissan trends, with a central console that looks like the Nissan Skyline Coupe’s console. The wheel is very similar to Honda design. We won’t complain about that, since both carmakers design ergonomic and stylish interiors.
Inside Line has also confirmed that the next Hyndai coupe will not feature the Tau V8 engine. The powerful V8 will be used only for the Genesis sedan. The future Hyundai coupe will feature two engines. The entry level will get a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that will have an output of 215bhp and a torque of 217ft/lbs. The other engine will be the 3.8 litre V6 engine issued from the Hyundai Grandeur/Azera but boosted at 300 bhp.
November 13, 2007
Touchscreens for all VW models next year

In an interview given to Automotive News Europe, Walter de’ Silva announced that all VW cars will feature a touchscreen next year, either as standard or as an option.
He explained that “Touchscreens are the most intuitive interface between humans and machine”. He also said: “We want to build naturalness, not only in the design, but also in functionality all future Volkswagen models.”
The German car manufacturer has unveiled a preview of the Touchscreen interface in two concept cars: the Up! concept car at the last Frankfurt Motor Show and the Up! Space concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show.
With more and more comfort features, the touch screen is a big benefit for customers. In 2001, BMW launched the iDrive to make drivers’ and passengers’ lives easier. Unfortunately, the initial good intention became a textbook case of bad interface design. Audi launched the MMI soon after. Despite significant progress, the MMI commands still present a steep learning curve. With the success of iPhone and iPod Touch, the public seems to be ready for a touchscreen experience. Volkswagen clearly makes a clever move.
Oddly, Audi will not adopt the new technology and will stick to its current MMI technology. Nevertheless, the A1 concept car unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show featured an updated screen interface with an Apple’s Cover Flow experience.
November 13, 2007
Jaguar C-XF: Concept Car of the Year

The Japanese car magazine Car Styling has named the Jaguar C-XF concept car of the year. Akira Fujimoto, editor-in-chief at Car Styling, commented: “The C-XF was chosen for this award as it tries to achieve a sense of high quality by using new materials and new sensibilities, not only on the exterior but also in the interior. At Car Styling we can foresee that this comprehensive, high level of styling will be fully reflected in the new generation of Jaguars.”
Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the concept car announced the awaited new Jaguar saloon. More than a car, the C-XF was a revolution for the British carmaker, breaking years of tradition in design. With this car, Jaguar abandoned the unsuccessful current style to adopt a fresh new design language. The production car was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and encountered mixed reactions among specialists. American consumers, the main target, seem to appreciate the new Jaguar design, with a two month waiting list for potential buyers.
For Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum, it is a new prize to add to his collection. He declared: “It is a great honour for Jaguar to receive this award from such a reputable journal like Car Styling – a magazine that all designers have grown up with for the last 30 years. My colleague Julian Thomson and I both believe it has always demonstrated the very best in our profession, so it makes us particularly proud to receive this recognition for the C-XF.”
November 13, 2007
15 Million Passats in the world

Following the recently-delivered 25 millionth Golf, Volkswagen marks a new milestone with the 15 millionth car produced in the Emden factory. The car is a silver Passat Variant BlueMotion 1.9 TDI 105 bhp which was donated to the DKMS (German Bone Marrow Donor Center).
The Passat has been built in 13 factories worldwide but the milestone is also a special one for the Emden plant. Of the 15 million Passats, 5.9 million were made there. Inaugurated in 1964, the factory started to produce the Passat in 1977.
If we take into account the date when the 14 millionth Passat was delivered, October 2006, the 20 millionth mark will be passed in 5 years at the current pace.
November 13, 2007
Mercedes-Benz Cars records 11.8% increase in October

