Author: yoann besnard

Next Toyota Prius to grow in every dimension
Expected to be unveiled at the next Detroit Motor Show in January 2009, the next-generation Prius will grow in size according to latest informations.
According to company sources, the next Prius will grow in every dimension, get a bigger engine and still be more fuel efficient than the current model. The next Prius is reported to be 100mm longer and 25mm wider than the current generation. The next Prius would be 4550 mm long and 1750mm wide, positioning the car between the compact and family market segments. The third-generation Prius will feature a bigger engine, a 1.8-litre unit which will replace the current 1.5-litre. With the increased displacement, the power will raise from 75bhp to around 100bhp. Combined with the electric engine, the next Prius will likely offer around 160bhp. In the meantime, the hybrid hatchback will increase its fuel efficiency by 15%.
As reported by Petrol-Head, the next Prius will be reused by Toyta to develop a Lexus model which is rumoured to come with a bigger engine. The Prius is also rumoured to come with several bodystyles.
April 29, 2008
Volkswagen debuts the 296bhp Passat in the UK
VW has launched the most powerful Passat ever, the R36 powered by a 296bhp 3.6-litre engine.
The new Passat’s flagship is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine which delivers a power output of 296bhp and a torque output of 258 lb ft. The engine is hooked up to a six-speed DSG gearbox and power is transmitted to the wheels by the in-house all-wheel drive system called 4Motion. As a result the saloon is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds for the saloon and 5.8 seconds for the estate. The two variants reacha limited top speed of 155mph.
Along with the poweful engines, the new Passat R36 comes with unique equipments which includes 18in wheels and blue brake callipers. The R36 is also lowered by 20 mm. The exterior styling features a new chrome grille sporting the ‘R36’ badge and a new front bumper with three large air intakes. At the rear end, the R36 comes with a set of twin tailpipes. On the inside, the R36 comes with unique front seats designed to offer greater lateral support and a new sporting wheel integrating the paddles for the DSG gearbox.
The Passat R36 available in either saloon or estate variants. The saloon starts at £30,990, while the estate asks for an additional £1,160. Options include a choice of four colours ranging from silver to black, blue and grey.
April 29, 2008
Toyota experiencing record high inventory levels
Like any carmakers, Toyota isn’t spared by the US recession and during the first months of this year, Toyota and Scion vehicle inventories have risen to record US levels.
The latest Automotive news reveals that the Japanese giant has 376,000 vehicles in stock, in increase by 100,000 units compared to that of last year’s summer. Like American carmakers, Toyota inventory has risen due to poor trucks and SUVs sales. Despite easing its models’ acquisition by offering competitive financial schemes, rising gas prices prevented people from buying trucks and SUVs, while more fuel efficient vehicles still sell well.
Toyota also faces an increasing ‘turndown’ inventory. A ‘turndown’ vehicle is a model that a dealer doesn’t want. From a few vehicles last year, the figures reveal an astonishing 9,700 vehicles this year.
Toyota is expected to take measures like slowing production of its largest models like the Tacoma. The company is likely working on a range reshuffle for the coming years.
April 29, 2008
More details about Chrysler’s future midsize platform
Chrysler is currently developing a new global platform destined for vehicles competing on the family car market segment.
The American carmaker has a team of 100 engineers working on the future platform which a top priority despite current restructuring. In an interview, Chrysler’s head of engineering for the project, Mark Chernoby, said that the platform was designed to be highly flexible as Chrysler wants to use it to build saloons and crossovers.
With this future platform, Chrysler hopes it will increase its global sales. The carmaker suffers from a low exposure on global markets and is too dependent on US economy. Last year 91% of its sales were realised in the US. What Chrysler needs is a global family car like the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia which will be sold in the US under the Saturn badge. Ford is also developing its own global platform for the next-generatino Mondeo after revealing the global Fiesta this year.
April 29, 2008
Renault unveils Koleos’ pricing for France
The French carmaker has unveiled French market’s prices for the new Koleos which will be launched on June 12, 2008.
Renault Koleos will be available with three trim levels and three engines and priced between €24,900/£19,600 and €34,600/£27,200. The three trim levels are Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. The entry level powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine as the Nissan X-Trail will start at €24,900/£19,600. The diesel engine starts at €26,200/£20,600. The two entry versions don’t feature an all-wheel drive system.
The Expression trim level comes with ABS, six airbags, air conditioning, 17in alloy wheels and 140hp radio-cd player. The Dynamique level adds rear and front parking sensors, automatic lights, climate control, leathered steering wheel and gear stick knob. The Privilege adds a Bose sound system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and panoramic sunroofs.
