International Motor Show is really all

International Motor Show is really all about the spectators both those looking and those planning to buy. There is plenty of royalty in the Middle East, and sheikhs and shahs were showing up by the dozen. High-power business executives and celebrities were also in attendance to see the latest and greatest vehicles. The list also extended to overseas buyers and others looking for the hottest design that could really get their business booming.

International Motor Show is really all

International Motor Show is really all about the spectators both those looking and those planning to buy. There is plenty of royalty in the Middle East, and sheikhs and shahs were showing up by the dozen. High-power business executives and celebrities were also in attendance to see the latest and greatest vehicles. The list also extended to overseas buyers and others looking for the hottest design that could really get their business booming.

Nissan Announces Pricing on New 2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Major Revision Includes Available V8 Engine for the First Time in 22-year History

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2008 Pathfinder, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. For the first time ever, the Nissan Pathfinder is available with a 5.6-iter V8 engine, offering an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the standard 4.0-liter V6 for greater towing capacity. Other major enhancements for 2008 include a restyled exterior and interior, and a range of available technology features such as RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key and BluetoothÒ hands-free phone system.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in six trim levels, each equipped with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,700 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 S V6 and $27,700 for the Pathfinder 4x4 S V6. Pricing for the new V8 models starts at $30,600 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 SE V8 and $32,850 for the Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 SE V8. The Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road model, available in 4-wheel drive V6 only, is $33,900.

“Pathfinder’s new Endurance 5.6-liter engine, which it shares with Nissan’s full-sized Nissan Titan pickup and Nissan Armada SUV, is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque – making it the most powerful V8 in its class* – and providing the towing capacity and rugged performance of a full-size SUV in a mid-size SUV package,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “V8s now account for 30 percent of mid-size SUV sales, so we expect the new Nissan Pathfinder V8 to find a highly receptive audience.”

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder’s exterior features new front and rear fascias that maintain the rugged yet sophisticated look that has always distinguished the Nissan Pathfinder, a restyled grille and hood (with changes to accommodate the V8 engine), new chrome appliqué for body side moldings (LE only), restyled 17-inch wheels (SE V6 and LE V6 models) and new 18-inch wheels for V8 models, a RearView camera (SE & LE only) and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.

Inside, the Nissan Pathfinder receives a host of newly available amenities and technologies, including a new meter cluster appearance, new instrument panel-mounted 7-inch color monitor with RearView Monitor (standard on all grades except S), an available Nissan Navigation System with a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive for mp3 storage, new cup holder area design and revised upper door trim.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

The volume-leading SE trim also adds the previous model year’s Comfort Package option equipment as standard, making the SE a highly equipped trim level and a better value. Intelligent Key with twist start is now available, as is a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

“Pathfinder’s always strong price value has increased substantially for 2008 with the new exterior design, the new refined interior and the long list of standard and available features and technology,” said Bosley. “The Nissan Pathfinder continues to offer a unique balance of rugged performance and passenger comfort – authentic yet just a little bit indulgent.”

Other available interior features include an available DVD entertainment system, an upgraded Bose® audio system, power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats with driver memory package, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, first aid kit and wood grain trim.

All 2008 Pathfinders utilize the rugged “F-Alpha” platform used on the Titan and Armada. Standard on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder S-V6, SE-V6, SE-V6 Off Road and LE-V6 models is an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's 13-time Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” award-winning VQ engine series found in the Nissan 350Z, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima, Nissan Murano and Nissan Quest.

The new 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine produces 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, giving Nissan Pathfinder a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, versus V6-equipped Nissan Pathfinders’ 6,000-pound rating.

The V8 engine package is offered in two new Nissan Pathfinder models, SE-V8 and LE-V8, both available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.

