2008 Aston Martin Claims Victory @ Nurburgring 24 Hours Review

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 – whose model designation is named after the classic 24-hour event – has claimed its best-ever finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with three cars taking the top three positions in the class.

A team consisting of Japanese journalist Shin-ichi Katsura, Hong Kong-based writer Matthew Marsh, and German racing driver Oliver Mathai finished 18th out of 220 starters in the endurance classic, clinching the SP8 class victory. This eclipses Aston Martin’s previous best finish at the event of 24th in 2006 using the very same car, nicknamed ‘Rose’.

It could very easily have been two Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 cars in the top 20, as another N24, ‘Kermit’ – fitted with the new 4.7 litre engine and Sportshift™ transmission – was actually running ahead of ‘Rose’ with just three hours to go. Unfortunately, another car failed to notice it coming past, and the result was a broken steering arm and a time loss of more than 20 minutes for the Aston Martin.

‘Kermit’ – crewed by Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez, journalist Richard Meaden, Aston Martin Future Technologies Manager Chris Porritt and development driver Wolfgang Schuhbauer – finished 27th and third in class.

Claiming second place in the class, with 26th overall, was the V8 Vantage N24 of customer team Swiss Gentle Racing.

Aston Martin Austria also entered a DBRS9 supported by Aston Martin Racing, with a driver line-up of Tomas Enge, Robert Lechner, Stefan Mücke and Karl Wendlinger. The car ran as high as third overall in the early stages of the race, and Enge also set one of the fastest laps of the event. The DBRS9’s chances however were permanently compromised by another competitor driving into it at around the three-hour mark.

The car was in the garage for repairs to the rear drivetrain for over an hour, but the impact had a more serious effect than was originally thought. The drivers reported inconsistent handling throughout the remainder of the event, which caused Wendlinger to go off at about 8am on Sunday morning. The resulting cosmetic and mechanical damage took yet more time to fix, and the car subsequently finished down the order. Nonetheless, the team fulfilled its objective of learning more about the DBRS9 in the uniquely challenging conditions of the Nürburgring, which is widely reputed to be the most demanding circuit in the world.

Weather forecasts before the start of the race, which got underway at 15:00 on Saturday, predicted heavy overnight rainfall but thankfully this did not entirely materialise. There were several patchy rain showers in the early hours of the morning, which made tyre choice extremely delicate. Despite these tricky conditions, all the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24s were metronomically reliable throughout the race, with not one single component failure over the 24 hours and approximately 3795 kilometres.

Shin-ichi Katsura, competing with Aston Martin for the first time at the Nürburgring, said: “This is the most fun I have ever had in a racing car. I’ve competed at this circuit before with different cars, but this is the most stability I have ever experienced here. The car is actually very easy to drive, and you can use all of its potential with no problems. I’m very happy and proud to be a member of the class-winning Aston Martin team.”

Matthew Marsh, who had to cope with the worst of the wet and dry weather very early on Sunday morning commented: “The driving conditions then were extremely difficult. Often in those marginal situations you go into endurance mode, so I wasn’t willing to risk anything at all. At the time I wondered if we were going too slowly, but this win makes it all worthwhile. It’s been a great fight and an amazing result.”

Oliver Mathai, the most experienced racing driver of the winning triumvirate, reported: “I have to say that the car was simply perfect from start to finish. This race went like a dream for us: we didn’t have any problems at all and even the traffic and the weather wasn’t too bad. I drove a lot during the 24 hours, but the time flew past as I was having a lot of fun behind the wheel.”

Dr Bez, who himself competed in the race as part of the ‘Kermit’ crew – concluded after finishing his final stint today: “I’m delighted that Aston Martin has finished first, second and third in such a competitive class – where all the entered cars were capable of winning. We’re very pleased to have three cars in the top 30, and I’d like to extend particular congratulations to the Swiss Gentle Racing team. By finishing second, they have proved again that the Vantage N24 can be competitively raced by independent customer teams. We have seen teamwork here throughout the weekend that fully represents the high standard of Aston Martin.”

Aston Martin’s next engagement will be even more high-profile, as the team tackles the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours from June 14-15.

