Author: autoview

Mazda Spiano XS
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that updated Spiano micro-mini models, known for their friendly exteriors and comfortable interior cabins, are on sale from today at Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The models offer newly designed seat and door trim fabric, an improvement which gives the interiors a fresh new atmosphere. The XS grade has a new chrome front grille, and the Spiano GS includes newly added split rear seats.

The sales target volume for the Spiano range is 300 units a month. Mazda Spiano XS (FWD model with four-speed automatic transmission)

Main features of the freshened Spiano

Exterior
- New high quality chrome front grille (XS grade)
Interior
- Newly designed upholstery and door trim (GS and XS grades: blue or bright orange patterned fabric; SS grade: black and silver monotone design)
- White leaf-pattern instrument panel garnish (XS grade)
- Split rear seat that enables various seat arrangements (GS grade)
May 29, 2007
Mazda AZ-Wagon

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of freshened models in the Mazda AZ-Wagon micro-mini range, which has already won high praise for its “space utility wagon” concept. The upgraded models go on sale today and are available at Mazda Autozam, Mazda, and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

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May 29, 2007

AC Schnitzer S3 Cabrio

A Convertible provides the ultimate for the senses: Where can you experience driving more directly than in an open car, with the wind gently emphasising the acceleration, the acoustic muscle play of the engine teasing your ears, and a breathtaking silhouette reflected in every shop window. The new BMW 3-series Convertible, a complete car with folding hard top, stimulates the automotive pleasure centre without setting reason aside. When you’ve had one taste, you soon long for more – for example the ACS3 3.5i Convertible.

In designing the bodykit, the objective for AC Schnitzer was not to hide the body contours under excessive bulges, but to emphasise the natural characteristics of the vehicle in a structured way. So the front skirt, which simultaneously increases downforce, in its basic design follows the threepiece original but it is substantially softer, more facetted and more energetic. Like the AC Schnitzer side skirts which aesthetically highlight the side crease of the Convertible body and with their asymmetric lines, rising towards the back, emphasise the sporting abilities of the vehicle even when stopped. Its charm is enhanced with the clearly marked AC Schnitzer Racing rims type IV in silver, which at the front measure 9.0Jx20″ and at the rear 10.0Jx20″ (tyres 245/30R20 and 295/25R20). As an alternative, the dark Type IV BiColor wheels in 8.5Jx19″ at the front and 9.5Jx19″ at the rear give the BMW a hint of Badboy (tyres 225/35R19 and 255/30R19).

Although the classic rear view of the new 3-series Convertible is already eyecatching, the AC Schnitzer design language with its more strongly contoured rear skirt expresses extra sporting ambitions with no loss of credibility or coherence. The twin flow left/right tailpipes of the AC Schnitzer exhaust contribute to the neat overall impression not just visually but, with the gas pedal pressed, also acoustically with a unique crescendo. The twin sports rear silencer is enhanced by tailpipe trims in “Racing” design, which visually suggest a stylised horizontal figure eight, the mathematical symbol for “infinity”. A reference to the enormous power reserves of the vehicle, expressed above all in the superb BMW six cylinder twin turbo, a power plant which has been praised unanimously by the trade press, and which with its 306 HP/225 kW has caused worries for many competitors. The duel would be even more difficult for them with the AC Schnitzer performance kit which is currently in development. The 335d will also soon undergo a power make-over at Aachen. For the 3.0 litre diesel (standard 231 HP/170 kW) the tuners already offer a Power-Plus pack that increases the power to 265 HP/195 kW. Power reserves which the chassis can handle easily thanks to fine tuning by AC Schnitzer

Basic Car:	BMW 3 Series Convertible E93 – all engines (the following accessories only depend on engine types if statedexplicitly)
Performance Upgrades:	330d Performance upgrade from 170 kW/231 HP up to 195 kW / 265 HP 320d in preparation 335d in preparation 335i in preparatio
Exhaust:	AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer (all models except 335i, 335d) and dual sports rear silencer (only 335i, 335d) both versions incl. “Racing” tailpipes, chromed
Suspension:	AC Schnitzer sports suspension AC Schnitzer spring kits AC Schnitzer special sway bars for rear axle AC Schnitzer aluminium strut brace for front axle
Aerodynamic:	AC Schnitzer front spoiler AC Schnitzer side skirts AC Schnitzer chromline set for side skirts AC Schnitzer rear skirt
Steering:	AC Schnitzer 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheels AC Schnitzer carbon steering wheel insert silver “Exklusiv”
Interior:	AC Schnitzer carbon interior silver “Exklusiv” AC Schnitzer carbon automatic gear knob silver “Exklusiv” AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob, silver AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob “Black Line” AC Schnitzer aluminum handbrake handle, silver AC Schnitzer aluminum handbrake handle “Black Line” AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for i-Drive-Controller, silver AC Schnitzer aluminium cover “Black Line” for i-Drive-Controller AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set for cars with manual and automatic transmission AC Schnitzer foot rest AC Schnitzer floor mats

