Category: Auto News

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

  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is celebrating its world premiere today at the Mercedes-Benz World in Stuttgart. The new C-Class sedan offers outstanding safety, comfort and agility, and stands out through a product concept that emphasizes variety to meet the most diverse customer requirements. In addition, the three individual models have a visibly different appearance from one another. “Through innovative high-performance technologies we aim to raise the bar even higher when it comes to safety, comfort and agility in the segment of compact premium automobiles,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the Mercedes Car Group. “The new C-Class will thus set new standards when it comes to providing the most sophisticated driving experience in its segment.”

    Individual design of the new C-Class underscores its agility and comfort

    The distinctive design of the new C-Class, which will arrive at dealerships in Europe at the end of March and in the U.S. just a few weeks later, is based on the modern Mercedes-Benz idiom. For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the model variants differ from one another through different front views. The AVANTGARDE model with its centrally positioned Mercedes star is an extremely agile C-Class in a sporty design. For customers who rather prefer a comfortable and elegant ride, Mercedes-Benz offers a truly classic model in the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines with the traditional Mercedes radiator grille. “With this design variety, the new C-Class can be tailored even more specifically to what typically are very heterogenous customer demands in this segment. Depending on the line, the new C-Class sets an individual tone in terms of comfort or agility,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Newest technology ensures maximum driving pleasure and safety

    Technical innovations in the new C-Class include the AGILITY CONTROL system, which adjusts shock absorbers in line with the driving situation and provides for even more direct steering. The model is also equipped with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system – yet another innovation in chassis technology that offers additional assistance features. The highest levels of safety are ensured by seven airbags, seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters, all of which come as standard equipment. Also standard are the NECK PRO headrests, which support and protect the heads of the driver and the front passenger within fractions of a second if the vehicle is hit from the rear. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is offering blinking brake lights that help prevent rear-end collisions as standard equipment in the new C-Class. The model is also the first in its segment to be equipped with the innovative Intelligent Light System that features five different headlight settings, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, which automatically activates measures that protect the driver and the front passenger if an accident is imminent.

    New gasoline and diesel engines provide for even better performance and sophisticated driving experience

    A total of four modified engines, three gasoline engines and one diesel, are available for the new C-Class. With an impressive increase in performance of up to 13 percent, these engines also make a powerful contribution to the dynamic character of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz engineers paid particular attention to refining the four-cylinder engines, whose output and fuel economy have been significantly improved. The C 220 CDI, for example, now consumes up to 0.3 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers. The advanced V6 engines in the C-Class program remain unchanged.

    The C-Class: A best-seller in the Mercedes-Benz product lineup

    C-Class models have been among the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio ever since the launch of the 190 Series – the so-called Baby Benz – 25 years ago. With the latest model changeover, the fourth generation of the C-Class will now continue the success story of its predecessor, the 203 Series. More than two million sedans, station wagons and sport coupes have been sold of this model since its market launch in March 2000. This makes the 203 Series the best-selling C-Class model ever. Germany is the most important market for the C-Class, accounting for approximately 30 percent of worldwide sales. The new C-Class will be built at the Sindelfingen and Bremen plants in Germany and at the East London plant in South Africa.

    Superior Safety, Comfort And Agility

    Safety, comfort, agility: these are the outstanding attributes of the new C-Class. In late summer 2007, Mercedes-Benz will continue its successful strategy and offer two C-Class models in the U.S, a Luxury Sedan and a Sport Sedan. All model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology.

    The new C-Class is larger in virtually every dimension over its predecessor. Interior space has increased in the areas of rear legroom, front and rear hip room as well as front and rear shoulder room.

    The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom, which reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the star with taut lines and large, tranquil surfaces. The pronounced wedge-shape of the front end serves to emphasise attributes such as agility and performance. For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the radiator grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly. Three extended, horizontal louvres and a big centrally positioned Mercedes star characterize the Sport Sedan as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes models. Together with the sporty, high-quality appointments, this feature emphasizes the youthful, agile appearance of this C-Class.