2009 Renault Laguna Coupe Review

Renault has chosen the glamorous weekend which sees the Cannes Film Festival coincide with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix to take the wraps off Laguna Coupe. The flowing lines of the newcomer’s elegant, uncluttered design express timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment. Its performance provides unprecedented pleasure behind the wheel thanks to the combination of its Active Drive chassis equipped with four-wheel steering – which has been acclaimed by the media across Europe on the GT version of Renault Laguna – and the two new V6 powerplants which have been introduced at the same time as this image-forging vehicle. The brand new V6 dCi, which is poised to become a benchmark in terms of performance and pleasure, delivers 235hp (173kW), while the new 3.5-litre petrol-powered V6 offers 240hp (175kW). Laguna Coupe stands out as an inspiring, four-seater with genuine sensual appeal and will be shown in further detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show in October.

Saturday May 24 saw Renault President Carlos Ghosn arrive at the foot of the illustrious steps of the 61st Festival International du Film de Cannes at the wheel of Renault Laguna Coupe. The occasion marked the first public showing of the new model’s definitive, distinctive lines and was a fitting way for the carmaker to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its exclusive partnership with the famous film festival. Renault Laguna Coupe also profited from the weekend to make a guest appearance around the track of the 66th Monaco Grand Prix to showcase its sporting credentials. Two Laguna Coupes completed several laps of Monaco’s legendary circuit in the hands of ING Renault F1 Team test drivers Lucas di Grassi and Romain Grosjean, providing the many thousands of spectators with a unique and unexpected show.

Renault Laguna Coupe bears a close resemblance to the racy concept car revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, while its elegant styling and proportions boast all the hallmarks associated with truly exceptional coupes. Its distinctive front end suggests the presence under the bonnet of the finest Renault-Nissan Alliance engines which have been designed and developed to ensure supreme driving enjoyment. Indeed, Renault Laguna Coupe is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100kph in less than seven seconds, and this upper-range performance combines with the Active Drive chassis and four-wheel steering to deliver optimum pleasure at the wheel.

Head-turning, racy styling

The flowing lines of Renault Laguna Coupe’s elegant, uncluttered design express a blend of timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment. There is no mistaking the legacy it has inherited from the show car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 and from the Renault Laguna range at the top of which it is destined to preside. With a length of 4.64 metres and a width of 1.83 metres, its proportions are nicely balanced, while the character line which stems from the grille rises forcefully along its flanks, like a wave of air, gracefully underpinning the design of its front wings before extending rearwards to highlight its muscular haunches. The glazed area of its windows is shown off to its best advantage by a pure, flowing arc. Sitting on its 17- or 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, Laguna Coupe’s stance exudes a sense of dynamism and power thanks to a wheelbase dimension of 2.69m and a height of 1.40m. This sensation is echoed by the pronounced crease-lines of its long bonnet and by its new variant headlamps. The rear, meanwhile, features a very short overhang and broad, slim lights which give Laguna Coupe a bright, distinctive lighting signature which suggests refinement and power, especially at night when the indicators form a halo that picks out the contours of the thin red LEDs.

Four-wheel steering for an exceptional ride

Developed jointly by Renault Engineering and specialists from Renault Sport Technologies, Laguna Coupe’s technologically-advanced chassis guarantees the ultimate in dynamic performance. Its outstanding agility and stability set new standards when it comes to safety and surefooted handling, while the new car corners with unrivalled directional precision as if it were on rails. Following its introduction on the GT version of Renault Laguna, this chassis has naturally been carried over to Laguna Coupe and is particularly suited to being powered by the new car’s V6 engines. At low speeds, the Active Drive chassis and four-wheel steering system enhance manoeuvrability and it takes drivers no time at all to familiarize themselves with their characteristics. In town, as well as on twisty roads, the car is easy to drive and offers outstanding handling precision. It makes choosing the optimal cornering line intuitive and further enhances the pleasure experienced behind Renault Laguna Coupe’s wheel, a feeling reinforced by the absence of transient dynamic phenomena through turns and by its directional precision at small low steering wheel angles. On the active safety front, the Active Drive chassis equipped with four-wheel steering excels not only under braking in difficult conditions (asymmetric grip, deployment of ESP), but also when taking avoidance action (the so-called ‘elk test’).

Meanwhile, the high level of travelling comfort ensures peace of mind for all occupants who can sense Laguna Coupe’s unrivalled active safety.

