Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Ford Dealers Offer Mountune Performance for Focus ST

    Ford Focus STFord is offering Focus ST performance upgrades through a special dealer-fit option.
    The Mountune Performance package will retail at £1,120 (plus fitting) and consists of a larger intercooler, a high-flow air filter and revised engine calibration. Together, this lifts power output from Ford’s potent 2.5-litre Duratec ST engine from 225PS to 260PS at 5,500rpm and from 320Nm to 400Nm at 2,500rpm.
    (more…)

  • Toyota Camry Comes of Age

    Toyota CamryThe Australian-made Toyota Camry has officially come of age by celebrating its 21st anniversary. Since the first Camry rolled off an Australian assembly line in 1987, more than 1.3 million have been produced in this country.
    (more…)

  • “PROLOGUE…” by Peugeot

    Peugeot PrologueA new generation hybrid
    Derived from the fusion of different worlds, the “PROLOGUE…” concept car lifts a corner of the veil on a new type of vehicle. Anticipating future trends, the “PROLOGUE…” proposes an innovative combination of ideas at a number of different levels: its architecture, its style, its interior ambience, its modularity, its original high-tech equipment and also its new generation hybrid technology. (more…)

  • Spectacular ZR1 heads upgraded 2009 Corvette line-up

    Corvette Z06The 2009 Corvette range continues to turn dreams into reality. The traditional Corvette V8-formula has expanded into a range of new Corvette models delivering yet more power, passion, precision and style. The 6.2-litre Corvette C6, the 7.0-litre Z06 and the stunning, supercharged Corvette ZR1 all combine extremely high performance in a car that offers great value and quality, with surprising levels of comfort for daily driving. (more…)

  • CTS Sport Wagon extends Cadillac’s design-driven Renaissance

    Cadillac CTS Sport WagonUnveiled against a backdrop of automotive fine art at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon showcases a dramatic design that brings the wagon body style to new markets. Following its debut in California, the CTS Sport Wagon will be seen in European Cadillac dealerships during the summer of 2009. (more…)

  • Acura Announces Pricing For All-New 2009 TL

    Acura TLAcura today announced pricing for the all-new 2009 TL performance luxury sedan that will go on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide on September 24th, with all-wheel-drive models planned for sale in November.
    (more…)

  • Porsche Gives First Official Peek of its New Panamera

    Porsche Panamera Gran TurismoRather than rolling to the starting line—as is befitting a Porsche sports car—the new Panamera Gran Turismo is rolling into the public limelight for the first time on a new website.
    (more…)

  • Citroen C4

    Citroën’s dynamic C4 range is now more alive with technology than ever before. An exciting new look gives the popular model even more appeal with new exterior and interior styling, updated equipment, body colours and wheel designs, as well as the introduction of two new low CO2, fuel efficient, petrol engines co-developed with BMW. HDi models will also be available with new low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres for improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

    Changes to the exterior focus on restyling the vehicle’s front end, bringing the C4 in line with the prestigious looks of the recently launched C5. Its new bonnet features a more rounded, curvier design, whilst the grille benefits from restyled integrated chevrons. The front bumper has also been revamped and the number plate repositioned for a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look.

    The rear lights of the C4 Coupe are now finished in transparent crystal and a choice of three new alloy wheel styles – either 16-inch or 17-inch – as well as two new body colours – Bourrasque and Recif blue are now available. For added elegance, chrome inserts are featured on some models.

    In the cabin, the C4 has been improved for enhanced comfort whilst, for greater clarity, the rev counter has been relocated to the innovative translucent central display unit. As with the award-winning C4 Picasso, a plush grain is now featured on the dashboard and doors for a more upmarket feel. New decors have been designed with an improved quality finish whilst the integrated scented air freshener makes the interior smell as good as it looks.

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    The C4 also retains much of the innovative equipment that made it a standard-setter when it was launched. Drivers can benefit from convenient and reassuring technology such as directional headlamps, front and rear parking assist, lane departure warning system, hill start assist, laminated side windows, speed limiter and cruise control.

