Gallery

Monday, July 17, 2006

Video Clips of the 2007 Holden Commodore VE Range

AERIAL AND GROUND FOOTAGE ALL THE COMMODORE VE RANGE

COMMODORE SS 6.0 V8

COMMENTS & FIRST DRIVE FROM AUSTRALIAN V8 SUPERCAR DRIVERS (Peter Brock, Garth Tander, Todd Kelly & More)


MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE

ESP TESTING

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Fiat Panda Sport 1.4 16v100 Hp

Thanks to a camera phone, these first pictures of Fiat’s new Panda Sport model leaked on the internet. The sporty Italian mini wears a tuned up version of Grande Punto’s 1.4 16v engine, now producing 100 Hp (from 95 Hp). According to the info-sticker on the window, the Panda Sport accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,6 sec while top speed is 185 km/h.

The Sport version differences itself from the basic models thanks to a Abarth sport kit, new 16’’ alloys and the redesigned front mask and bumpers. Officially, the Panda Sport will probably be unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show in September.

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2007 Porsche 911 Targa 4 & 4s

Porsche presented the new Targa versions of the 911, which for the very first time, will be available exclusively with permanent all-wheel drive and a body that is 44 millimeters wider at the rear.

As with their predecessor (the Type 996), the new 911 Targa 4 & 4S models are distinguished by the large glass roof and folding rear window. The Targa 4 is powered by the familiar flat-six engine, delivering 239 kW (325 bhp) of power from 3.6 liters. It accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h. The more powerful S variant features a 3.8-liter engine producing 261 kW (355 bhp). This model sprints to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 288 km/h.

The basic euro-price for the 911 Targa 4 is 79,000 euros, or 87,900 euros for the 911 Targa 4S. In Germany, the prices are 91,843 euros for the 911 Targa 4 and 102,167 euros for the more powerful S version (including sales tax and country specific requirements).

Press release: The outward distinguishing feature of the Targa 4(S) is a large glass roof blending harmoniously with the sports car’s lines and lending it a distinctive personality. A side-mounted polished, anodized aluminum trim strip running the length of the roof frame emphasizes the elegant side outline.

The glass roof is not just a visually appealing highlight, however, but also ensures a light, airy interior. It can be opened in only seven seconds to as much as half a meter, no matter what the speed, by means of two electric motors. The maximum roof opening area is then 0.45 square meters. The roof unit is of two-ply specially tinted glass, which is 1.9 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Wind noises are kept to a low level even at high speed by a newly developed sealing system. A wind deflector minimizes turbulence inside the vehicle, allowing the roof to be opened even at lower temperatures. The semi translucent black cloth roller sunblind provides protection from excessive solar radiation. The glass roof and roller blind are operated by a rocker switch on the central console next to the handbrake lever.


The gas strut-operated, upward-tilting rear windshield makes it easy to load the 230-liter capacity trunk with rear seats in the folded position. The tailgate can either be unlocked by a switch on the driver side doorsill or by the remote control button on the key fob. Closing is facilitated by an electric closing aid.

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Seat unveils the 240 Hp Leon Cupra

These are the first official pictures of the most powerful model in Seat’s history, the 2007 Leon Cupra which will be unveiled at the the London Motor Show, being held from 18 to 30 July.

Equipped with an improved version of VW’s Golf GTI 2.0 TFSI engine which now produces 240 Hp, the Leon Cupra has a top speed of 247 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 6.4 seconds.

The Leon Cupra’s sporty looks come from oversized bumpers compared to the basic Leon model, 18 inch rims, ebony black door mirrors, and polished steel oval tailpipe. In the interior, the backet-type sports seats, exclusive Cupra steering wheel and gearknob, and black trim promise to make the difference.

The new Seat Leon Cupra will be added to the recently released Leon FR version with the 200 Hp 2.0 TFSI engine, and it will be available by the end of this month in almost all of Europe.

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2007 Holden Commodore & Statesman & Caprice

After spending $1 billion on development, GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, unveiled its brand new VE Commodore and its luxury long-wheelbase versions, the WM Statesman and Caprice. The new rear wheel drive Holden’s herald one of the most significant model realignments to Holden’s passenger car range since the 1980s when the first Commodore was produced.

The 4.894 m long VE Commodore and it’s luxury siblings, the WM Statesman and Caprice will be offered with V6 and V8 engines: the Alloytec 3.6L V6 available in two versions, with 245 Hp (180KW) & 266 Hp (195 KW) and the Generation IV 6.0L V8 alloy engine delivering peak power of 368 Hp (270 KW).

