Author: yoann besnard

Ford Mondeo four-door coupé in 2012
Ford is reported to develop a variant of the Mondeo set to compete with the Passat CC.
In a few years, the four-doors coupé market might be a crowded market as carmakers are seriously considering launching a model. According to the rumours, the carmaker is readying a coupé version of the Mondeo which will be unveiled in 2012.
Details remain scarce. The future model will likely share its inner-structure, suspension and powertrains, with the current Mondeo. The upmarket move raises concerns regarding the engine range. The range-topping Passat is powered by a 297bhp 3.6-litre unit. Ford has no engine competing with the VW’s V6 in terms of power. However, this concern might be less important than expected. With the higher gas prices, customers are focusing on fuel efficient models such as diesel-powered versions. Ford has an advantage here over Volkswagen. Indeed, the carmaker can use the 2.7-litre V6 unit developed in collaboration with Peugeot, While VW is limited by the Passat platform derived from the Golf.
Source: Autobild
May 30, 2008
Peugeot unveils the facelifted 407
With a replacement model expected to be unveiled within two years, one didn’t expect the facelifted 407 to feature heavy changes. However in this case, it’s hazardous to call it a facelift.
The French carmaker took the wraps off the revamped 407. On the outside, this modified 407 features a reworked grille which makes the model uglier than before, more chrome, new headlights and new taillights. On the inside, Peugeot didn’t even bother to change anything. However, the 407 gets an equipment upgrade with onboard temperature controls, new telematics systems and a new front parking assitance.
Under the bonnet, the family car comes with an updated 2.0-litre diesel unit. The HDi engine gains 4bhp to deliver 138bhp. Consumption is improved claims the carmaker.
The car will go on sale in a few weeks and one does bet that this facelift won’t help the 407 to increase its sales.
May 30, 2008
700 pre-orders for Hyundai Genesis
The Genesis saloon is Hyundai’s serious attempt to move upmarket and like the Japanese carmakers in the 80’s, the path might be more difficult than initially thought.
Hyundai has announced it has recorded 700 pre-orders and 20,000 potential buyers have expressed interest in the car. In comparison, Jaguar had presold 3,000 units of the XF saloon in the US and 10,000 worldwide. In an attempt to boost the saloon’s awareness among customers, the Korean carmaker will spend £40 million on a marketing campaign.
"This car will allow us to reach new customers and talk up quality like we never have," Joel Ewanick, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America said. "They’ve given us enough resources, and we will spend the money over a short period of time — over the summer. We have to make every cent count. We will be talking to a broad audience to use this as a brand lift."
Ewanick isn’t a beginner when it comes to launch a luxury model from scratch as he was part of the marketing team which launched Lexus in the US. Final specs remain unknown although the saloon will likely be sold between £15,000 and £20,000 and be powered by V6 and V8 petrol engines. The carmaker plans to sell 30,00 units annually.
What’s interesting about this announcement is the possibility to see how much a brand is valuable. Despite having no money, Jaguar succeeded in recording more pre-orders than Hyundai.
May 30, 2008
Mazda1 Concept: first sketches?
Here is the first sketche of the forthcoming small 1 that Mazda will unveil at the Paris Motor Show.
Auto Express website has unveiled some sketches of the Mazda 1 that will preview a future city model expected to hit the showrooms by 2010. As expected, the vehicles on the sketches takes heavily inspiration from the Hakaze concept car seen at the last year’s Geneva motor show.
Due to be positioned below the Mazda 2, the future small car will be targeted at young buyers offering an equipment which includes iPod connectivity, Bluetooth technology and navigation system. At this eraly stage, it is unknown how the small car will marketed. The Smart ForTwo relies on a funky image, while the eagerly-awaited Toyota iQ will promote its 3+1 concept.
Click here to see the sketches
May 30, 2008
Alfa Romeo CEO confirms talks with Chrysler
Firstly, rumour had mentioned that Fiat entered into talks with Chrysler over the possibility to produce Alfa Romeo models in the US. Then, Chrysler denied the allegations. In a third round, Luca de Meo confirms Fiat is discussing with the American carmaker about varied cooperations.
