Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

A.R.T. Mercedes-Benz X64

Among the big and powerful, ART is accompanying the new GL from Mercedes-Benz on its triumphal march. The Nuremberg tuning specialists have developed a comprehensive program of components for upgrading this vehicle. The familiar sports-like elegance of the ART design offers this vehicle a host of customizing options. The ART Aerodynamics set for the front and rear lends a more muscular contour to the series lines. This piece of sculpted masculinity is made to look even mightier with the generously-proportioned air inlets and stretched surface area of the front spoiler.

The black background of the ART BiXENON Headlamp System NERO adds to the mighty appearance of this tremendous vehicle. A Triple Beam Lamp Set integrated in the front spoiler with additional XENON high beam lamps, DAYTIMELIGHT in LED technology and fog lamps in combination with CORNERLIGHT boosts the charisma of the vehicle’s front while providing the driver with that extra passive safety.

The rear apron with its integrated diffusor gives the rear of the vehicle a compact and homogeneous appearance. ART tuning GmbH, IGA, 13.03.2007, 10:56, Pressemitteilung Programm X64 The optical interaction of the four highly polished chrome-plated 80mm tailpipes of the ART sports exhaust system is a successful combination. ART logos embossed in the tailpieces provide the seal of quality. Two rear mufflers ensure the sound is right.

The exclusive ART STEPLIGHTS project light across the running boards whatever the light conditions and clearly mark the point of access to the vehicle even when the doors are closed if the key is activated. Then, parallel light-blue beam segments shine out through the filigree openings in the highly polished stainless steel. The light-blue illuminated Entry Ledges with the ART logo made from finely polished and brushed stainless steel make for a well-groomed appearance and assist entry into the vehicle.

ART upgrades the interior of the GL with alcantara/leather accessories. The front and back seats together with their headrests are recovered in the customer’s choice of leather and color with accurately worked contrasting seams. The side panels are harmonized with gathered alcantara upholstery.

The ART sports steering wheels are ergonomically shaped and accentuated with perforated grips. A fine selection of possible combinations: leather/fine wood, leather/leather, leather/alcantara, or leather/carbon fiber offer multiple variations for the interior design of the GL cockpit. Each detail is handcrafted to perfection by master craftsmen. There are no limits to the individualization that is possible.

To get you ahead: The ART engine performance for CDI versions offers electronic performance optimization of the motor control. It squeezes around another 20% of speed out of those already powerful series engines. Performance optimization will be available soon for the V6 and V8 petrol engines.

The electronic ART powertrain system for the series Airmatic chassis lowers the vehicle height by 35mm and can be individually adjusted down to 70 mm. All other built-in chassis control functions remain unchanged. Only the speeddependent ride-height control is suppressed

For quality time in the rear passenger compartment, ART Multimedia offers the ultimate in hightech in-journey entertainment. A roof-suspended monitor 12.1 inches in size can be rotated 360 degrees. The integrated DVD player with SD card reader operates independently of the command system. Two infrared headphones provide top-quality sound in comfort and great freedom of movement.

The GL clad in the X64 program from ART is all in all a powerful piece of machinery, unadulaterated comfort and compact design in what is a wellproportioned departure from the series culture.

May 30, 2007
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.

(more…)

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

Renault Twingo

Renault Twingo will go on sale on 15 June 2007, the first new vehicle release in an extensive range renewal programme under the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. New Twingo targets a broader, more international customer base than its predecessor, and there’s even a right-hand-drive model for the UK market.

New features include a benchmark-setting 1.5 dCi diesel engine and a high-appeal design, with the emphasis on dynamism for the GT version, and on practicality and robustness for the other versions. New Twingo rounds out Renault’s coverage of the small-car segment alongside Clio Campus, Modus and Clio III. This great little car is made at the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia to exacting specifications on quality and profitability.

Feisty

New Twingo expands upon its predecessor’s qualities to offer superior dynamic and safety performance. It is precise and nifty in town, yet reassuring on the open road, thanks to a highly effective axle system. With its special chassis tuning and new 100hp TCE petrol engine, New Twingo GT asserts a strong dynamic personality and boasts best-in-class trade-off between performance and fuel economy. New Twingo is uncompromising on safety, offering optimum protection for all vehicle occupants along with modern driver support equipment that was not available on the previous model. Many of these systems, such as automatic headlamp light-up and cruise control with speed limiter, are only usually found on larger, more expensive cars.

