Jun 112010
Jun 112010
TORRANCE, Calif. (June 10, 2010) – Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), the racing arm of American Honda Motor Company, Inc., will offer a new LMP2 engine to customers participating in the 2011 American Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Intercontinental Cup competitions.
The new LMP2 engine, based on Honda’s global V6 engine, is a 2.8-liter, twin-turbo variant utilizing HPD’s exclusive engine-control system. The engine is the product of a joint effort between HPD and Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA). Product R&D engineers from HRA’s Raymond, Ohio center worked with HPD race engineers to create a powerful racing engine at a very attractive price point. Engine costs will meet the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s (ACO) new, lower price targets for the LMP2 class.
“With the collective racing spirit of our associates at HPD and HRA, we have come up with an attractive product to align with the new direction set by the ACO,” commented Erik Berkman, president of HPD. “We are pleased to offer another race product which features the traditional Honda values of performance, efficiency, and reliability.”
Since 2007, HPD has provided engines to prototype-class teams in the American Le Mans Series, and these engines have scored numerous victories, beginning with an LMP2 class win in HPD’s inaugural ALMS race at Sebring in 2007. HPD was the first manufacturer to score ALMS class wins in both LMP1 and LMP2 on the same weekend with its wins at St. Petersburg in 2009.
Jun 112010
For the fourth time in as many years a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has taken pole position for tomorrow’s 78th Le Mans 24 Hours, with the team’s three cars occupying the first three places just ahead of Team Oreca’s Peugeot in fourth. Changeable weather on the second day of qualifying prevented a new battle for the top spot but allowed Team Peugeot Total to concentrate on perfecting its set up in preparation for the start of the race on Saturday at 15h00.
Starting on wet tyres, the three 908 HDi FAPs of Team Peugeot Total ventured out on a damp but drying track with the firm intention of taking advantage of every minute available to them. Following a clearly defined programme, the focus was on testing different tyre compounds and aerodynamic set ups. As the session advanced the times dropped, though without threatening to surpass yesterday’s performance; Alexander Wurz (Car No 1) posted the fastest lap of 3’23″238, ahead of Simon Pagenaud (Car No 3) and Stéphane Sarrazin (Car No 2).
With conditions improving during the ultimate qualifying session the times started to fall fast over the last 15 minutes. Comfortably installed in the first three places, the experienced Team Peugeot Total concentrated on validating the fruit of their labours. Sébastien Bourdais nevertheless posted the fastest lap of the day of 3’20″212, to the delight of his many supporters who turned out to cheer on their local hero. Aboard his Peugeot 908 HDi FAP No 3, Sébastien achieved his first pole position thanks to yesterday’s quickest lap of 3’19″711.
Jun 112010
- Ford Mondeo range benefits from Ford EcoBoost petrol engine technology and improved TDCi diesels
- Higher output Ford EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo engine up to 19 per cent more efficient
- New 163PS TDCi diesel option
- Ford Powershift twin-clutch transmission now available in Mondeo – standard with 2.0-litre EcoBoost
- All latest upgraded Duratorq TDCi diesels boast sub 140g emissions
BRENTWOOD, Essex,11 June, 2010 – The Ford Mondeo boasts improved fuel economy, lower emissions and stronger performance thanks to high efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo and upgraded Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines now on sale.
New for Mondeo are the turbocharged 203PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and significantly improved 2.0-litre TDCi diesels with 115, 140 and an impressive new 163PS version.
Additionally Ford PowerShift, the smooth six-speed dual-clutch transmission system, comes to the Mondeo range. The enhancements are set to continue Ford Mondeo’s leading position within its segment.
Jon Gunn-Smith, Ford large cars product manager, said: “These new powertrains are responsive and refined – ideally suited to Mondeo’s acclaimed driving enjoyment, yet without sacrificing economy or CO2 performance.”
Jun 112010
ZURICH – LE MANS, 9th June 2010 – The entire Chevrolet family is this week behind the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2 which is participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the greatest endurance race in the world. The iconic Chevy sports car, after having dominated the GT-1 scene for many years, is making its debut in the highly-competitive GT-2 class. The two Chevrolet Corvettes entered in Le Mans will be driven by Magnussen-O’Connell-García and Gavin-Beretta-Collard.
The Chevrolet Corvette C6.R has recently received on the French track the well-wishing visit of her two cousins, the Cruze WTCC, the current leader in both the Drivers and Manufacturers categories of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), and the youngest member of the family, the Spark WTCC Leading Car.
This spiced version of the Chevrolet’s city car, equipped with a 1.4 turbo and 140 hp engine, has been entrusted the key task of leading the pack in the WTCC, as it will be the official leading car in selected events of the series. The Spark WTCC Leading Car will be displayed in public for the first time at the WTCC round in Zolder on 19-20 June. It will carry a sparking red livery, but only for that occasion. Its definitive “dress” will be the winning design of this year’s ‘Young? Creative? Chevrolet!’ contest for young artist throughout Europe.
