Dubai’s Dot Info

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

On Thursdays before a Formula 1 GP weekend really kicks off, Bernd Maylander, the F1 safety car driver, and Dr. Jacques Tropenat, the F1 medical car driver, check out the trackside cameras and timing equipment. Steering identical Mercedes CLK 63's, they also check out their driving skills by seeing which one of them can set the best lap.

Bernd is a former race car driver who has been doing safety car duty since 2000. When the FIA decided to hire a professional safety car driver instead of using former F1 pilots, Bernd was plucked from the DTM series and given two years of training. Now, the hardest driving he does is when he's called out to parade the racers around during a caution. He knows how slow it looks on TV, but he says "I have to drive 99% up to my limit. I can't drive over my limit - that extra 1% is to make sure I'm safe. The drivers know I have to drive really hard in a much slower car, but if they push me then I know I can drive a little bit quicker. We have to play together." He also wins the award for The Most Obvious Quote of Memorial Weekend when he says "The difference between a safety car and a F1 car is like a jumbo jet and a star fighter. To put it simply, I could never win a Grand Prix in the safety car." That said, his only real competition is the Thursday bout with his medical colleague. Call it Fire Marshall Bill vs. McDreamy.

Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

[Source: BBC]

 

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

Click image for a gallery of the new Skoda Fabia

This is the ultimate car guy birthday cake. This advert for the Skoda Fabia is designed to hit you in the warm, gooey center. Right away, you're drawn in by dulcet tones from The Sound Of Music that trigger flashbacks to a Generation Y childhood and endless preschool sing-a-longs. Furthering the irresistible pull of the commercial is the fact that they're making cake. Anyone who can turn away from watching bakers at work is just dead inside. It's so much like what we gearheads do - look in the book, follow the instructions using your skills to ensure a proper result. Maybe it's just us wrench-turners who know our way around a kitchen, and are also suckers for confections. Whatever it is, even if it turns out to be subliminal flash frames (doesn't work, btw), the Skoda is so sweet, we want to take one home. Which is the point. Except, we still want it for dessert.

Thanks for the tip, Mr. Pink!

[Source: Skoda]
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Filed under: Etc., Euro, Government/Legal, Safety, Driving

The Gatso speed camera has been the bane of British drivers for the past couple of decades, but they at least had the hope that when they saw the flash the camera might be out of film. For those of you in the crowd who might not be old enough to drink legally," film" is this silver coated plastic strip that they used to put in cameras. It had to be processed in various chemicals to make images appear. Amazingly enough, the British speed cameras still use this antique technology, but not for much longer.

The Dutch company that builds the cameras for the British government has developed a digital imaging module to upgrade the cameras so that they will never run out of film again. The new units have 11-megapixel sensors and can monitor four lanes of traffic at once. They can also store thousands of images compared to the 200 for the film units. So now the traffic enforcers can ticket more people with less effort. We send our condolences to British drivers.

[Source: AutoExpress]

 

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Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

Click image to enlarge

The Golf lineup in the UK gets a slight reshuffling as Volkswagen consolidates two models -- the Golf GT and the Golf Sport -- into one, the new Golf GT Sport. The car gets a sporty outward look, with black headlight surrounds, a front end treatment that recalls the R32 and GTI, and a few other niceties like foglights and tinted glass. 17-inch alloys fill the wells and GT Sport badging identifies the car for what it is. Power comes either from the 1.4L TSI , or from a 2.0 TDI. Each engine is available in 140 hp and 170 hp configurations, and buyers can choose between six-speed manual or DSG transmissions. Both three-door and five-door bodies are available, and cars equipped with the stronger 170-horse mills get a pair of chrome exhaust tips out back.

There are more details after the jump in the VW UK press release. This GT Sport sounds like it stakes out the middle ground between the base Golf and the hopped-up GTI in fine fashion. We'd love to get our hands on one of the twin-charged TSI machines to get a driving impression. 170 horses from 1.4 liters sounds like fun to us.

