"Too early" for Volvo flagship by Stefan Jacoby

"Too early" for Volvo flagship by Stefan Jacoby
Volvo CEO, Stefan Jacoby, has responded to Geely’s CEO, Li Shufu for wanting a large executive sedan in the Volvo line-up, saying it is “too early” for Volvo to be designing a BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class rival.

Shufu obtained Volvo from Ford earlier this year. Shufu would like to see Volvo create more “high-level cars that compete with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series”.

Jacoby said such a car “is a step too early” and could only be considered once “we have reached our goal of 800,000 sales”.
Shufu thinks Volvo has the technology and research capabilities to contend at the top end of the market as well as demand higher retail prices. Shufu has made it obvious that a push into the booming Chinese car market would demand luxury that Chinese customers could “see through their eyes and touch with their hands”.

2012 : Fiat planning for car sports roadster

2012 : Fiat planning for car sports roadster
Fiat is working hard on bring a sports coupe to the market by 2012. The sports car, dubbed Primo is being co-developed with Fiat’s sporty sibling, Abarth and will compete against the Mazda MX-5/Miata. While the sports car will be all-new, its size and transverse, mid-engined design will be similar to the Lotus Elise. The interior is also thought to use the same outline as the Elise; a fixed rear window with a simple, lift-out roof panel.
An internal source said speculation on the Internet is “wide of the mark”. It was suggest the forthcoming sports car will underpin the hugely expensive KTM X-Bow, which would contradict the fact the Fiat/Abarth sport car is predicted to start from under £25,000.Abarth will be design the car in-house, guided by CEO Head of design, Rubén Wainberg. Abarth is also developing its own tubular space frame for the car, which means Abarth can make good use of Fiat/Alfa modular suspension components and lightweight engines like the turbocharged 1.4 litre MultiAir, with around 170bhp. Fiat/Alfa is also launching its own 6 speed dual-clutch gearbox, although, a 7 speed dual-clutch is a possibility for the future.
The car is yet to be sign-off by CEO Sergio Marchionne, despite being at an advanced stage of engineering and design. One good point might be the size of the investment needed for a car that will demand global sales of no more than 5,000 units.
We expect the Fiat Primo is be launched first, with the racier Abarth variant arriving a year later.

UNITED STATED Kia Optima pricing announced

UNITED STATED Kia Optima pricing announced

Kia has announced prices of the brand new Optima mid-sized sedan. The entry-level LX starts from $19,690* with a 2.4 litre, 200bhp 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a 6 speed manual.

Three trim-levels, LX, EX & SX, will be available, alongside two transmissions and two petrol engines; 2.4 litre with 200bhp and a 2.0T GDI with 274bhp. The latter will be able to do 34mpg on the highway.

Customer will be expected to pay $1,000 more for the base model over the 2010 Optima and $3,200 more on the range-topping SX, which will arrive in dealerships soon.

Entry-level LX comes with 16” steel wheels, body-coloured door handles, mirrors and bumpers, dual exhaust w/chrome tips, 6 speakers w/AUX/USB/iPod input, Bluetooth, air conditioning, x4 electric windows, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electrically adjustable door mirrors w/integrated indicators, front and rear armrest, height adjustable driver’s seat w/electric lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seats, x6 airbags, tilt adjustable steering wheel, active front headrests, hill-start control, and traction control.

The LX with a 6 speed automatic transmission starts at $21,190 and adds 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lamps, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and an Active Eco System.

Mid-spec EX features 17” alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, heated door mirrors, keyless entry & start, climate control, 8 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and leather interior. This starts at $23,190.

The Optima EX 2.0T starts at $25,190. This obtains larger front disc brakes, unique front grille, and wood and metal interior accents.

Range-topping SX is only available with the 2.0T and a 6 speed automatic for $26,690. The SX is equipped with 18” alloy wheels, sports suspension, bi-xenon headlights w/LED tail-lights, paddle shifters, alloy pedals, black leather and woven seat trim, supervision meter cluster, carbon fibre interior trim, and illuminated door scuff plates.

*Prices include $695 destination and handling fee.

