Thursday, September 9, 2010

Pagani Zonda C12-S Roadster, 2003






The Pagani Zonda is a supercar made by Italian car maker Pagani. It debuted in 1999 and continues through the present, with production proceeding at roughly 25 cars per year. As of December, 2005, 60 Zondas had been built. It is a mid-engined 2-seat coupe and convertible. Construction is mainly of carbon fiber.

Zonda engineering was done by Formula One champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. The car was originally to be named for him, the "Fangio F1", but the name was changed upon his death in 1995.
The Zonda is often compared to other supercars such as the Enzo Ferrari, the Koenigsegg CCR, the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Porsche Carrera GT.

Zonda C12, 1999
The C12 debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. It was powered by a 6.0 L (5987 cc) Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine and could reach speeds of 185 mph (297 km/h). The engine produces 408 PS (300 kW/402 hp) at 5200 rpm and 421 ft·lbf (571 N·m) at 3800 rpm.

Just five of the original 6.0 L Zondas were built, though it was still available in 2002 when the C12 S debuted. One was used for crash testing, while another was a demonstrator and show car. The rest were delivered to customers over the next three years, priced at US$320,000.
The C12 could accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and hit 100 mph (161 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Acceleration through the quarter mile was 12.1 seconds at 124 mph (200 km/h). Lateral acceleration on the skidpad was .93g, and the car could brake from 60 mph (97 km/h) in 110 ft (34 m).

Zonda C12 S, 1999
The C12 S used a 7.0 L (7010 cc) AMG tuned version of the engine producing 550 PS (404 kW/543 hp). It can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.7 s, to 100 mph in 9.5 s and complete the quarter mile in 11.9 s. Lateral acceleration on the skidpad is 0.98 g (9.6 m/s2). The car is 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than the normal Zonda C12. Top speed is 220 mph (354 km/h) for the coupe and 215 mph (346 km/h) for the roadster. The car's price tag was US$350,000.

The C12 S features an elongated nose and flaps at the rear for improved aerodynamics. New light clusters and exhausts are also used. Fifteen 7.0 L C12 S cars were produced.

Zonda C12 S 7.3, 2002
The 7.3 L (7291 cc) C12 S 7.3 of 2002 used one of the largest V12 engines ever made. The engine was designed and manufactued by Mercedes-Benz AMG. Traction control was added to handle the 555 PS (408 kW/547 hp) and 750 N·m (553 ft·lbf) that this engine produces. As of 2005, only five coupes out of an expected 100 have been produced.

A roadster version is also built, with production limited by the company to 40 examples. As of 2005, nine roadsters had been built. According to Road & Track magazine, three more C12 S 7.3 cars had been built as of June, 2005, but it is unclear whether they were roadsters or coupes. Motor Trend reported that 60 Zondas of all types had been built in their January 2006 issue.

Zonda GR, 2003
Development of the Zonda GR started in December, 2002. At this stage the Zonda was nearly four years old, but had yet to be entered in major motorsports. Tom Weickardt, owner of American Viperacing, Toine Hezemans, owner of Carsport Holland, and Paul Kumpen, owner of GLPK, created a new company, Carsport Zonda, to build a racing version. They secured exclusive rights to develop, build and sell competition Zondas from Horacio Pagani, and the first GR was completed at Carsport's facility in Modena within months.

The Zonda GR is based on the Zonda C12 S. It was built on the same carbon fiber chassis, with tube frames in front and back. The bodywork was modified to include front and rear diffusers and louvers for improved aerodynamics. The car was 2 m (6.6 ft) wide, in accordance with the regulations of the FIA and ACO. The car's weight was reduced to 1100 kg (2425 lb), and a new suspension was designed. New wheels and brakes were also specified. The engine was equipped with an enlarged radiator, and the engine and gearbox also have new oil coolers.

The performance of the Zonda GR is well beyond that of the stock car. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and the engine produces around 600 PS (around 440 kW) at 5800 rpm and 580 ft·lbf (786 N·m) of torque at 4300 rpm with a redline increased to 7500 rpm. The added power and improved aerodynamics allow the car to hit 215 mph (346 km/h).