[Source: VW]

PRESS RELEASE:
VOLKWAGEN INTRODUCES NEW GOLF GT SPORT TRIM

Volkswagen is set to replace the existing Golf Sport and GT trim levels with a single all-new model - the Golf GT Sport.

The Golf GT Sport debuts a purposeful new look as well as additional equipment over the models it replaces to deliver greater value. An all-new darkened grille section is intersected by a set of horizontal fins to forge a visual link with the other sporting models in the range - the potent GTI and R32 variants. Inset into the grille is a new 'GT Sport' badge. Framing the new nose are a pair of darkened headlights which visually separate the lenses into four, individual units. They sit above a set of fog lights mounted in the front air dams.

In profile the new GT Sport is distinguished by subtle tints to the rear windows and a set of 17-inch multi-spoke 'ClassiXs' alloy wheels fitted with 225/45 R17 tyres.

At the rear twin chrome exhausts on the 170 PS models are joined by discreet 'GT Sport' badges.

The subtle, sporting look continues inside. A leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake are fitted along with front sports seats, automatic light sensing headlights and rain sensing windscreen wipers. This is in addition to Climatic air conditioning, a CD stereo system with eight speakers and electric windows. Six airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) round off the high levels of standard equipment.

The purposeful exterior is backed up by dynamic underpinnings. The innovative 1.4-litre TSI engine which utilises both a supercharger and a turbocharger to generate high power outputs from a modest engine capacity while retaining high levels of economy is available in 140 PS and 170 PS guises. A single 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is also available in 140 PS and 170 PS outputs. Both petrol and diesel engines are available mated to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG transmissions.

The new Golf GT Sport will be available in both three- and five-door bodystyles when deliveries start later in the summer. It joins the existing S and Match trim levels in the Golf model range. Prices are set to start at £17,422 for the entry-level three-door variant specified with a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS engine, rising to £21,352 for the five-door model fitted with the 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS engine with DSG transmission.

 

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Filed under: Etc., Euro, BMW

Don't go getting too excited, it probably won't mean a crate version of the S65 or N54 for Roundel fans. Running an automaker is expensive, especially a manufacturer that leans more toward niche status than casting a wide net. BMW is looking at all options for future revenue, and one of the thoughts that's occured to the well-respected manufacturer of cars with chutzpah is to bank on its engineering chops and sell engines to other carmakers. Lotus has pimped themselves out for years to other automakers, and the Porsche name has ended up on things like hard drives, so BMW selling their award-winning engines to gain an extra stream of return on their investment is a far less radical move. Hey, if selling their more mundane powerplants to emerging markets like India and China keeps the coffers full and awesome performers rolling our way, we're all for it.

[Source: Motor Authority]

 

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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Ferrari

Michael Schumacher's credentials run the gamut: 1995's youngest double Formula 1 World Champion, most career wins, most wins in a season, most consecutive wins, etc. Now he can add a notch on his belt representing his role as test driver for Ferrari... or at least for a day.

Autocar spies caught a rare sight the other day -- a Ferrari 599 GTB on the Nurburgring rather than its test track in Fiorano. After witnessing some pretty serious hot rodding, the photographers zoomed in on the driver... only to see one Michael Schumacher at the wheel. Future profession for Schumi, or entertaining day trip? Hopefully we'll find out soon. High-res photo available here

Thanks for the tip, Wang Meng!

[Source: AutoCar]

 

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Filed under: Contests

click above image to enter to win an All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T!

The trick to having the best chance to win a sweepstakes like this is to enter every day. Today's Saturday, which means there are a lot of people who are going to miss their chance to enter because they have to mow the lawn, go out to eat with the family, or do whatever it is people do on Saturday. The point is, here is your chance to get a leg up by entering the (wait for it) Autoblog Relaunch Celebration Sweepstakes featuring the All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro for the fourth day in the row. Click here to enter!

If it's your first day entering, don't forget to return tomorrow and the next day to enter each day until the Sweepstakes concludes in the early morning of Friday, June 15th.