Jun 112010
SUMMARY
- Mustang RTR, a new dealer-installed package for the 2011 Ford Mustang, delivers performance and appearance upgrades for spirited driving. The package was introduced by Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in the Formula Drift series
- The RTR package comes complete with Ford Racing M Falken FK-452 tires, unique 19-inch wheels, and RTR-exclusive interior details and striping scheme, and is available at select dealerships
- The introduction of Mustang RTR also plays off the success Gittin is enjoying on the Formula Drift circuit. Winner of the season-opening Long Beach event and runner-up in Atlanta, he has a significant points lead in this year’s Formula Drift championship
CONTEXT / BACKGROUND
Professional driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. knows what Mustangs can do – and he wanted to share that knowledge with Mustang enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s power and capability. Mustang RTR is Gittin Jr.’s vision for introducing a new generation of owners to Mustang, while catering to traditional Mustang enthusiasts. He helped develop the RTR package, which provides performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.
Professional driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. knows what Mustangs can do – and he wanted to share that knowledge with Mustang enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s power and capability. Mustang RTR is Gittin Jr.’s vision for introducing a new generation of owners to Mustang, while catering to traditional Mustang enthusiasts. He helped develop the RTR package, which provides performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.
DETAILS
The 2011 Ford Mustang is known for its incredible performance and impressive looks, and now there’s a new package that takes those qualities one step further – Mustang RTR. The dealer-installed package from Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in Formula Drift, and Ford Racing Performance Parts, is aimed toward a new generation of Mustang owners.
The performance upgrade comes with Ford Racing calibration with a high-flow filter and high-performance Falken FK-452 tires, which offer precise handling from five linear ribs and three-dimensional rounded blocks. Stiffer, wide steel belts offer greater tread rigidity, superior grip and high-speed stability, and high-tension carcass and high turn-up construction increase handling response and high-speed stability.
Jun 112010
Jun 112010
At a time of global conservation with a drive towards improved fuel economy the Morgan Motor Company introduces a new concept for a sporting family, the Morgan EvaGT. The four seater Coupe takes its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950′s. Among these were the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328. After the Second World War rationing forced designers to conserve and make the most of the materials at their disposal. However the pressure cooker of war had also led to an abundance of innovative engineering ideas. Steel was scarce so lightweight aluminium was used for bodywork. Smooth “in-line” straight six cylinder engines were fitted to give long distance comfort and reliability. Because the engineers had often worked on aircraft development during the war aerodynamics contributed to high but economical cruising speeds.
The Morgan Motor Company is the last survivor of these British sports car manufacturers. Of course the company is lucky enough to have 100 years of continuous success behind it and like Bristol and Frazer Nash; Morgan has a history of successful collaborations with German suppliers BMW, Siemens and Bosch. But Morgan also works with a number of young engineering companies in the United Kingdom and with world class British university research departments.
The new challenge is to make cars that are more efficient than any we have seen so far. The Morgan Motor Company is in a good position to respond to this challenge because the company is small and flexible with a proven track record of fast development cycles. It currently manufactures one of the greenest sports cars in the world, the Morgan Four Four Sport. Morgan achieves this result with the use of the new Ford 1.6 Sigma engine coupled with a light chassis. Morgan currently has a young well qualified technical team working towards a potential 5 engineering PHD’s, who will make full use of research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City to tap into a technical knowledge network to make more efficient cars. This team is helping to develop a high torque electric motor twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size and a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far.
Jun 112010
The two premier events in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón will each be part of a new global sports car championship starting in 2011. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest – the governing body for the Le Mans 24 Hours – announced the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans as two rounds of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup for next season.
A year ago at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the ACO revealed its intention to create the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup for 2010. Thursday’s announcement completed the full 2011 schedule which includes races in the American Le Mans Series, the European-based Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series – as well as Le Mans itself as a double-points event.
“This is fantastic news for the two highest-profile events on our calendar,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. “Both the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans are firmly established among the world’s greatest endurance races, and having them both as part of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup will elevate their stature that much higher.
“The quantity and quality of the entries in this groundbreaking competition will bring together the best of the best from around the world in all classes,” he added. “We stand with the ACO and the other Le Mans championships in support of this initiative which will expand world-class sports car racing on a truly global level.”
Jun 112010
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. With a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of just $9,990 USD – unchanged from 2009 – the Versa Sedan 1.6 Base retains its position as one of the lowest priced new cars available in the United States market.
For 2011, the fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive Versa is again offered in a range of nine models, including a choice of 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines and four available transmissions. 2011 Nissan Versa MSRPs (USD) include:
|
Model/Transmission
|
Sedan
|
Hatchback
|
|
Versa 1.6 Base 5MT
|
$9,990
|
-
|
|
Versa 1.6 5MT
|
$11,240
|
-
|
|
Versa 1.6 4AT
|
$12,240
|
-
|
|
Versa 1.8 S 6MT
|
$13,570
|
$13,520
|
|
Versa 1.8 S 4AT
|
$14,570
|
$14,520
|
|
Versa 1.8 SL 4AT
|
$16,470
|
-
|
|
Versa 1.8 SL CVT
|
-
|
$16,900
|
Versa enhancements for 2011, following an extensive list of changes for the last model year, include the addition of an in-dash 6-disc CD player for the Sedan 1.8 S, and the addition of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for the Versa Sedan 1.6 (except 1.6 Base).
