Traffic
PRESS | MADD Over Drunk Driving in GTA4
GamePolitics.com has posted a statement from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) who are upset with the virtual drunk driving that was included in GTA4 (Grand Theft Auto). They are calling for ESRB to re-rate the popular game as Adults Only (well good luck with that). No seriously, drunk driving is a very serious issue, but since Carmageddon didn’t produce a generation of road-raging-serial-killers, it’s hard to imagine that kids will take on the role of Nico. It’s all good, clean sober (most of the time) fun.
Each year nearly 13,500 people die in drunk driving crashes and another half a million are injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. This is why MADD is extremely disappointed by the decision of the manufacturers of the game Grand Theft Auto IV to include a game module where players have to drive drunk.
Drunk driving is not a game and it is not a joke. Drunk driving is a choice, a violent crime and it is also 100 percent preventable. MADD is calling on the Entertainment Software Ratings Board to reclassify Grand Theft Auto IV as an Adults Only game, a step up from the current rating of Mature and for the manufacturer to consider a stop in distribution – if not out of responsibility to society then out of respect for the millions of victims/survivors of drunk driving.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: MADD via GamePolitics.com)
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 | Land Rover LRX Hybrid Concept unveiled
(openPR) - Land Rover unveiled a vision of its future recently (January 13, 2008) at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) with the world debut of the LRX hybrid concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand’s progressive shift into new areas of the market while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions.
For more details contact Island Lincoln Mercury Jaguar Land Rover, the leading dealership for new and pre-owned Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles at Merritt Island, Florida (FL). Visit www.luxurychallenge.com or call 866-415-9833.
“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” Land Rover’s Managing Director Phil Popham said. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover”.
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. LRX has been conceived as a premium vehicle, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of an SUV and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.
Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, U.S. Federal-specification, 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern’s team, driven by a passion to create a vehicle that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile – and sophisticated. Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality.
For more details contact Island Lincoln Mercury Jaguar Land Rover, the leading dealership for new and pre-owned Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in Merritt Island, Florida (FL). Island Lincoln Mercury Jaguar Land Rover offers several features at its dealership, such as Finance Specials, Weekend Specials, New and Used Vehicle Specials, Pre Owned Specials and Lease Specials. Please visit the website at www.luxurychallenge.com for more details.
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)
PRESS | Carlsson CD32 - a mass of class
(openPR) - For all off-road enthusiasts the famous Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson is offering a complete tuning package, which clearly, if tastefully, underlines the modern features of the M-Class. Big, voluminous yet still sporty, with its performance tweaked to 269 bhp and a potent torque, and combining this with a touch of luxury, the CD 32 based on the ML 320 CDI always cuts a fine figure both in the countryside and in the metropolitan jungle.
Carlsson performance Kit C-Tronic® Diesel POWER
It is easy to be seen that this SUV needs plenty of power. In other words, there is a lot of weight that has to be moved. Hence, drivers of the ML 320 CDI will certainly appreciate the power of 269 bhp/198 kW. According to Carlsson, a maximum torque of 612 Nm is generated at 1800 rpm.
Carlsson attaches great importance to safety and reliability: correction maps ensure that reserves of the engine are only used when the temperature is in the safe operating zone. The straight-forward installation of the supplementary control unit, which is possible through Carlsson´s adapter system, is also interesting for the customer to avoid long waiting times. Thanks to the plug-and-play capability, it can be installed quite quickly and, if required, can also be rebuilt.
Stainless steel silencers with twin oval tailpipes each
The rear view of the CD32 is dominated by the four tailpipes of the Carlsson sports rear silencers, which not only give out an impressive, sonorous, sporty sound, but are also optimised, in comparison with the standard version, in terms of exhaust back pressure and gas conduction, and thus contribute to the achievement of greater torque and improved performance. The design of the tailpipes offers a significant practical advantage: they are double-walled, i.e. thermally insulated and, in addition, optimised in terms of air flow, thus guaranteeing less external dirt.
Electronic suspension lowering C-Tronic® SUSPENSION
Greater ride comfort in all situations
By means of the electronic lowering system C-Tronic® SUSPENSION, the centre of gravity of the vehicle is lowered by up to 40 mm. This results in a sporty look and better handling of the vehicle because of the limitation of roll. A further advantage of the improved aerodynamics, which are achieved by the lowering of the suspension, is the reduction in the front profile of the vehicle. This results in a higher top speed and better fuel consumption, particularly in the case of off-road vehicles. Whilst usual lowering systems for vehicles with electronic suspension confine themselves to lowering the centre of gravity of the vehicle, the innovative technology of the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION allows for automatic intelligent interaction with road conditions. On poor road surfaces and in response to the persistent spring deflection, which they cause, the lowering effect is automatically attenuated in order to ensure the appropriate spring travel required for the most comfortable ride.
Elegance for the adventurous
Even in its unmodified form, the ML 320 CDI is visually impressive with its interplay of strongly contoured panels and taut lines. The Carlsson design of the aerodynamic components lends support to the sovereign character of the new M-Class but at the same time gives it a sportier feel. The front spoiler and the lip on the rear skirt appear with the characteristic Carlsson ‘diffuser look’.
Wheel 1/11 Evo Brilliant Edition
The design of the Carlsson 1/11 Evo BE is a further development of the tried, tested and popular 1/11 BE wheel. With the new wheel, Carlsson has once again confirmed that the company’s claim that a wheel should not only have a visual impact but also offer technical benefits, e.g., that it is as light as possible.
For the ML-Class, Carlsson offers its 11-spoke wheel 1/11 Evo BE in the dimensions 11×22“ with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 285/30 R22 tyres.
Luxurious interior ambience
The interior design also fulfils the expectations aroused by the CD32 when approaching the car. Only the very best materials have been used for the interior appointments of the CD32. A combination of Alcantara and leather make the passenger compartment an inviting and pleasant place to be, even on very long journeys. With the ergonomic Carlsson sports steering wheel in leather / Alcantara or leather / wood, the driver can be sure of always having the car under control in a particularly pleasant way. Pedals made from aluminium add a sporty touch. Illuminated door exit lights show the way into a world of luxury and genuine atmosphere. Naturally, there are no limits on customer wishes when it comes to individual fittings and appointments for the car.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: openPR)