Much thanks to all the friends of Autoblog below, as well as sites we've never met before, who've alerted their readers to what we're up to. If you're site mentions the Nitro Sweepstakes, let us know by emailing a link to abresearch at gmail dot com, and we'll add you to the list below. Good luck!

• Jalopnik
• Winding Road
• Carscoop
• I4U News
• The Brian Alvey Weblog (he designed the original Autoblog)
• Autotropolis
• World Car Fans Blog
• Cheers and Gears
• Allpar.com
• ChryslerWeblog
• BloggingPro
• MediaVidea
• SRTforums.com
• Chargerforums.com
• 300Cforums.com
• Caliberforums.com
• Dodge-Nitro.com
• Challengertalk.com

 

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Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Click the image above to view photos of some of the world's messiest cars

At one point or another, most of us have a messy car. It might be because your schedule is crammed, you were just on a road trip, or maybe you just got lazy for a while. Eventually, you take 5-10 minutes to straighten out the slop so the interior of your ride isn't a health hazard.

Unfortunately, some people apparently like living in filth, so they drive around in what my mother would call a 'pig sty.' You may recall a story here on Autoblog about a woman's car that was so messy, debris got under her brake when she was driving and it led to an accident. Well, it turns out this woman is far from alone in the world of freakishly disgusting automotive hygiene. Call us crazy, but we're guessing these folks aren't dating anybody right now. Actually, we should all check to see if we know the person who owns the vehicle pictured above. Judging by the new baking pan in the back seat, there's a good chance that this person is planning on preparing food for more than one.

The attached gallery is home to a collection of rolling trash cans filled with mountains of waste that not only obstruct the view of the driver, they probably smell worse than a landfill. The photos come courtesy of our friends over at Gadling, and we suggest that you don't eat lunch while you're checking 'em out..

[Source: Gadling]
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Videos, Acura, Honda

It might look like an S2000 out there on the 'Ring, but something's not quite right. We've all ogled the spy pictures by now, but Inside Line has produced a nifty little video of what we all think is a development mule for the next Acura NSX. Just listen to that angry exhaust note - that ain't no 4 pot. The S2000 duds are a nice blending tactic - it doesn't draw that much attention to itself, and it gives Honda time to get it together after their body design was met with a yawn in Detroit. The grey bomber makes good use of its rumored 5.5 liter V10 and SH-AWD as it digs into corners and claws its way around the German racetrack. Unlike the original NSX, this time around, the Honda supercar platform will be front-engined, and may not be called NSX. The high points of this mule have already been covered, so click the pic and enjoy the video.

[Source: Inside Line]

 

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Filed under: Green, Tech

When AutoblogGreen interviewed Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard a couple of months ago, Martin emphasized that they were intent on creating a sustainable business out of building sustainable mobility cars. With Job 1 for the Roadster coming in a few months Tesla is now working on expanding its potential revenue streams. Earlier this week they announced a new division to sell their battery pack technology to other carmakers starting with Norway's TH!NK.

If they are successful in building battery powered cars and the technology spreads to other carmakers, we won't need so many gas pumps but drivers will still need to top up. Tesla has announced a $561,000 grant from the California Energy Commission to develop public charging stations. They will be working on 16kW stations that are UL approved and can be used by drivers at public locations to charge their electric vehicles. Grants also went to UC-Berkeley, UC-Davis and the Electric Power Research Institute.

[Source: Tesla Motors via AutoblogGreen]

 

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech

Right now in the U.S., hybrids are all the rage among drivers who want to be more green in what they drive, but it may not stay that way for much longer. New research by Ricardo and UBS is projecting that total sales of hybrid and diesel vehicles will hit 2.7 million annually by 2012, and that oil burners will account for 1.5 million of those sales. For those not good with math, the report is claiming that within five years, diesels will outsell hybrids in the U.S.

The report concludes that the added complexity of hybrid systems with their batteries, electric motors and internal combustion engines won't be able to overcome the cost advantage of a modern diesel engine, even with the expensive exhaust treatment systems needed to make diesels meet our new stricter emissions requirements.