Jun 112010
YOKOHAMA (June 11, 2010) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) has invited nearly 500 people to experience the world’s first mass-production, 100% electric, zero-emission car – Nissan LEAF – at the company’s Oppama test track in a world-exclusive preview from June 11-19, 2010.
Media, Nissan shareholders, government officials, analysts and some of the first customers to place reservations for Nissan LEAF will get the chance to experience the benefits of this practical, affordable and fun to drive all-electric car when they get behind the wheel of the first production test units.
Nissan LEAF, is a ‘new car’ in every sense of the word and redefines the driving experience, setting new standards in handling, acceleration and comfort in its class. Nissan LEAF officially goes on sale beginning in December.
Since the 100% electric, zero-emission concept vehicle was unveiled last August at the grand opening of the new Nissan Global Headquarters, the company has been continually refining Nissan LEAF for the October start of production.
Jun 112010
HYBRID ENGINE FIRST FOR TOYOTA’S DEESIDE PLANT
Toyota’s Deeside plant has achieved an industry first in building the 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine for the new Auris Hybrid: it is the first Toyota factory outside Japan to manufacture a hybrid vehicle engine.
The powerplant, which is integral to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, is wholly produced at the North Wales facility. Raw aluminium is smelted and cast on-site, prior to machining, assembly and testing of the finished unit. The finished engines are then shipped to Toyota’s Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire for installation.
Toyota Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) Deeside operation opened in 1992, principally to supply engines to Burnaston, which began production the same year. It currently has more than 500 people on site, working two shifts five days a week, building both the 1.8 engine for Auris Hybrid and Toyota’s 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine. In 2009 the Deeside plant produced 130,247 units.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK General Manager Engine Manufacturing, said: “This is the first time that a Toyota hybrid engine has been made outside Japan and we take great pride in having that opportunity.”
Jun 112010
The Honda CR-Z is an all-new sporty hybrid coupe, encapsulating a petrol-electric engine combination with a 6-speed manual gearbox. To mark the debut of this unique vehicle, which combines driver enjoyment with low emissions, Honda Motor Europe has teamed up with Wieden + Kennedy London to create a pan-European advertising campaign across 29 markets.
The new film debuted in the Netherlands on the 2nd June, with the UK TV debut schedule for the 11th June. The CR-Z campaign is Honda’s next step in rolling out a unified and consistent brand message across Europe, following on from last year’s launch of the Insight Hybrid, and the re-launch of the enhanced and extended ‘Impossible Dream’ in April 2010.
Ian Armstrong, Manager – European Communications is delighted to be following up Impossible Dream with a specific CR-Z campaign, commenting: “CR-Z has been designed as the first sporty hybrid coupe to help dispel the myths that hybrids are not fun to drive. The CR-Z has a 3-mode drive system, providing an entertaining driving experience combined with low emissions. The ‘RGB’ film showcases these different driving modes and the feelings of each mode from the driver’s perspective. The film itself is fresh and intriguing and will be effective in creating desire while engaging with a more youthful audience.”
The car launched in Japan earlier this year and has been an unqualified success, with over 10,000 orders placed in the first month, more than 10 times the original monthly sales target.
Jun 112010
Powered by an economical three cylinder petrol engine, which emits just 106 g/km, the 107 Millesim also benefits from zero vehicle excise duty and a group three insurance rating. This means that it is the perfect car from the point of view of low running costs and with the comprehensive standard Millesim specification, the ideal car for customers looking for a small car but still requiring big car features, like air-conditioning, alloy wheels etc…
It is based on the current Urban Plus model but benefits from a rangeof extra standard equipment consisting of: 14” alloy wheels, air-conditioning, rev counter, special code blue seat trim, blue air vent surrounds, blue instrument binnacle and unique Millesim 200 badging.
Model Range
| On-the-road Price | Combined MPG | CO2 Emissions | |
| 107 3-Dr Millesim | £9,495.00 | 62.7 | 106 |
| 107 5-Dr Millesim | £9,895.00 | 62.7 | 106 |
Jun 112010
The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance. The 4th generation of the Business Touring convinces through powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW-exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.
Design: individual styling, sporting elegance.
The design of the new BMW 5 Series Touring is characterised by a high
level of individuality with regard to its proportions and surface design. Its uniqueness is reflected by dynamic and powerful looks. With its long bonnet, short overhangs, the longest wheelbase in its segment, the stretched silhouette and a steeply inclined roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Touring possesses an elegance unrivalled by its competitors.
Versatility: intelligent solutions for modern functionality.
Thanks to a multi-functional interior and intelligent detail solutions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40 : 20 : 40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.