Ordering opens for new Volkswagen Touareg; prices announced in UK

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Jun 172010
 

Volkswagen has announced prices for the new Touareg as it opens for ordering in UK Retailers today ahead of the first customer deliveries taking place in October.

Prices for the new Touareg start at £38,225 for the SE 3.0-litre TDI 240 PS, while the Hybrid model, which goes on sale next month, costs £54,995.

The new Touareg builds on the virtues of space and comfort, as well as off-road and towing ability that led to the original Touareg building up a loyal following in the UK.  Despite being 40 mm longer both in its wheelbase and overall length, the new Touareg weighs over 200 kg less than the outgoing car and is 20 per cent more efficient.

The drive in efficiency is epitomised by the new 3.0-litre V6 TDI and Hybrid models. The 3.0-litre 240 PS is capable of returning 38.2 mpg while emitting 195 g/km of CO2 to place it in VED band J, and is expected to be the volume seller.

The Hybrid model meanwhile can out-accelerate many hot hatches with a zero to 62 mph time of 6.5 seconds through its combination of a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 TSI petrol engine developing 333 PS and an electric motor generating 47 PS resulting in a total output of 380 PS and 428 lbs ft of torque.  Yet the new Touareg Hybrid is capable of returning 34.4 mpg while emitting 193 g/km of CO2.

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4,400 Chevrolet Volt Owners to be Eligible for Free Home Charging Stations

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Jun 172010
 

  • When the Volt goes on sale later this year, buyers will be eligible for a 240-volt charge station, and home installation in some cases
  • Part of Department of Energy project to install approximately 15,000 240-volt home charge stations across the U.S.
  • Data collected from the charge stations will be analyzed by the Department of Energy to understand what is required for widespread electric vehicle use

DETROIT – The first buyers of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability will be eligible for one of 4,400 free home charging stations. The program will provide Volt owners with a 240-volt charge station from either ECOtality, Inc. or Coulomb Technologies. In many cases, it will include the cost of home installation. The projects are made possible with a grant of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“Many owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power,” said Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt. “For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000.”

The U.S. Department of Energy projects were established with two objectives: installing charging stations in residential, workplace and public areas to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles; and studying electric vehicle usage to optimize future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

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J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Domestic Brands Surpass Imports in Initial Quality for the First Time in IQS History – Initial Quality of Model Launches Improves Considerably, Led by New Entries – From Ford, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche

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Jun 172010
 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 17 June 2010 – Domestic auto brands, as a whole, have demonstrated higher initial quality than import brands for the first time, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today. The study has been conducted annually for the past 24 years.

Overall, the industry average for initial quality is 109 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2010, increasing slightly from 108 PP100 in 2009. However, initial quality for domestic brands as a whole has improved by 4 PP100 in 2010 to an average of 108 PP100-slightly better than the initial quality of import brands, which averages 109 PP100 in 2010.

Substantial improvements by many domestic models-including the Ford Focus, Ram 1500 LD and Buick Enclave-drive the overall improvement of domestic automakers in 2010. In particular, initial quality of Ford models has improved steadily for the past nine years. In addition, as a corporation, Ford Motor Company (including Volvo) has 12 models that rank within the top three in their respective segments in 2010-more than any other corporation. General Motors Company has 10 models that rank within the top three in their segments.

Initial quality performance demonstrated by U.S. brands in 2010 contrasts sharply with consumer sentiment from one year ago. According to data collected by the J.D. Power Web Intelligence Division between May and July 2009, much of the online consumer discussion about automotive quality centered around the difficulties U.S. automakers were facing, and perceptions that these problems were largely caused by poor product quality.

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INTRODUCING THE 2011 RANGE ROVER: THE MOST CAPABLE AND LUXURIOUS SUV IN THE WORLD (W/Video)

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Jun 172010
 

  • New 4.4-litre LR-TDV8
  • New ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Terrain Response® enhancements
  • Optional Exterior Design Pack in a choice of eight colours
  • 5.0-litre Supercharged LR-V8 retained
  • Five new allow wheel designs
  • Subtle exterior styling revisions
  • Autobiography Black: a very special 40th anniversary limited edition

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 17 June 2010 – A new, class-leading V8 diesel engine, new 8-speed transmission, two significant Terrain Response® upgrades and subtle external styling enhancements are amongst the features on the new 2011 Range Rover – on-sale in the UK from late September 2010.

“The 2011 Range Rover retains its position as one of the world’s most complete luxury vehicles. Its combination of reduced CO2 emissions and superior engine performance continue to make it a clear industry benchmark. And with the introduction of our all-new ‘super diesel’, we see the Range Rover delivering over 30mpg for the first time,” said Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director.

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Video: Honda CR Z Film with Former Top Gear Presenter

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Jun 172010
 

Chrysler Group LLC is First Automotive Company to Introduce Vehicle-information Apps (W/Video)

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Jun 172010
 

Last year, Chrysler Group was the first automotive company to replace traditional, bulky owner manuals with DVDs and user guides. This year, the company is introducing the industry’s first smartphone vehicle-information application. Information that used to be stuffed into the glove box will now be at your fingertips.