C12 S Monza
The Zonda C12 S Monza debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show as a track-day version of the Zonda for private use. Borrowing its appearance cues from the Zonda GR, the Monza included many features which could also be applied to other Zonda models. A dry sump engine tuned to more than 600 PS (more than 440 kW) was used, and the cooling was improved. Modified aerodynamics, including a different wing and front diffuser, allowed greater speed, as did optimized gearing. The car was lighter, with polycarbonate side windows, and an unmuffled exhaust is fitted. The revised interior includes different pedals, steering wheel, and seats, as well as a reinforced roll cage. Larger brakes and a stiffer suspension also improve performance. Finally, an external fire extinguisher is included for safety.

Zonda F (C12 F), 2005
The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 350 km/h (218 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).

Production of the Zonda F will be limited to 25 cars, still not US compatible. The next model, due to be unveiled in 2008, will be fully EPA/DOT compatible.

The Zonda F, named after F1 pilot Juan Manuel Fangio, comes with an extra head light and different fog lights at the sides, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improves the cars aerodynamics and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the 'S' centre around optional carbon/ceramic brakes developed in conjuction with Brembo, magnesium wheels, inconel titanium exhaust system, hydroformed aluminium intake plenum and a redesigned 'Z preg' weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.

Zonda Roadster F
The Roadster F is able to maintain chassis rigidity without any gain in curb weight by eschewing conventional thinking by not strengthening the sills - a process which would have needed more than 35kg of reinforcement. Pagani instead uses racecar thinking, materials and construction techniques, strengthening the firewall structure of the chassis tub together with billet alloy braces that connect the points where the roof rails would have joined. The windscreen is also strengthened for safety reasons. These techniques enable the Roadster to have virtually the same weight as the coupe - 1230kg.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Opel Agila, 2008





The front boasts typical Opel styling. With its round headlamps integrated into almond-shaped lamp units that echo the new Corsa, the Opel Agila sees the world through wide eyes. The tapering of the front and rear bumpers are also typical Opel elements, just like the crease in the hood. The rear also features several rounded details. The positioning of the narrow vertical light units, which are accented by the spherically styled rear lights, allowed designers to create a large, easy load-through tailgate.

The same is true for the interior: the boring days are over. A wide selection of fresh colors and modern styles create an ambience that's enhanced even more by the spacious headroom. The versatile five-seater's high seating position ensures good visibility, while the high placed gear stick and height-adjustable steering wheel with radio remote controls ensure easy operation. The rev counter is housed separately on the instrument panel. All other information readouts are given on large, distinctive, round instruments.

Not just car essentials that the new Opel Agila stows away easily. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the new Opel urban car boasts a surprisingly large luggage compartment. Its standard capacity up to the luggage compartment cover is 225 liters, large enough for a stroller, for example. One turn of a handle drops the rear bench seat back, increasing the load volume to an impressive 1050 liters - a top value in this segment. The rear bench seat and back also splits 60:40 for even greater versatility.

All Opel Agila models have a wide range of standard equipment, including safety features such as ABS, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, front passenger airbag deactivation and mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system. And thanks to the five doors as standard, small children can be secured into a child seat quickly and safely.

Two gasoline engines make their world premiere in the new Opel Agila. Supplied by cooperation partner Suzuki, they share the same design - aluminum cylinder block and head, as well as two overhead camshafts.

The entry-level unit is the almost one-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine. The four-valve unit produces 65 hp (48 kW) and has a top speed of 160 km/h. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 86 hp (63 kW), accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds and has a top speed of 174 km/h (values for five-speed manual version). This engine is now optionally available with a four-speed automatic transmission - an especially attractive alternative for city driving.

The fuel-saving master among the Opel Agila engines is the 1.3-liter common-rail turbo-diesel. Developed by GM Powertrain, the diesel engine is a true multi-talent and also offers an especially efficient alternative in the Corsa and Astra model lines. In the new Opel Agila it produces 75 hp (55 kW), has a top speed of 162 km/h and a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 13.5 seconds. The powerful diesel unit with a maximum torque of 190 Nm is very economical: on average it consumes less than five liters per 100 km, which represents a CO2 per kilometer value of under 130 g.