USA - Opel Ampera announce PRICE (EU)

USA - Opel Ampera announce PRICE (EU)
Opel has released prices for the Ampera plug-in EV, which starts at €42,900 (£36,000/$51,000) when it goes on sale in Winter 2011. That’s considerably more than the Chevrolet Volt which starts from $41,000 in the U.S.
While that certainly sounds expensive, German prices start at €36,050, which indicates overall prices will be bespoke to each European country. Though, Vauxhall persist that it would "announce its own price" for the Ampera before the end of this year, a sign that British buyers could pay less, even before the UK Government's £5,000 eco-vehicle grant is taken into consideration. Like the Chevrolet Volt, Ampera features a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.4T petrol engine which controls an electric motor that kicks out 150bhp (152PS) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. On electric power alone, the car can travel 25 – 50 miles (40 - 80km). When the electricity is in short supply, the 1.4 litre turbo-charged petrol engine recharges it while at the same time, providing power to the electric motor.


Press Release:
Opel Ampera - Revolutionary Electric Car Starts at 42,900 euros
•Environmentally Friendly: Family car drives 40 - 80 km electrically
•Freedom: Battery re-charges in three hours; endless e-driving possible
•No Anxiety: Range can be extended to more than 500 km when needed
•Spacious: Five-door car seats four and has ample trunk space
•Dynamic: Nearly silent torque feels like flying
•Reservations now being taken
Rüsselsheim. Electric mobility begins now: Starting today, Opel will begin taking reservations for the 2011 Ampera, Europe's first electric vehicle that also features extended-range capability.
Electric mobility is the best solution for reducing automobile emissions and dependency on petroleum but if electric vehicles are to have a significant benefit on the environment and society, they must be attractive to a wide variety of buyers, not just city dwellers. Now this ambitious goal has become considerably easier to reach - with the revolutionary Ampera electric car.

The majority of drivers will find an electric car, such as the Ampera, remarkably easy to accept. That is because in addition to a powerful, 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, it has a unique electric propulsion system that extends its driving range. While providing all the benefits of state-of-the-art battery electric vehicles, such as zero tailpipe emissions and spirited performance, the innovative Ampera is not compromised by the typical disadvantages, such as limited range or long hours of immobility spent recharging a large battery.

That makes the five-door, four-seat Ampera the first electric car in Europe to give owners the freedom to drive wherever, whenever they want, with no worries of being stranded with a depleted battery. The manufacturer's suggested retail price throughout Europe for the base model starts at 42,900 euros, including national VAT. In Germany, with 19 percent VAT, the Ampera net price is 36,050 euros. Because trim levels will differ from market to market, prices in each country may differ. Customers wishing to reserve an Ampera can register at www.opel-ampera.com and become an ‘ePioneer', receiving exclusive news and a chance to test drive the electric car. In addition, they will be among the first to have the opportunity to own Europe's first practical, family electric car. Sales start in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Some competitors choose to split their offers for electric cars into two portions: a base price for the car and a leasing rate for the battery pack. This does make the price appear attractive because the battery leasing rate is not highlighted. However, battery leases are paid monthly for several years, so the total cost is roughly the same as a car whose total price includes both the car and the battery. Opel's pricing scheme eliminates confusion by listing the total cost of the car and battery. Opel is also researching customer preferences regarding financing and leasing schemes for the Ampera. The company will announce these options later.
"The Ampera defines a new class of e-mobility. No other electric vehicle provides the freedom of individual transportation as the Opel Ampera," said Alain Visser, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel. "We have compromised on nothing. The Ampera is a beautiful car that is as fun to drive as it is packed with premium content."
Reliable battery not disturbed by inclement weather:
The Ampera is an electric vehicle that can operate in a wide range of weather climates. It is powered by electricity at all times and speeds. For the first 40 - 80 km, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera drives free of gas- and tailpipe-emissions.
Independent research found that about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would meet their requirements. When the Ampera's battery runs low, the battery can be recharged in about three hours at 230v by plugging the vehicle's on-board charge system into a standard outlet. Because the battery can be re-charged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode nearly all the time.
If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank. This range-extending technology means the Ampera is suitable for worry-free daily use by the whole family.
If electric vehicles are to have a significant benefit on the environment, they must be sold in high volume. Electric cars like the Ampera - with extended range capability - are the quickest way to reach this goal because they require few adjustments in lifestyle.
Beautiful design - clearly an Opel:
The Ampera carries the DNA of Opel's new design language - a prominent grille, bold Opel badge and daring boomerang headlamps. Every element of the Ampera was designed and analyzed for efficiency, making the Ampera one of the most aerodynamic and energy-efficient vehicles in the market.
Inside, the Ampera is packed with the premium content fitting for a ground-breaking vehicle. From Bose speakers to touch-screen monitors, this car brings mobility to the 21st century.
The Ampera already has won high accolades from specialists throughout the continent. Awards from authoritative magazines and websites include Greenest Car of the Year by www.whatcar.co.uk, innovation trophy from L'Automobile Magazine in France and best electric car by Auto Swiat in Poland.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: Opel Ampera General:

Vehicle type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback
Category: Electric vehicle with extended-range capability
Chassis: independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
Seating capacity: four
Performance:
Top speed (km/h): 161
EV range (km): 40 - 80 (MVEG cycle)
Total range (km) > 500
Dimensions:
Wheelbase (mm): 2685
Length (mm): 4404
Width (mm): 1798
Height (mm): 1430
Cargo volume (L): 301
Battery system:
Type: lithium-ion
Energy (kWh) 16
Electric drive unit:
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (Nm): 370
Exterior:
Tire and wheel size: specially developed low rolling-resistance tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheels.

USA - Nissan Sentra recalled due to defective engine

USA - Nissan Sentra recalled due to defective engine

Nissan is going to recall 13,737 2010-'11 Sentra compact sedans since the engine may stop running while the vehicle is in action.

NHTSA believe the Sentras were built from 22nd May to 8th July 2010. It’s understood they have a "machining irregularity".

"The bolt/washer surface on the positive battery terminal cable end may allow for a gap to occur in the contact area of the terminal. This can result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the vehicle and could cause damage to the engine control module. This issue can cause the engine to stop running while the vehicle is in motion at low speed with a difficult or no start, increasing the risk of a crash."

Nissan will swap the positive battery terminal cable end with a replacement. The recall is expected to begin on the 29th November. Nissan owners can contact them on (800) 647-7261.

Peugeot 107 ENVY special edition - launching

Peugeot 107 ENVY special edition - launching (UK)
To celebrate the 107’s milestone of selling in excess of 500,000 units, Peugeot is releasing a special edition 107 called ENVY, which goes on sale this month.
The 107 uses an updated Euro5, 3-cylinder 1.0 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that emits 103g/km.

Standard equipment includes remote control central locking, electric front windows, body-coloured internally adjustable door mirrors, height adjustable steering column, radio/CD player w/MP3 socket, ABS, corner stability control (CSC), x4 airbags, power steering, 50/50 spilt folding rear seats, ISOFIX, black door strips, privacy glass, air conditioning and 14” alloy wheels.
Peugeot’s innovative Just Add Fuel™ personal finance package, means buyers can drive it away with three years fully comprehensive insurance (21+), three years warranty, three years servicing and three years roadside assistance, all for a single fixed monthly payment of just £189.00.
Additionally, all 107 models ordered up to the end of the year also come with a free Nokia 5230 Smartphone with integrated satellite navigation with free future updates and an in-car mounting kit.

2010 Peugeot 107

Prices start from £9,595 for the 3dr and £9,945 for the 5dr.
Launched in Europe in June 2005, the Peugeot 107 enjoyed immediate success which has never waned. Despite a bumpy ride for European car markets over the past two years, production volumes of the Peugeot 107 have remained on an upward trend. In 2006 (first full year of production) 101,700 vehicles were produced, this rose to 104,600 in 2007, then 108,200 in 2008 and 116,100 in 2009.
The compact and efficient Peugeot 107 is now sold in almost 60 countries worldwide but Europe is its principal market: at the end of September 2010, France accounted for 27% of sales, Italy (19%), UK (15%) and Germany (10%). With a 7% market share in 2010, the Peugeot 107 lies 5th in Europe’s fiercely competitive city-car segment.
surprisingly for such a small car, the 5-door version (59.6% of total sales) out-sells the 3-door model (40.4%), underlining the Peugeot 107’s excellent packaging.

BMW for Canyon car

BMW for Canyon car - Mini Moke to revive, working off Canyon
BMW Mini seeks to put the concept Mini Beachcomber in the production, which was revealed last December. Insiders suggest two variants of the Beachcomber is the drawing board in the Mini design studies in Munich.
A variant is close to being a prototype and is known in the Mini Moke. The second solution is smaller, called Canyon 3dr Cup car.

Both cars have been hot on Paisano cut. Both vehicles use a platform reworked without columns Paisano, which is based next generation Mini Clubman, Clubman giving the ability to accommodate AWD. The column-free design allows the hinged rear doors on both sides of the car, facing criticism from right-hand drive markets, like Ireland, United Kingdom, Japan and Australia, the current Clubman that behind the doors many.
The production will be four doors Moke true that the rear doors the doors of "suicide" (back swing). muscular style and raised ride height will remain the production model, design Beachcomber. Lift-roof panels, doors and frameless window wind at your back you feel like a true convertible.

Canyon Coupe will be an enhanced version of three-door "car from the beach." This concept is based platform shortened Paisano, with expected 3DR, four seat design and All4 same system with four-wheel drive. Mini designers are given a permanent settlement of space box style roof luggage.
Canyon Carver is inspired by the three "Canyon, which were presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2005. A verdict of green light in the Coupe or Moke Canyon is probably the beginning of next year, partly to allow measurement head of sales at the beginning of the peasant. The decision on the coupe is still Paisano.

Czech Republic Minister Vit Barta banned from driving

Czech Republic Minister Vit Barta banned from driving

Transport Minister Vit Barta, was banned from driving for six months after your Maserati GranTurismo had false plates. He also faces a KC5, 000 (£ 171 / € 203).
Mr. Barta told the officers who had lost their original tuition, while driving on a dirt road and was using false registration until he can get a replacement.

So, this raises some questions:
1. Czech Republic is the only country in the developed world to use a transport minister not / can not drive?
2. Why not get another set of license plates assigned to your car.
3. Do most of the ministers who were driving flash in Eastern Europe?

utilising 2-cylinder engines reject by volkswagen

utilising 2-cylinder engines reject by volkswagen
Volkswagen has rejected the idea of utilising 2-cylinder engines in its forthcoming city-car.
Volkswagen has been the head of down-sizing engines with its 3-cylinder petrol and diesel units. Ulrich Hackenberg, R&D chief executive, thinks downsizing is now on the verge of its limits, despite Fiat’s new 2-cylinder TwinAir engine.
“Improvements can now only be made in performance and economy, not in making the engines any smaller. Instead, the Up will make use of three-cylinder engines that will really advance the technology and make strong use of it”, he said.

“I’ve seen two-cylinder cars running,” he said, “but from a production point of view it’d be very hard. “Even three-cylinder engines are very expensive as they’re not as smooth or refined as we’d like. But we’re not going to abandon them,” he added.

iconic of Aston Martin Cygnet

iconic of Aston Martin Cygnet
According to Aston Martin’s CEO, Ulrich Bez, the Cygnet city-car has the potential to become an “icon”.
Bez said the Cygnet had characteristics that made it "advanced, iconic and iconoclastic". Bez compared its potential to the Aston Martin DB5, used in James Bond movies in the 1960s.
"The Cygnet is exclusive and bears an exclusive brand name," he said.
The tiny Aston Martin is build upon the foundation of the Japanese-built Toyota iQ, which is then specifically imported to the UK for Aston Martin.
Bez protected the Cygnet in a promotional video, stating it has been chiefly designed to help Aston reduce its fleet average CO2 emissions.
“Aston Martin is honest and we don’t make compromises,” he said. “Whatever we do, we do it right. If we do performance, we do performance; we won’t downsize our sports cars.
“The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin."

United Kingdom : Skoda Yeti is demand outstrips supply

Demand has soared since the model was launched in September 2009.

Skoda dealers have said order books have swollen, with more than 3,700 sales this year, and 4,300 since the car launched in September 2009.

“We’re pleased customers like the Yeti and it’s proving to be extremely popular, especially with predictions of another icy winter,” said a spokesperson. “But demand is stronger than anticipated – that’s why delivery is taking up to 24 weeks.”

The Skoda Yeti compact SUV has sold out in the UK.

Noting the delay problem, Skoda has assured customer to ‘price protect’ any Yeti order placed before the end of December. “This means the sale won’t be affected by the VAT increase in the new year,” the spokeswoman added.
“The price of the car now is what customers will pay when it is handed over in 2011.” Skoda UK is on course for a record sales total in 2010, and comparable delays in excess of 20 weeks have built up on other models.

Peugeot-Citroen - PSA eyes Chinese market

PSA CEO Gregoire Olivier said Peugeot-Citroen is getting ready to release a series of upscale cars in China.