Practical

True to the concept pioneered by its predecessor, New Twingo has three doors opening onto four comfortable seats that accommodate passengers of any size. Quality materials and excellent finish are apparent throughout the intuitive, ergonomic passenger compartment. This eminently practical little car goes to extremes on user convenience, with its versatile layout capabilities, surprisingly spacious interior and handy stowage cubbies. The boot is the largest in this vehicle category, and some versions feature four independent sliding seats.

Connected

New Twingo communicates effortlessly with the outside world, with connection capabilities unparalleled in this vehicle segment. The TunePoint sound system, with steering-wheel controls, imports custom music libraries in MP3 format, on USB key, MP3 player or iPod®. There’s a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with hold function, for safer motoring. And under the innovative “my Twingo” philosophy, motorists can customize their new cars with decorative decals for the exterior and innovative accessories like the Organizer-Box and Make-up Box for the interior.

Reliable, economical and environmentally sound

Respect for the environment is an inherent part of New Twingo’s genetic makeup,with CO2 emissions down below 140g/km, 9% of recycled plastic material, and production at the Novo Mesto plant, certified to ISO 14001. Regardless of the choice of engine, all New Twingo versions bear “Renault eco2”. And New Twingo is designed with meticulous attention to detail, for the lowest possible running costs and the longest possible service life: New Twingo is economical to run as well as being inexpensive to buy.

May 28, 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
Kia Picanto

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that the newly upgraded 2007 Kia Picanto will make its world premiere at the 34th Salon Internacional del Automovil in Barcelona, Spain on 7 June. Kia’s design teams in Korea and Europe have revisited the company’s smallest car, preserved its ‘young, sporty and friendly’ spirit, and evolved the new 2007 Picanto – a car with more glamorous looks, an upgraded interior and higher quality audio equipment.

Attractively refreshed and restyled to be ‘more rounded and intimate’, the 2007 Picanto is 40 mm longer, with an overall length of 3535 mm, featuring an extended, rounded nose and deeper, larger rear bumper. All-new panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, front bumper and rear bumper. The front and rear light clusters are new and follow the ‘rounded’ theme.

A new wider radiator grille, with black mesh background and twin horizontal chromed bars supporting the central Kia badge, is part of the evolving design process that is defining a new ‘Face of Kia’. The standard roof spoiler now extends across the full width of the car, while the wheelbase is unchanged at 2370 mm. Customers will be offered a choice of five new exciting, contemporary colours in a range of nine exterior colours.

“With nearly 400,000 exports since its introduction in 2004, the Picanto has not only opened the door to a segment where we previously had no presence but it has become one of the Kia line-up’s global best sellers,” commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation. “We are confident that with its fresh new looks and upgraded equipment the Picanto will continue to appeal to the world’s A-segment customers and reach annual overseas sales in excess of 130,000 units over the next several years.”

May 25, 2007
Ford F-150 Harley Davidson

America’s best-selling, most capable full-size pickup now delivers the horsepower to make it one of the most powerful half-ton pickups on the market. The 450 horsepower supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 Super Crew 4×2 hits the road this summer.

Born from tremendous customer reaction to the F-150 performance truck concept that was on display at the November 2006 SEMA show, the supercharged F-150 packs the extra power punch that Ford truck enthusiasts have been demanding.

“Ford is the truck leader because we pay attention to what our customers want and move quickly to meet their needs,” said Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “They told us they wanted a performance equipped truck so we worked with Saleen to bring the supercharged Harley-Davidson™ F-150 to market in rapid fashion.”

The supercharged Harley Davidson™ F-150 is available in Ebony Black or Dark Amethyst with plenty of gleaming chrome, 22-inch oversized wheels and tires, and a custom scalloped stripe that runs along the beltline that creates a glued-to-the-ground appearance. “Harley-Davidson” script runs along the bedside in three-dimensional chrome letters. Blacked-out headlamps and a unique chrome billet grille give it a distinctive, bold front-end.

