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next-generation BMW Z4 on Nurburgring
Here is a video of the next-generation Z4 around the Nurburgring that BMW will launch next year.
The next Z4 will grow in size and will be more expensive in an attempt to compete with the Porsche Boxster and the future Nissan 370Z. This market move will also enable the carmaker to make room for the rumoured small Z5. Unlike the current model which features a soft top, the next Z4 will come with a metallic folding roof like the Mercedes SLK.
The next Z4 is expected to take its styling cues from the CS concept seen at Geneva last year and will likely feature a larger front grille and LED rear lights. A M version is rumoured to be powered by turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with a power output of 350bhp.

April 30, 2008
Subaru unveils accessories for the new Forester
Only weeks after going on sale, Subaru is bringing accessories to the new Forester.
In Japan, when you buy a car, you generally have a look at the accessories brochure and buy a few of them to personalise your tame new toy. The Forester has for example a 20 pages brochure devoted to accessories ranging from navigation system to wooden panels. Subaru GB decided to import some accessories to our shores.
Typical style-orientated accessories include a front under guard for £350, rear under guard for £275 and roof spoiler at £240.01. Other items range from fog lamp mouldings for £35 to door mouldings at £195. Popular on the previous model was the stainless steel bumper protector at £85 and foldable cargo tray at £60. Other items include towbars and carpet mats and carry a full and comprehensive three-year warranty.
April 30, 2008
Last Australian built Mitsubishi auctioned for £48,000
Mitsubishi has announced announced that it will close its Australian factory at the end of April. The last Australian built Mitsubishi was auctioned for £47,000.
The last Australian built is a silver platinum 380 model which was auctioned last week. The winner is John Hughes who bought the last saloon for £48,000. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to charities.
The 380 model was a saloon launched in 2005 which shared its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Galant and Endeavor. A front-wheel drive, the 380 was powered by a 235bhp 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine hooked up to either five speed-manual gearbox or a five-speed sequential automatic gearbox. When the 380 went on sale, it sold in lesser numbers than expected and Mitsubishi announced that voluntary redundancies would be offered to 250 production employees in January 2006. In March 2006, the plant closed for three weeks.
April 30, 2008
Volvo recalls 65,000 V70 & XC70 Cars in Europe
Volvo recalls 65,000 V70 and XC70 models due to a faulty software that delays the triggering of the side airbags.
The recall affects 2008 models such as the V70 and XC70 and they were sold primarily in Europe, Volvo Cars spokeswoman Maria Bohlin said in a statement.
Volvo will recall the affected vehicles to fine-tune the software that triggers the release of the inflatable curtain.
"Now we will send letters to all the owners of the affected cars and tell them to take the car to a mechanic to get this upgrade," said Volvo Cars spokeswoman Maria Bohlin.
April 29, 2008
US to be biggest market for Volkswagen CC
Volkswagen is expecting the US to become the largest market for the new Passat CC.
In an interview with Automotive news, VW of America head of marketing, Detlef Wittig said that the German carmaker expect the CC to make 60 per cent of its sales on the American market. Volkswagen plans to produce 300,000 units over the next seven years. Compared to our European version, the American Passat CC will feature less equipment in order to offer a price tag below $30,000/£15,000, while the European Passat CC is expected to cost around £22,000.
The Passat CC is part of an ambitious plan set by VW to unveil models intended especially for the American market. The German carmaker wants to increase its sales there in an attempt to boost its global sales. After the Passat CC, VW is expected to launch a pickup and two other exclusive models for the American market.
April 29, 2008
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