Toyota, however, is projecting that it will achieve cost parity between hybrids and conventional drivetrains in the next few years. More likely is a scenario in which fuel efficiency and emissions requirements reach a point where diesel-hybrids become a necessity. As batteries improve and Series Hybrids like the Chevy Volt become a reality, diesels will be the likely choice as range extenders. In the short term, diesels are moving full speed ahead, at least from European manufacturers, so we'll just have to wait and see how American drivers take to them.

[Source: Ricardo]

 

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings

Between its numerous brands and divisions, the Fiat Group has, over the years, sent a lot of work the way of Pininfarina. As if the repeat business weren't enough, another indication of the Italian auto conglomorate's evident satisfaction with the design house's work is their most recent hire: Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

In various capacities at Pininfarina, Ramaciotti has been responsible for some 20 concept cars and dozens more production cars that have included some of Italy's most beautiful designs, as well as some of the more controversial. Included in his portfolio are the Maserati Quattroporte and Ferrari's 550 Maranello, 360 Modena, F430, 612 Scaglietti and Enzo. Having joined Pininfarina straight out of engineering school at Turin Polytechnic, he made his way up through the hierarchy to general manager, board member and finally to chief executive.

In his new position with the Fiat Group, Ramaciotti will be in charge of all designs for future products from Fiat's various divisions, most notably Maserati and several upcoming Alfa Romeos. He'll be reporting directly to group boss Sergio Marchionne, and we'll be keenly watching to see the fruits of his labors.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Fiat Group]

PRESS RELEASE:

Lorenzo Ramaciotti responsible for Style of Fiat Group Automobiles and Maserati

As of June 1, 2007, Lorenzo Ramaciotti will take on responsibility for the Style function of all the brands of Fiat Group Automobiles and for Maserati. He will directly report to Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiat Group.
Mr. Ramaciotti was born in 1948 in Modena and graduated in Mechanical Engineering at the Turin Polytechnic. He has a broad professional experience in automobile styling, which he earned at Pininfarina, one of the companies that represent the excellence of Italian styling.

He joined Pininfarina in 1973 and was soon charged with the responsibility for realising models and prototypes.
In 1982 he was appointed Deputy Manager of Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche at Cambiano, six years later he became General Manager and in 1994 he became a member of the Board of Directors.

In 2002 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pininfarina Ricerca e Sviluppo S.p.A.

During the 17-year-period in which he headed the Pininfarina design, he developed approximately 20 concept cars, several of which were awarded at the international level, and directed projects of successful automobiles, on behalf of Italian and several important foreign manufacturers.

He developed the Maserati Quattroporte, as well as some of the most beautiful Ferrari models: the 550 Maranello, the 360 Modena, the Ferrari Enzo, and the current Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti.

 

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Filed under: Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Porsche

Fughedaboudit. That's what Porsche is saying about German magazine Auto Bild's claim the sports car maker is going to build a smaller companion ute to the Cayenne called the Roxster that would share its DNA with the upcoming Q5 from Audi. The Stuttgart-based automaker issued a statement that was originally reported on the Dow Jones Newswires denying the Auto Bild report.

No reasons were given as to why the Roxster won't be built, which is odd since we imagine it would be an easy business case to make. Just like the Cayenne shares many components with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg, the Roxster would also share parts with the soon-to-arrive Audi Q5, as well as other models in the Audi range like the A4 and A6.

And who is Porsche kidding? This is one automaker that can longer claim its brand is sacred. The Cayenne looks like the Bearded Lady wearing a ball gown and the Panamera also takes the Porsche identity and applies it to an odd form. The Porsche badge could be applied to a riding lawnmower at this point (and it would sell!). Regardless, the official word from Germany is that the Roxster is not going to happen, which will just leave more sales for the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz's new CUV, the GLK.