May 29, 2007

Hyundai H-1

The H-1 (Domestic name: Starex), Hyundai‘s all-new business van, was introduced to members of the media on May 25th in Kyungju, South Korea. The vehicle is available in commercial (cargo) and passenger versions and fitted with the 2.5 Common Rail Diesel Injected A engine. In addition to a Euro-IV compliant engine and turbocharged intercooled engine, Hyundai now offers a gasoline powerplant option, the 2.4-liter Theta engine which delivers 175ps and 23.2kg.m of torque.

Theta can propel the new H-1 to a maximum speed of 185km/h and boasts a fuel economy rating of 7.0 km per litre. Annual sales for the H-1 are projected to reach 115,000 units with the Korean market accounting for 65,500 units of the total.

The Hyundai H-1 enters production in August this year.

May 28, 2007
Roush F-150 Nitemare

With the introduction of the 2007 ROUSH Nitemare F-150 there are destined to be plenty of other pickup drivers having nightmares about this limited-to-100 edition hauler after watching it blow by them on roads across America.

The 2007 ROUSH Nitemare is a menacing tone-on-tone, 445-horsepower beast. Based on the standard cab version of the F-150, the power-to-weight ratio will ensure that this monster has plenty of haul.

Under the hood is the famous ROUSHchargerTM which boosts the 5.4L, 3 valve engine to 445-horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque. Additional “go fast” components include intake manifolds, intercooler, radiator, and air induction system. This unit, like all the ROUSH components from a company so highly recognized for producing power, quality and performance, is covered by ROUSH’s industry exclusive 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

The ROUSH Nitemare will be offered exclusively in black for the 2007 model which is limited to just 100 units, each striped with a matte black design to further accent the ominous look. A ROUSH front chin spoiler and black aluminum billet grille complete the exterior styling, but the addition of the ROUSH dual rear exit exhaust system gives this truck the growl expected from such a beast.

To further the performance of the ROUSH Nitemare, the Livonia, Mich.-based technicians install a Ford limited slip 3.73 rear axle and have increased the electronically-controlled speed limiter to 105 mph.

Sliding into the cockpit, the ROUSH Nitemare logo is embroidered into the ROUSH custom leather seats, and is on the black ROUSH instrument cluster, where it will appropriately be lit up in red in the dark. ROUSH Nitemare embroidered floor mats, a black dash trim kit, and ROUSH billet aluminum pedals help to complete the styling.

Only a handful of options are available on the limited edition ROUSH Nitemare, including a rear wing, hood scoop, locking lug nuts and GPS system. The ROUSH sport suspension system which lowers the truck two inches in the front and three in the rear is sure to be a popular addition to this performance vehicle. This complete kit includes ROUSH-engineered front coil springs, rear leaf springs, front sway bar and specially-valved shocks.

Available exclusively in a regular cab 4×2 Styleside model, the 2007 ROUSH Nitemare has a suggested retail of $41,750 and is expected to be available at ROUSH-authorized Ford dealers starting in June. Each will carry a blacked-out ROUSH Nitemare fender and tailgate badges, and a unique serial number badge stating which number of the 100 that truck is.

May 24, 2007
Oettinger A3 Sportback

In the 60th. year since its Founding, the tuning house OETTINGER will be presenting in the coming days the new aerodynamic package for the Audi A3 Sportback. The complete package is sporty yet elegant and consists of a grille insert (in two versions – brushed aluminium or matt black, EUR 395.00), a complete front apron (EUR 695.00), sill extensions (Set: EUR 425.00), a rear skirt for all tailpipe variations (EUR 375.00) and a rear spoiler. All components are manufactured in RIM and demonstrate a perfect fit and an impressive OEM finish and quality.

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May 18, 2007
Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe with 730 hp

730 hp / 537 kW of power, 1,320 Nm of top and a top speed of 340 km/h: With the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 model BRABUS presents the world’s fastest and most powerful coupe.

At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.

In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.

Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.

The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

May 15, 2007
Autodelta GT 3.7 Super

Autodelta is pleased to present for its world première the most dynamic and powerful version of the Alfa GT Coupe yet – the 405 bhp supercharged Autodelta GT 3.7 Super. With its top speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super offers the driver supercar level performance coupled with the car’s famous driveability and practicality.