Powertrains with pedigree

Under the bonnet of Renault Laguna Coupe, the brand-new V6 dCi, which is destined to become a benchmark in terms of performance and driving pleasure, develops 235hp (173kW) and peak torque of 450Nm. The same figure for the petrol 3.5 V6 powerplant, which is mated for the first time with the AJ0 automatic six-speed transmission it shares with the diesel engine, is 330Nm, while maximum power is 240hp (175kW). In this configuration, Renault Laguna Coupe can accelerate to 100kph in less than seven seconds. Renault Laguna Coupe also naturally benefits from the best engines available for Laguna, in particular the top performing versions of the range’s two-litre petrol and diesel powerplants.

Immersive experience with Microsoft®’s Deep Zoom technology

Friday May 23 saw the inauguration of a bespoke Renault Laguna Coupe website. Building on the success of the Renault Laguna launch in 2007 (inside new laguna), the experience has been carried over for customers who wish to find out more about Laguna Coupe. The www.laguna-coupe.com website has been developed in an exclusive European association with Microsoft®. Thanks to a landmark innovation known as Deep Zoom technology, it has been designed to evolve constantly depending on the latest news to offer an immersive experience at the very heart of this exceptional coupe.

Renault Laguna Coupe will be shown in greater detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and will be available for international media road tests immediately after that. As the spearhead of the Laguna range, it has been designed to offer sheer driving pleasure and plays a key role in the Renault’s brand’s expansion in the upper-range market. Renault Laguna Coupe epitomizes this savoir-faire when it comes to motoring enjoyment and quality which is built into its genes and which can be seen in the finish which matches even the most demanding standards. Laguna Coupe will be introduced progressively across the Renault sales network from mid-October featuring a long list of luxury equipment.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Hits LA Beaches Review

Ford is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to help save lives while protecting the environment. Today, Ford presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline.

“We are the largest lifeguard organization in the world, and we have always blazed the trail for the profession,” said Mike Frazer, chief, Lifeguard Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department. “We wanted to be the first public safety agency in the country to go green.”

“This continues the Escape Hybrid’s impressive string of endorsements,” said Hal Dewsnap, California regional sales manager for Ford Motor Company. “In addition to being clean and fuel-efficient, the Escape Hybrid is highly functional and durable, proven in hundreds of thousands of miles in taxi service in New York and San Francisco. Now, we are adding lifeguard duty to the list.”

There is no better vehicle for that assignment than the world’s most fuel-efficient SUV. The front-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid returns 34 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. Intelligent four-wheel-drive models, like the ones used by the lifeguards, return 29 mpg city and 27 highway.

“The Escape Hybrid is one of the cleanest vehicles available today,” added Freeman Thomas, Ford Design Director whose studio developed the design of the Lifeguard vehicles. “It meets California’s strict Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) standard. To put it in a California summer context, it releases fewer smog-forming emissions into the atmosphere during a three-hour drive (about 180 miles) than grilling one hamburger in your back yard.”

Frazer says he knew that the Escape Hybrid was an ideal choice from an environmental standpoint, but he admits to having some initial reservations about whether an SUV would function as well on the beach as the compact pickup trucks the lifeguards were used to driving.

“The switch from a pickup to an SUV was something new to us, but when Ford brought the Escape Hybrid down to the beach, we were amazed at how well it performed,” he said, adding that he was particularly surprised by the vehicle’s ability to navigate through the sand without getting stuck.

With the Escape Hybrid, Frazer says he was also able to make more precise turns, enjoy extra headroom (he’s 6′5″) and gain greater visibility, which is a huge safety plus on the beach.

“We need to be able to see as much as possible because there’s so much activity on the beach, especially in the summertime,” he said. “When we’re responding to a rescue, we want to get there quickly and safely.”

Shortly after that initial field test, a team of designers from Ford’s Irvine studio visited the beach to do a little “guerrilla research,” says Ford designer Jeff Nield.

“These people save lives, so this was not just an exercise in styling,” said Nield. “We wanted to design features for them that are functional and could potentially save them valuable time in an emergency situation.”

Careful inspection of the previous trucks the lifeguards were using revealed various makeshift storage areas for critical equipment.

“What happened in the past is that different lifeguards would set vehicles up differently, so if you worked at one beach and then got called in a crisis to another location, you would have to search to find the emergency tools you needed because the storage area was not standardized,” he said.