In addition to general vehicle information including vehicle operation, maintenance and warranty, this new app offers product-feature video demonstrations, connections with fellow owners via the company’s brands on social media sites, and access to customer care and 24-hour road-side assistance.

“With our vehicle-information app, we are taking customer care to a new level by creating a convenient, on-demand channel of communication with our customers,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar®, Chrysler Group LLC. “Creating this new channel of communication will enhance the customer experience. And it’s a great example of how we can add value to our vehicles and build brand identity. This new app will also be a source for potential customers to learn about our vehicles.”

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2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe

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Jun 172010
 

Nearing the 25th anniversary of the original BMW M3, BMW of North America today announced a production run of thirty identically-equipped 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupes for the United States. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe features a special matte-gray paint with a deep metallic luster to further accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3.

Unique Fox Red / Black bi-color Novillo leather interior is also specified. This is the first and only opportunity to obtain Frozen Gray Metallic exterior paint on the M3 for the 2011 model year in the United States.

BMW M enthusiasts will be able to reserve a 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Monday, June 21, 2010. The first 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupes will become available for delivery in late June 2010 through Authorized BMW Centers, and the production run will be completed by the end of July 2010.

A complete equipment list is provided at the end of this press release. MSRP will be $77,600 Including $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.

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The 2011 Honda Odyssey (W/Video)

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Jun 172010
 

2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite Fact Sheet

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey seeks to redefine the concept of the minivan with its aggressive stance and sporty “lightning-bolt” beltline. The lightning bolt not only provides an exclusive appearance, but also adds increased visibility for third-row passengers. New interior features add more convenience for families, while available entertainment technology introduces high-definition connectivity and split-screen viewing. Currently the best-selling minivan in the U.S., the all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey is set to go on sale this fall. Compared to the current Odyssey, the 2011 model’s lower roofline (-1.6 inches versus 2010 Odyssey EX) and wider track (+1.4 inches) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy and also translate into more interior width.

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Video: Silent Hill 8 Trailer – E3 2010

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Jun 172010
 

Video: Audi A8 MMI Navigation with Google functionality, including Google Earth

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Jun 172010
 

Video: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Multiplayer Walkthrough

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Jun 172010
 

Renault Clio Gordini 200

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Jun 172010
 

The famous Gordini stripes with a modern twist are now available on Clio with the introduction in the UK of the Gordini 200.

Following in the recent slipstream of the Twingo Gordini 133, Clio Gordini 200 will appeal to the ever-growing number of drivers who are looking for a luxurious and sporting small car with an unmistakable French flair:

Clio Gordini 200 features a Renault i.d. Malta Blue metallic finish with twin white racing stripes on the bonnet, roof and tailgate, in keeping with its famous predecessors.

The front bumper is enhanced with a gloss black centre section and white F1-style ‘blade’. The door mirrors are also highlighted in white. This exclusive exterior styling package is completed by 17-inch Gordini alloy wheels with a polished face and black inner rim. ‘Gordini Series’ badging finishes the exclusive exterior design.

The same Gordini spirit continues inside thanks to Renaultsport seats in dark grey leather with blue details and Gordini-embossed logo. Blue detailing continues on the gearlever gaiter and Gordini-badged gearknob. The steering wheel is finished in blue and dark grey leather with two white stripes to indicate the centre point. The fascia features a white rev counter and the effect is completed with black gloss finish to the centre console, fascia inserts and air vent surrounds.

An exclusive plate will show the build number of the 500 exclusive examples that will come to the UK.

Clio Gordini 200 is based on the Renaultsport 200. This is celebrated for being great fun to drive, in no small part due to its chassis that perfectly matches its highly potent engine. The wizards at Renault Sport Technologies have beenlauded many times for their development work on Clio Renaultsport which the motoring Press has acknowledged as the best car in its class.

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FORD OFFERS WHITE WRC-STYLE WHEELS TO MARK END OF FOCUS RS PRODUCTION

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Jun 172010
 

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 15 June, 2010 — As the last UK-bound examples of its Focus RS superhatch reach British dealers, Ford is offering a special, WRC-style wheel option to commemorate the end of production.

The 19-inch, white-finished alloy wheels will be available at £500 per set, including VAT, to bring the visual impact of Ford’s award-winning fastest Focus even closer to that of Mikko Hirvonen’s ‘company car’.

David Calder Ford of Britain Product Manager, said: “The demand for Focus RS has been astounding. In barely a year since launch, we have sold almost our entire UK allocation – thanks in a large part to this Focus RS continuing the proud tradition of combining high-performance with practicality and affordability.

“We expect demand to be high for these last cars and we’re giving customers the chance to personalise them with this exclusive option.”

Video: Mini Vs Porsche Rocky-style training film

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Jun 172010