2010 March 24 » Young man Blog

McLaren MP4-12C Press Launch

Mar 242010

On 18 March 2010, McLaren Automotive held a press conference for global media entitled ‘Inside McLaren – the Launch of a New Car Company’. The video footage includes the new McLaren MP4-12C high performance sports car, McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff and 2009 and 2008 Formula 1 World Champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Notes to editors:

The McLaren MP4-12C goes on sale in spring 2011 from bespoke McLaren Automotive retailers in 19 countries across the globe. It sits in the market of ‘core’ sports cars that cost between £125,000 and £175,000 and will feature innovative technical and customer-focused engineering and design that will offer new levels of performance in its price bracket.

The 12C will be built initially at the award-winning Fosters+Partners-designed McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. In spring 2011, the innovative combination of hand-built and ‘lean’ production processes will transfer to the new £40 million McLaren Production Centre next door to the MTC.

The McLaren Automotive retail network will be confirmed through the second half of 2010, along with pricing of the 12C and final performance figures for the car.

Porsche Parade to Atlanta High Museum – Type 64 Visits U.S.

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Mar 242010

SPORTY-LOOK HIGH-SPEC JAZZ Si LAUNCHED – Honda (UK) is introducing a sporty Si grade of its popular British-built supermini – the Jazz. The Jazz Si’s enhanced looks and stylish extra features should appeal to younger drivers who want their car to stand out from the crowd.

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Mar 242010

The Si option will be available across the Jazz model range – which first went on sale in 2008. The Si grade tops the 1.2-litre range, with features over and above the SE specification. In 1.4-litre Jazz models, the Si sits mid range, with specification over and above ES models. The Si is only available with a manual transmission.

The Jazz Si wears 16-inch Chronos alloys which set it apart from standard models. A chrome sports front grille and rear spoiler add to the sporty look. Stylish embroidered carpet mats and Si branding on the boot lid and glove box highlight the car’s high specification.

Customer feedback showed that younger Jazz owners were keen to stand out from the large number of other Jazz cars on the road. They preferred bigger wheels and enjoyed the additional stylish touches of the first generation Jazz Sport.

The Si grade has been launched in response to this, and combines sporty good looks with the Jazz’s fuel-sipping engine, low running costs, low emissions, value for money specification and C-sector space and practicality.

The Jazz is one of the UK’s most celebrated models, winning around 30 industry awards for reliability and customer satisfaction. Now built in Britain, Honda Associates will be ensuring that the Jazz maintains this level and continues to delight customers.

The Si grade is priced at an additional £870 over the 1.2 SE and 1.4 ES models, but offers nearly £2,000 worth of extra equipment.

Jazz 1.2-litre Si £12,835 on-the-road
Jazz 1.4-litre Si £13,510 on-the-road

The Jazz Si goes on sale from 1 April, 2010 with a choice of really competitive finance offers for customers.

Both the 1.2 and 1.4 Si models launch with great PCP packages offering an APR of 5.9% over three years with a 25% deposit, or for 7.4% over three years with a 10 per cent deposit.
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New equipment packages for the Boxster and Cayman models

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Mar 242010

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has extended the offer for individualization mid-engine sports car, the Boxster and Cayman with four new equipment packages which offer compared to the single order of the respective special equipment amounting to savings of about 30 percent.

The packages “comfort” and “infotainment” include a series of very popular optional extras, which also significantly simplifies the configuration of the vehicle. The package “Comfort” includes climate control, bi-xenon headlights including dynamic cornering lights, cruise control, automatically dipping interior and exterior mirrors, rain sensor, and – in combination with leather seats – embossed Porsche crest on the headrests. With the Boxster and Boxster S comes even to the wind deflector including Drop Box. The package “infotainment” includes the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) inclusive of navigation module, universal audio interface for connecting MP3 players and iPods ®, and the Sound Package Plus. This has the Boxster seven speakers and a total power of 185 watts, the Cayman nine speakers and 235 watts total output. In addition, a CD storage, and includes the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.

2010 Buick LaCrosse’s Efficient Ecotec 2.4L Engine Helps Deliver An EPA-Rated 30 MPG On The Highway

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Mar 242010

- 2011 LaCrosse will be offered with 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.6L V-6 engines
- AWD will be offered with the 3.6L V-6 on the 2011 LaCrosse CXL

DETROIT – A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine is now the standard engine in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combination delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

The LaCrosse CX with the Ecotec 2.4L has an MSRP of $26,995. Buick expects about 25 percent of LaCrosse customers will opt for it.

“As Buick continues its transformation, new products like the 2.4L-powered LaCrosse CX are helping us reach all-new customers,” said Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director. “It gives them a fuel-efficient option that’s simply not available with the competition.”

Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec 2.4L deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). The injection of fuel directly into the combustion chamber enables a higher compression ratio to increase efficiency and horsepower. That means more power is made with less fuel and lower emissions. In fact, cold-start emissions are reduced by up to 25 percent with direct injection. Engineers tuned the engine to deliver greater torque at lower rpm and build it smoothly toward its peak at 4,900 rpm, giving the LaCrosse excellent performance in all driving conditions.

The Ecotec 2.4L diversifies the LaCrosse’s powertrain lineup. For 2011, the current 3.0L V-6 will be discontinued and the Ecotec 2.4L and 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing will be the two engines offered in the vehicle. AWD will be offered with 3.6L-equipped models starting in the 2011 model year.