The Ford designers decided to remove 60 percent of the rear seat on the driver’s side and replace it with a rescue equipment storage unit – an aluminum box with specially designated spaces for important emergency equipment, such as defibrillators, trauma boxes and oxygen tanks.

The remaining 40 percent of the seat was left intact in case the lifeguards had to transport someone, such as a lost child.

According to Ford Design Project Manager, Greg Hutting, the lifeguards’ multiple radios also presented the design team with a challenge.

“In the previous vehicle, they had three or four different radios pushed wherever they had room,” he said. “We pulled out the center console and replaced it with a radio rack that keeps all of their equipment lined up and organized.”

Ford designers also outfitted the Escape Hybrids with a custom-fit roof rack for the lifeguards’ paddle board and spine board, and easy-to-clean rubber floor mats and cargo liners.

When it came to the exterior, Nield says it was important to make the vehicle look “fresh but not trendy.” The vehicles were painted a vibrant yellow – iconic for lifeguards – and then detailed with authoritative graphics and finished off with dark wheels.

“We really pushed to make the vehicle look as rugged as possible,” said Nield.

Frazer says he couldn’t be more pleased. “The vehicles look amazing, they perform great and they are hybrids, so they are good for the environment,” he said. “It’s a win, win, win situation for us.

It’s also a win for Ford Motor Company.

“The lifeguards are going to be pushing these vehicles to the limit, and they need the best vehicle to get the job done,” added Nield. “They had choices, and they chose the Ford Escape Hybrid.”

2008 G-Power BMW M6 Hurricane 635hp Review

One of the world’s fastest and most powerful convertibles is made by G-POWER. The 335-km/h G-POWER M6 HURRICANE is based on the latest BMW M6. At the heart of the high-performance convertible is a five-liter V10 engine with G-POWER BI-Kompressor system that delivers 635 hp / 467 kW.

To achieve the desired increase in power output of 128 hp / 94 kW for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 507 hp / 373 kW, G-POWER has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank. Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-POWER to install two of them in the tight confines of the M6 engine bay. With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output than the limited boost pressure of 0.4 bars featured at the M6 HURRICANE convertible. In comparison. The G-POWER M5 V10 HURRICANE based on the BMW M5 with a boost pressure of 0.7 bars is producing 730 hp and holds the record for the fastest street legal BMW with a top speed of 360 km/h.

The pre-compressed charge air is cooled down in a highly efficient dual-flow water-to-air intercooler system that is mounted above the engine. This measure optimizes power yield, throttle response and also ensures the engine’s thermal health. Specially developed mapping for engine electronics and SMG gearbox controls coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components.

The supercharged M6 V10 engine produces its maximum power output of 635 hp / 467 kW between 7,500 and 8,200 rpm. The high efficiency rate of the two ASA superchargers, each spinning at up to 100,000 rpm and more, results in a torque diagram that rises early and at 4,800 rpm already surpasses the production engine’s peak torque of 520 Nm, delivered at 6,000 rpm. The new peak of 600 Nm is reached at 7,200 rpm. This special characteristic is, apart from the outstanding reliability and long life qualities, the reason why ALPINA features the ASA superchargers in their models B5, B6 and B7, as well.

Acceleration performance benefits from the perfect performance characteristic accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of 4.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in 11,9 seconds the 2-ton convertible accelerates like a true sports car. The 300-km/h barrier is shattered after 34,5 seconds from standstill. Contrary to the production car the G-POWER HURRICANE is not limited electronically to a top speed of 250 km/h but to 320 km/h. The determining factors therefore are weight, tyres and most important the soft top of the M6 convertible.

The enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes.

The G-POWER front apron, upon request also available made from especially light carbon fiber, replaces the production part in its entirety. Its large air inlets provide optimal supply of cooling air for all radiators and front brakes. At the same time the spoiler minimizes lift on the front axle at high speeds. The G-POWER rocker panels smooth the airflow between the wheel houses and give the M6 a longer, lower and sleeker appearance. Lift on the rear axle is reduced by the carbon-fiber rear diffuser for the G-POWER rear apron.

Even better driving dynamics and more exclusive looks are the hallmark of the G-POWER Silverstone 21-inch light-alloy wheels that fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. The drop-center rims have brilliant-graphite coated centers while the outer rim wells and spokes are polished. They are mounted in sizes 9.5 J x 21 with size 255/30 ZR 21 tires in front and size 10.5 J x 21 wheels with size 295/25 ZR 21 tires on the rear axle. Technology partner Dunlop provides the perfect high-speed tires.