    The new C4 arrives with all of the safety equipment that made the original C4 such a reassuring car to drive, including the unique to Citroën torso shaped driver’s airbag that can be incorporated because of the fixed-centre steering wheel. The original C4 achieved some of the highest EuroNCAP ratings in the segment for frontal impact, child protection as well as a 3-star pedestrian safety rating.

    Citroën’s latest generation navigation system, NaviDrive, has also been introduced, which features a hi-resolution 7-inch colour screen with Europe-wide satellite navigation, real time traffic reports as well as an audio system with built-in 30GB hard drive. The system also offers a video auxiliary socket and a USB connection.

    The C4 is now available with two new petrol engines which have been co-developed with the BMW group – the 1.6 16v VTi 120hp and the 1.6 16v THP 150hp. Both units offer the optimum blend of performance, driving pleasure and fuel economy, with significantly lower consumption and CO2 emissions.

    C4 1.6 16V VTi 120hp  (Variable valve lift and Timing Injection)

    The VTi 120hp petrol engine, with a manual or automatic gearbox, replaces the 1.6i 16V 110hp unit, offering an economical and responsive driving experience, with fuel efficiency of 42.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km on the combined cycle (down 6% on the former unit).

    The VTi unit is fitted with an aluminium block and cylinder head and features continuously variable valve timing. The intake valves also benefit from a system that allows their maximum travel to be adjusted gradually depending on the force applied to the accelerator pedal. These two features boost engine efficiency and increase responsiveness with some 90% of maximum torque available all the way through the rev range from under 2,000 through to 6,000rpm.

    C4 1.6i 16V THP 150hp (Turbo High Pressure)

    The new THP 150hp (Turbo High Pressure) engine provides the perfect blend of higher performance, driving pleasure and economy with significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With its six-speed manual gearbox, the THP 150hp’s fuel consumption is 40.9mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

    The THP 150hp features engine technology that is new to the C4 range with the introduction of direct sequential injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as continuously variable inlet valve timing. This gives the engine excellent low-down pulling power with maximum torque of 177lb.ft almost all the way from just 1,400 through to 3,500rpm and continues strongly through the rev range.

    Citroën’s HDi diesel engine line-up is widely recognised for its frugal, clean and dynamic qualities, and in keeping with the model’s upgrade, the C4’s diesel engine range has also been improved.

    The 2.0HDi unit with six-speed manual gearbox and particulate filter fitted as standard, boasts fuel efficiency of 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. The other diesel powered models – the 1.6HDi 92hp and 1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS – are just as dynamic as before and now even greener thanks to a switch to low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver® tyres, available on 16-inch wheels, which reduce the fuel consumption and lower the  CO2 emissions.

    The original C4 was one of the most environmentally friendly cars in the small family segment with two models returning emissions of 120g/km. Now, with its reduced emissions, the C4 is even cleaner and even greener.

    Trim

    Engine

    ‘On the Road’ RRP

    HATCHBACK MODELS

    LX

    1.4i 16V 90hp

    £12,695.00

    SX

    1.4i 16V 90hp

    £13,895.00

    1.6i 16V 110hp BioFlex

    £14,695.00

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    £14,695.00

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp Auto

    £15,695.00

    1.6HDi 16V 92hp

    £15,295.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp

    £16,195.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS

    £16,695.00

    VTR+

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    £15,495.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp

    £16,995.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS

    £17,495.00

    Exclusive

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    £16,495.00

    2.0HDi 16V 140hp DPFS

    £18,895.00

    2.0HDi 16V 138hp DPFS Auto

    £19,895.00

    Trim

    Engine

    ‘On the Road’ RRP

    COUPE MODELS

    VTR

    1.4i 16V 90hp

    £13,895.00

    1.6i 16V 110hp BioFlex

    £14,695.00

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    £14,695.00

    1.6HDi 16V 92hp

    £15,295.00

    VTR+

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    £15,495.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp

    £16,995.00

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS

    £17,495.00

    VTS

    1.6i 16V THP 150hp

    £17,495.00

    2.0HDi 16V 140hp DPFS

    £18,895.00

    Technical Specification

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp

    1.6 16V VTi 120hp Auto

    1.6 16V THP 150hp

    1.6HDi 16V 92hp

    1.6 HDi 16V 110hp

    1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS

    2.0HDi 16V 140hp DPFS

    2.0HDi 16V 138hp DPFS Auto

    Capacity (cc)

    1598

    1598

    1598

    1560

    1560

    1560

    1997

    1997

    POWER

    Max power DIN (hp/rpm)

    120/6000

    120/6000

    150/5800

    92/4000

    110/4000

    110/4000

    143/4000

    138/4000

    Max torque DIN (lb.ft/rpm)

    118/4250

    118/4250

    177/1400

    159/1750

    177/1750

    177/1750

    236/2000

    320/2000

    WEIGHTS (KG)

    Kerb weight (Coupe/Hatchback)

    1217/1220

    1273/1273

    1271/1276

    1255/1257

    1269/1270

    1293

    1379/1381

    1410/1416

    Max laden weight (Coupe/Hatchback)

    1727/1731

    1756/1761

    1754/1763

    1775/1777

    1790

    1790

    1835/1849

    1880

    Max towing weight braked (Coupe/Hatchback)

    1550

    1520

    1650

    1637/1636

    1641/1640

    1540

    1811

    1750

    Max tow hitch download

    65

    65

    70

    66

    66

    65

    73

    70

    Max roof rack load

    75

    75

    75

    75

    75

    75

    75

    75

    PERFORMANCE

    Max speed (mph)

    121

    116

    131

    112

    119

    119

    129

    128

    0-62mph (secs)

    10.0

    11.9

    8.4

    12.5

    11.2

    11.2

    9.7

    10.4

    ECONOMY (MPG)

    Urban

    30.4

    28.5

    28.8

    49.6

    46.3

    48.7

    40.3

    31.0

    Extra urban

    54.3

    52.3

    53.3

    76.3

    70.6

    76.31/74.32

    64.2

    55.4

    Combined

    42.2

    40.4

    40.9

    64.2

    58.8

    64.21/62.82

    53.3

    42.8

    CO2 emissions (g/km)

    159

    165

    164

    117

    128

    1181/1202

    140

    175

    1. SX
    2. VTR+
  • Spyker Introduces Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

    Spyker Cars N.V., manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, proudly presents the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 the road version of its GT2 LeMans car.The Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 will be built as a limited edition of 24 units maximum, and will be available in both left and right hand drive. Production of the LM85 commences this quarter. (more…)

  • Honda Celebrates ‘Red H’ With Type R Drivers’ Club

    Honda Civic Type RHonda has invited Type R owners from across the UK to a special celebration event at Brands Hatch on 21 September.
    Hundreds of Civics, Integras and Accords – all wearing the famous ‘Red H’ badge – are expected at the final round of the British Touring Car Championship, to pay homage to the rev-happy performance badge. (more…)

  • Fiat Professional at the Hanover International Motor Show 2008

    New Fiat DucatoThe 62nd edition of the Hanover International Motor Show will be held from 25th September to 2nd October 2008; the Hanover event is the most important European motor show for trucks and commercial vehicles. The event will gather together in the German city professionals and major vehicle manufacturers of the sector. The vehicle manufacturers participating will include Fiat Group Automobiles with the Fiat Professional brand that has always played a significant role in the sales of light commercial vehicles on the German market, since it is the largest importing brand. (more…)

  • Lotus Europa receives diamond treatment

    Lotus Europa DiamondThis year Lotus celebrates its 60th birthday and to properly mark the occasion, the British sportscar manufacturer has produced a real gem of a car – a fully customised, diamondset Lotus Europa valued at £150,000 which will be launched at Lotus’ birthday celebrations in Hethel, Norfolk on Sunday 14th September 2008.
    (more…)