Category: Auto News

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

  • Opel Corsa Hybrid

    Opel presents a range of especially economical and low-emission vehicles at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007). The current models showcase how automotive technology will look in the near future: the Corsa Hybrid concept car uses innovative technology with starter generator and stop/start automatic transmission which contributes to an average consumption of about 3.6 liters of diesel per 100 km (95 g CO2/km). The Vectra Flexpower with a 2.0-liter turbo engine designed for operation with bioethanol/gasoline mix also makes its debut at the IAA. (more…)

  • BRABUS WIDESTAR Mercedes GL-Class

    Muscular fender flares front and back, giant 23-inch wheels and a striking face with large air dams and four auxiliary headlights: In a world premiere BRABUS presents the 2007 WIDESTAR wide version for the Mercedes GL-Class at the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2007.

    The elegant sweeping lines of the fender flares add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the large SUV. The corresponding rocker panels have more than just visual effect; they also facilitate entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark with their integrated entrance lights.

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  • Renault Kangoo

    On its launch in 1997 Kangoo’s affable, expressive style revolutionised the leisure utility vehicle sector. Roomy and versaile Kangoo has been a success, selling over 2,200,000 units since it was launched. New Kangoo matches family expectations more closely. It draws on Kangoo fundamentals, turning them into an optimised blend of quality, comfort, and practicality. At 4,213mm in length, New Kangoo’s resolutely contemporary, affable, cheery lines exert a strong appeal. Its short, chunky front end frees up space for the bright, airy passenger cabin, which is further enhanced by its steeply-raked MPV-style windscreen. Some versions have pop-open windows, and other others electric ones. All have large doors which open onto a comprehensively reworked interior. (more…)

  • Brabus Bullit

    Over the past three decades BRABUS has perfected the art of transplanting large and extremely powerful engines into the bodies of small cars. That path led to numerous world records and entries into the Guinness Book of World Records. The BRABUS BULLIT, built in small-series production based on the new Mercedes C-Class sedan, celebrates its world debut at the IAA 2007 as the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.

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  • Opel Flextreme

    Opel’s Flextreme concept car, which makes its premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007), boasts the body of a dynamic monocab, as well as the completely new environmentally friendly E-Flex electric propulsion concept and a host of innovative details. Flextreme is part of GM’s ongoing commitment to develop vehicles that reduce CO2 emissions and the automobile’s dependency on petroleum. In contrast to conventional vehicles and hybrids, GM’s E-Flex system uses an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, to propel the Opel Flextreme concept for up to 55 km of electric-drive-only range. A 1.3 turbo-diesel onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range fully charged, the Flextreme’s 55-km all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in Europe to travel without using any diesel fuel or emitting any CO2. (more…)

  • AC Schnitzer GP3.10

    Driving pleasure has been written large at AC Schnitzer for 20 years. And happily, nothing will change for the 62nd IAA. But this goal can be reached in a totally alternative way, as the launch of the superb AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED shows. This high-performance coupé has LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) drive, where power and efficiency, economy and ecology, meet in an exciting study.

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  • AC Schnitzer ACS5

    The BMW X5 is a 4×4 hero especially brilliant at urban terrain, and that calls for different accessories from a conventional off-road-vehicle. With its new range, AC Schnitzer has adapted the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) perfectly to its natural environment. Like its predecessor, the E70 is an extremely agile vehicle despite its size.

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  • AC Schnitzer ACS5 Touring

    1,1 HP per litre? This figure in relation to a high performance sports car such as the new ACS5 Sport Touring based on the BMW M5 certainly doesn’t refer to the conventional ratio of capacity to power. Instead: 500 litres luggage space meet 552 red-hot HP (406 kW). Plenty of room in every respect for incomparable driving pleasure on one hand, and a hang-glider, surfboard or mountain bike on the other. Drivers of vehicles like this think in different terms from conventional sports car drivers. But no way do they lag behind when it comes to driving dynamics.

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  • Porsche Cayenne GTS

    With the new Cayenne GTS, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is reiterating the successful Cayenne series’ prominence in the sporty SUV segment. The model, which celebrates its world debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, features an enhanced 4.8-liter V8, has been lowered by 24 millimeters and has a specially developed chassis: it is the first Cayenne to feature the electronically controlled damping system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with steel springs. This combination was previously reserved exclusively for Porsche sports cars. (more…)

  • Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

    The Concept-ZT showcases an advanced level of driving pleasure, safety and environmental responsibility — Mitsubishi Motor’s vehicle strategy — wrapped in a realistic package. Under the hood, a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.

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  • Nissan Mixim

    The Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers.

    Powered by Nissan’s ‘Super Motor’ electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate

    Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG EstateFollowing in the Saloon’s footsteps, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate is now also due to be launched. Under the bonnet with its distinctive power domes, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers effortless acceleration. The high-revving naturally aspirated engine sets the benchmark in this segment with its maximum output of 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 600 Nm at 5000 rpm. The unique high-performance estate accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds; top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

    Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering wheel gearshift paddles and the three driving modes “C”, “S” and “M”, the seven-speed automatic transmission delivers a decidedly sporty or comfort-focused ride depending on the driver’s tastes. The automatic throttle-blipping function when downshifting is another innovation. In conjunction with the all-new front axle, the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the new 3-stage ESP®, the AMG sports suspension provides maximum driving pleasure and superb driving dynamics.

    The AMG high-performance braking system with large internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all round provides optimum stopping power even during particularly dynamic driving. The standard specification includes 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with 235/ 40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) wide-base tyres. 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres are available as an option.

    Design and appointments: more distinctive than ever

    The design and appointments on the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate are comfortably on a par with the sophisticated technology. The top-of-the-line AMG eight-cylinder model has been differentiated more clearly than ever from the series-production C-Class: typical hallmarks of the brand come in the shape of AMG bodystyling, the bonnet with power domes, the distinctive AMG radiator grille, the flared front wings, the AMG rear apron with its black diffusor insert and the AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes. The interior feel is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integral head restraints, the three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel with its flat underside and small 365-millimetre rim, and the tube-style AMG instrument cluster with its AMG-specific main menu. As an alternative to the standard-fit aluminium trim elements, AMG carbon trim can also be ordered as an option for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate.

    Largest load compartment in its class with up to 1500 litres

    The load capacity of the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate ranges from 485 to 1500 litres (VDA measuring method) depending on the position of the 1/3:2/3-split rear seat backrests which can be folded forwards. No other car in the premium estate segment of this vehicle class can match this capacity. Standard equipment includes bag hooks and four anchoring lugs to secure the load, side stowage compartments with covers, a collapsible shopping crate as well as a combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes at the push of a button. The market launch of the C 63 AMG Estate is scheduled for the start of 2008; sales price incl. 19% VAT is EUR 69,853.