Make the Opel Agila even more agile - that was the aim during chassis development. The new dynamic look is reflected in the car's responsiveness. The Opel Agila's chassis, which features A-arms and McPherson struts in front and a torsion beam axle in the rear, is tuned for driving fun. Depending on the market and equipment variant, the Opel Agila also features an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
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Opel GTC Concept, 2007






The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future.

The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.
Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.

Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise
The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.

The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.

The Interior design: Warmer and more inviting
Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.

Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior
With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.

Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system
The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Noble M14, 2004






Having conquered the specialist sports car market over the last five years, Noble Automotive is now launching an all-new model, which will firmly establish it at the quality end of the supercar market.

The British Noble M14 is set to take on rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 360 Modena, with a tantalising mix of class-leading dynamics, prodigious performance, a finely crafted and well equipped cabin, and levels of practicality that will appeal to owners who wish to use their car every day.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2004 British Motor Show will see the Noble M14 unveiled for the first time. Far from being a mere concept, the show car's styling, interior, drivetrain and chassis represent what will reach production when the car goes on sale in October this year.

DRIVETRAIN & PERFORMANCE
Noble has chosen again to adopt a highly-modified version of Ford's 3.0-litre V6, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, for use in the M14. The unit, which in base form also powers certain Jaguar cars, has proved particularly durable in five years of Noble M12 development and production.

Like the GTO-3R and M400 models, the engine employs twin turbochargers, but uses an engine map developed specifically for the M14. In common with the 425bhp M400 model, the M14 will gain forged pistons to ensure durability. Maximum power will be 400bhp at 6100rpm, with a wholesome 385lb ft of torque at 4750rpm. Estimated performance will be 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.

INTERIOR & PACKAGING
One of Lee Noble's design briefs was to create a cabin for the M14 that conveyed a feeling of expensiveness, by paying special attention to textures, finish and feel.

Trimmed in the finest Italian leather (Noble uses the same supplier as Ferrari for the M14) there is no mistaking the M14 cabin's aura of quality and luxury. The padded leather extends throughout the cabin, and is complimented by grey Alcantara roof lining and a gear tunnel and centre console formed in a gunmetal-coloured composite material. The floor and some lower sections of the cabin are trimmed in deep, 80 per cent wool carpet. There are even leather sill pads, incorporating the 'Noble' logo, for drivers to lean against while exiting the car.

The stunning and sumptuous seats, which will be standard in all M14s are manufactured specifically for Noble. They feature a carbon fibre frame, for strength and lightness, and are trimmed in the same top-grade leather seen elsewhere in the cabin. Both seats incorporate fore and aft adjustment, as well as reclining backrests and tilt adjustment.

More occupant space has been created in the cabin by reducing the width of the gear tunnel and re-designing the floorpan. As a result, the M14 has a maximum 1160mm of legroom for driver and passenger (up 30mm on that found in the current M12) and 950mm of headroom (M12 + 20mm). We would expect occupants of up to 6' 5" to sit comfortably in the M14's cabin.

Equipped like no other Noble, the M14 will come with:
  • Electric windows
  • Electric/heated door mirrors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heated windscreen with integral aerial
  • Satellite Navigation (option)
  • Multi-function dashboard display
  • Central locking
  • Alarm/immobiliser
CHASSIS & CONSTRUCTION
The M14's chassis has been adapted from that used on the highly praised Noble M12. Despite the change in design emphasis with the M14, it was felt that the inherent suppleness in the M12's ride, combined with its class leading levels of grip and composure, would lend itself perfectly to the new car's design philosophy. Consequently, the existing chassis has been refined - rather than significantly changed - to suit the M14.

All M14 bodies will be made from vinylester GRP composite (Noble may also consider carbon fibre in future), built over a steel spaceframe, which is reinforced with bonded and riveted alloy panels. A full roll over cage extends around the inside of the M14's cabin, adding strength to what will be our stiffest production structure to date.