Olivier said the joint venture between PSA and Changan Automobile Group is planning to rival German firms in the luxury car market.

The first premium car will be based upon Metropolis concept car. "The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China," Olivier said.

The Metropolis underpins the Peugeot 407/Citroen C5 and is the first car designed by the PSA design centre in China.
PSA has stated what powertrains will be used; a hybrid is out of the question for the Chinese market, however, the concept features a plug-in hybrid motor with 454bhp. PSA and Changan Automobile Group venture plans to manufacture 200,000 vehicles annually, with production starting in the second half of 2012.

Sebastian Vettel became Formula 1 world champion in the 2010

Sebastian Vettel became Formula 1 world champion in the 2010 season thanks to his victory in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The German became the 32nd person to have ever appeared as champions. In the final standings, Vettel beat defending Red Bull Ferrari, Fernando Alonso and team mate, Mark Webber, who actually favored.

Vettel was joined with 31 other men whose names are written with gold ink as a man who never became world champion in the arena of open-wheeler racing's most prestigious in the world.

Here is a list of F1 world champion
(Year-state-driver-team)

2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Red Bull
2009 - Jenson Button (Britain) Brawn
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (Britain) McLaren
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari
2006 - Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault
2005 - Alonso, Renault
2004 - Michael Schumacher (Germany), Ferrari
2003 - Schumacher, Ferrari
2002 - Schumacher, Ferrari
2001 - Schumacher, Ferrari
2000 - Schumacher, Ferrari
1999 - Mika Hakkinen (Finland) McLaren
1998 - Hakkinen, McLaren
1997 - Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) Williams
1996 - Damon Hill (Britain) Williams
1995 - Schumacher, Benetton
1994 - Schumacher, Benetton
1993 - Alain Prost (France) Williams
1992 - Nigel Mansell (Britain) Williams
1991 - Ayrton Senna (Brazil) McLaren
1990 - Senna, McLaren
1989 - Prost, McLaren
1988 - Senna, McLaren
1987 - Nelson Piquet (Brazil) Williams
1986 - Prost, McLaren
1985 - Prost, McLaren
1984 - Niki Lauda (Austria) McLaren
1983 - Piquet, Brabham
1982 - Keke Rosberg (Finland) Williams
1981 - Piquet, Brabham
1980 - Alan Jones (Australia) Williams
1979 - Jody Scheckter (South Africa) Ferrari
1978 - Mario Andretti (USA) Lotus
1977 - Lauda, Ferrari
1976 - James Hunt (Britain) McLaren
1975 - Lauda, Ferrari
1974 - Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) McLaren
1973 - Jackie Stewart (Britain) Tyrrell
1972 - Fittipaldi, Lotus
1971 - Stewart, Tyrrell
1970 - Jochen Rindt (Austria) Lotus
1969 - Stewart, Matra
1968 - Graham Hill (Britain) Lotus
1967 - Denny Hulme (New Zealand) Brabham
1966 - Jack Brabham (Australia) Brabham
1965 - Jim Clark (Britain) Lotus
1964 - John Surtees (Britain) Ferrari
1963 - Clark, Lotus
1962 - G. Hill, BRM
1961 - Phil Hill (USA) Ferrari
1960 - Brabham, Cooper
1959 - Brabham, Cooper
1958 - Mike Hawthorn (Britain) Ferrari
1957 - Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) Maserati
1956 - Fangio, Lancia / Ferrari
1955 - Fangio, Mercedes
1954 - Fangio, Mercedes / Maserati
1953 - Alberto Ascari (Italy), Ferrari
1952 - Ascari, Ferrari
1951 - Fangio, Alfa Romeo
1950 - Giuseppe Farina (Italy) Alfa Romeo

2010 Opel Ampera review car

2010 Opel Ampera review car - just Available in Europe
Price today : €27,980 ($39,069)
we cannot meet thi car in the USA
General Motors launched this cool-looking version of the Chevy Volt as the car's Opel-branded European version.








OPEL, SEDAN, CAR WALLPAPER, LUXURY CAR.

2010 Abarth Punto Evo car review

2010 Abarth Punto Evo car review

this car will not see in USA, Just Available in Europe
Today Price: €18,523 ($25,864)
A high-performance car based on the Fiat 500, but produced by Abarth—the Italian rally-car maker—the Abarth Punto Evo has a high top speed and respectable 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) performance of 7.9 seconds. that realy hybrid car.