The German group Mercedes-Benz has recorded a 11.8% sales increase over the same period last year with 114,600 vehicles delivered. On the year-to-date sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars has delivered 1,056,900 vehicles which is a 1.9% increase compared to 2006.
Smart division recorded the strongest growth with an impressive 28.7% increase. While Smart sold three models last year, only the ForTwo model is available nowadays. Sales of the ForTwo have increased by 92% to 10,700 units.
Mercedes-Benz sales jumped by 10.3% in October thanks to a successful C-Class. More than 130,000 new C-Class have been delivered in the world since its launch in March. Surprisingly, the S-Class is also a hit. The German flagship, with an entry price at £54,117, recorded a strong month. In the year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz delivered 91,300 S-Class. This is higher than the combined sales of all models of directly competing German carmakers.
Germany remains the biggest market with 31,400 delivered vehicles despite a slight increase of 1.9%. The growth comes from the Asia-Pacific region with a 27% increase. There the German carmaker delivered a total of 11,400 vehicles. Western Europe comes second with a 14% increase to 37,800 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz delivered 22,800 vehicles on the US market which is a 11% increase over the same period last year.
November 13, 2007
First shots of the new Murano

Here are the first shots of the new Nissan Murano which will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Do not expect big changes. The current Murano sells well and its shape is still appealing despite its age.

With this new Murano, Nissan wants to ride on the success encountered by the current generation. The SUV keeps its original shape, with the main update being to the taillights. For the first time, it also features a panoramic roof.
Regarding the technical details, no information is currently available but it might replace its current engine, the 3.5 litre V6 known as VQ35De, by the updated 3.5 litre VQ35HR. The power would jump from 245 bhp to 315 bhp.
November 13, 2007
20,000 Honda Fit/Jazz already ordered

Encouraging news for Honda: the recently launched Fit/Jazz model has recorded 20,000 sales in the first two weeks following its launch. With such a figure, Honda may claim the title of best-selling car in Japan, currently held by the ubiquitous Toyota Corolla.
Officially unveiled on the Japanese market at the Tokyo Motor Show, the new Fit/Jazz is 55mm longer (3900mm), 20mm wider (1695mm) and has a 50mm longer wheelbase (2500mm) than the previous model, which helps improve cabin space, especially rear legroom.
In Japan, two new i-VTEC engines are available, a 1.3 litre and 1.5 litre petrol. The 1.3 litre produces 99 bhp at 6000rpm and 98lb ft at 4500rpm while the 1.5 has an output of 118bhp at 6300rpm and a torque of 108lb ft at 4800rpm.
The Japanese Fit/Jazz is available with a continuously variable transmission in standard, but the 1.5, dubbed RS, may also receive a five-speed manual gearbox. Both models are available with four-wheel drive systems.
November 13, 2007
Tata leading the Jaguar/Land Rover bid

The Indian carmaker Tata looks set to be the winning bidder in the Jaguar/Land Rover bid if the current situation does not change. The Tata buyout does not really please either Jaguar or Land Rover. If such a buyout happened there is a chance that Tata will take the two companies’ expertise to expand its own company, to the detriment of the two beleaguered American carmakers. Jaguar appears to be the most fragile if we consider that its management admitted profit level will remain negative for several years to come.
Tata might also move their production to India in order to cut costs but such a move might be fatal for both brands. Jaguar just topped the quality benchmarks in the US while Land Rover still languishes behind the competition. Moving the production would irremediably decrease the quality during the first months.
The good news is that Tata is more than just a carmaker. It is a huge conglomerate that produces everything that Indian consumers need in daily life and in many respects has the financial power to rejuvenate a clumsy Jaguar and Land Rover whose future is far from safe due to stricter CO2 regulations.
That said, Jaguar and Land Rover are still hoping that a private equity firm will make an offer that Tata cannot match.
November 13, 2007
Ford Verve SUV for Detroit

Ford will release a 4×4 version of its Verve concept car at the next Detroit Motor Show in January. Like the original Verve concept car, it will share its platform with the next Fiesta, which shares its underpinnings with the recently launched Mazda 2.
The SUV will feature a small-capacity turbocharged engine and is planned to go on sale in 2009.
November 13, 2007