The large wheels make room for the G-POWER high-performance brake system with eight-piston fixed calipers and 380 x 34 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. The M6 handling can be made even sportier by installing the height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

The G-POWER M6 HURRICANE convertible is available as a fully converted car starting at 183,000 Euros. Any existing M6 – sedan and wagon – can also be upgraded with the G-POWER twin-compressor system along with numerous items from the extensive G-POWER tuning accessories lineup. For M6 coupé drivers only is the 730 hp version of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system available, as well.

Edo Competition Updates Ferrari Enzo Review

Specifications
Engine V12
Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm
Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance

Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s
0 ̵ Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system,
high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

Wheels can be custom-painted on request

Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel

Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

Specifications
Engine V12
Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm
Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance

Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s
0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s

Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires
Front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19
Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)

New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX
1; 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s

Features

Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system,
high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

Wheels can be custom-painted on request

Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel

Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires
Front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19
Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)

New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Review

On the heels of the successful introduction of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, Mitsubishi Motors announces the availability of the more technologically-advanced 2008 Lancer Evolution MR, the newest and most sophisticated version of the model series that began 16 years ago.

Shown coming off the production line in Japan, the Lancer Evolution MR arrives at showrooms in the U.S. in June and is available for a suggested retail price of $38,290. The MR features more user technology and a broader market appeal than the entry level GSR, including an advanced 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission.

The Lancer Evolution MR is available with an optional technology package for $40,840 that includes a 30GB hard drive navigation system with music server, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, pre-paid Sirius Satellite Radio capability and FAST Key entry, which allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control and grasping the handle.

Since its introduction earlier this year, the tenth-generation 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR has met positive reactions across the industry for maintaining a balance of core performance values and improved all-around capability and user-technology:

“Like every previous Lancer Evolution, the Evo X redeems its various idiosyncrasies with a fantastic engine and drivetrain.” — Automobile

“The car is impressive, not only for the gains in performance and handling, but also the subtle transformation from hardcore rally racer to high performance all-wheel-drive sports sedan.” – AutoWeek

“The Evo X drives like nothing else in the world.” — Car and Driver

“Mitsubishi has strengthened the Evo’s slick-shifting five-speed manual for the tuner crowd. Shifter is nearly perfect.” — Edmunds Inside Line

“Whether manual tabbed or left in auto, S-Sport gear changes are brutally quick with the kind of shift violence seen only in Italian exotics.” — MotorTrend

“Is the new EVO better than before? — The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’” — MSN Autos

“Bottom line: It’s drive-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, four-wheel fun.” — Popular Mechanics

“The new Lancer Evolution is no longer just for weekend boy racers; it has evolved into a complete sports sedan, one with enough of a wild side to thrill anyone.” — Road & Track

“The introduction of the 2008 Lancer Evolution MR with TC-SST gives us an opportunity to expand upon the existing Evolution customer base,” said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA. “The added capability and functionality of the new Lancer Evolution vehicles make them a more viable option for everyday driving, while maintaining the rally-inspired heritage that has made the series a global performance car icon.”

Both 2008 Lancer Evolution models will be on display at the 2008 Mitsubishi Owner’s Day taking place in Cypress, CA on July 19, 2008.

2008 Volkswagen Golf Fleet World Honors Review

Volkswagen has won four key awards at the 2008 Fleet World Honours, which were presented at a ceremony earlier today. The mainstay of the Volkswagen range, the Golf, was named Best Fleet Car for the second year running, while the manufacturer also claimed the gong for Best Diesel Range. In the Commercial Vehicle awards, Volkswagen’s Caddy won the accolade for Best Small Van, while the Crafter was crowned Best Large Van.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The judging panel is chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies. Members of the panel include Ken Rogers, John Kendall, and Ross Durkin from Fleet World’s editorial team, and fleet manager Jackie Pomfrett. Residual value, maintenance cost and reliability data is also provided by ALD Automotive, Masterlease and ING Car Lease.

Commenting on the Golf, Emmerson said: ‘The panel considered the Golf as the “perfect fleet car” and it is difficult to argue with this conclusion. It continues to carry the banner for reliability and together with a superb build quality and competitive operating costs it is not difficult to see why it is once again voted Best Fleet Car.’