The VE Commodore will go on sale in August 2006 while the WM Statesman & Caprice in September 2006. Pricing, full specifications and features will be announced closer to the start of sales. Click here to see the 2007 Holden Commodore VE video clips: VIDEO

Holden Commodore Calais 6.0 V8


Holden VE Commodore Range

· Omega (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic

· Berlina – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

· SV6 – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual

· SS – 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

· SS V (new) - 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

· Calais – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

· Calais V (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

Holden Commodore SSV 6.0 V8

HOLDEN VE COMMODORE –HIGHLIGHTS

Overview

· Australia's first $1 billion dollar car program. This compares with $600 million spent on the acclaimed VT range released in 1997

· Combined with WM Statesman and Caprice, total program costs were $1.23 billion

· Most clean-sheet car program in Holden’s history

· More than 3.42 million development kilometres were driven during the program

· About 2.4 million Commodores have been built for domestic and export sales since the VB Commodore was launched in 1978

· Holden Commodore has been Australia's best selling car each year since 1996, the year before VT was launched

Model lineup

· The new Omega and V Series models feature in a revised Commodore lineup. Omega replaces Executive and Acclaim while the V Series adds new variants to the leading SS and Calais nameplates.

· Omega (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic

· Berlina – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

· SV6 – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual

· SS – 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

· SS V (new) - 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

· Calais – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

· Calais V (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

Engines

· Two variants of the advanced all-aluminium 3.6L Alloytec V6 engine will be offered

· The high output Alloytec will deliver peak power of 195kW @ 6500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm @ 2600rpm, up 5kW and 5Nm

· The Alloytec V6 will deliver peak power of 180kW @ 6000rpm and peak torque of 330Nm @ 2600rpm, up 8kW and 10Nm

· Increased output from the new 6.0L Generation 4 V8 engine to peak power of 270kW @ 5700rpm and peak torque of 530Nm @ 4400rpm, up 10kW and 20Nm. This makes the new engine the most powerful standard Holden ever produced

· Plans for a 3.6L dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine later in the year.

Holden Caprice 6.0 V8











T
ransmissions

· Five transmissions will be offered, comprising three automatic and two manual transmissions. An all-new six-speed automatic transmission will be offered for V8 variants, shared with General Motors’ flagship Cadillac cars and the Chevrolet Corvette.

· GM 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select (introduced in the Cadillac STS-V in the United States ) makes its Australian debut as an option in all V8 variants

· Tremec T56 six-speed manual in SS and SS V

· GM 5L40E five-speed automatic with Active Select in Calais V6

· Aisin AY6 six-speed manual in SV6

· GM 4L60E four-speed automatic in Omega and Berlina

Safety

· Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) standard on all models

· Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags available on all models

· Occupant protection system designed for real world driving environment

· Curtain airbags available on all models - standard on SS V, Calais and Calais V; optional on Omega, Berlina, SV6 and SS

· Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy, structurally optimised front and rear deformation zones

· Greatly expanded use of super-strength and high-strength steels in the body

Technology

· All-new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems

· Zone-based front and rear park assist systems available on selected models

· Multi-function display reporting system

· Bluetooth standard on all models except optional on Omega

· Roof-mounted DVD systems available on all models

· Auxiliary plug in audio systems to accommodate MP3 devices

· Integrated navigation and telematics systems available later in 2006

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Holden Statesman 6.0 V8

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Renault-Nissan and GM Joint Statement: Ghosn & Wagoner to start 90 day study of a potential 3way alliance

In a joint statement made after yesterday’s Detroit rendezvous between Renault-Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn and his American counterpart, Rick Wagoner, the potential “couple” revealed that they will assess the potential benefits of a three-way alliance over a period of three months and then decide whether to go ahead with the marriage.

Leaving aside the fact that a marriage between Renault, Nissan & GM may not produce the cost-savings which “best-man” Kirk Kerkorian believes it will, a lot of analysts are concerned that this is a really bad time for “match-making” as both CEO’s will be distracted from the very crucial work of reconstructing their companies.

Press Release: General Motors, Renault and Nissan today said that an exploratory discussion was held between Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Renault, SAS and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Rick Wagoner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, Corp., regarding the possibility of creating an industrial alliance among these three companies. The companies agreed to cooperate in an expeditious, confidential review of the potential benefits of such an alliance to each company and the feasibility of achieving them.

"We had a good discussion today, and are looking forward to having our teams work together to explore our ideas," said Wagoner and Ghosn. "It is important to let our teams work on this review without distraction and, therefore, we will not be providing further public comments about it at this time."

It is expected that this review will take approximately 90 days. Following this review, the companies will consider whether further exploration of the alliance concept is warranted.

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Friday, July 14, 2006

Power to the People: New 366 Hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360

Mitsubishi UK is going to unveil a new, more powerful version of the Lancer Evolution IX at the British International Motor Show. A development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366 Hp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. According to Mitsubishi, the FQ-360 will sprint from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.1 sec and top 160 mph. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph.

