Author: yoann besnard

Audi to unveil the A5 convertible in October
Audi has announced it will unveil the A5 convertible at the next Paris Motor Show in October of this year.
After the new Q5, Audi will add another variant to the A4/A5 family by launching a convertible version from the A5 coupé. Unlike the BMW 3-Series, Audi won’t switch to folding roof and will use a traditional canvas on the A5. As expected, the A5 convertible will be available with the same engine range as the coupé.
The A5 convertible is a milestone fro the carmaker which decided to build the new model at its Neckarsulm plant in Germany alongside the coupé while previous models were and still are being built by Karmann. Karmann has started to build the A4 convertible in 2002 and has built 200,000 cars since then. The loss of the Audi A5 convertible contract is a real blow for the German coachbuilder which suffers from Indian and Chinese competition.
April 28, 2008
Renault works on an electric car
Renault has confirmed it is currently working on an electric car due to be launched by 2012.
In an interview with AutoExpress, Renault’s Executive Vice President, Plan, Product Planning and Programs, Patrick Pelata has revealed that the carmaker is working on an electric powered model. Company’s executives hope the car will be ready for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Pelata also gave some details about the future unique model. It will be about the same size as the Twingo. What’s interesting about this future model is the possibility to choose between two battery packs. One pack will be dedicated to short distances while the other pack will be designed for larger trips.
Pelata hasn’t said whether Renault will reuse Nissan technology. The Japanese carmaker is also developing an electric vehicle expected to be launched in 2010. Renault’s city car will be the company’s serious attempt to take on established rivals like the Smart ForTwo but also the G-Wiz and the Th!nk City on a fast-growing market segment.
This isn’t the first time the French carmaker is considering launching an electric urban model. In 1992, the carmaker had unveiled the Zoom concept car (pictured) born of common research by Renault and Matra into modern electric vehicle. The Zoom featured an innovative modular wheelbase variable between 2.65m and 2.30m in action when the vehicle is stopped. Width remained constant at 1.52m, which means Zoom was 23cm higher in retracted wheelbase configuration. The electric engine delivered a power of 34bhp.
April 26, 2008
BMW M-Zero Concept
This BMW isn’t an official concept car unveiled by the German carmaker, but a design study realised by a your designer Maël Oberkampf.
The BMW M-Zero was designed like a true BMW although this supercar takes some styling cues from Audi, Aston Martin and even Mercedes for the rear lights. The final design is appealing even if the model lacks some visual details that would classify as a beautiful car such as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
No doubt that powered by the 507bhp V10 petrol unit, this M-Zero would be an answer to the Audi R8. Unfortunately, the M-Zero will remain a design study.
April 26, 2008
Fuel supply not under threat say petrol retailers
Petrol retailers says there will be no shortage of fuel supply when refinery workers at Grangemouth refinery will go on strike.
After refinery workers at Grangemouth refinery announced a two-day strike starting on Sunday, there were fears over fuel supplies in Scotland and Northern England, but Petrol Retailers Association reassured people by announcing there will be no shortage in the near-future.
‘Fuel availability for motorists outside Scotland will not be affected by the potential shutdown at the Grangemouth refinery. If the shutdown does occur, the effect on supply in Scotland will be limited due to the sheer volume of fuel already in the supply chain,’ said Ray Holloway, director of the RMI Petrol Retailers Association.
However if car-owners buy more petrol than usual to prevent a fuel shortage, they might put pressure on the fuel supply chain and perhaps create fuel shortage.
‘It is bulk-buying of fuel that will ultimately be responsible for any shortages. Even if supplies are not interrupted, if motorists buy more than their normal requirements, they will be putting abnormal pressure on the road delivery services of the oil industry in Scotland. Forecourts do not have unlimited storage facilities. If they are prematurely drained of fuel stocks due to bulk buying this will lead to consumer inconvenience while they are refilled.’
Refinery workers will go on strike after talks between the union and the plant’s operator, Ineos, broke down Wednesday over a company proposal to modify the salary pension plan.
April 26, 2008
Mi.To’s dashboard revealed
A picture of the interior of the Alfa Romeo Mi.To has emerged on the Internet.
The picture looks like it is similar to that of the spyshots revealed on Petrol-Head before. However it isn’t confirmed whether the pictured dashboard is the final form or not. The central console features two big aerators like the 156 model and metallic panels. The instrument panel will remind the user he’s owning a true Alfa Romeo despite being based on the same platform as the Fiat Punto.
This picture is a new mark to know the interior of the baby Alfa as the carmaker still keeps it secret.
April 26, 2008
Fiat works on a hybrid 500
According to rumours, Fiat is currently working on a hybrid-powered 500 which would offer impressive fuel economy and very low CO2 emissions.
As a hot and iconic model, the 500 has to jump on any trendy bits and as hybrid is the latest hype in the car industry, Fiat had to release a hybrid 500. The engine is reported to be the 900cc two-cylinder petrol unit which will hit the showrooms in July. The engine will be associated to a small electric engine and a battery pack which will enable the 500 to run on electricity in cities.
In addition to the electric engine, this special 500 will be equipped with a stop-start system and dual-clutch gearbox. If the final spec such as consumption remains secret, it is rumoured that the hybrid 500 will achieve an impressive low emission below 90g of CO2/km.
April 26, 2008
Beijing 2008 Live: Landwind X6 CRDI
Landwind has shown its commitment to Europe by unveiling a diesel-powered model at the motor show.
The Chinese carmaker is famous for a scary crash test in which the X6 model got no stars at all. Since then the company upgraded its SUV which is now called X9 in Chine and X-pedition in Europe. The car is expected to go on sale in France from this year, but without a diesel, the ageing SUV will never meet a sufficient demand to be imported.
The Landwind X-pedition CRDI is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine outsourced from the Italian company VM. It delivers a power output of 142bhp. The X-pedition is a clone of the old Vauxhall Frontera.
April 26, 2008
Beijing 2008 Live: Geely Tiger GT
Here are the live pictures of the Geely Tiger GT which is a singular model among all those serious saloons and compacts unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
The Tiger GT is powered by a 225bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and sits on 19in wheels. The carmaker has no plan to derive a potential model for production.
April 26, 2008
Beijing 2008 Live: ChangAn concept «Hydrogen»
The ChangAn Hydrogen Concept looked interesting when the carmaker announced it for Beijing but the reality looks like more a DIY than a serious car.
If this Hydrogen Concept looks a bit amateurish, the carmaker is really serious about it. Like the 7-Series “Hydrogen 7”, the ChangAn Hydrogen Concept is powered by a hydrogen solution which enables the car to achieve a 140 miles range.
At 4,600 mm long, the ChangAn only weighs 750kg and achieves a nice Cx of 0.28 according to the carmaker. The top speed is 140mph and the ChangAn Hydrogen Concept runs the 0-62moph in just 6.5 seconds.
April 26, 2008
Beijing 2008 Live: GAC Guanqi CC Concept
Guangzhou Automobile Company, GAC in short, has unveiled a convertible called Guanqi CC at the Beijing Motor Show.
While other carmakers tries to move upmarket by unveiling larger saloons in an attempt to take on western luxury models, GAC has decided to take an alternative path. The carmaker takes the leisure path with the Guanqi CC. The convertible has the merit not to copy western models and the final result is promising for the future. The Quanci features unique dual-tone alloy wheels.
Like many carmakers, GAC engineers chose to adopt a folding roof which requires the boot to be opened during operation.
April 26, 2008