In North America, Nissan operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.com

# # #

*Import Models as Defined by Ward’s Middle Sport/Utility Segmentation

Source: Nissan

2008 Subaru Tribeca Awarded Double 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA

Subaru Tribeca given highest possible safety rating from NHTSA in both the frontal and side-impact NCAP crash tests

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca was awarded a double 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. (PRNewsFoto/Subaru of America, Inc., Greg Jarem)

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the restyled and more powerful 2008 Subaru Tribeca received the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The 2008 Subaru Tribeca received 5-stars in both the frontal and side- impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.

"Safety is a true hallmark of the Subaru brand and the 2008 Subaru Tribeca offers our customers the peace of mind of a comprehensive, proven safety package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. "Innovative structural design, plus advanced active safety technologies, combined with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), our version of stability control - make Tribeca a safety performance standout in its segment."

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides consumers with vehicle safety information, primarily front and side crash test results, and more recently rollover ratings, to aid consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions. The test results are relayed to consumers via an easily recognizable star rating system - from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

The NCAP crash tests are conducted at speeds higher than required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both side impacts, at 38.5 miles per hour, and full frontal barrier impacts, at 35 miles per hour. (The tests are done to compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program and the results can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov)

Like all Subaru models, the 2008 Tribeca has been optimized for both active safety (the technology to help the driver avoid hazardous situations) and passive safety (the systems that help protect occupants in the event of a collision).

Subaru Active Safety

The active safety concept for the 2008 Subaru Tribeca combines "right size" proportions, with inherently crisp, agile driving responses and dynamic handling systems. Notably, the Tribeca is equipped with the company's most advanced version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, combining Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control and four-wheel traction control (TCS). This combination of technologies along with its standard double-wishbone rear suspension endows the Tribeca with outstanding nimbleness and all-weather grip.

Just as important, is the specific way that Subaru has integrated these technologies, resulting in one of the most effective traction and handling systems on the market today. VDC is a highly sophisticated stability control system that actively controls the center differential's power distribution by means of a continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. The system distributes torque to the appropriate wheel based on input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors. It also monitors input from the ABS brake system, adjusting individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also features a 4-channel/4-sensor ABS braking system with Emergency Brake Assist. Emergency Brake Assist analyzes force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking. A direct tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

Visibility Enhancers

For improved visibility, the redesigned 2008 Subaru Tribeca features larger rear quarter windows, plus new side mirrors with 50 percent larger viewing area. Tribeca Limited models with the optional touch-screen navigation system include a rear vision camera. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into reverse, the center color LCD display will show what the camera lens can detect within its field of vision behind the vehicle. The screen view also features distance/width guidelines to assist the driver in backing up the vehicle.

Customers can also order reverse assist sensors as an optional accessory for any Subaru Tribeca model. Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect objects behind the Subaru Tribeca and emit an audible tone as the vehicle gets closer to the object behind it.

Subaru Passive Safety

The foundation for passive safety in the Tribeca, and in all Subaru vehicles, is the proven Subaru Ring Frame Reinforced vehicle architecture. The ring frame reinforced unibody structure with a front-end configuration disperses collision energy in three directions.

This design forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-strength steel reinforced center pillars enhance side impact protection, which is further bolstered by optimally positioned side-impact door beams.

The Subaru Boxer engine contributes to safety, because it allows more crush room in front impacts. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. In the rear, the spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle to avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment. Additionally, a specially-designed 'M-frame' structure protects occupants with added reinforcement in the event of a rear collision.

Advanced Air Bag Systems

The heightened focus on side impact safety continues inside, where the 2008 Subaru Tribeca features standard front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection, and curtain side air bags (front and middle rows) for head and rollover protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact air bags offer protection regardless of seat position. The curtain side air bags deploy from the headliner. Sensors in the vehicle determine if an impact engages the center pillar (deploying side air bags, belt tensioners and curtain air bags) or just the rear seat area (deploying curtain air bags). Special sensing and algorithms also will deploy and maintain the side curtain inflation when a potential rollover is detected.

The Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS) uses dual-stage- deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag's second stage. The system also takes input from a seatbelt buckle switch, to determine if the driver is using the belt.

The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection system that measures weight on the passenger seat - determining the presence of a child or adult - to control air bag deployment. In addition, the system takes input from a seatbelt tension sensor installed in the seatbelt anchor, as well as a seatbelt buckle sensor. If the system determines "empty seat" or "child" (based on weight thresholds), it sets the front air bag not to deploy and illuminates the "air bag off" indicator. If an adult is detected, the air bag will be set to deploy and the "air bag on" light illuminates.

All seating positions in the Subaru Tribeca feature a three-point seatbelt. The belt for the second-row middle passenger deploys from an anchor located in the headliner. All Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Additionally, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants' torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca also comes standard with active front head restraints that are designed to help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A safety brake pedal system and impact-absorbing driver's footrest are also used to help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

In addition to these active and passive safety features, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, launched at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features more style and power. The vehicle boasts a new 3.6-liter engine that delivers 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque on unleaded regular gas. The exterior design of the new Subaru Tribeca is both streamlined and powerful, with a new, wider and taller grille, new front fenders and new hood design. In fact, all exterior sheetmetal is all-new for 2008 with the exception of the front/rear side doors. The grille is now integrated into the front bumper, featuring a new chrome spread-wing design.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America.

For additional information visit www.subaru.com

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

New German-Sourced Lincoln Crossover Reportedly Not Coming to U.S.

Plans have been killed for Lincoln to get a small German-sourced crossover vehicle from Ford in Germany, Automotive News is reporting, and the company is blaming the unfavorable currency exchange rate for the change.

The new small CUV will still be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show this fall and will hit the European market next year, badged as a Ford. It is reportedly based on Ford's 2006 Paris show concept called the Iosis X.

Importing the small crossover utility vehicle that would have been sourced from Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany was reportedly a pet project of new Ford chief Alan Mulally. However, it had not been formally given the green light, according to the publication's report.

Ford Motor Company Receives "EUBIA" Award for Its European Bio-Ethanol Vehicle Pioneership

Ford Focus Flexifuel

The European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA) has granted Ford its "2007 EUBIA" award, as a recognition of Ford's European pioneer ship in the area of bio-ethanol powered flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The award ceremony last Friday marked the end of EUBIA's 15th biomass conference in Berlin. During one week, approximately 1,400 experts from more than 80 countries had debated the future potential and challenges of bio-energy use.

"We are proud to receive this award", said Jan Brentebraten, director, flexifuel and alternative fuel vehicles strategy, Ford of Europe. "Flexifuel technology is already available today and it's affordable, not only for the environment, but also for the customer.

"We're committed to pursuing a portfolio of technologies with the ultimate goal of reducing CO2, and we see Flexifuel as one of the most affordable options, provided a sustainable bio-ethanol fuel infrastructure continues to grow."

Ford is a market leader and the market pioneer of FFVs in Europe where it sold more than 30,000 Ford Flexifuel units since market introduction in Sweden in 2001. Ford can also claim the largest owner body for FFVs in Europe as a result of this industry-leading initiative.

While the majority of these FFVs have been sold in Sweden, the two current models – the Ford Focus and Ford C-MAX Flexifuel – have progressively been made available in 12 European markets to date. Ford is confident that more markets will follow as the demand for this type of technology is expected to continue to grow, especially as the European Union works to increase the use of bio-fuels in the future.

Building upon the success of its FFVs, Ford or Europe has announced to extend its FFV range by offering Flexifuel versions of the new Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX ("European Car of the Year 2007") in early 2008. Through these actions, Ford will offer one of the broadest FFV portfolios in Europe.

Through this and its range of low-CO2 conventional vehicle technologies, such as its high tech clean diesel technologies with amongst-best-in-class CO2 performance (starting with the Ford Fiesta at 116 gCO2/km), Ford is offering one of the broadest low-CO2 vehicle portfolios in Europe already today.

Ford's Flexifuel models are designed to run on a high blend bio-ethanol in petrol (up to 85% bio-ethanol, sold as E85), as well as on petrol only, or on any combination of both fuels, making them exceptionally flexible. The use of bio-ethanol in combination with Ford's Flexifuel technology can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions significantly.

Note:

* For more information on the European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA), please refer to their website http://www.eubia.org/

Source: Ford Motor Company

Nissan Releases Revised Nissan Lafesta Minivan in Japan

Nissan Lafesta 20G (2WD) minivan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the nationwide sales release of the new Nissan Lafesta minivan in Japan. The Nissan Lafesta, originally introduced in 2004, receives a number of significant refinements, including new grille, bumper and light designs; revised seat shape, seat fabric and gauge designs; and availability of an advanced HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system.

The Nissan Lafesta model lineup has also been revised. The Highway Star model again provides customers with a more sporty derivative, while the Playful model has been discontinued.

Easy to drive

The new Nissan Lafesta continues to offer an easy-to-drive combination of agile maneuverability and superior outward visibility, as well as excellent acceleration, quietness and fuel economy.

For those spending time in the city, the Nissan Lafesta offers a class-leading 5.1-meter minimum turning radius and large windows that provide outstanding visibility to all corners of the vehicle.

Also contributing to Nissan Lafesta's reputation as one of the best-driving minivans on the market is its standard MR20DE 2.0-liter engine. Mated to the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Lafesta delivers class-leading*1 fuel economy, quick throttle response, smooth acceleration and quiet overall operation.


A Refined Exterior and High Quality Interior

* The new Nissan Lafesta's exterior and interior enhancements have been designed with quality in mind.. On the outside, the grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers and rear lamps have been redesigned, giving the standard models a more refined form, while the Highway Star model projects a crisper, sportier impression. An available panoramic glass roof*2, - measuring 1,500 mm in length and 800 mm in width - provides an open, airy feeling to the interior.

The new Nissan Lafesta is offered in a selection of seven body colors, including four all-new: Champagne Topaz titanium metallic, Sapphire Blue pearl metallic, Cerulean Blue metallic and Blade Silver metallic.

Inside, new seat fabric and other refinements give an upscale, modern feeling to the standard models and a sporty ambience to the Highway Star model. The redesigned seat shape, new seat and door trim fabric and increased head restraint size for the front and second-row seats add to Nissan Lafesta's enhanced level of craftsmanship.

The Nissan Lafesta's low instrument panel height and vehicle waistline combine with the large windows to provide a superb outward view from all seating positions. Silver-ringed gauges (with exclusive blue metallic-ringed gauges on the Highway Star) feature an elegant design and offer excellent legibility. Lafesta also adopts liquid-crystal-display odometer/twin trip meters showing real-time fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, range for remaining fuel and additional information. Nissan's HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system, with improved functionality, operating ease and fundamental performance, is available as a factory-installed option.

Sales, Pricing and Launch Events:

* Sales target: 1,500 units/month

* Price range: 1,869,000 yen to 2,394,000 yen, including consumption tax

*1: Among domestic three-row minivans with a 1.8-2.3-liter class engine and a maximum overall height of 1,670 mm.
*2: The roof opening is 1,360 mm long and 670 mm wide.

2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable Earn Top Safety Picks

- 2008 Ford Taurus, 2008 Mercury Sable earn “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for achieving the highest ratings in frontal offset, side and rear impact crash protection.
- Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are the world's only large family cars to earn both the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and the U.S. government's highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.
- Ford and Volvo engineers worked together to create this innovative vehicle structure featuring crush zones so that energy is transferred around the passenger compartment.
- Class-leading affordability and safety combine to make Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable two of the best choices for safety-conscious consumers looking for full-size family cars.