The FQ-360 has been developed by engineers from Mitsubishi UK’s motor sport and performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the limited edition FQ-400. Orders can be placed at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in September

Press release: Mitsubishi’s engineers sought to improve the performance of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been fully reprogrammed to create a car that delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft of torque at a lowly 3200rpm.

The torque output is the key to this car’s character. The peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range. It’s also 18lb ft more than the FQ-340. The FQ-360 may have been tuned for driveability, but that doesn’t mean that its supercar-bashing performance has been compromised. This car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1sec and top 160mph.

Exterior Design: Subtle exterior enhancements differentiate the FQ-360 from the rest of the Lancer Evolution range and improve its aerodynamic efficiency at high speed. One of the most obvious changes is the introduction of a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, which is attached to the front apron and provides additional downforce. At the rear, a carbon fibre ‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic lift.

Keen ‘Evo spotters’ will also note the introduction of a bespoke set of alloy wheels. Developed by Speedline, they mimic the five-spoke design of Mitsubishi’s tarmac-spec rally car and are not available as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod with Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of the Lancer Evolution range.

Interior Design: The interior of the FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one notable addition, the space below the stereo – which is used for oddments storage in the FQ-340 – is now occupied by a Ralliart Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information to the enthusiastic driver.

Fears that the FQ-360 would be a stripped-out road racer can also be allayed. Its comprehensive specification includes climate control, all-round electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a category 1 alarm and four airbags, proving that performance and comfort can go hand-in-hand.

Chassis: The FQ-360’s suspension steering is unchanged from the standard Evolution IX. The Evolution IX’s Brembo brakes are also more than capable of coping with the increase in performance. The 17in ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front and 16in ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear are supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). EBD automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to match the vehicle load and driving conditions.

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Breaking News: 2007 Holden Commodore VE To Be Revealed Online This Sunday

GM's Australian subsidiary Holden and ninemsn are combining to webcast the official reveal of the all new VE Commodore range on Sunday 16 th July. The webcast can be viewed through the ninemsn website simply by clicking on the following link to go through to the ninemsn video player homepage: http://ninemsn.video.msn.com

To view the live webcast, people should click on the Holden logo after 10.30am to open the live stream. The reveal will commence at 10.40am and finish at 11.15am.

It should be noted that the 2007 Holden VE Commodore is based on a new GM platform and not on that of the former Opel Omega (sold as Cadillac Catera in the US). More important, it has been said that the VE Commodore will form the basis for a series of new generation of rear-wheel drive cars in the GM family including the next Pontiac GTO coupe and Chevrolet Impala sedan models. Read more at carpoint.ninemsn.com.au...

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Carlos Ghosn goes live on CNBC

Renault-Nissan’s big time CEO, Carlos “le cost killer” Ghosn gave an interesting interview to Maria Bartiromo on CNBC cable network yesterday night. In the interview, Carlos Ghosn noted among others that he has no interest in running General Motors in the event of an alliance involving GM, Renault and Nissan.

It should be noted that Ghosn is expected to meet with GM CEO Rick Wagoner today to discuss the possible alliance that grew out of Ghosn's discussions with investor Kirk Kerkorian, who controls 9.9 percent of GM stock. See the whole interview in the following video. Via: Jalponik

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AMG styling kit for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

A few weeks after a official brochure leaked in the net (click here: AMG CL-Class), Mercedes-Benz officially presented a new AMG bodystyling package and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed-width tyres for it's 2007 CL-Class luxury coupe. These distinctive AMG components are available for both engine versions of the CL-CLass. Pre-orders are already being taken for the AMG bodystyling and AMG light-alloy wheels with the market launch date to be on September 2006.

Press Release

AMG Bodykit: The AMG bodystyling for the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comprises a front and rear apron and side skirts. The redesigned front bumper with enlarged air intakes and chrome-ringed circular fog lamps is lithe and athletic in appearance. Typical AMG styling, with two slanted struts and a smooth transition to the prominent wheel arches, gives a strong air of confidence and emphasises the sense of width.

The AMG side skirts carry the muscular lines seamlessly through to the AMG rear apron. The rear bumper with its black insert and chrome trim strip flanked by tailpipes on either side creates a dynamic and exclusive impression.

AMG Alloys: Also available for the new CL-Class, as an optimal complement to the AMG bodystyling, are 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with embossed AMG lettering. The high-sheen rim flange and spokes are always eye-catching, whether the vehicle is standing still or on the move. The 8.5/9.5-inch-wide wheels carry 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres.

Prices: The AMG components are available for both the eight-cylinder CL 500 and the V12 top-of-the-line CL 600 model. The ex-factory prices are EUR 5,336 -6.762 USD- for the AMG bodystyling package and EUR 3,132 -3.969 USD- (CL 500)/ EUR 1,972 -2.499 USD- (CL 600) for the AMG light-alloy wheels (16% VAT included).

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