The Koleos will be available with a choice of three engines, one petrol unit and two oil burners. The petrol engine, is the Nissan 2.5-litre TR25 which delivers 169bhp and torque of 167 lb ft. Along the petrol unit, Renault will offer one diesel unit in a choice of two power outputs, 148bhp or 170bhp.
April 29, 2008
Ford unveils the facelifted Focus ST
A few months after the Focus’ facelift, Ford has unveiled the revamped ST version that benefits from the new exterior and interior styling changes introduced across the rest of the Focus line-up.
Priced between £18,250 and £20,850, the ST is available with three trim levels, ST, ST-2 and ST-3. Every Focus ST comes with 18in five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the ‘Ford Power’ starter button and Easyfuel capless refuelling system. The ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.
In common with other versions of the Focus family, the Focus ST features new options: a Tyre Deflation Detection System, a new audio connectivity module for external devices like Bluetooth, voice control and navigation systems plus various infotainment options including an affordable sat nav system with SD card slot.
Under the bonnet, there are no technical changes: there is the familiar 225bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine which enables the ST to achieve a top speed of 150mph and run the 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds.
April 29, 2008
Tracinda to buy Ford shares
Tracinda Corporation has announced it will acquire 20 million common shares of Ford’s stock.
Tracinda owned by Kirk Kerkorian (pictured) will offer $8.50 per share which represents a 13.3 per cent premium over Ford’s closing stock price of $7.50 on April 25. Ford released a statement made by Alan Mulally: “We welcome confidence in Ford and the progress we are making on our transformation plan. Any investor can purchase Ford shares, which are sold on the open market. The Ford team remains focused on executing our plan to transform Ford into a lean global enterprise delivering profitable growth for all.”
Tracinda and Kirk Kerkorian has taken a stake in GM in the past and obliged GM CEO to meet Carlos Ghosn for a potential partnership that never happened.
April 29, 2008
Bertone ensures its future through design
Placed under administration after filing for bankruptcy protection, Bertone suffered from a strong disagreement between family members preventing the situation from improving. Since then, things got better and a new business plan was decided.
The new business plan separates the current organization in two companies: Bertone Stile and Bertone Carroziera. Bertone Carroziera own the unique facility which has a production capacity of 70,000 vehicles. Under bankruptcy protection the 1,3000 staff employed by Bertone are being paid by the Italian government. All efforts are focused on Bertone Stile from now on. A new manager has been hired, Teresio Gaudio who is a former Aprilia’s manager. Gaudio’s first task will be to replace their main client, the Chinese carmaker Chery, which left Bertone to work with Studio Torino launched by a former Bertone head of design, Roberto Piatti.
The new business plan will also focus on design services more profitable than building prototypes or unique vehicles for larger carmakers. Gaudio expects Bertone Stile to be profitable by 2010. The company will reduce its staff from 95 to 80 people.
April 29, 2008
Citroen to launch microvan in December
Citroen will launch a minivan called Nemo in December of this year.
Unlike the recent Berlingo model, the future Nemo won’t be available as a commercial variant and will compete with the Renault Modus and Vauxhall Meriva. An appealing design might enable the French carmaker to meet success as Modus and Meriva look conventional.
The Nemo will be built in Slovakia with an expected target of 100,000 units per year.
April 29, 2008
Facelifted 911 leaked documents
A leaked document about the facelifted 911 has emerged on the Internet.
Porsche is expected to unveil the revamped 911 this summer, but thanks to the Internet, a leaked document reveals the main changes.
The facelifted 911 will upgrade its engines by adopting the same direct injection called DFI, short for Direct Fuel Injection, as the Cayenne SUV. The 3.6-litre engine gains 20bhp to 245bhp, while the torque output was raised to 288 lb ft. The 3.8-litre petrol unit has its power output jumping from 355 to 385bhp, while its torque output gains 15 lb ft to 310 lb ft. All engines will be hooked up to a redesigned manual gearbox with gear indicator featured in the instrument panel, but the big new sis the arrival of a dual-clutch gearbox dubbed Porsche Doppel Kupplungen, or just PDK for short. The new gearbox is derived from the Volkswagen’s DSG gearbox. Other technical upgrades include a revised PSM and a new braking system for the versions powered by the 3.6-litre engine with 330mm discs.
The revamped 911 will also lightly evolve on the exterior styling. On the inside, the central console will be redesigned and seats will be ventilated. There will also be a new communication system. Called Porsche Communication Management, it will feature a larger 6.5in screen.
April 29, 2008