Fleet World editor, Ken Rogers, summed up the appeal of the diesel range adding: ‘Volkswagen’s diesel range – from Polo to Touareg – encompasses every segment of the fleet market. The BlueMotion range appeals particularly. Quality is beyond reproach and the range is particularly suited to company drivers seeking to “downsize” without risking that perceived loss of status in the company car park.’

Volkswagen’s Head of Fleet Services, Vincent Kinner, said: ‘We’re delighted to have been recognised in this way. Our products are key to the brand’s popularity, but of equal importance to me is to ensure our people and the fleet back-up we provide to customers large and small are just as good, if not better.’

John Kendall, Editor of Commercial Fleet World commented: ‘Good build quality and an expanding range of proven diesel engines are important factors in Volkswagen’s success. The company has added the Caddy Maxi range, offering a choice of cargo and passenger carrying combinations. Meanwhile the Crafter, from launch in 2006, has been equipped with standard load-sensing ESP, recognised as a significant safety enhancement for any vehicle and particularly valuable to safety-conscious fleets.’

National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Chris Blue, added: ‘These awards are a great endorsement for us and add to the already impressive list of accolades given to these vans. I’m very proud of our vehicles and our network of dedicated Van Centres who serve our fleet customers across the UK.’

2009 Ferrari California Revealed GT Review

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever.

2008 Renault Claims Environmental Award Review

Renault is celebrating after scooping the highly-coveted Environment Award in the 2008 Fleet World Honours, thanks to its impressive range of low emission vehicles. Renault’s Trafic van remains the LCV to beat after winning ‘Best Medium Van’ for an outstanding sixth consecutive year.

The prestigious annual awards were presented at a VIP ceremony in London, to manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The judging panel is made up of leading industry experts including Fleet World’s editorial team, members of the leasing industry, fleet managers and representatives from residual values guides.

Keith Hawes, Director, Fleet & Commercial Vehicle Sales, Renault UK, commented; “The environment is becoming an increasingly important factor for Fleets when selecting vehicles, and Renault has consistently demonstrated its commitment by offering a wide range of low emission models. This includes 37 Renault cars which fall into the 120 g/km CO2 emissions or under category.

“Renault has one of the most economical vehicle ranges on the market today and the launch of our eco² symbol last year demonstrates our commitment to the environment during the whole-life cycle of the vehicle, from design to end-of-life. I am delighted that Renault has been recognised for our extensive environmental credentials and we have won such a highly-coveted award.”

Keith added; “It is also testament to the enduring appeal of the Renault Trafic van that it has won this prestigious award for the sixth year in a row and is clearly still the van of choice for fleets.”

Environment Award – Renault

Renault’s ‘eco² range offers customers a wide range of vehicles at an affordable purchase price – this includes cars which offer fuel consumption levels close to those of a hybrid such as its1.5 dCi engines.

Renault is also about to launch its first-ever E85 vehicle in the UK, with the Mégane. Renault will be the first manufacturer to apply an eco² symbol to a commercial vehicle with the launch of its New Kangoo van and New Kangoo Compact in October 2008. The 1.5 dCi 86 and 68 engine will meet Renault’s eco² criteria.

Commenting on the award, Chairman of Judges George Emmerson said: ‘This was the most hotly contested category in the history of the Fleet World Honours, such is the clamour for organisations’ green credentials to be recognised. There were some very impressive entries, but the panel felt that Renault’s impressive range of low-emission vehicles was the most tangible, and the most quantifiable of them all.’

Fleet World editor Ken Rogers commented: ‘The judges considered Renault’s ECO 2 approach to the environmental challenge as the most rounded of all the volume manufacturers. ECO 2 vehicles must emit less than 140g/km of CO2, operate on E85 ethanol or on B30 biodiesel, be manufactured in a plant that has been certified ISO 14001, is 95% recoverable at the end of its lifecycle – and includes at least 5% recycled plastics.’

Best Medium Van – Renault Trafic

Renault’s Trafic van has been recently revised combining a bold, modern and dynamic design with a high quality interior. The ever-popular Trafic is bold and modern with a dynamic design and high quality interior. It is also flexible enough to suit most fleet requirements and its reliability, durability and competitive pricing ensures it stands out from the crowd. A comprehensive range of engines that are both frugal and powerful also keep Trafic at the top of Fleet Managers’ lists.