2008 Ford Taurus

The 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable will arrive in showrooms this summer bearing Top Safety Pick ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the government’s highest available five-star ratings in all crash test categories.

The IIHS' "Top Safety Pick" rating can only be earned by vehicles that achieve the best-available safety performance in frontal, side and rear collisions and offer electronic stability control. In addition to being the only large family cars to merit IIHS' Top Safety Pick rating, these sedans stand alone for also earning five-star driver and passenger crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“It’s a true testament to the safety engineering of these vehicles that they achieved top crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA,” said Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “Ford and Volvo worked together to leverage our technical and intellectual resources to create this outstanding vehicle architecture, and now it's better than ever. These cars offer it all: safety, power, spaciousness, comfort and great features, all at a great value."

The Insurance Institute also gave both vehicles its highest rear impact rating for offering effective protection against neck injuries, as well as its highest front and side impact ratings for withstanding intrusion into the occupant compartment.

The structure of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable is engineered with crush zones designed to direct excess energy around the passenger compartment into a high-strength safety cage. An innovative cross-car beam “SPACETM Architecture” under the front seats reinforces the structure between the B-pillars, which helps direct energy away from passengers.

2008 Mercury Sable

Both vehicles offer an industry first two-row Safety Canopy™ side air bag system that provides additional protection not only in side impact collisions, but also deploys in rollover accidents. Side-impact protection comes from a combination of air bag technology and structural features that help safeguard occupants from intrusion by channeling crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

An advanced air bag controller uses front passenger classification sensing to determine if the seat is occupied, and if so, whether the passenger is a larger or smaller person. Air bag deployment is tailored – or altogether suppressed – to help provide an appropriate level of protection. The lower anchors and tethers for children, or LATCH system, provide mounting points for compatible child seats in the second row.

Both cars are available with AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control and all-wheel drive to provide drivers with a confident ride and smooth handling in all weather conditions. All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks will have standard electronic stability control by the end of 2009. ESC currently is standard on all Ford sport utility and crossover vehicles.

Ford Motor Company and its global brands have built more than 4 million vehicles globally with electronic stability control systems. More than one million of those vehicles feature Ford's industry exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, the world's only system with two gyroscopic sensors to actively measure and help control both yaw and roll movements.

“We believe our electronic stability control systems enhance vehicle safety by helping the driver prevent many accidents from occurring in the first place,” Cischke said. “Making families safer is a key part of our pledge to drive safety innovation.”

AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control is standard equipment on most 2007 model year Ford Motor Company SUVs and crossovers. ESC will be standard on the 2008 model year Ford Taurus X. The 2008 Ford Taurus starts at $23,245 (MSRP); 2008 Mercury Sable, starts at $23,540.


Source: Ford Motor Company

New Saab 9-3 Range

Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling, inspired by the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, backed by cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal. .

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Saab Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design. This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range comprises Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3 SportCombi and Saab 9-3 Convertible models, each offering a unique ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85). Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August (TBC).


Source: GME Corporate Communications, Saab Automobile

Holden Releases Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute

Holden has released special edition Holden Commodore SVZ Ute and Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon models offering key extra features and outstanding value for money.

Available now, Holden SVZ Ute offers a six-speed manual transmission from $29,990 and a five-speed automatic from $30,990.

Holden SVZ Ute is powered by the High Output Alloytec V6 engine which produces peak power of 190kW at 6500rpm (automatic transmission) and peak power of 187kW at 6000rpm (manual transmission) and 335Nm of peak torque at 3200rpm.*

Also available now, Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon is priced from $32,490 and powered by the 172kW 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission.*

Both offers are limited to private buyers only.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Specification

Additional content over SV6 Ute:

* 18-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare (CV8-R)
* Performance brake package with red painted brake callipers (Holden logo on front brakes)
* Onyx leather seats and door trim with SVZ embroided logo on seat face
* SVZ exterior badging

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

* Heron White
* Redhot
* Nickel metallic
* Impulse metallic
* Ignition metallic
* Phantom metallic

The new “Morpheous” metallic colour available on Holden VE Commodore sports models is also available with the special edition Holden SVZ Ute.