Among other highlights:

The SALEEN supercharger option is available through Ford dealers for $6500 MSRP. Base F-150 Harley-Davidson™ pricing starts at $37,210 MSRP including $925 destination and delivery.

The twin-screw supercharger is the same style as the one in the Shelby GT-500.

A dual-stage water-to-air intercooler increases the supercharger’s efficiency and adds performance by cooling the intake air.

The volume from the exhaust is cranked up into a sustained growl.

An available gauge pod with boost (PSI) and air-charge temperature (ACT) gauges monitors the system’s performance.

The 2007 Harley-Davidson™ F-150 truck is the ninth model to emerge from a Ford/Harley-Davidson™ partnership that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied 104-year-old companies has proven to be a successful formula with total sales of Ford F-Series Harley-Davidsons™ of more than 60,000 units.

May 23, 2007
Seat Altea Freetreack

At the upcoming Barcelona Motor Show from 7 to 17 June, SEAT will be presenting its first all-road vehicle – the Altea freetrack. After unveiling the prototype version in Geneva, which hinted at the new model’s silhouette, the definitive version can be seen in Barcelona and goes on sale this summer.

With this model, SEAT is making its debut in the SUV segment, an area of the market which has grown considerably in recent years. The new Altea freetrack is one of the few compact monospace cars on the market featuring clear off-road styling, as well as engines that deliver up to 200 hp. This factor proves the dynamic character of SEAT’s new all-road model, whose slogan “auto emoción” works just as well on- as well as off-road.

Exclusive off-road looks

Based on the Altea XL, the visual enhancements on the new freetrack include protective moulding below the waistline, as well as the specific plastic front and rear bumpers. These elements lend a rugged and robust image to the new model while also protecting the body when driving off-road.

The exterior stands out with new, exclusive design 17-inch wheels and larger diameter tyres. The Altea freetrack also has 40 mm more ground clearance than the Altea XL, making it easier for the new model to tackle any kind of terrain.

Top level performance

The Altea freetrack is available with four-wheel drive via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control, to ensure that the tractive force is distributed permanently in a progressive and precise manner. Under normal use, power is fully transferred to the front wheels, with up to 50% being distributed to the rear wheels when the need arises.

One of the most outstanding features of the new Altea freetrack is its engine range, with performance levels that make the new SEAT model the market’s most dynamic family-sized SUV. A 200 hp 2.0 TFSI petrol and a 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel engine are responsible for taking the Altea freetrack over all types of terrain.

The 2.0 TFSI engine enables the newcomer to reach a top speed of 214 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just 7.5 seconds – yet it can still average fuel consumption of 9.4 litres. On the other hand, the freetrack 2.0 TDI reaches a top speed of 204 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and consumes an average of 6.8 litres for every 100 km of driving.

Besides these performance figures, the new Altea freetrack matches the Altea XL in terms of impressive interior space and generous load capacity. With its 593 litre boot, the freetrack can carry everything needed for the entire family’s hobbies and leisure activities.

The rear seats are exceptionally roomy and flexible, as they can slide back by up to 16 centimetres for added legroom while still allowing more than enough boot space.

Multimedia system as standard

The Altea freetrack will be sold with just one trim level featuring a complete set of standard equipment.

The most outstanding feature is a new multimedia system, which comprises a 7-inch TFT screen hinged on the ceiling and an RCA connection that allows connection to a DVD player, videogames, laptops and even MP3 players. This way the sound is transmitted over the car’s own sound system.

The Altea freetrack also features new rear window shades as standard, that are hidden inside the doors when not in use, leaving the view unobstructed for rear seat passengers.

Further standard-fit elements on the Altea freetrack include dual climatise control, rain sensor wipers, light sensor, parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, plus CD MP3 radio and steering wheel mounted controls, among others. Safety highlights include standard ESP (Electronic Stability Control), six airbags, EPS electro-mechanical steering and tyre pressure warning.

Designed, developed and manufactured in Spain

The new Altea freetrack has been wholly designed and developed at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell, where over 1,000 highly qualified staff work daily to develop new models.

It will be exclusively made at the SEAT facilities in Martorell, one of Europe’s most modern and most flexible automotive factories, where the Ibiza, Córdoba, Altea, Altea XL, Toledo and León models are also produced.