Like the Ecotec 2.4L, the 3.6L V-6 features direct injection.

“Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.”

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All-New BMW 5 Series Leads Strong Line-Up of New BMW Models to Debut at New York International Auto Show – BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, X5 SAV and ALPINA B7 xDrive also debut.

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Mar 242010

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 24, 2010… BMW will introduce the most innovative and stylish 5 Series ever to the North American market at the New York International Auto Show. The all-new 5 Series will share the spotlight with the 335is Coupe and Convertible and BMW X5 SAV, which are also making their North American debuts and the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive which is making its World debut. All of the new BMWs will be 2011 models.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan, which arrives in early summer, marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans. Through its athletic and executive looks; driving dynamics typical of BMW, and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation BMW 5 Series reflects the standards upheld by the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek hood, short overhangs, and a coupe-like roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition. The interior offers precise functionality and a fresh ambience that come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style, and clear orientation to the driver. Highly advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies combine agile handling for the driver and a high standard of riding comfort for passengers.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan will be available with V-8 and inline-6 gasoline engines. The top-of-the-range BMW 550i arrives with BMW’s “reverse-flow” V-8 engine featuring twin turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for maximum output of 400 hp. The new inline-6 of the BMW 535i features a single twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision direct injection, and combined for the first time with turbocharging, Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology

NEW SAAB 9-5 PRICING TAKES OFF

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Mar 242010

New 9-5 enters the premium saloon segment at a highly competitive £26,495 OTR
Generous standard equipment levels across range
Cars in Saab dealerships from this summer; order banks open on 24 March 2010

Saab’s new 9-5 enters the UK market priced at just £26,495 OTR for the 2.0TiD 160PS Vector SE model, making it a highly competitive proposition for buyers in the premium saloon sector. Cars are available to order from Saab dealerships today.

Positioned by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all-new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. In addition to owning a very well equipped vehicle, customers will gain a driving experience that matches the excitement of Saab’s bold Scandinavian design language.

The range of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft inspired head-up information display (HUD), adaptive headlights (Bi-xenon Smart Beam), MP3/iPod integration, Harman Kardon audio system, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, DriveSense adaptive chassis with continuous damping control, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control, adaptive parking assistance, and XWD with electronic LSD – the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS (UK) ANNOUNCES i-MiEV UK PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS – Mitsubishi Motors (UK) is pleased to announce the on-sale price of the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle – the i-MiEV.

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Mar 242010

Price and Incentives

For orders delivered to the customer from January 1st 2011, to coincide with the UK government’s recently announced Consumer Incentive Scheme, the price has been set at £33,699 including VAT. The government grant will be worth £5,000 off the purchase price of qualifying electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

The ultra-low running costs of the i-MiEV are a key advantage over other cars, with additional incentives including:

* Only £115 fuel costs for 12,000 miles driving (£0.96 pence for a full charge)
* Low servicing costs and downtime – only approximately 4 working parts compared to over 300 in a typical internal combustion engine
* Exempt from road tax (saving approx £300 per annum)
* First year capital allowances for fleet vehicles
* Zero benefit-in-kind company car tax
* Lower rate of VAT for domestic electricity
* Exempt from congestion charge (saving up to £2,000 per annum)
* Free parking in many London boroughs and cities such as Milton Keynes
* Expected high residual values due to high demand outstripping supply for several years to come

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors UK’s MD

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors UK’s Managing Director, said:

“These are exciting times for the motor industry in the UK. This is the biggest change in the automotive industry since it began some one hundred years ago, so to be able to offer our zero emissions car for this price is a truly great achievement.

We are aware that, by their very nature, any new technologies always command a premium, which has been true for anything from plasma televisions to cars. Others make price claims and estimations, but we have a real vehicle that is available now and is proven in the real world.”
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FORD SYNC HITS 2 MILLION MARK; BOOSTS RESALE VALUE, PURCHASE CONSIDERATION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

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Mar 242010

• Ford SYNC® voice-controlled communications and infotainment system installed on
2-millionth vehicle less than a year after hitting the 1 million unit milestone

• Ford data show the system boosts resale value of SYNC-equipped vehicles by more than $200 over vehicles without the option

• After receiving SYNC demonstrations, 80 percent of potential customers report it improves their opinion of Ford and 70 percent are more likely to consider purchase

DEARBORN, Mich., March 24, 2010 – The popular Ford SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system has been winning over buyers at its fastest pace ever, with Ford announcing SYNC has now been installed on more than 2 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

“The success of SYNC proves that customers want to be connected,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “The speed with which we’ve hit the 2 million mark, the premium SYNC adds at auction, and the improvements in purchase consideration show that it is a true differentiator for us, adding real value for the customer.”

SYNC, built on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive software platform, hit 2 million units only 10 months after Ford delivered its 1-millionth SYNC-equipped vehicle, a 2010 Fusion Hybrid, to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The first SYNC systems were delivered in fall 2007.

“Microsoft and Ford share a common vision when it comes to connecting drivers and passengers to their digital lifestyles,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business. “The beauty of building on the Windows Embedded Automotive software platform is that its flexibility has enabled Ford to create new, engaging in-vehicle experiences over the past three years for their consumers to enjoy behind the wheel. We’re excited to see what new roads SYNC explores in the future.”

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