Car Buying
PRESS | Debut for new Ford Fiesta
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 15 February, 2008 – FUN-loving and fashionable, sensational and safe; Ford’s all-new Fiesta is guaranteed to wow the crowds when the wraps come off at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Taking much of its exterior and interior design from the striking Verve Concept, the next generation of Britain’s best-loved small car promises to shake up the supermini scene at its global premiere.
More than 12 million Fiesta models have been sold since its introduction in 1976, and the arrival of this latest Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of Ford’s most successful small car. Following the company’s ‘kinetic design’ philosophy introduced on all the latest models, the 2008 Fiesta marks a major leap forward in terms of style, craftsmanship, quality of materials and model choice.
Behind the innovative design, however, lies a car that remains true to Fiesta fundamentals of practicality, affordability, agility and safety. The compact congestion-busting dimensions remain yet the head-turning looks wrap a structure that’s both lighter and stronger than before.
Thoroughly modern and designed to meet every need and desire of today’s supermini buyers, the sixth generation of the Fiesta family will be offered in both three and five-door bodystyles. The prominent coupé-like profile of both versions indicates how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production. Make no mistake about it – this is a small car with a big presence.
It’s a similar story inside. A Verve Concept interior – the futuristic, mobile phone-inspired, human-machine interface technology of the instrument panel centre stack – will be a core feature of the new Ford Fiesta when it hits the road.
The Ford Convers+ system – already available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models – will also feature, representing a major step forward for the small car buyer. It is just one of several new features and technologies, including keyless vehicle technology symbolised by the distinctive ‘Ford Power’ button on the instrument panel.
Connectivity is another new Fiesta strength. The new centre console features a convenient tray for MP3 players complete with built-in sockets for an auxiliary (AUX) audio and USB cables, along with the traditional 12 volt outlet. This allows the car’s audio system to control and charge the MP3 player. Bluetooth® connectivity with voice control is also offered in the new Fiesta, along with more big-car technologies.
Powering the Fiesta to global success is a mix of efficient petrol and diesel engines. The 1.25-litre (60 and 80PS) and 1.4-litre (91PS) Duratec petrol units are joined by a new Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT (115PS) option. This advanced powertrain provides an additional 15PS over the outgoing model but, thanks to variable valve timing, with no fuel consumption penalty.
For the ultimate in economy, Ford’s TDCi common-rail diesel engines will continue to be offered in 1.4-litre (68PS) and 1.6-litre (90PS) guises. Later in 2008 a Fiesta ECOnetic with CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km will become available.
From launch, all Fiestas will be equipped with the slick Ford Durashift five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic transmission will be available on selected models.
Throughout each generation, the Fiesta badge has always been synonymous with agile, entertaining handling and this remains the case. The bold new design may be tougher and safer but this isn’t at the sacrifice of driving enjoyment. New Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone significant development.
Ford’s acclaimed dynamics engineers worked hard to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin. The result is an impressively quiet drive for a small car.
Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.
Summing up the latest Fiesta ahead of its Geneva debut Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe said: “All the vital elements of ‘kinetic design’ have been translated into the new Fiesta to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy.
“New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says ‘I want one’ which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers.”
Full technical details and UK trim levels for the new Fiesta range will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Ford Motor Company)
PRESS | All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
02/10/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. - Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura’s popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.
“The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, “The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand.”
Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.
The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Honda)
PRESS | Flashily-dressed giant: The HAMANN Porsche Cayenne “Cyclone”
(openPR) - The Porsche Cayenne enjoys great popularity with the customers. No wonder, since the noble SUV combines power and design. HAMANN MOTORSPORT in Laupheim offers various modifications for Porsche Cayenne to refine it and to make it more individual. The most obvious alteration ist the shapely and mighty envelopment. Fitted with the HAMANN wide body-kit the Cayenne becomes the “Cyclone”!
A true HAMANN without aerodynamical conversion is inconceivable. Even more so, when the vehicle in question is a Power SUV like the Cayenne. Brandnew is the HAMANN wide body-kit, which make the Cayenne appear even more imposing. Fitted with this kit, the Cayenne may call itself „Cyclone“ .