May 22, 2007
JE Design Seat Leon Cupra

Following modifications for the newly launched Leon FR, JE DESIGN German Leingarten tuners, well-known refiners for SEAT, now resolve to take on the Spanish in the completion of the „CUPRA”.

While the “old” Seat Leon Cupra R (Typ 1M) has differed through its sporty and independent front and rear aprons from the Leon-vesions with less power, the new „CUPRA” threatens the driver into danger of confusion.

The SEAT specialist JE DESIGN recognised this and offers help in form of an individualized grand entrance. Specially developed for the CUPRA from the Leingarten, Germany, based tuners, is a downforcer insert for the centre of the series-produced front apron and which at the same time minimizes buoyancy. The same function is fulfilled with a diffuser insert that is applied to the series-produced rear apron. More sportiness is procured through a new front grille minus Logo including grid insert. Headlight covers gives the Spanish car a serious glance.

Sporty front spoiler corners complete with additional air channels provide the JE DESIGNed Leon CUPRA with more passing-lane prestige. The sides are optimised with a side sills set through JE DESIGN. The tuners create another attractive addition through the rear apron set. Last but not least a rear wing provides more downforce on the rear axle especially during higher speeds. Furthermore, a self-adhering JE DESIGN roof fin “Shark attack” is available in black matt.

For an extra charge, JE DESIGN laminates individual parts for example the radiator grill or mirror cover in Carbon-Look.

Pure Performance!

The core of modification is the performance increase of the 2.0 T-FSI Motor . Instead of just 177 kW (240 HP), it now renders an attention getting value of 210 kW (285 HP). The torque increases from 85 to 385 Nm. The change in motor management creates a better driving performance: 261 km/h top speed (series-produced: 247 km/h) and 5,9 seconds from 0 to 100 (series-produced: 6,4) placing pressure on many other sports cars. For that reason, JE DESIGN Leon „CUPRA” with its 250 km/h easily shakes off the electronic regular BMW M5 and Audi RS4. The power enhancement comes with TÜV parts endorsement. Included in the price is a 1-year guarantee on motor, transmission and gearbox. On request for additional price is the possibility to add a further year of guarantee.

Whoever wants acustical improvement for their Leon CUPRA, can order a 4-pipe end exhaust made of stainless steel with chromed end pipes additionally. This promises not only a sonor sound, but also optimises the motor performance through optimized exhaust flow.

JE DESIGN’s wheel expertise

Four wheel sets are provided for customer choice. A highpoint offered in 18 and 19-inch is the complete wheel set „Multispoke” in chrome-look with the sizes of 8.0 x 19 ET 45 with tires 225/35 R 19 Y.

Optionally, the complete wheel set „Multispoke” can be ordered in matt black with polished rim flange in dimensions 7.5 x 18″ ET 45 or 8 x 19″ ET 45.

The Leon CUPRA of this press release – please take a look at the provided pictures (on CD) – rolls on wheel rims in sporty matt black with lacquered nearly complete white ring having a small gap tha includes the JE DESIGN logo.

JE DESIGN concerns itself that the Seat Leon power doesn’t toss itself from the street. For this reason, a sporty spring set brings the Leon CUPRA approx. 30mm closer to the street, lowering the center of gravity for clearly improved handling and driving ability. Alternatively, the tuners offer a sportier driving performance through a coilover suspension that alters the fiery Spaniard providing a freedom from street between 35 and 65 mm.

A further technical as well as optically pleasing configuration level of the CUPRA with over 300 HP in a wide body version is currently in preparation for a world exclusive presentation at the SEAT Event from 24 – 26 August 2007 at the Technik Museum in Speyer, Germany.

May 22, 2007
Hamann Ferrari F430 Black Miracle

The Ferrari F430 already is a brilliant, eye-catching vehicle. The “look“ as well as engineering technology presents many similarities to motor sports racing. In the latter instance, most vehicles here feature a catchy paint finish in “warrior look”. HAMANN MOTORSPORT now offers the mid-engine Ferrari a special outstanding design that equally provides a racing car look standing out from the crowd. It’s called “Black Miracle“ and will be responsible for great deal of turned heads. (more…)

May 18, 2007
Audi TT Clubsport Quattro

Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the clubsport quattro study.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro. (more…)

May 16, 2007