[Source: Road and Track]

 

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Filed under: Auction Action, Cadillac

The JFK assassination was one of the most memorable moments in American history, and as of yesterday, a very large part of that history will be up for grabs on eBay. The 1964 Cadillac Miller & Meteor Hearse that carried President Kennedy's body was seen by of millions of people when JFK was driven to Love field, and now your neighbors can see it in your front yard. Included in the eBay auction is what is said to be the last known remaining original death certificate, which had errors that were later corrected and resulted in another certificate being issued. The hearse failed to sell in a May 5th auction, but bidding did go as high as $900,000.

We could see why an item like this would be a big draw at a museum or car show, but why an individual would want a hearse is beyond us. What's the selling point? "Hey, check out my hearse. Do you want to lay in the same spot as JFK's dead body?" Maybe we'd think differently if we had $1,000,000 to throw at a piece of Americana, but we don't.

[Source: eBay Motors via Sports Car Market]

 

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Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Coupes, Economy, Hatchbacks, Scion, Toyota

When Toyota's youth brand was born, there was an unwritten rule that it wouldn't grow beyond three models. Years later, Scion is an unqualified success having sold 170,000 units of the xA, xB and tC last year, which has Toyota execs wondering if just a few more units could be sold with a fourth model. The Car Connection got Scion's corporate manager Steve Haag to admit his brand does need to expand. Haag told TCC, "We have to offer more products, (though) we want to remain small."

Though a fourth vehicle, if produced, would still have to be an entry-level model to be called a Scion, Haag hinted that it would likely be something bigger and more expensive than what Scion currently offers. Haag also acknowledged that despite the green image of parent company Toyota, Scion models aren't fuel efficient enough to attract environmentally conscious car shoppers. As such, Scion could get its own hybrid as a fourth model.

The question is can Scion sell 200,000 units a year with its current three-model lineup, which includes the redesigned xB, all-new xD and tC, or will a fourth be needed to break through the ceiling? What type of model do you think Scion should sell next, or should it nix a fourth car and concentrate on improving the three it currently sells?

[Source: TCC]

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Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image to view more pics of the Acabion GTO

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is right around the corner on the weekend of June 22-24, and guess what, we're going! Every year (here's last year) we've had to watch from across that transcontinental puddle we call the Atlantic Ocean as pics from this most mega of car events trickle into our RSS feeds. For those not in the know, the Goodwood Festival of Speed centers around the famed hill climb on the grounds of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Drivers of every imagineable type of vehicle tackle the 1.16-mile long hill, and if you've got a camera in hand it offers the best photo ops of the year. Barring any surprises, we'll have a long lens on hand to capture every car that climbs the hill.

Good thing too, as word from the Goodwood folk is that this year's event will have a record number of new car debuts, including the Acabion GTO shown above, the two-wheeled fuselage that's claimed to be the fastest production car in the world with a 342 mph top speed. Looks Even for those cars that don't make the climb, organizers allow visitors to get closer to these cars on display than any other auto show in the world. Below is a list of some of the more impressive vehicles that will be on site, as well as links to more pics and info.

• Acabion GTO (Technically the world's fastest production car at 342 mph)
• Bristol Fighter T (1,012 bhp)
• Maserati Gran TurismoBentley Brooklands Coupé
• Porsche 911 GT3RS
• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
• Tesla Roadster
• Artega GT

Check after the jump for the FoS press release that lists even more cars that will be on hand to ogle.

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PRESS RELEASE:

THE 2007 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED HOSTS A RECORD NUMBER OF NEW CAR DEBUTS

A record number of important new cars will being making either their world, European or UK public debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed - to be held in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex from 22-24 June.

These range from the world's fastest production vehicle, the Acabion GTBO, claimed at an astonishing 342mph, to the most powerful (the 1012bhp Bristol Fighter T), and include the public debuts in action on the Goodwood Hill of the Maserati Gran Turismo, Caparo T1, Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster, Audi R8, Bentley Brooklands Coupé, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Porsche 911 GT3RS, bio-ethanol-powered Concept Climax, the electric Tesla Roadster, one-off Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 Enzo, RUF CT3, and Artega GT, to name but a few. A couple of still top-secret concepts from major manufacturers are also due to be revealed for the very first time at the Festival.