Introduced four years ago, the Alfa Romeo GT Coupe, styled by famed historic Italian design house Bertone, is a gorgeous, sleek and very agile, yet at the same time truly practical, four-seat coupé which immediately won plaudits and awards as well as a loyal following worldwide: a true Alfa Romeo in every sense of the word. Now the new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super takes the GT Coupe theme to the ultimate performance level. It follows on from the market success of the firm’s previous work with the 3.2-litre Alfa GT model: the 320 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super (2004) and the 341 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo version (2005), by raising the Alfa V6 engine and chassis package to even more extreme performance levels.

“Our customers continually push us forward, demanding ever more performance from Alfa Romeo models, and following the 3.2 Super and Evo versions we have had many requests to maximise the Alfa GT’s potential with a 3.7-litre supercharged version,” says Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian. “We have a vast experience with the chassis of this car, and knew it was more than capable of handling the serious power and torque increases that would result from this project – and then transmitting them to the road in a useable and effective manner.”

The new car sees the Alfa GT’s 3.2-litre engine’s capacity increased to 3,750cc, and harnessed with the space-efficient Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. The engine development includes extensive cylinder head improvements, new larger fuel injectors with revised spray patterns to optimise combustion and emissions, and a Ferrari-derived throttle body. The car also receives new tubular exhaust manifolds and a complete exhaust system specially designed for the requirements of this upgrade. The result, combined with further chassis, transmission and aerodynamic developments is earth shattering. The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super boasts maximum power of 405 bhp at 6,800 rpm and 508 Nm (375 lb/ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The standard Alfa GT 3.2 V6 by comparison offers 240 bhp and 300 Nm (221 lb/ft).

The new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super can reach a maximum speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and boasts a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds – blistering performance from what is a perfectly sorted car. (Standard Alfa GT Coupe V6 top speed is 243 km/h while the 0-100 km/h time is 6.7 seconds). The torque availability of the Alfa V6 engine – one of the most famous units in the brand’s almost century long history – is truly impressive, the power curve running smoothly from tickover to the redline at 7,400 rpm.

“The Arese-built Alfa V6 is an excellent engine,” says Jano, “we have more than twenty years of experience developing it to the maximum, and it quite simply responds to everything we want to do to it. The Alfa GT Coupe provides us with all the right ingredients to work with – in the engine and chassis area – and we are all delighted with the results we have achieved with the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super.”

The improvements made to the engine are complimented by extensive remapping to the ECU, while the front-wheel-drive car is able to effectively put the additional power down on the road through the incorporation of an Autodelta-developed and specially manufactured Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Autodelta also fit different gearbox ratios, depending on the customer’s specific requirements.

This is not just a very powerful machine for trackdays or special occasions, but an effective, practical car ready for day-to-day use, fully able to use all its 405 bhp and 508 Nm to enhance the owner’s sensory experience under all driving scenarios. Most Autodelta customers’ demand a high performance Alfa Romeo which is suitable every use, and Autodelta’s engineers regard it as their priority to fulfil this demand.

The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super comes with the enhanced aerodynamic package of the GT Super, including a deeper spoiler that supplies and optimises airflow to the intercooler. The rear bumper assembly incorporates a ‘diffuser’. Interior trim upgrades are optional, including Alcantara trim on the dashboard and panels, as well as bespoke leather packages.

The full Autodelta GT 3.7 Super package is now available for immediate ordering from the London factory or from our worldwide network of authorised dealers.

May 11, 2007
Oettinger Volkswagen Golf GTI

Powered by a detuned version of the new 2.0 T-FSI power plant from the current Audi S3, the limited edition Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 30 is, with 230 hp (DIN), already well powered. OETTINGER, the Audi and Volkswagen specialist from Friedrichsdorf, who participated in the success of the original GTI in 1976 with the worldwide first 16V engine, now offer the owners of such vehicles a considerable portion of additional power available in 2 stages. 30 years later it is once again the OETTINGER version which shows the remaining members of the special edition clan a clean set of rear lamps. Power junkies now have the choice between two power levels:

Stage I helps the anniversary model to an astonishing 305 hp (DIN) and a torque of 400 Nm / 295 lb/ft with a new engine mapping which is loaded via Direct-Port-Tuning (Programming over the OBD-II port), and that for only EUR 1,390.00 incl.

TÜV entry in the vehicle documentation. This is surely unbeatable value for money. The compact Wolfsburger now storms to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 6.2 seconds and the acceleration doesn’t stop until it reaches 252 km/h (158 mph)!