In an interview with the German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, the CEO of the Italian marque has confirmed that there was talks between the two companies. De Meo also announced a potential production in Mexico.
Along with Alfa Romeo, Fiat is expected to build other models there such as the Fiat 500. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced that the hot 500 will be sold on the American market by 2010. The carmaker has great hope with the small retro-car in the US which will spearhead a revival of the small Italian cars in the US. In addition to the 500, Fiat plans to launch two new small cars currently in development.
May 30, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK has been spotted during testing showing the latest visual details.
Due to be unveiled at the Paris motor show, the next CLK will feature the new company’s styling DAN with sharper lines and will be sold as a small CL-Class. On the inside, the future coupé will borrow equipments from the C-Class and will also borrow some equipments reserved to the flagships: Presafe brake assist system, night vision technologies and new Command System will be available on the options list.
The engine will be similar to that of the C-Class. The 268bhp V6 3.5-litre unit will be on offer and the topping-engine will be the 5.5-litre V8 unit on the CLK500. For the first time, the CLK will be offered with a 4Matic transmission.
May 30, 2008
Spyshots: Chevrolet Camaro V6 engine revealed
The V6-powered Camaro has been spotted during testing. As initially thought, the V6 is the same as in the Cadillac CTS.
The spotted coupé was powered by a V6 engine, one of the engines likely to be unveiled in September. The Chevrolet Camaro will offer a wide range of engine. The entry-level will be powered by a 260bhp turbocharged four cylinder unit,followed by the V6 which delivers 304bhp. Two V8 will be on offer, a 6.2-litre petrol engine and the LS3 V8 form the Pontiac G8 GXP which delivers 425bhp.
May 30, 2008
Karmann won’t build the future VW Golf Cabriolet
For the German coachbuilder, the future looks rather gloomy. After the end of the Chrysler Crossfire last year and the planned termination of the Audi A4 at the end of the year and the Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible next year, Volkswagen has decided to keep in-house the production of the next Golf convertible.
This news is a major blow for Karmann which has built 675,000 Golf convertibles since its first launch in 1979. Fortunately, the company will still build the BMW 1-Series convertible until 2013. However, current production capacities need to be used. Karmann isn’t the only coachbuilder that struggles to find replacement business. Heuliez, Bertone and Pininfarina have a tough time since the carmaker have decided to build niche vehicles in their own hands.
One opportunity for the coachbuilders might be to provide their production site to Indian and Chinese carmakers which have to buy expertise in order to compete with the Western major players.
May 28, 2008
Next Generation BMW 1-Series Spyshots
BMW has just expanded the 1-Series range that its engineers have started to work on the next-generation.
The next-generation has been spotted during testing when engineers were driving an early prototype. Technical details remain scarce although some observers believe that the next generation will carry the same architecture. Engineers will focus on weight reduction and are rumoured to use more aluminium in the construction. For the first time, the platform will also be available with an all-wheel drive transmission. Indeed, BMW has plan to launch later a small X1 that will take on the Ford Kuga and successful Nissan Qashqai.
Under the bonnet, the current engine range will be kept. If the smaller engines will likely remain unchanged, the six cylinder units will likely be re-engineered to comply with the latest emissions regulations.
Click here to see the spyshots
Source: MotorAuthority
May 28, 2008
A real targa roof for the 911
If you’re like me, don’t like the current 911 Targa and regret the old design, you will likely be glad to hear that a company has developed its own Targa version.
A long time ago, Porsche offered a targa variant of the 911 but disappeared ten years ago to be replaced a large sunroof. However, many Porsche enthusiasts miss the removable glass panel. A company called VeloTech has developed a classic hardtop that can be fitted on a Porsche 911 convertible.
The roof is comprised mainly of carbon fiber and costs £5,000 in the US. The company says that the price can be reduced to £3,000.
Source: Detroit News
May 28, 2008