Other new models being seen publicly for the first time in the UK on static display at Goodwood will include the third-generation Ford Mondeo, Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, Mazda 2, and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, which will also take to the Hill.

interesting new initiatives from motor manufacturers, design specialists and other motor industry suppliers, recent concept cars such as the hydrogen-powered Ital Design Vadho, Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept and Mazda Hakaze will appear for the first time on British soil. Also on display are other ecologically-advanced concept vehicles not seen in Britain before, such as the hybrid Toyota FT-HS, and diesel-hybrid Peugeot 908 RC, along with projects such as the NissanPivo and Honda's Asimo robot, which illustrate how the automotive world is changing and pioneering new technologies to meet future transportation requirements and legislation. Continuing the high-tech theme, Toyota will demonstrate its 'personal mobility' I-Swing around its display outside Goodwood House throughout the event.

The displays at FoS-TECH promise to be visually and intellectually stimulating, with the exhibits ranging from concept cars, incorporating the very latest automotive thinking, as above, to alternative fuels and future personal transport solutions. FoS-TECH, in association with BP Ultimate, will be based in a purpose-built structure on the Festival's main Exhibition Area, close to the cricket pitch. All exhibits will be under cover, and Festival visitors will have close, direct access to the displays.

 

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Filed under: Etc.

Want a 2007 Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Corvette Z06, but the $80K you need to get it is currently tied up in pork futures? The fine folks at www.vettecollectibles.com can get you something that will do in the meantime. To go along with the 399 full-sized versions of the car, they are offering 399 1/24-scale die-cast editions. The models have a metal chassis, and opening hoods, doors, and trunks. Each one is also numbered, like the actual car, but will only run you $35 in this case. And honestly, short of the autograph on the $80K car, it'll put you just about as close to Ron Fellows as the people who bought the life-sized version.

Thanks, Bill!

[Source: VetteCollectibles.com]

 

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Filed under: Economy, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image for more angles of the 2007 Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is a small city car that's a big seller for the South Korean automaker. Though not sold in the U.S., the Picanto, which is based on the Hyundai Getz, is a hit in Europe and other export markets where teeny weeny autos are appreciated by the populace. Early next month, Kia will be debuting an updated Picanto at the Barcelona Motor Show in Spain. While far from all-new, the refreshed Picanto gets a more organic front end that reminds us a bit of the Hyundai Elantra that's sold in the U.S. The new front clip and rear bumper manage to grow the Picanto's overall length by 1.57 inches, but it's basically the same car underneath as before. The interior has also been upgraded, though it still appears to be chiseled from a giant block of hard plastic. Nevertheless, this new look has grown the Picanto from an awkward-looking city car into something that resembles a car even we Americans could excited about. After all, who doesn't love Lambo look-alike wheels on a micro mini?

You can rad Kia's official press release after the jump and check out the gallery by clicking below.

[Source: Kia]

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PRESS RELEASE:

NEW KIA PICANTO MAKES WORLD WIDE DEBUT IN BARCELONA

Kia's best seller is about to get bigger and better. Only millimetres bigger but miles better in every way, the face-lifted Picanto is set for a world debut at the Barcelona show on June 7.

Kia's design teams have updated Picanto to exude glamour while still maintaining its cheeky charm. A rounder nose and deeper rear bumper make the new model 40mm longer than its predecessor. Further changes in Picanto's looks are a result of all-new panels on the bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumpers. This new 'rounded' theme is also reflected in the light clusters and newly designed grille which will be gradually introduced across the Kia range. Fresh new colours and a restyled rounded exterior create a more intimate feel which continues on the interior as well.

The upgraded interior comes in five funky new colours to complement the nine new exterior colours on offer. New audio equipment and power steering will also enhance Picanto's high quality driving experience seldom offered in this sector.

Kia Motors European Vice President, Jean-Charles Lievens commented on this latest addition to the Kia range: "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving more than 250,000 sales across Europe in a segment where we previously had no presence. Now we have refreshed our small car, upgrading its equipment and introducing a range of customer benefits, we aim to maintain its appeal and expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years."

 

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Aston Martin

click above image for gallery

We certainly don't want to be called out for complaining about Aston Martin's current crop of designs. Were we to win the lottery tomorrow, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be high up on our list of cars to purchase the day after tomorrow. That said, we've lived with the Aston Martin's corporate style for a few years now, and at some point the next generation needs to be confronted.

When the time comes, Aston Martin should give this guy a call. Ruben Vela is a Spanish designer who just received his Masters Degree in Automotive Design last year from Polytechnic University in Valencia. He created the DB-ONE Concept you see above (and in the high-res gallery below). Vela says that the design's most important element is "dynamism", kind of a subtle tension between the car's surfaces and lines that gives it an energy even when static. The front grille is much larger than current Aston models and becomes the focal point of the DB-ONE's front end, while the narrow slit headlights ensure that the massive expanse of sheetmetal presents a dominant front end. A true two-seater, the DB-ONE's windshield extends up and over the cockpit to let the sun shine in, as well. The extremely tapered rear is probably the least production feasible element on the car, though it definitely adds to the "static motion" theme.

Check out more pics of the Ruben Vela's Aston Martin DB-ONE Concept in the high-res gallery.

[Source: Car Body Design via DieselStation]

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Filed under: Economy, Euro, Green, Hatchbacks, MINI

Mini Cooper D. Click image for photo gallery.

Come August, the European MINI range will undergo a revamp that results in fuel economy and emissions improvements across the board. The most impressive numbers come from the Cooper D (for diesel), which as you know is unavailable here. We'll use the car's US mpg measurements for the sake of discussion (the press info after the jump uses measurements based on the larger Imperial gallon). The current Cooper D gets 53.4mpg as is, but after the changes it'll jump to a tick over 60 mpg. At the same time, its CO² emissions will drop from 118g/km to 104g/km.

As you'll see after the jump, every car makes, including the Cooper S, whose combined-cycle fuel economy will rise to almost 38 mpg. The regular MINI Cooper will go 43 miles on a single gallon, and the Europe-only MINI One will do slightly better, getting 44 and change. MINI pulls this off by incorporating regenerative braking, a driver-defeatable stop/start system on manual-transmission-equipped cars, and by adding a shift indicator that tells the driver what gear to select to ensure that maximum efficiency is being achieved. We see no reason why these changes couldn't be incorporated on the USDM Cooper and Cooper S, and hope that 's part of the plan. Next step: work on getting that Cooper D over here, okay? We want that.

Full PR with before-and-after numbers is pasted after the jump. You can use TDIClub's conversion calc to translate the Imperial measurements to our own.

[Source: MINI via AutoblogGreen]
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PRESS RELEASE:
72.4mpg. 104 g/km CO 2. No batteries required.

MINI hatches plan to clean up with revised engine range

MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Group's cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO 2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

When production of the revised models begins in August 2007, there will be no requirement for alternative fuel sources or hybrid technology to achieve these stunning stats. All model variants will instead be supplied as standard with high-tech engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience.

Efficiency improvements are consistent across the revised MINI hatch range.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display complete a package that will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.

Brake Energy Regeneration works by using an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, which saves fuel. The IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery.

The Auto Start-Stop Function, available with manual transmission cars,automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. The system may be de-activated at the touch of a button when not required.

Switch Point Display aids drivers of manual transmission MINIs in selecting the most economical gear in which to drive. The engine management system analyses speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates optimum gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the cockpit display.

Even without these technology advancements in place, MINI leads the new car market for year-on-year improvements in clean engine manufacturing. CO 2 output per car has been reduced in the last year by an impressive 14 per cent. Putting that into perspective, the industry average was recorded at a lowly 0.3 per cent.*

To put the icing on the cake for customers, MINI Cooper D owners will continue to benefit from the car falling into VED tax band B. So savings are not only made in carbon emissions, but at the fuel pumps and the Post Office when replacing an annual road fund licence too. Little wonder then that MINI UK is again celebrating a month of record car sales!**

 

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