Since production began in 2001 Plant Oxford has seen over one million MINIs leave the plant destined for customers abroad. The one millionth MINI for export has now left Plant Oxford. (more…)
Category: Auto News
Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.
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A million MINIs exported from Plant Oxford
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Toyota Auris TR now available with 1.4 D-4D 90 engine
Toyota has doubled the diesel choice in its Auris TR range with the introduction of its lightweight, economic 1.4 D-4D 90 engine to the line-up. Lightweight, smooth and highly efficient, the unit delivers strong fuel economy and low emissions. It takes the engine choice in the best-selling TR grade to four, joining the 1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 VVT-i petrol units and the 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel. (more…)
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China’s Brilliance ships first BS4 sedans to Germany
Brilliance Auto, BMW’s partner in China, said on Thursday it has shipped its first BS4 compact sedans to Germany, as it steps up its supply of domestically developed Chinese cars to that fiercely contested market. (more…) -
The Scirocco story – Two generations of the Volkswagen sport coupé
With the market launch of the new Scirocco just round the corner, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft’s Corporate History Department is presenting the story of a model with a difference in a new book entitled “Scirocco. Aufregend vernünftig. Der Volkswagen Scirocco 1974-1992.” Based on previously inaccessible documents from the Corporate Archive in Wolfsburg, historian and archivist Claudia Böhler for the first time traces the history of the first generations of the “desert wind from the Mittellandkanal”, from development and series production through to the marketing and sale of the Volkswagen sport coupé. (more…) -
Mercedes-Benz and fashion – a perfect match
Mercedes-Benz has been committed to fashion for over a decade, establishing itself as an experienced partner of major international fashion platforms. The Stuttgart-based automaker is the title sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Mexico City, and supports numerous fashion events in Milan, Stockholm, Amsterdam and elsewhere in the world. “People are interested in the things that connect them to their personal lifestyles. This is why we’ve been aiming for years to present the Mercedes-Benz brand within the lifestyle environments of our target groups. Fashion is one of those environments,” says Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice-President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. (more…) -
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport*1 SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions*2 such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year. (more…) -
Ford Flex And The Nascar Guy
As a chassis development engineer for Ford Racing, Jamail was largely responsible for reviving the Ford NASCAR race program in 1999. And as a vehicle dynamics engineer for Flex, Jamail is on the team charged with ensuring this daring new seven-passenger crossover delivers in driving dynamics. (more…) -
Mastretta MXT
Bristling with design flair, the all-new Mastretta MXT is the exciting and exclusive new sports car that will put Mexico on the map and offer UK drivers performance and more choice in the sub £40,000 sector.
The lightweight two-seater weighs just 900kg. And with top speed of 150mph, it is aimed at thrill seekers who also have an eye to the environment, who want to have fun and enjoy driving without causing damage through their car’s excessive weight and power.
Mastretta MXT is the first car to be designed and built in Mexico, and the aggressive and sculpted sports coupé makes its debut here at the British International Motor Show.
This unique, rear-wheel drive two-seater’s 2.0litre turbocharged Duratec engine develops nearly 240bhp pushing it on to 60 mph from rest in less than 5.0secs.
Constructed from bonded aluminium, the semi-monocoque chassis features aircraft style technology. Closed mould techniques sculpt the distinctive body from high quality fibreglass and the air-conditioned interior is leather-trimmed.
Direct racecar feel comes through rack and pinion steering – 2.8 turns lock to lock. And 293mm ventilated brake discs with ABS as standard slow the car with eye-popping power, when necessary. Mastretta MXT has double wishbone suspension front and rear.
Lifestyle Automotive is the company licensed to import and distribute the cars in Europe and company boss Tom Martin is confident of success with Mastretta MXT.
“Customers who place orders at the show will be able to register their cars in May next year,” he says. “The Mastretta MXT on display at ExCeL 22 July – 3 August is the penultimate prototype,” Martin says. “We should complete Vehicle Certification Agency testing by October and RHD production, which is limited to 80 cars in the first full year, will start by January.”
National pride as well as burning ambition for their new car motivates the Mastretta brothers who have taken the car from idea through concept to reality.
“We needed to create a great car because Mexico has no tradition of sophisticated sports car manufacturing,” says designer Daniel Mastretta. “It is most important that our customers are delighted by the new MXT. That’s what we aimed to do from the first drawing of the car, but we also want to make our country proud of the MXT and to show the world what we can do.”
Come and see the sensational Mastretta at the British Motorshow and decide for yourself.
Mastretta MXT – the figures
Price (rrp) £32,999 Weight 900 kg Engine 1999 cc Power/weight 267/tonne Aspiration Supercharged Length 3900 mm Power 240 bhp Width 1790 mm Torque 184 lb ft Height 1150 mm Transmission 5 speed manual 0-60 mph < 5 secs (est) Front tyres 205/45 R17 Rear tyres 235/45 R17 -
BMW goes into the model year 2009
BMW Group further extends its leading position in the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels – 23 models with a CO2 level of maximum 140 grams/kilometre – 23 models fulfil the exhaust emissions norm EU5 as of autumn 2008, new BMW 330d with BMW BluePerformance Technology even at EU6 level. (more…) -
India: Jetta – Market Launch
Wide selection: three equipment lines and two engines
DSG dual clutch transmission offered
Today, in Mumbai, Volkswagen begins market introduction of the Jetta in India. The sedan – eight million of which have been sold since 1979 – will be available in three versions. At market launch the innovative 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission will be offered. Other comfort and convenience features round out the program. (more…) -
A City Limousine Service at Forte dei Marmi, for an exclusive Summer
A unique holiday for 2 million tourists with a private chauffeur in the new Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau
Today at Forte dei Marmi, Olivier Francois, Managing Director of Lancia Automobiles, and Umberto Buratti, Mayor of Forte dei Marmi, presented the “Forte dei Marmi Vip Service” programme, organised with the brand new Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau city limousine. (more…) -
Kia bares more Soul at the BIMS
Kia Motors has put more of its Soul on show with the release of new official images of its segment-busting model at the British International Motor Show.Kia is releasing the photographs of the fun and design-conscious Soul as it also brings the three stunning SOUL concept cars to its display in London. (more…)