Suspension is by double wishbones all round, with coil springs and alloy uprights. Rack and pinion steering, with hydraulic power assistance is geared to 2.5 turns from lock to lock, offering a far tighter turning circle than the current M12.
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Monday, September 6, 2010

Nissan Nuvu Concept, 2008







The Nissan Nuvu is a concept vehicle with unique 2+1 seating. It is easy to drive, even easier to park. It is the key solutions for tomorrow's city car."
The Nissan Nuvu is described as a moving oasis, a haven of green tranquillity in the urban jungle. To underline this message, Nissan Nuvu incorporates a witty representation of its green credentials: across its all-glass roof are a dozen or so small solar panels. Shaped like leaves on a branch, the power they generate is fed to the battery using a 'tree trunk' within the car as a conduit.

The interior package
The dimensions provide all the interior room needed for the vast majority of city journeys. Nissan Nuvu has two regular seats and a third occasional chair that can be folded down when required. But, unlike some two-seater city cars currently on the market, it is a thoroughly practical proposition with an integral luggage area providing sufficient space for a typical supermarket or shopping expedition.

The Solar panels
The energy tree is shaped like a thin trunk. As it reaches daylight it branches out under the glass roof providing occupants with protection from bright sunlight, just like a real tree. And providing a visual reminder of Nissan Nuvu's green credentials, covering the branches are dozens of small solar panels shaped like leaves.
The panels absorb energy from the sun which is then fed back down the energy tree and used to help recharge the battery and provide an extra power boost for the electric motor. As well as being genuinely green energy, it is estimated that the power generated via the solar panels will save the equivalent of one full overnight charge from mains electricity each month.

Driver controls are as simple as possible. All the major functions - steering, braking, transmission and throttle - are 'By-Wire' while the steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke: with just one turn from lock to lock, the steering is very direct for agility and manoeuvrability in the city. Nuvu's turning circle is just 3.7 metres.
There are two pedals - for stop and go - stalks for minor controls and a digital instrument panel with dials for speed, distance covered and battery range.

The exterior and interior design
Nuvu's design is further clear evidence of Nissan's continued desire to challenge convention and to explore all the possibilities that the EV could bring us. In many ways it was inspired by our two most extreme EVs of recent times: Mixim and Pivo 2.
Significantly, though, Nuvu delivers a more realistic interpretation of two of the most important aspects of its forerunners - the 'Friendly Innovation' found in Pivo 2 and the 'Sports Dynamics' central to Mixim

EV drivetrain
Nissan Nuvu is more than a styling concept of a future EV. It is a fully working mobile test bed for much of the technology that will be used in Nissan's production EV to be launched in 2010. For this reason elements of its technical specification are being kept secret for the time being.
The electric motor used in Nissan Nuvu is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and drives the back wheels, though neither its exact specification nor the power and torque figures are being released at this stage. A driving range of 125 kms and top speed of 120 km/h are being made public, however.

Li-Ion battery
Similarly although it can be revealed that the batteries used are of the latest laminated lithium-ion type and have a capacity of 140 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram), the total capacity of the batteries and number of modules are not being disclosed at this stage.
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Morgan Roadster 3.0 V6, 2004






The Morgan Roadster is a car produced by the Morgan Motor Company.
It was introduced in 2004.

Dimensions
* Length : 4010 mm
* Width : 1610 mm (standard wheels) / 1720 (optional wheels)
* Height : 1220 mm

Fuel
* Fuel Tank Volume : 55 litres (12 imperial gallons)
* Fuel Consumption :
o Urban: 20.3 mpg imperial (13.91 l/100 k
o Extra Urban: 38.17 mpg imperial (7.40 l/100 km)
o Combined: 28.9 mpg imperial (9.77 l/100 km)
* CO2: 231.8

Engine
* Configuration: 3.0 litre V6 24 valve
* Bore x stroke, mm: 89 x 79.5
* Engine capacity, cm³: 2967
* Max output EEC: 166 kW (226 hp) at 6150 rpm
* Max torque EEC: 206 N·m 280 (lbf·ft) at 4900 rpm
* Power-to-weight ratio: 240 hp/t, kW/t
* Torque to weight ratio: 199 lbf·ft/short ton, 297 N·m/t