Holden Commodore SVZ Ute Recommended Retail Pricing:

From $29,990 - manual transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).
From $30,990 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).

Special Edition Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Specification

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon offers more refined sports styling and outstanding value for money. Features over the current VZ Wagon include:

Exterior

* 17-inch alloy wheels (4)
* Distinctive front fascia with fog lamps
* Sports-luxury suspension
* Chrome exhaust extension
* Body coloured mirror scalps
* Black bezel headlamps
* Body colour rear wind deflector and roof rails
* Roof rack
* SVZ rear badge

Interior

* Anthracite cloth seat trim with leather faced bolsters
* Air conditioning
* 6 disc in-dash CD player
* Front and rear power windows
* Leather-wrap steering wheel, automatic transmission selector and handbrake grip

Colours (metallic paint $400 extra)

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon includes a selection of the new VE colours such as:

* Provence
* Sandstorm
* Red Passion
* Nickel
* Evoke
* Vespers Blue
* Impulse
* Phantom
* Heron White

Holden Commodore SVZ Wagon Recommended Retail Pricing:
From $32,490 - automatic transmission (plus dealer delivery and government charges).


* Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

Source: Holden

Opel’s new Agila ready to hit the road

The theme with carmakers across Europe seams to be ‘going small’, with the minicar segment seriously heating up with new entrants due from most of the major labels. Pictured here is the new Opel/Vauxhall Agila five door hatch that’s due to hit showrooms by spring next year. Its versatile design allows users to fold down the back seats to accommodate a class-leading 1150L of storage space.

The next-gen Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox option will be available for the first time but only for 1.2L versions. The most popular will be the two petrol units, a 1.0L three-cylinder with 65hp and a 1.2L four-cylinder with 86hp. Diesel fans will get an updated 1.3L CDTi, as seen in the Corsa, with 75hp on tap.

The vehicle’s safety package comprises of comprising four airbags as well as an optional Electronic Stability Program. New Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September with final pricing expected to be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in the first half of next year.

Via motorauthority.com

2007 ASMA Design Eagle II Widebody based on Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The new Project becomes through our amazing performance kit a never seen experience on the roads of Germany. This amazing model is crowned with the name “Eagle II“.

The powerful wings of an eagle which are symbolized by the typical ASMA Design Air Intakes in the front fenders of the car, the perfect body kit with the typical ASMA Design elements and the bi-colour painting are creating this dominating presence.

Promises are promises and we keep our promises because we put another accent on the rear which makes you scared like the dominating front and the exhaust system.

Its body control is just stunning, its combination of comfort and structural integrity masterful. The ASMA Design wheels on the front axle in 9,5 x 21 inch and on the back axle in 11 x 21 are completing the excellent design of the car. The wheels are on the front axle vast 255/30/21 and on the back axle 295/25/21.

2007 Grabercars La Bala

The car is for sale in both turnkey-minus and self-assembly format. Pricing for the self-assembly model starts at $25,000 and is a complete package minus drivetrain and paint.

The key features of this car are its light weight (for a full-bodied car) of only 1,500Lbs, and the capability for the purchaser to utilize virtually any FWD drivetrain they desire. This is due to the modular construction of the engine bay. Of course the lighter the engine package the better balanced the car becomes, and with a turbocharged 1.6L Toyota powerplant (in the current car) making 170Hp, the car does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and has a F/R weight bias of 35/65. This is a street legal track car that is similar in size to a Lotus Elise. The photos I am sending show the car in full track trim. Length 124", wheelbase 98", track 57", width 67".

Grabercars is based out of Phoenix, Arizona and is only moments from Sky Harbor International Airport. We welcome prospective customers.