With the Mi.To, Alfa Romeo wishes to offer a new generation of ‘Alfisti’ THE SPORTIEST MINI.
An up-to-date and innovative car, a name redolent of history.
The name MiTo has great evocative resonance for Alfa Romeo for it was chosen to mark the deep-seated link between the past and future of the brand: between Milan, the city of design that brought to the car’s style into being, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production A decision that highlights the brand’s strong desire to consolidate its Milanese roots. (more…)
Blog
-
Alfa Romeo MiTo
-
The 500,000th BMW X3 rolls off the assembly line
It was the path leading to a new segment,and it became an unrivalled path of success. Five years after the presentation of the compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the 500,000th BMW X3 is leaving the assembly line. The production anniversary marks a further milestone in the triumphant international success story of the agile all wheel model. Thanks to its agile handling characteristics, the BMW X3 has not only set a trend but has also set benchmarks. Its remarkable popularity is reflected in numerous awards and an outstanding position in the market conquered by the BMW X3 as the only premium vehicle in its class to date. (more…) -
Mercedes-Benz makes in-car iPhone® connection even easier
Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move – the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets.Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time – once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What’s more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.
Over 100,000 people in Germanyhave already purchased an iPhone® – made by US electronics giant Apple – since its launch in November 2007. By introducing the new cradle for the Apple iPhone®, Mercedes-Benz has made it even easier to enjoy the special benefits of this trend-setting multimedia application, even when on the move in the car. This fully integrated solution – the first of its kind – enables either the phone functions or the audio functions on the iPhone® to be activated. As ever, the device is easy to use thanks to the controls on the multi-function steering wheel, all of which enhances road safety, as the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit.
Perfect reception is assured as the iPhone® connects to the vehicle aerial automatically when inserted into the cradle. A further advantage is the automatic recharging of the iPhone® battery whilst the phone is sitting in the cradle.
This function means that the iPhone® stays fully charged, which is ideal if the user has to leave the vehicle.
New design to influence the style of further cradlesAs well as impressing on a technical level, the Apple iPhone® cradle’s exclusive design allows it to be integrated seamlessly into the interior of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The all-new design is based on a black-and-silver colour scheme that adds hallmark Mercedes-Benz touches. The leading-edge design will be used in future cradles for mobile phones available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH.
The iPhone® cradle can be inserted into the centre console – where it is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger – with a single click and without the need for any tools whatsoever. The portable device is therefore easy to plug in and unplug.Optional convenience telephony (Order Code 386) must also be specified. The cradle connects to the audio system either via the optionally available Media Interface or the retrofittable iPod®Interface Kit available from the range of genuine accessories.Both variants use an integral adapter lead that has to be installed by a specialist workshop, ensuring an ideal connection between the cradle and the Media Interface or iPod® Interface.
The fully integrated iPhone® is available now for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E‑Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class. The product will also be offered for the new GLK-Class when this model is launched in October. In Germany, the Apple iPhone® cradle retails at € 249 (including VAT) and is obtainable from all Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The adapter leads for the Media Interface or iPod® Interface are available for € 39 (including VAT) in Germany. -
Ann Summers Turned On By Sexy Seat Models
Never mind the Sexy Green Car Show, SEAT is helping the UK’s largest lingerie & adult goods chain Ann Summers source cars and drive up sales by supplying stylish, sexy motors to its growing band of female Party Planners. -
More Style, More Muscle: Toyota’s New Hilux Invincible 200
A YEAR ago Hilux was on top of the world, the first car to be driven through the Arctic wastes to the Magnetic North Pole. Now it is top of the pile again with a new range-topping model that is Britain’s most powerful production pick-up. -
Mazda Launches New Global Visual Identity
Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its new global brand visual identity which will be rolled out progressively around the world. Following a successful pilot in Australia, the first major region to introduce this new visual identity direction will be Japan, commencing on June 20, 2008, when Mazda updates its Japan websites with distinctive new features. This will be followed by its full adoption in advertising, commencing on July 8 with the launch of the new mid-size Mazda Biante high-roof minivan in Japan. (more…) -
Glass Roof Mustang Offers Sun-Drenched Driving While Protecting From Sun’s Harmful Rays
The 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang, which is shipping to dealerships now, offers convertible-like sunbathed driving enjoyment without the need for sunscreen. That’s because the best-selling sports car’s panoramic glass roof – a factory-installed first in the segment – filters 90 percent of the sun’s heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. (more…) -
Opel Cars Can See: Opel Eye camera reads signs, improves safety
Opel introduces a first: A camera that aids drivers in two different ways. The Traffic Sign Recognition function reads speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Together, these two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets. (more…) -
Truck Development and Test Center at Mercedes-Benz Plant in Worth opened
Today was the formal opening of a new Development and Test Center (EVZ) for trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. In attendance at the ceremony were Rhineland-Palatinate Premier Kurt Beck, Mayor of the City of Wörth Harald Seiter, as well as Daimler representatives Andreas Renschler, member of the Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks; Dr. Jörg Zürn, Head of Product Development at Mercedes-Benz Trucks; and Martin Daum, Director of the Mercedes-Benz Wörth Plant. (more…) -
Lamborghini selects new Diamond Black Zircotec coating for Reventón
New surface finish solves heat management for Reventón supercar
Leading automotive coating specialist Zircotec has been selected by Automobili Lamborghini to supply a new thermal barrier for its one million Euro Reventón car. Zircotec’s plasma-sprayed Diamond Black coating is applied to the exhaust and inhibits heat transfer from the tailpipe protecting heat sensitive components from damage. (more…) -
Lotus Wins Two High Profile Green Car Projects
Lotus Engineering Invests in Low Carbon Vehicle Programmes
Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus has won two contracts as part of winning project consortia announced by the UK Government Technology Strategy Board. -
Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers
DETROIT – The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they’re good. Very good:
* $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
* EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
* 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
* 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
* Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph (more…)
