New Car: 2010 Citroen C-Crosser/Peugeot 4007

The Citroen C-Crosser has been facelifted, getting a revised interior, a cleaner diesel engine and the option of a dual clutch gearbox.

The new six-speed gearbox has been mated to the revised 154bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine, and is available at the VTR+ and Exclusive trim levels.

The gearbox can be used as a manual and automatic, with paddle-shifts located behind the steering wheel. Drivers can select a 'Sport' mode to speed up changes.

The automatic version averages 38.7mpg and emits 192g/km of CO2, while the manual does 40.4mpg and emits 185g/km.

The interior modifications include an updated dashboard with new chrome inserts and vents, while automatic wipers are now standard across the range. Bluetooth connectivity will also be standard on Exclusive trim models.

Peugeot has added a six-speed dual clutch semi-automatic gearbox to its 4007 SUV. In the Peugeot 4007 DCS, it will be mated to a 156bhp 2.2 litre diesel engine, with combined fuel consumption of 38.7mpg and CO2 emissions 192g/km.

With the dual clutch system the 4007 DCS can be operated as an auto’ or manually with gear shifts delivered via steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The new semi-automatic gearbox is available on the seven seat SE and GT versions of the 4007, which will be distinguished from manual models by new rear twin exhausts. Inside revisions are also being made across the 4007 range including a new LCD screen and changes to the trim around the instruments.

Prices aren't changing, so expect to pay £23,345 for both SUV's.

Peugeot RCZ pricing announced (UK)

Peugeot has revealed the price of its new RCZ coupe. Prices start from £19,900 for the base 1.6 litre THP manual 156 model and rise to £24,000 for the flagship 2.0 HDi 163 manual.

Entry-level features include 18" alloy wheels, front sports seats, dual zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, four airbags, alarm w/ immobiliser, double bubble rear windscreen, ESP, EBFD, EBA, ABS, rear spoiler and twin sports exhaust.

The second trim level will adds leather seats w/ heated function, front parking sensors, auto-tilting door mirrors (when in reverse), floor mats, automatic lights, follow-me-home lighting, automatic windscreen wipers, 19" wheels.

A range of options will be available, like re-styled 19" wheels, a carbon roof panel, sat-nav, xenon headlamps, black roof arches and a JBL hi-fi pack.

The full price list is as follows:

Trim level 1 -

1.6 litre THP 156 Manual - £19,900

1.6 litre THP 156 Automatic - £21,000

2.0 HDi 163 Manual - £21,700

Trim level 2 -

1.6 litre THP 156 Manual - £22,200

1.6 litre THP 156 Automatic - £23,300

1.6 litre THP 200 Manual - £24,500

2.0 litre HDi 163 Manual - £24,000

Expect the production RCZ to include similar features to the concept – a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from the 207 GTi and a six-speed gearbox. This shoots the RCZ from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 146mph. Despite its power, this engine can also manage an average fuel economy of 42.2mpg. Its CO2 emissions are estimated at 160g/km, placing the car into tax band G at £150 per year. Peugeot describes the RCZ as “an exclusive vehicle which is full of emotion and aimed at enthusiasts.”

A spokesperson said the production RCZ could be heavier than the concept 308. This is because concept cars don’t usually include many of the road-going features such as sound-proofing and interior styling.

The RCZ is Peugeot’s first car not to use a zero or double-zero in its name. Peugeot say this “symbolises its special and unique position within the Peugeot range.”

It will showcase the coupe in its final form at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow, which begins on 15th September. UK launch will happen in Spring 2010.

The car will go on sale in spring 2010. Its rivals include the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and the forthcoming Honda CR-Z.

Audi R8 Spyder unveiling

The Audi R8 Spyder defines what automotive love is all about. It’s a virtual certainty that you’ll fall in love with the sound of that V10 engine when the roof is down. The car’s design doesn’t really veer far away from the original R8. It still has that simple yet elegant look but the side blades that distinguish the Audi R8 is gone and replaced by air vents. For your off-color fixation, the frame of the windshield is made of brushed aluminum. Watch out for the official unveiling of the car, with all its gorgeous details in the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls Royce has introduced its Ghost model at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show which made the media wow for the car’s evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. Aside from the impressive exterior and interior parts, the Ghost sports a turbocharged V12 engine which displaces 6.6-liter and cranks out 563 horsepower with a torque of 575 lb-ft. According to Rolls Royce Motor Cars CEO, the Ghost car “will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name…”.

There are no surprises in the styling, which is unchanged from the 200EX concept displayed in Geneva last March. naturally, the Ghost retains the Phantom-style coach doors (don't call them suicide in the presence of a Rolls rep) with built-in umbrellas. Inside, the Ghost carries over additional Phantom quirks, such as the "Power Reserve" gauge the driver gets in lieu of a traditional tachometer. Aside from that, this is clearly more of a driver's car than the Phantom, whose opulent backseat accommodations show that it's more about being driven in. The Ghost's steering wheel is much smaller in diameter and has a thicker rim than its big brother, and the seats appear to have more contouring for lateral support, as well.

BMW will produce Mini coupe in oxford

BMW Chairman Norbert Riethofer visit to the Mini factory in Oxford England this week to inform staff members that they will soon have two new cars to build. The first confirmed model for production is the Coupe concept that was previewed online last week ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show rollout. The Coupe will be joined by a second concept at the show which in all likelihood will be the oft-rumored speedster version of the coupe.

Reithofer did not announce any timing for when production of the new models would start production. Also unknown at this time is whether the Coupe and Speedster will be available only in John Cooper Works form or in base Cooper and S flavors as well.

PRESS RELEASE:


MINI Frankfurt show stars confirmed for production at Plant Oxford

* 03.09.2009
* Press Release

Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.

One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.

Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.

Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.

Details of the second model have not yet been announced.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW's long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

"British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."

Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: "The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.

Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing
Used an aluminium spaceframe body the SLS will come with gullwing doors that rise upwards on roof-mounted hinges, just like Mercedes’s 300SL sports car from half a century ago AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DINstandard.


Successor to the SLR in both position and alphabetical order, the SLS will supposedly be faster, cheaper and easier to love than its predecessor. Instead of aiming for the miniscule hypercar market the SLR was designed for, the SLS will battle against the cream of the crop in the roughly $200,000 range. Expect to see it facing off against everything from the Nissan GT-R to the Porsche 911 GT3 to the Ferrari F430 in both magazine comparisons and bonus-toting executives’ minds.

People Want PHEVs, But Cheap

A fascinating survey was publshed by Pike Research (here: http://www.pikeresearch.com/newsroom/48-of-consumers-interested-in-purchasing-a-plug-in-hybrid-electric-vehicle) which found that out of 1,041 respondents,  48% are interested in buying a plugin hybrid car (such as a Chevrolet Volt).  The problem is, of those, 65% would pay a premium of an average of 12% over a similar gasoline car, while 35% would not pay any premium at all. 

The Volt will cost around $40,000 at first.   A 12% premium over on a $25,000 car is $28,000.