Commenting on the award, Van Fleet World editor John Kendall said: “The design may be almost seven years old, but the Renault Trafic still looks fresh and modern.

“All models offer a broad range of body styles, including short and long wheelbase with standard and high roof options. Body volumes span 5.0 to 7.1 cubic metres, while there are combi, chassis-cab and double-cab models. Van payloads of 1,000kg and 1,200kg help to give a wide variety of choice for fleet users.

“Inside, drivers are well catered for. Storage space is plentiful, the driving position is still one of the best and the subtle changes from the 2006 facelift have left the stylish dashboard largely unchanged. It is also a good van to drive with quiet engines and a fine balance of ride and handling either empty, or loaded to full gross weight.

“Under the bonnet, the Euro-IV engine range is sourced from Renault/Nissan with a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel providing a useful power increase over its 1.9-litre predecessor with 90PS and 115PS. The 2.5-litre common-rail diesel produces 150PS, giving effortless performance for maximum payload work. There’s also a 120PS two-litre petrol engine, while both diesels are available with an automated six-speed gearbox to make light of stop/start operations.”

2009 Ford Focus Coupe American Idol Debut Review

The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on American’s hottest television show – “American Idol.” This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television.

“Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price,” said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager. “We’ve built on those strengths to deliver an even sportier coupe version for 2009 and thought the ‘American Idol’ debut would be a new way for customers to see the upgrades for themselves.”

The new Focus coupe can be seen for the first time during the Wednesday broadcast of “American Idol” on FOX, which airs at 9 p.m. EST.

The Focus coupe will be part of the “American Idol” Ford Video featuring this season’s remaining contestants. Episodes of American Idol typically draws an audience of more than 20 million viewers. The 45-second music video also will be featured on the “American Idol” Web site at www.americanidol.com under the Ford Music Video page.

Sportier Design
Focus retail sales were up 88 percent in April versus the prior year, and a growing number of younger customers have been buying the new Focus model that was launched in late 2007.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking with small-car customers and Focus enthusiasts,” said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. “Their overwhelming feedback was that a sportier exterior design could attract even more Millennials, or those people born between 1980 and 1995 – 11,000 of whom reach driving age every day in the U.S.”

With that in mind, the Focus team sculpted the coupe’s new front and rear fascias to provide a sportier appearance. The lower front fascia incorporates a larger open area that bares a strong resemblance to the acclaimed design of the new global Ford Fiesta subcompact. The fog lamps – now standard – are better integrated into the overall design of the front fascia, and its signature two-bar chrome front grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added differentiation.

“The new coupe looks really sporty,” said Thomas Tang, co-founder of www.focusfanatics.com and Ford Focus owner. “It is great to see that Ford values our feedback and is willing to make quick changes.”

“The new front fascia, 17-inch sport wheels and fog lamps remind me of the old Focus SVT models,” Tang added.

For differentiation, the high-end Focus SES will feature a standard high-mounted spoiler that is incorporated into the design of the roof. The high-mounted design contributes to Focus’ overall muscular stance. A decklid spoiler will remain part of the Focus SE exterior design.

New premium-painted Dark Chrome 17-inch aluminum wheels, also standard on SES, complete the coupe’s redesigned exterior.

Sounds ‘Bad’ and Goes Faster — With More Control
The 2009 Focus SES coupe features more horsepower and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2 final drive ratio to deliver quicker off-the-line acceleration for a faster 0-60 mph time.

A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help correct skids that can lead to accidents.

Fuel-efficient Powertrains
The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 143 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 20E’s tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles’. The Duratec 20 and 20E in Focus Coupe are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg.

SYNC Standard on Focus SES
Also setting the Focus coupe apart from other small cars is Ford’s industry-exclusive SYNC technology, which will be standard equipment on the SES series and optional on the SE. SYNC is a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice-activated communications and entertainment system for customers to use their Bluetooth cell phones and digital media players.

SYNC was first introduced on the 2008 Focus and was an immediate hit with customers, helping to increase Focus’ share in an extremely competitive small-car market. Nearly 50 percent of the 2008 model year Focus units sold during April included SYNC. SYNC-equipped vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without.

SYNC also was a feature that helped motivate editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com to name the 2008 Ford Focus one of the “Top Ten Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” in April.

The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920. All Focus models are built at the Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant.