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Next-generation Saab 9-3 to be built in Sweden
Initially planned to be built in Germany, the next-generation 9-3 will finally be manufactured in Sweden reveals a German newspaper.
The Handelsblatt reveals that GM changed its mind about the 9-3 by keeping the production in Sweden. Back in 2005, the carmaker had announced that the production contract for the next Saab 9-3 would land at the Opel factory, located in Russelsheim. However technical considerations led the company to reverse its decision. In an attempt to finally build a consistent product range, the Swedish carmaker wants the next 9-3 to be based on a smaller platform in order to keep a true distinction with the next-generation 9-5. The company hopes it will also reduce its fleet average CO2 emissions.
As a consequence, the 9-3’s launch date has been postponed by two years from 2009 to 2011. The next-generation will likely based on the Delta II platform. The decision raises concerns about the future engine range. The current topping engine is a 276bhp V6 unit. Will a smaller platform be able to bear a powerful V6 engine, essential to move upmarket?
May 8, 2008
Opel to build two new electric vehicles in Germany
GM CEO, Rick Wagoner has announced that Vauxhall/Opel will build two new electric models in the coming years. the first model will be a production version of the Flextreme concept-car and the second a MPV based on the Delta platform.
The production version of the Flextreme concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year will share its technology with the Chevrolet Volt. The main engine will be an electric unit expected to deliver 150bhp and will use lithium-ion batteries. The second vehicle will be larger and will be roomier than the Flextreme concept car thanks to its minivan bodystyle. The two models will be built in Germany.
The two new vehicles will be part of an ambitious plan to unveil 20 new models Bentley 2012. GM Europe plans to invest £7 billion to develop the future models.
May 8, 2008
Spyshots: next BMW Z4 interior revealed
After the next-generation Z4 spotted on the Nurburgring, here is a picture of the interior of the BMW’s roadster due to be unveiled next year.
The next-generation’s interior won’t feature radical changes as the overall design will be similar to that of the current model. The spotted interior features a new multi-function steering wheel a convertible roof controller positioned behind the gearstick. The central console on the next Z4 is cleaner, with room for a proper arm rest.
The next Z4 will grow in size and price in an attempt to take on the Porsche Boxster. Unlike the current model which features a soft top, the next Z4 will come with a metallic folding roof like the Mazda MX-5. The exterior design is expected to take its styling cues from the CS concept car with a larger front grille and LED taillights. The engine range will include six cylinder engines and additional four cylinder units for the European market, while the topping engine is rumoured to be a turbocharged inline-six delivering 350bhp.
May 8, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation Renault Megane
Here the spyhots of the next-generation Megane without camouflage which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show according to the latest information.
The Megane is presented under two variants, the five-door hatchback and the three-door version. As predicted, both cars offer a differentiated design. After those versions, Renault will unveil the next-generation Scenic at Geneva next year.
Click here to see the pictures
April 30, 2008
Alfa Romeo launches a Spider Limited Edition
The Italian carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of its Spider featuring extra equipments at no cost.
When a carmaker releases a limited edition, it is a sign that the concerned model generates poor sales results. Is the Spider a poor-selling vehicle as a result of fierce competition with the German models? This limited edition features a choice of four colour combinations, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated memory front seats and door mirrors. The price remains at £25,500. The extra features include Italian Frau leather upholstery and the unique Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition and media player.
Bespoke colours for the Alfa Spider Limited Edition include a Carbonio Black version with a natural leather upholstery while the Alfa Red exterior paintwork is matched to a black leather interior. The Ghiaccio White colour scheme comes with a choice of either black or natural leather upholstery.
The Spider Limited Edition is only available with the 2.2-litre petrol engine which delivers 185bhp and enables the Spider to reach a top speed of 139mph.
April 30, 2008
Piero Ferrari and two others to invest in Pininfarina
After Tata, Piero Ferrari has announced it will buy a stake in the Italian coachbuilder.
The son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, Piero Ferrari has announced it will buy a stake in Pininfarina along with two other investors involved in automotive industry: Alberto Bombassei, chairman of Brembo, and the Marsiaj family, founders of seatbelt maker Sabelt.
if those investors are all Italian, it’s not pure hazard. With Tata buying a stake in Pininfarina, the three investors want to ensure that Pininfarina won’t become Indian or absorbed by a larger Automaker like Tata. The situation happened in the past with Ghia bought by Ford. The Italian coachbuilder which designed the incredible Ford Focus concept car joined the forgotten pages of the car history books.
April 30, 2008
Renault-Bajaj small car in first half of 2011
Renault CEO confirmed at the shareholder general assembly that emerging markets were a priority and that Renault was putting its efforts on the future £1,200 car.
Renault expects growth to come from emerging market such as Russia, Brazil and India which are enjoying double digit growth. "The growth of the automobile market will come via emerging countries," Ghosn said, adding that the Renault would nonetheless continue to be active on "mature markets," even in a "defensive" capacity.
Ghosn also said that the carmaker will release the £1,200 car developed in collaboration with Bajaj in first half of 2011. India is a market where Renault wants to be a major player and plans to keep up with the carmakers already there by building a factory in Chennai.
April 30, 2008
Video: BMW’s Head Designer Shows us the M1 Homage Concept
Here is a video of BMW’s Design Director, Adrian van Hooydonk, showing us the M1 Homage concept unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008.
Adrian van Hooydonk confirms that the German carmaker has no plan to bring the concept car to production and sees it more like a celebration of its heritage.
April 30, 2008
Lada unveils the 2116
Lada has unveiled an all-new model, the 2116, due to be launched this year in Russia and in Europe by 2010.
Codenamed “silhouette”, the 2116 is a saloon developed in collaboration with Porsche. Compared to the other models built by the Russian carmaker, the new 2116 is a huge step forward. The cars looks tame but features modern lines.
The 2116 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine. A diesel and hybrid-powered models will be launched later.
April 30, 2008
Renault-Nissan won’t forge an alliance with Chrysler
Despite rumours that promotes an alliance between Chrysler and Renault-Nissan, Carlos Ghosn said at the shareholder general assembly that troubled American carmaker isn’t interested in an alliance with Renault or Nissan.
"I don’t think the opportunity is there today," he said. "We are not in a hurry."
He also ruled out a future collaboration on purchasing, explaining that both carmakers would need common platforms. However, he said that Renault and Nissan were ready to sign more joint ventures and partnerships with Chrysler and other carmakers.
After GM and Chrysler which refused an alliance with Renault-Nissan, Ford is the last American carmaker available for an alliance. Last year, Bill Ford repeatedly said he wasn’t opposed to an alliance. A few days ago, Tracinda Corporation owned by Kirk Kerkorian bought a major stake in the carmaker. Kirk Kerkorian had pushed GM CEO, Rick Wagoner, to meet Carlos Ghosn for a potential alliance.
April 30, 2008