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Toyota to feature hybrid solution on topping models

Toyota has launched the new Crown model in Japan this week and as predicted features a hybrid solution on the topping version.
By featuring the hybrid solution on the topping version Japanese carmaker makes a sales move to establish the hybrid powertrain as a premium model in order to cover the cost generated by hybrid solution. However the price differentiation might be a stumbling block for potential green buyers. Indeed, the most expensive version with a traditional engine costs ¥4,870,000/£23,000 while the hybrid model costs ¥6,190,000/£29,500. In order to motivate potential buyers to add the required £6,500, Toyota plans to add exclusive gadgets. For example, the Crown Hybrid comes with an exclusive instrument panel and a might-vision pedestrian detector.
In an interview with Automotive News, Shigeki Terashi, executive chief engineer at Toyota’s product development group, told the newspaper: “Right now, that’s how the strategy is looking. We’ll add some extra features onto the hybrid to establish it as the superior grade.”
This strategic move is surprising as Toyota is being famous for the hybrid Prius and Honda approach to launch an affordable hybrid model might push Toyota to change its mind.
February 21, 2008
Porsche challenges Congestion Charge

Porsche has announced its intention to make an application for judicial review of the proposed extension in the London congestion charge.
The German carmaker says that the new increase due to start on October 27 is unfair. It argues that the 3025% increase from 80p to £25 is ‘disproportionate’ and that it will do nothing to achieve the stated aim of decreasing emissions in central London.
Andy Goss, Managing Director of Porsche Cars GB, said, “A massive congestion charge increase is quite simply unjust. Thousands of car owners driving a huge range of cars will be hit by a disproportionate tax which is clear will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions.”
Porsche will be writing to the Mayor, Ken Livingstone this week. The Mayor will then have 14 days to respond to the carmaker. If the Mayor fails to respond to Porsche’s letter or refuses to reconsider his plans, Porsche intends formally to submit its application for judicial review at the Royal Courts of Justice.
February 20, 2008
Fiat opens new Abarth design center in Turin

While revealing the 500 Abarth, Fit opened a new design studio and workshop dedicated to the sporty label.
In an attempt to confirm that Abarth is really revived, the Italian group has opened a 23,000 square meter building where 100 will soon work on future models and competition. Inside, the new building has been divided into several different areas: competition cars, prototype development, cars derived from standard production, and the Racing Department.

The workshop is equipped with eight vehicle lifts and will feature in the future an assembly line for specialist cars in small production runs.
February 20, 2008
Volvo built 15 million cars

Nearly 81 years after its first car, the OV4, rolled off the production line, the Swedish carmaker built today its 15 millionth vehicle, a Volvo C70.
In the first year, production proceeded at a modest pace, with 297 cars being sold in 1927. It took Volvo 23 years to build its first 100,000 cars which corresponds today to about three months of production for the brand or less than four days of production for Toyota. Volvo is certainly not a high-volume manufacturer.
The best selling Volvo model ever is the 200 Series that goes forever. Between 1974 and 1993, no less than 2,862,573 were built. The P1800 coupé is probably the best-known of all Volvo models. Personally, my favourite Volvo is the 850 with a R badge but I also have a crunch for the iconic 240 estate.
February 20, 2008
Saab to unveil the next 9-5 this year

2008 might be the best year ever for the Swedish carmaker. After the 9-4X and the new 9-1X, the company has announced to its dealer network it will unveil the next-generation 9-5 this year.
The news comes as a surprise as nobody expected the next-generation 9-5 to appear at least before 2009, but it won’t be too soon enough to replace the old current 9-5. Launched in June 1997 to celebrate the fifty years of the brand, the flagship suffers as a result of an intense competition from the German clique, of course, but also from Asian competitors.
In the lifecycle of the current 9-5, Mercedes will have almost reveal two generation of the E-Class model. BMW will follow the same path. Information regarding the future saloon remains scace. A sketch (pictured) has emerged but there is some doubt whether this sketch is official or not. It is acknowledged that the company will go into the wild with the next 9-5 and will take its styling cues from the Aero-X concept car. Will it be enough to increase its sales?
February 20, 2008
Alfa Romeo unveils the 8C Spider

Here are the official pictures of the production Alfa Romeo 8C spider which won’t hit the showrooms before next year.

Following the example of the coupé, the 8C Spider will be powered by the 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine derived from the Maserati’s V8. The engine will likely hooked up to the same six-speed gearbox used in the coupé. The 8C Spider also features ceramic brakes and Alfa engineers have improved the in-house traction control system called VDC.

Like any proper convertible, the 8C Spider will come with a canvas roof and will be built at only 500 units.
February 20, 2008
Kia unveils a bit of its Scion-killer

Kia has unveiled a teaser of the Soul concept car which previews the future Soul model set to compete with the Scion brand on the American market and who knows who in Europe.
Actually, Kia won’t reveal one, but three Soul concept cars, each of them with a distinct personality. The pictured teaser reveals the Soul Burner destined for the “bad boys” which comes with with satin black finish and gloss dragon tattoos.
With those three concept cars, Kia shows the direction taken for the future Soul model. Following the example of the Scion brand launched by Toyota in the US, the Korean carmaker wants to offer a high level of personalization at time when future growth for carmakers is expected to come from accessories.
February 20, 2008
Tata and British union meet thsi week after rumours about a Jaguar sale emerges

Tata executives will meet with officials of the British union representing Ford to talk on the bid over Jaguar and Land Rover. The discussion might be hot as an insider told InsideLine the Indian carmaker plans to sell off the Jaguar brand as soon as it acquires it from Ford.
The British union had given its support to Tata in last November as the carmaker promised to keep all the jobs in the UK. But in three months a lot has changed. “We haven’t really met Tata yet since the presentation last year, so this will be a very important meeting,” Eddie Barrett of Unite told media. Barrett said there are 7,000 jobs at stake in the two companies and that “there is no reason to believe any of it is going to be affected.”
On the other hand, Land Rover has all support form Tata, but once again the future might shadowed for British workers. InsideLine reports that company head Ratan Tata has bought a 450-acre plot of land outside New Delhi where he plans to build a new Land Rover factory.
None of the rumors above have been confirmed by other sources, but in last November Petrol-Head wrote about the possible transfer of the production to India.
February 20, 2008
Peugeot unveils the topping 175bhp 308 GT

Along the new 308 SW, Peugeot will unveil at Geneva the 308 GT powered by the 175bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit seen in the 207 GTi and in the Mini Cooper S.

The engine has been well received by the press and it is a good idea from the French carmaker to fit the turbocharged engine into the 308. It is also fitted with a new 6-speed manual gearbox. The compact model won’t be as sporty as the 207 GTi as the former will be heavier than the latter. 62mph takes 8.3 seconds; Peugeot quotes a top speed of 140mph.

Peugeot applies minor cosmetic changes on this topping version. The lower front bumper panel has a unique appearance which is combined with a rear spoiler. The car overall ride has also been lowered. On the inside, the interior gains an aluminium gear knob and foot pedals and a new steering wheel design. The 308 GT will go on sale from April.
February 20, 2008
Ford annouces pricing in the UK for the new Kuga

Ford has announced the pricing for the new Kuga crossover that will go on sale from next June. The entry level starts at £20,495.
The company’s crossover will be available in two trim levels: Zetec and Titanium. Zetec costs £20,495 and comes with keyless start, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, ABS and ESP. For £2,000 more, Titanium adds rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic air temperature control. Buyers will be able to choose rear facing camera or panoramic roof among the options.
Initially, the two trim levels will be powered by the 135bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox and will feature an all-wheel drive transmission.
February 20, 2008