With Stage II, the modified engine management is supported by a larger intercooler, modified intake tract and the OETTINGER carbon “ram air” intake. In addition, the engine also releases its waste gases via an OETTINGER stainless steel sport exhaust system; This highly polished system consists of a rear and middle silencer. The result is 330 hp (DIN), 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) torque, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 secs. and a Vmax of 258 km/h (161 mph). The additional 100 hp can be had from OETTINGER for EUR 3,450.00 including TÜV entry in the vehicle documents.

May 10, 2007
Volkswagen Golf Variant

Volkswagen is introducing a new Golf to the worldwide market: The “Variant” that is as spacious as it is variable. On June 1, dealers will be presenting the model in Germany; all other countries and continents will follow successively. The new Variant – like the classic Golf and the Golf Plus (including CrossGolf) – is already in its third single remake of the successful “Golf” album. Earlier editions of the station wagon were also sales hits: More than 1.2 million cars have found buyers since 1993, and 660,000 units have been registered in Germany alone. Now the third generation is arriving.

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May 8, 2007
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Porsche will be sending the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet to the starting line on September 8. The 20-year tradition within the 911 Series of the 911 Turbo with a classic soft top is continued with this open, top model. Firstly, the open 2+2 seater offers the driving performance of a high-performance sports car while still providing convertible driving pleasure. Secondly, compared to the competition the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is economical in its fuel consumption, thanks to its deliberate design, outstanding aerodynamics and advanced engine technology.

As with the 911 Turbo Coupe, the Cabriolet will also be powered by a 3.6 liter six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine with biturbo turbocharging and Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). The powerplant already generates 480 hp (353 kW) and 620 Nm of torque at 1950 rpm. With the new, optional “Sport Chrono Turbo Package”, which includes an overboost function, up to 680 Nm is even intermittently possible. The manual transmission version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds. With Tiptronic S the time can be cut to 3.8 seconds. Both versions can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h. Fuel consumption for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is 12.9 liters per 100 kilometers – an exemplary value in the competitive environment.

In spite of the convertible-specific reinforcement of the chassis and automatic and the extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats, the open version of the 911 Turbo only weighs 70 kilos more than the Coupe. The light, three-layer soft top, which can completely automatically be opened or closed in roughly 20 seconds, enables a low balance point.

Together with the running gear that is tuned to convertible-specific needs, which includes the active suspension system Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet offers the sporting driving performance typical for a Porsche 911 as well as extremely high driving safety together with appealing driving characteristics. The driving stability control Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and the managed all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) also contribute to its uncommon performance. The system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch can, according to the requirements, alternatively shift the drive output from the engine between the front and rear axles, and – with shift intervals of a maximum of 100 milliseconds – quicker than the reaction of the engine to load changes.

With a drag coefficient of Cw=0.31, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet travels at the level of the coupé models. Together with the rear spoiler, which automatically extends at speeds from 120 km/h – extending 30 mm further than with the Coupé, the vehicle is the only standard series convertible that generates negative lift at the rear axle. Along with its passive safety systems, including six airbags as standard equipment and the comprehensive rollover protection system – with steel tubing integrated into the windshield frame and an extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats – the 911 Turbo Cabriolet also fulfils all legal requirements for passive safety applicable in the worldwide sales markets.

Furthermore, it is equipped with one the most high-performance brake systems. The six-cylinder fixed-brake caliper up front stems from the Porsche Carrera GT. Upon request, the race-proven and light Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) ceramic brake system is also available for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

Also included in the extensive standard series equipment of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet are Bi-Xenon headlights, 19 inch forged wheels with two-tone appearance, an air conditioner, the wind deflector, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) – with the navigation module and 5.8 inch color monitor and the Bose Surround Sound System, among other things. The basic price in euro for the Turbo Cabriolet is EUR 126,600. In Germany the price is EUR 150,862 (including VAT and country-specific requirements).

May 7, 2007
Mallett V8 Solstice Pitbull

Finally, an exclusive body upgrade to match the incredible Mallett LS2/LS7 conversions. Widened a full 4 inches in the front and 5 inches in the rear, the Pitbull package is a 6 piece body conversion that allows the use of ultra-wide wheels and gives a menacing stance to the Solstice.

The specially-designed front fascia improves airflow to the engine and the increased traction of wider tires lets you put more of that V8 power to the ground. Only a limited number of Pitbull Edition Solstices will be built and will feature signature badging.

The fiberglass upgrade is projected to cost $16,000-18,000 fully installed and painted, and will also be available in carbon fiber by special order. The upgrade is scheduled to debut at SEMA 2007.

May 3, 2007