The front view presents itself in an unmistakable optical characteristic. The specialists in Laupheim designed a front spoiler with two integrated LED-daytime running lights and fog lamps each. By offering the LED daytime running lights HAMANN makes a valuable safety contribution. Three high performance-LEDs and 250 reflectors lead to a better signal aspect. Their lucent white signal light is highly visible even at daytime and warns oncoming traffic fast and efficiently, which in case of emergency leads to better reaction time. Further advantage: LEDs beat normal H7-bulbs in terms of durability because they can be used 30 times longer. Additionally, they lead to less fuel consumption which is a result of their better energy-efficiency.
But even with switched off LED´s the „Cyclone“ is a flashily-dressed giant. The front and rear extended wheel arches give the Cayenne an absolutely powerful. The back also demonstrates individual power: roof spoiler and rear-facing panel with integrated diffuser and cut-out for the HAMANN 4-pipe sports competition silencer. The tail lights with four individual light fixtures are real eye-catchers.
Corresponding to the performance and in order to provide suitable optical characteristics, HAMANN offers a lowering system for all vehicles with pneumatic shock absorption. The vehicle is thus lowered in front and rear by approx. 35 millimetres. Of course, the vehicle thus reacts distinctly more accurately to the steering system and offers pure driving pleasure.
The specifically developed HAMANN brake system for the front axle with slotted and ventilated brake discs sized 380 x 34 millimetres, aluminium disc chamber, sports brake linings and steelflex brake pipes. The eight-piston fixed calliper disc brakes in silver complete the system and apply a powerful grip. At the rear axle an four-piston brake system with slotted and ventilated brake discs sized 380×28mm plus the same hardware as above support the system working at the front.
Optimal contact with the road is guaranteed by the HAMANN light-alloy wheels ANNIVERSARY II for 22 inch tyres. The multi-part aluminium wheel in multi-spoke design is available in the dimensions 10.5 J x 22 inches for front and rear axle. If you prefer it a size larger, you can also have the size 11.5 J x 22 inches for the rear axle, but then only in combination with the flared wheel arches. The silver ANNIVERSARY II with high gloss polished rim flange is fitted with tyres in 295/30 ZR 22 (front) and 315/30 ZR 22 (rear).
The appearance of the three-piece, ultra light forged wheels EDITION RACE in crossing spoke design and black wheel spider is identified through its nine main spokes double-attached, branching and continually double-crossing towards the outside rim. Its stirring design becomes particularly noticeable through Titan studs. The high-polished flange is icing on the cake to complete this luxurious look. The wheel EDITION RACE comes in an impressive 11×23” with tyres 315/25 R23.
HAMANN equips the “Cyclone” with high performance tires from technology partners HANKOOK.
Sound tuning – with some additional horse power produced at the same time – is accomplished by HAMANN with its sports exhaust systems. Sports headers and sports metal catalytic converters including connecting pipes for the HAMANN 4-pipe-sports rear silencer made from stainless steel, evoke thoughts of a raging cyclone closing in!
As in all HAMANN models, there are no limits to the customer’s requirements in respect of the passenger compartment. Can’t be done? – that’s not true! An absolute must is the pedal set including aluminium foot rest. Of course, the exclusive pearl velours floor mats with the silver, embroidered HAMANN logo are also indispensable. A three spoke airbag-equipped sports steering wheel connects the driver even better to his vehicle. Additional motorsports atmosphere provides the 36-piece carbon coated interior-set. Passengers preferably never want to get out of the „Cyclone“, when HAMANN fits out the passenger compartment with its „Twotone Snake“ full leather equipment. There really isn´t much room left for more precious interior! As always, HAMANN applies the rule „nothing is impossible“. Every Cayenne is customized according to each customer’s specific requests, for example with extensive multimedia conversions.
Further information to the extensive HAMANN tuning program can be found under website www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.de .
PRESS RELEASE (Source: openPR)
PRESS | Tata Motors unveils the People’s Car
Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, today unveiled the Tata ‘NANO’, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development, which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People’s Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People’s Car will be launched in India later in 2008.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said, “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
Stylish, comfortable
The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.
Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.
Fuel-efficient engine
The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.
Meets all safety requirements
The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.
Environment-friendly
The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
(For more information: www.tatanano.com )
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Tata Motors)