Performance
* 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 s
* Top speed 134 mph (215 km/h)
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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Mitsubishi Colt CZT, 2008






With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years - Mitsubishi Colt has successfully re-established the "Colt" nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe's largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt's performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Mitsubishi Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

The Mitsubishi Colt family equipment and color changes:

* 15" and 16" alloy wheels
* Metallic colors (Sparkling Black, Cranberry Red, Glamour Grey)
* Seat fabrics (black/red -3-door only-, grey -5-door only- or black)
* Translucent elements colour (grey instead of blue)
* Shift boot colour (black instead of blue)
* Auto light and rain sensor available for high grades

A new pan-European special action model with both the 3 door and 5 door body style.
Sporty in spirit, as it suits Mitsubishi Motors products, these latest limited editions:

* Black headlamps
* Darkened rear combination lamp reflectors
* Blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars
* Privacy glass (5-door only)
* Black side sills and lower section of bumpers (5-door only)
* Rear roof spoiler (3-door only)
* New 16" alloy wheels
* Front fog lamps
* Rain sensor
* Auto headlamps
* MP3 functionality
* Unique seat fabric
* Black dashboard and door trim panels
* Black perforated leather for steering wheel and M/T shift knob

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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Mitsubishi Colt 5-door, 2008





With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years - Mitsubishi Colt has successfully re-established the "Colt" nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe's largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt's performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Mitsubishi Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

Mid-point
Representing nearly 30% of Mitsubishi Motors Europe sales, this CO² friendly range remains an essential pillar for the dealer network to attract newcomers to the Brand (over 70% conquest rate - 2006 data) and also to retain existing multi-motorized Mitsubishi customers looking for a smaller vehicle to second their Pajero, their L200 or their Grandis.

Action
Capitalizing on this success, Mitsubishi Motors has committed investment for short- and mid-term actions to enhance Colt's appeal with (further) potential customers.

The Mitsubishi Colt family benefits from several trim:
  • New 15" and 16" alloy wheels
  • New metallic colors (Sparkling Black, Cranberry Red, Glamour Grey)
  • New seat fabrics (black/red -3-door only-, grey -5-door only- or black)
  • New translucent elements colour (grey instead of blue)
  • New shift boot colour (black instead of blue)
  • * Auto light and rain sensor available for high grades
At the same time, Mitsubishi Colt will welcome a new pan-European special action model with both the 3 door and 5 door bodystyle. Sporty in spirit, as it suits Mitsubishi Motors products, these latest limited editions will feature:

* Black headlamps
* Darkened rear combination lamp reflectors
* Blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars
* Privacy glass (5-door only)
* Black side sills and lower section of bumpers (5-door only)
* Rear roof spoiler (3-door only)
* New 16" alloy wheels
* Front fog lamps
* Rain sensor
* Auto headlamps
* MP3 functionality
* Unique seat fabric
* Black dashboard and door trim panels
* Black perforated leather for steering wheel and M/T shift knob
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Friday, September 3, 2010

Mazda 2 Sedan, 2008






Mazda 2 Sedan, 2008

Mazda Motor Corporation revealed the all-new Mazda 2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) sedan at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show.

The version of Mazda's latest model has a dynamic and elegant form that was designed to capture new customers in the rapidly growing Chinese B-car segment. The all-new Mazda2 sedan is produced by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant, and will go on sale in the first half of 2008 through the Changan Mazda Motor Sales Company's network.

Mazda completed the consolidation of its production, sales and product foundations, which it has been building in order to achieve its mid-term objectives.

Mazda is also updating its sales network in order to achieve its mid-term target. In addition to the existing FAW Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (FMSC), Changan Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (CMSC) has been newly established, and sales will commence through the two channels from January 2008.
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Mazda Ryuga Concept, 2007






MAZDA RYUGA CONCEPT: AN EVOLVED ZOOM-ZOOM
RYUGA ( ree-yoo-ga=Japanese for gracious flow )

The large wheels placed at the far corners of Ryuga's exterior lend a highly stable, balanced stance. The aggressive wedge shape imparts motion even when this sports coupe is parked. Volumes that are small in front, larger at the rear, wrap around and over the wheels to give the exterior tension and direction.