    In the Luxury Sedan, Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury.

    The two choices for the C-Class allows Mercedes customers to accentuate individual choices, and configure a C-Class to suit their personal taste and lifestyle even more emphatically than before. All the models offer the same extraordinary driving experience that the sedan provides by virtue of further technical improvements. Both by its outstanding long-distance comfort and its dynamic handling, the C-Class sets new standards in this market segment.

    Shock Absorbers Automatically Adapt to the Driving Situation

    AGILITY CONTROL – this is the term used by Mercedes-Benz for all new and further developments that improve both comfort and agility in equal measure. This standard package includes the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which controls the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation: when driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort – but without any compromise in handling safety. When driving more dynamically, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is effectively stabilised. The AGILITY CONTROL steering of the new C-Class has a ratio of 14.5, and is therefore six percent more direct than the steering of the preceding model. The likewise included AGILITY CONTROL gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class with a short travel and precise shifts.

    ADAPTIVE BRAKE is another new development in the area of running gear technology. This is based on the technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.

    The Latest Mercedes Inventions Ensure Maximum Safety

    During the course of its development, the new C-Class successfully passed more than 100 crash tests, including the particularly demanding, in-house impact tests of which some go well beyond the legal requirements. Passing these is a precondition for the highest accolade in automobile safety: the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell.

    The safety technology in the interior has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A- to the C-pillar during a side impact. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters as standard.

    Interior Design “Cast from a Single Mould”

    When developing the cockpit, Mercedes designers took their lead from the sporty sector and included clearly laid-out dial instruments such as may be found in roadsters or coupes. Silver-colored bezels, black dial faces, white markings and glowing orange needles perfectly combine form with function for a high value impression and easy legibility.

    Equally clearly laid out and well-arranged, the two-tone dashboard and centre console of the new C-Class form a harmonious unit in line with the “design cast from a single mould” principle. The same applies to the integration of the colour display at the upper centre of the dashboard. This is perfectly positioned within the driver’s line of vision, but can also be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. If the pivoting cover of the display aperture is closed, the infotainment units continue to operate.

    New Control Concept for Clarity and Comfort

    The central display is part of the new control and display concept which the new C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedes models. Its major advantage is rapid access to frequently used functions, which means that the driver does not need to relearn, is able to maintain familiar habits and feels at home immediately. All the control and display elements necessary and important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.

    In the same way, linking the standard multifunction steering wheel with the instrument cluster is an important precondition for rapid access to a wide range of information and functions in the driver’s direct line of vision. Other functions such as infotainment are shown by the display at the center of the dashboard. The driver and front passenger are able to control the radio, navigation system or telephone by using a controller on the center console, or access the main menus using direct selection keys.

    COMAND Provides Voice Operation, a Music Server and DVD Navigation

    The Audio 20 and COMAND APS systems are a range of newly developed, optional infotainment units for C-Class passengers. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. An integral 6-CD changer and the voice control system are available on request.

    The multimedia system COMAND APS offers even more functions than before in the new C-Class. One new feature is a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc (30 gigabytes). The high-resolution maps are shown on a color display (7-inch) which pivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button. Other functions of COMAND APS include a music server with a four-gigabyte memory, a DVD-player for video and audio, and the voice control system, which Mercedes-Benz has likewise improved further: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words. The voice control system is just as convenient when selecting radio stations or entries in the telephone directory.

    The C-Class Is the Bestseller in the Mercedes Lineup

    The new C-Class replaces a model series of which more than 1.4 million units have been sold since spring 2000. All in all, Mercedes-Benz has delivered more than two million of the Sedan, Estate and Sports Coupe models in the previous C-Class to customers all over the world. This makes the C-Class the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. is the largest market for the C-Class, accounting for around 30 percent of worldwide sales.

  • Nissan Navara Frontier

    Siam Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (SNA) today announced the introduction of its all-new pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier Navara. The all-new Nissan Frontier Navara will provide a major boost to the Nissan business in Thailand, a market that is dominated by the one-tone pickup segment. With the Frontier Navara, SNA will achieve 40,000 units in the pickup segment and 55,000 units in total sales in fiscal year 2007. (more…)

  • Seat Altea Black & White

    The SEAT dealership network in Spain already features a new “Black & White” version for the Altea range, a limited series with only 200 units on offer in Spain. Its name is a reflection of the combination of mágico black body paint and pale Moonrock leather upholstery, a unique colour scheme within the range that enhances the Altea’s roominess and lends a touch of elegance that has nothing to envy of higher segment vehicles.

    The Altea Black & White’s exclusiveness does not stop at its elegant colour combination and top-notch trim level. Its extensive list of standard comfort and safety equipment sends it directly to the top of its range.
    Using the Stylance trim level as a guideline, the “Black & White” adds Moonrock leather upholstery, heated seats, audio equipment with MP3 and eight speakers, Bluetooth connection for hands-free telephone, metallic paint and 17 inch alloy Zenith wheels.

    These standard elements are complemented with steering-wheel mounted controls, rear parking sensors, ESP, volumetric alarm, rain sensing wipers, automatic lights-on, dual zone climatiser, trip computer, cruise control, front and rear power windows and electric park position door mirrors, among others.

    Exclusively available with the 140 hp 2.0 TDI engine, the SEAT Altea “Black & White” is listed at 25,280 euros.

  • Ford F-Series Super Duty 2008

    Ford F-Series Super Duty, the industry’s leading heavy-duty work truck and a mainstay of businesses throughout America, has been overhauled for the 2008 model year. Ford’s Super Duty pickup has been the leader in the over 8,500-pound truck segment since launch, offering best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and trailer tow ratings. The new Super Duty, which will go on sale in early 2007, will help ensure that Ford Motor Company maintains its nearly 30 years of leadership in the pickup truck business. (more…)

  • BMW 1 Series

    New technology cuts emissions by up to 21 per cent and improves fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent Tax-busting 60.1mpg 118d is BMW‘s most economical production car. The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in spring 2007 and features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle BMW has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel-saving innovations are rolled out across the range.

    Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with lower rolling resistant tyres and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.

    The BMW 118d, BMW’s most economical car, manages its record 60.1mpg figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering. The car now has an aluminium crankcase to save weight. Aside from the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW 118d also posts the lowest ever CO2 emissions of any BMW recording 123g/km (putting it into the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty).

    BMW 1 Series
    BMW 1 Series

    Other engines in the new 1 Series range record economy improvements of up to 24 per cent compared to the previous model, while emissions have also been cut by up to 21 per cent. These improvements have not been to the detriment of driving pleasure. The new 1 Series is powered by a range of engines whose outputs have increased by up to 20hp with a consequential improvement in performance figures.

    New fuel saving technology
    Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) makes its debut on the 1 Series. The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. This is achieved as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three per cent improvement in fuel economy.

    The new 1 Series comes with Automatic Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all manual transmission models (except 130i), the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not want to use the Automatic Start-Stop function it can be manually switched off.

    The use of Electric Power Steering results in a 90 per cent energy saving compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air-conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drivetrain when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.

    Low running costs
    The plethora of new technology showcased in the BMW 1 Series will have a significant impact on cost of ownership for customers. For the company car driver all but two engine variants now sit in the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty. This results in a saving of up to £505 for someone paying 40 per cent tax and up to £278 for those in the 22 per cent tax bracket. For all owners fuel consumption improvement means a 12,000 miles-a-year driver will save approximately £250 off the fuel bill.

    Traction and safety
    All BMW 1 Series models come with Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control for the best combination driving pleasure and safety. DSC allows drivers to make the most of the 1 Series’ 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive configuration for the best on-road performance. The BMW 130i comes with five additional functions with its DSC+ system for enhanced convenience and driver safety: Hill Start Assistant, Brake Pre-tensioning, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation and Soft Stop.

    All BMW 1 Series have six airbags as standard, the Brake Force Display function on the rear lights to highlight sharp braking and Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System.

    A new style of BMW 1 Series
    To herald the introduction of the latest generation of engines, BMW’s designers have refreshed the interior and exterior styling of the five-door model. The 1 Series now features a larger kidney grille for improved airflow to the engine. The lower front spoiler has also been reprofiled to create a larger air intake, while the spoiler protrudes further for a more pronounced, sporting look. The headlamp cluster remains the same size but a darker cover gives a subtle, more distinguished front end.

    At the rear a restyled bumper gives the impression of a wider, lower car. The rear lamp cluster now features a new arrangement of lights, but retains its original shape.

    The new three-door 1 Series features the same styling cues but its side view is naturally different. The passenger doors are longer than those on the five-door model and are also frameless in the style of a coupé. Inside, customers will also be able to choose between either a four-seat or a five-seat configuration. In the four-seat arrangement rear passengers are separated by a central storage compartment and sit in more sculptured seats. As a no-cost option the five-seat layout offers the traditional bench seat standard on the five-door 1 Series. The introduction of higher quality materials and minor changes to the layout of the interior enhance customer comfort and practicality.

    Optional highlights
    The new 1 Series comes with MP3 and USB stick capability for the best in in-car entertainment. Customers with their favourite music loaded on an Apple iPod or a USB stick can now plug these into the car to continue their listening. Tracks are selected via steering wheel controls or the iDrive system.

    The optional Adaptive Headlights that turn to follow the intended course of the car have been improved on the 1 Series. Cornering light function is added to the package as standard. This means two additional lights turn at speeds of between 22 and 40mph to further illuminate the direction of travel on a twisting road.

  • Mini Cooper D

    The new MINI hatch line-up will soon be complete, when the new MINI One and MINI Cooper D models are unveiled to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. The entry-level One features a perky 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant.

    (more…)

  • Je Design Seat Leon 1 P FR

    After JE DESIGN, a well-known SEAT customising specialist, tuned the new Leon two months prior to its market launch, the same tuning specialist from Leingarten, Germany, has now turned its attention to the “FR” version.

    The core of the modifications is the power boost to the 2.0 TDI engine. Instead of 125 kW (170 bhp), it now generates a solid 142 kW (193 bhp) with a torque increase from 85 to 410 Nm. The modifications to the engine management system permit better driving performance: A top speed of 224 km/h (series: 218 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds (series: 8.2) send out a clear message! The power boost comes with a TÜV parts certificate. Needless to say, the TDI still complies with the EI regulations. An electronic power boost for the new 2.0 TFSI with 147 KW / 200 bhp leads to a terrific 180 kW (244 bhp) with a torque boost up to 355 Nm at 1,850 rpm. Here, too, the modifications to the engine management system permit enhanced driving performance: A top speed of 235 km/h (series: 229 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 in 6.5 seconds (series: 7.3)! This power boost also comes with a TÜV parts certificate. In each case, the price includes a 1-year guarantee on the engine, drive train and gearbox. Upon request and subject to an extra charge, this can be extended by a further 12 months. A power boost for the new Leon CUPRA 2.0 TFSI with 176 KW / 240 bhp is in the pipeline. (more…)

  • Brabus PowerXtra D8

    44 hp / 32.4 kW more power and 100 Nm more torque: Those are the two most important performance figures of the BRABUS PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning kit for the two Mercedes models GL 420 CDI and ML 420 CDI. BRABUS offers tuning kits backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years up to 100,000 kilometers (see BRABUS warranty conditions, as of June 2003).

    The BRABUS PowerXtra D8 (III) power kit unleashes – without compromising safety reserves – the true power inherent in the V8 common-rail turbodiesel engine. With BRABUS PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning rated power output jumps from stock 306 hp / 225 kW to 350 hp / 257 kW at just 3,800 rpm. At the same time peak torque grows from 700 Nm for the production car to 800 Nm with D8 tuning.

    Performance benefits accordingly: The tuned ML 420 CDI sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds, half a second faster than the production car. Top speed increases from 235 to 245 km/h. The GL 420 CDI with BRABUS D8 (III) performance tuning also exhibits a more lively character: With 7.1 instead of 7.6 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and a top speed increased from 230 to 240 km/h the big SUV improves noticeably.

    BRABUS Mercedes GL 420 CDI
    BRABUS Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI

    On and off road the BRABUS-tuned CDI engines offer not only excellent performance but – more importantly – strong pulling power and low fuel consumption, which despite the increase in performance remains on the level of the production car.

    Just as exemplary are the vehicle emissions: Like their non -tuned brethren the CDI engines with BRABUS PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning meet stringent Euro 4 emission limits. The D8 kit is also suitable for all models equipped with diesel particulate filter.

    The processor-driven BRABUS PowerXtra auxiliary control unit is designed as a ‘plug & play’ device that can be installed in less than 30 minutes by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

  • A.R.T. Mercedes-Benz CL

    ART’s Program 216 is aimed at the new Mercedes-Benz CL in the exclusivity of the Mercedes Benz luxury class with an abundance of top-quality tuning components.
    The ART aerodynamics set for the front and rear optimizes the contours of the vehicle with an individual touch. In perfect harmony with the series design of the front spoiler, fine parallel grooved lines enhance the vehicle’s front silhouette. The eye-catching elegant lines of the ART rear skirt give the series rear an entirely new appearance. A rear spoiler shaped like a separation edge on the rear hood is the third element in the ART design system for the exterior of this beautiful coupé.

    The ART interior upgrades the vehicle with an alcantara roof liner and upholstery. Elegant combinations of alcantara and leather, in one or several colours, leather with contrasting seams, quilting and perforations, provide marked elegance. In conjunction with fine wood paneling in a variety of different woods and nuances, carbonized surfaces in magical colours, sports steering wheels with paddle shifter, steering wheels in alcantara/leather, leather/wood, and leather/carbon offer an extensive range to choose from for the design of the CL interior. Every custom feature is the owner’s choice. There are no limits to the individualization.

    And under the hood: engine performance from ART includes a Vmax delimiter for the CL and electronic performance optimization of the motor control. They give the powerful series V8 and V12 power units that final performance kick.

    The four highly polished chrome-plated 80mm tailpipes of the ART sports exhaust system with the ART logo draw the gaze to this successful rear skirt solution. One right and one left rear muffler ensure the sound is right.

    A.R.T. Mercedes Benz CL
    A.R.T. Mercedes Benz CL

    The electronic suspension system from ART for the series ABC suspension system lowers the ride height by 25mm. All other built-in chassis control functions remain unchanged. Only the speed-dependent ride-height control is suppressed.

    For the wheel concept, ART proposes the monoART1 light-weight metal rims in dimensions 18, 19 or 20 inches for the CL class. This individual choice of rims is multiplied by the range of three different surfaces:

    The stylish three-part ARTstar2 light-weight metal rims are an equally good choice. With a 6-spoke design, with 36 titanium screw joints, inside valve, shiny-silver rim star and mirror-finished rim base it is offered in sizes 19 and 20 inches. To customize a car still further, it is possible to have the rim star and wheel-base painted in a special color. Of course, with a protective nano technology coating.

  • Honda Stream Hyper Sport Concept

    Honda Stream Hyper Sport ConceptThis medium-sized minivan combines an exciting driving experience with an interior full of entertainment features. Formed around a ”Sculpted by the Wind” theme, the exterior has been designed for optimum aerodynamic performance. (more…)

  • Honda Fit Daily Active Concept

    Honda Fit Daily Active ConceptA small car designed to respond to the needs of today’s portable telephone and video game-oriented youth and add a touch of excitement to everyone’s lives. (more…)

  • Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24

    Aston Martin has confirmed details of its N24 race car, based on the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage road car, which will be showcased at the Autosport International Show this week.

    The Vantage N24 is based on a standard European specification production V8 Vantage, with modifications undertaken to prepare the car for the competitive racing environment. (more…)