The exterior features:
  • Ryuga's side surfaces were inspired by karesansui (Japanese dry gardens). The carefully raked pebbles in these garden s represent peaceful ripples caused by a breeze over a pool of water. The karesansui's man-made image of natural flow is represented in the Ryuga's surface texture to express simplicity and refinement.
  • The headlamp shape resembles the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves. Advanced LED and fluorescent tube technology will enable such a striking design to be used on a production vehicle in the foreseeable future.
  • To impart motion, the 21-inch wheel spokes - different on the left and right sides - are slightly twisted as if they're delivering torque. To convey the feeling of gas turbine blades, the trailing edges of the wheel spokes are accented with a tinge of body color.
  • Flowing lava inspired both Ryuga's exterior hue and the tail lamp design. Depending on the incident light, Ryuga's surface appears to be shades of yellow, red, and blue, exactly like molten, flowing lava. Notes van den Acker: "The hot red finish goes straight to your heart."
  • The roof molding tightens up the flowing cabin and gives an accent to the body styling as well. Cameras located at the forward end of each molding convey rear views to a center cockpit display screen. Turn signals are also integrated into these protruding accents.
  • Reflecting its Japanese origin, Ryuga is both simple and complex. While the dominant flow theme is simple, the details - such as the side surfaces and the wheels - are intricate. Solidity and fluidity live here together, in harmony.
FLOW THROUGH INTERIOR
The Ryuga is significantly shorter and lower than today's four-passenger RX-8 sports car, it too accommodates four passengers in roomy comfort. A relatively long (110.2-inch) wheelbase and two large gull-wing doors provide a wide-open invitation to the interior.
The doors rise to expose the interior of Ryuga and allow easy slide-in access, the passengers are presented with the fusion of a cockpit - designed to maximize the emotional connection between the car and driver - with the social atmosphere of the rear passenger space, where lounge-like comfort is ensured through expansive space and Nagare-inspired design.

The front bucket seats provide ample lateral support for energetic driving with the shape of the seats creating an impression of movement which is further emphasized by the patterns in the material.
The experimental 'floating' center cluster allows a high level of interface between the driver and the multi-function touch panel without having to take one's eyes off the road ahead. Information necessary for safe and dynamic driving is available to the driver with RPM and speed (which is shown in both analog and digital format s ) being displayed on the same axis.

Flowing upwards, the center cluster dynamically penetrates the front information panel which reflects Zoom-Zoom futuristic and sporty design craftsmanship, as well as an integrated interface between man and machine. Elongated pods give the cockpit depth while bringing information closer to the driver's eyes. An open-top steering wheel provides enhanced sight lines to the instruments and the road ahead .

THE DRIVING PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT ZOOM-ZOOM

The part of the initiatives, an E85/Gasoline FLEX FUEL engine which runs on sustainable bio fuel could be used in Ryuga. This engine delivers torque and power, balancing driving and environmental performance. Other important features that will support safe driving are the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) cameras installed for the rear monitoring system and the blind-spot monitoring system. These help ensure safe driving while changing lanes and allow easy identification of potential obstacles. Mazda is working on various technologies to deliver Zoom-Zoom driving in the future, including earth-friendly environmental technologies and people-friendly safety technologies.

To ensure the car provides a Zoom-Zoom driving experience, which is the basis behind all the other features, an open top steering wheel is employed with highly sensitive settings to respond to the driver's smallest input. The car also features steer-by-wire technology and gauges that deliver superbly clear information to the driver. The dramatic wheels with TOYO PROXES 245/35R-21 tires complete the driving experience, and the sophisticated original tread pattern perfectly suits the Ryuga's design concept.
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Maserati GranTurismo S, 2008






The Maserati GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

The 2 main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.

The exterior
The Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications.

The interior
Upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
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