2008 Ferrari Joins Le Mans Heritage Parade Review

At 7.30am on Saturday 14th June, the morning of the Le Mans 24 Hours, some 60 Ferraris took to the circuit for the Heritage Parade, organised by Motor Racing Legends. This gives Le Mans-goers the unique opportunity to drive three high-speed parade laps of the full, 8.5-mile race circuit in their own cars, just a few hours before the start of the world’s greatest endurance race.

This year, the Parade was specifically for Ferrari owners and the early morning spectators looked on in amazement as F40s and 355 Spiders, F430s and Challenge Stradales, 328 GTBs and 550 Maranellos – a vast range of models from the Prancing Horse – swept by at full chat.

“There are very few people who get to drive the full circuit, with all the public roads closed, unless they’re actually racing there,” said Peter Everingham of the Ferrari Owners’ Club. “It’s a fantastic experience and a great privilege.”

Among the Parade participants was none other than the great racing driver Jack Sears, at the wheel of his own Ferrari 328 GTS, which he bought new in 1989. “We had a wonderful few laps,” said Sears after the Parade, “a really flowing journey round the circuit.”

Speaking to the Ferrari drivers at their post-Parade breakfast in the heart of the Le Mans circuit, it was clear that – for many – hurtling down the Mulsanne Straight was the highlight of the whole experience. Everyone seemed to know exactly what speed they’d reached: “We topped 250km/h,” said Peter Everingham, who’d been sharing David Edwards’ 550 Maranello. David himself, who had driven his Ferrari all the way from Australia – a trip of some 8000 miles – described his laps of Le Mans as “mind-boggling”.

Next year, Motor Racing Legends will be throwing open the Heritage Parade to a much wider range of marques – giving more people than ever the chance to drive the full Le Mans circuit on the morning of the 24 Hours. Applications will be accepted from drivers of both classic and modern cars, wherever the marque has a traditional link to Le Mans: Ferrari, Lagonda, Jaguar, Bentley, Austin-Healey, Riley, Morgan, Aston Martin and so on.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco UK Offers Pre-Order Review

Customers keen to be among the first to drive away a new Scirocco can officially add their names to the waiting list as the car becomes available to order at Volkswagen Retailers across the UK today. Prices for the new car, which goes on sale on 1 September, have also been announced and start at £20,940 RRP on the road for the launch model, the Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TSI with 200 PS.

The original Scirocco was first seen 34 years ago, and over two generations and 19 years a total of 77,460 Sciroccos were sold in the UK. Now the new model blows in, with equally distinctive coupé styling, a practical hatchback boot, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive – yet this is the most technically advanced production coupé that Volkswagen has produced.

All UK models benefit from Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which operates via a set of four electrically adjustable dampers to alter the car’s suspension, steering and throttle response set-up, and allows the driver to choose the most appropriate setting for the journey. Normal is the default; Sport adds firmer suspension and sharper responses for twisty roads or track driving; while Comfort offers a smooth and controlled ride best suited to motorway trips.

At launch, all Sciroccos will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS engine with either a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox. Versions with a DSG ’box will command a £1,330 premium over their manual counterparts. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – already popular in the Golf GTI – produces 207 lbs ft of torque from 1,700 rpm and allows the Scirocco to achieve a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 146 mph. The combined economy figure for the vehicle is 37.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 179 g/km.

Early in 2009 a further two engines will join the Scirocco line-up: a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS petrol and a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel unit with 140 PS and a combined economy of around 52 mpg. Both will come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4-litre TSI will also be offered with Volkswagen’s new seven-speed DSG ’box.

Two trim levels will be available – standard Scirocco and Scirocco GT. The launch engine is only available in combination with GT trim, giving customers a high level of standard specification which includes ABS with ESP, six airbags, touchscreen CD autochanger, climate control, 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, front foglights and a multifunction steering wheel among a host of other items. Options are set to include a panoramic tilt sunroof, leather trim and touchscreen satellite navigation.

Volkswagen UK predicts sales of 3,350 Sciroccos this year, rising to around 9,000 in 2009 when a full line-up is available. Already over 11,000 people have signed up via www.volkswagen.co.uk to receive email updates on the new Scirocco model.

2008 Renault Clio Sport Tourer Defined Review

New Clio Sport Tourer has arrived in the UK, offering competitive pricing, impressive standard equipment, innovative features, greater load space and practicality, combined with the all the style and exterior good looks Clio is renowned for. The Sport Tourer version is a compact estate without compromising on interior space.

Ideal for customers who need the space and practicality of an estate car, but still want a car with sporty and modern looks, Clio Sport Tourer has 50% more boot space than the Clio and is priced just £850 more than the Clio five-door.

Equally suitable for active lifestyles and family outings, with great levels of comfort and safety you would expect from a Renault, Clio Sport Tourer is available in Dynamique trim priced from £12,095 for the 1.2 16V 75 to £14,495 for the dCi 106.

Prices/ engine range

Clio Sport Tourer is offered with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. Four of the five available are Renault eco² vehicles, meaning they meet a strict criteria of emissions of less than 140 g/km, are 95% recyclable and are manufactured at plants certified to ISO 14001.

The engine range line-up includes the 1.2 TCe 100 petrol engine which provides the torque of the 1.6 VVT 111 engine, the power of the 1.4 16V and the economy and emissions of the 1.2 16V 75. The dCi 86 engine has CO² emissions of just 117 g/km and a combined mpg of 64.2.

Insurance groups are competitive ranging from 2E to 5E.

Dynamique – high level of equipment

Clio Sport Tourer launches in the ever-popular Dynamique trim, ensuring the interior matches the Clio’s exterior sporty looks.

Core features include equipment you’d expect from a practical estate car such as black roof bars, and the completely flat boot floor and load area that lifts up to reveal a hidden storage area offering maximum versatility.

The Dynamique trim comes well-equipped including the following standard features offered in addition to the core equipment: air conditioning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 15” ‘Mahonia’ alloy wheels, cruise control and speed limiter (on the automatic version), split-folding 60:40 rear seat, six airbags, 4 x 15W RDS radio CD with fingertip remote control and double optic ‘See Me Home’ headlights.

The launch of Clio Sport Tourer also includes a Summer Special edition, the Expression, which will be offered in limited numbers and is competitively priced at £11,215 for the 1.2 16V 75 and £12,365 for the dCi 68. Expression’s interior includes a blue centre console and dashboard inserts, and the trim is similarly well-equipped with standard features.

Dimensions

Clio Sport Tourer is one of the most compact estate cars on the market at just 4,202mm long with the same wheelbase as the Clio (2,575mm). Its generous loading space, 60:40 split-folding rear seat and large boot space of 439dm³ which is more than 50% bigger than the Clio, ensure Clio Sport Tourer is every inch an estate car.

The 60:40 split-fold rear seats free up additional loading space of up to 1,277 dm³ (up to ceiling; 239dm³ more than the Clio). With the smaller section folded down, Clio Sport Tourer can accommodate four adults plus luggage offering a load length of up to 1,450mm.

Boot access is exemplary, owing to the shape of the rear bumper and the very low sill height (581mm). Its removable floor ensures its boot is versatile and adaptable. With convenience and practicality firmly in mind, Clio Sport Tourer has a handy compartment for the rear parcel shelf when it is removed, under the removable boot floor. Removing this floor panel can increase the capacity by a further 72dm³.

2008 BMW Celebrates 30 Years of M Review

30 years, 300 000 vehicles and a BMW M3 Coupe – these are the most significant earmarks of a remarkable anniversary. Three decades after commencing with the assembly of their first series production model, the BMW M GmbH has now delivered its 300 000th vehicle. The alpine white BMW M3 Coupe was handed over to a customer in Regensburg. This East Bavarian town is also the location of the BMW plant in which the high-performance sports car is produced.

The anniversary vehicle marks a further milestone in the success story of the BMW M GmbH. The number of customers who choose to purchase a BMW M model still continues to grow. Nevertheless, driving a car boasting the M logo remains an exclusive experience. In the year 2007, BMW M GmbH automobiles accounted for around one percent of the BMW Group’s overall turnover worldwide.

The tremendous success of the BMW M GmbH began with a limited production car. In 1978 the company, which was established six years previously as the BMW Motorsport GmbH, presented a mid-engine racing car, featuring a straight six-cylinder power unit that was utilised in the newly founded ProCar series. The car was also produced for reasons of homologation with a 204 kW/277 bhp road version. The two-seater car, which had long become a legend and which, in its anniversary year, was recently abundantly honoured at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008 at Lake Como, was the fastest German series production sports car when launched. 445 BMW M1 cars were produced up to 1981, one of them being the Art Car designed by Andy Warhol.

Other models included in the range as from 1984 achieved considerably higher production figures. It was then that the BMW M GmbH corporate philosophy, which is still applicable to this day, was established. The aim was to develop high-performance automobiles, which were suitable for everyday road traffic and would fascinate through discrete aesthetics and drive and suspension technology directly inspired by motor racing. This applied unreservedly to the first BMW M5 with a 210 kW/286 bhp straight six-cylinder power unit for example. Thanks to its performance and its understatement factor, the saloon car was extremely popular amongst business travellers.

Two years later, a further M model laid the foundation stone for a new vehicle category. The BMW M3, ancestor of the current fourth model generation, caused a stir both on the road and on the racetrack. It is the most successful touring car ever utilised in motor sports, also becoming a huge commercial success within a very short time. 17,000 first-generation BMW M3 automobiles alone were sold. To this date, the car, which is currently available as the BMW M3 Coupe, the BMW M3 Saloon and the BMW M3 Convertible, accounts for the largest proportion of overall BMW M GmbH vehicle sales.

During the course of the first ten years, around 35,000 BMW M automobiles were put on the road. In 1994, five-digit figures were achieved for the first time within a year. Since then, record sales figures have been consistently achieved, with sales of all BMW M GmbH models continuing to rise further with each new generation. Worldwide purchases of the new BMW M3 alone exceeded 4,000 in the first four months of the current year – even before the market launch of the BMW M3 Convertible and the new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. The USA is the most important market for BMW M automobiles, and on the European continent the high-performance sports cars are much coveted in the UK, Germany and Italy.

The vehicle portfolio of the BMW M GmbH currently comprises nine models, all featuring engines with individual characteristics derived from the high-revving concept. The BMW Z4 M Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Coupe boast a straight six-cylinder with 252 kW/343 bhp, the BMW M5, and the BMW M5 Touring, the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible all feature a 373 kW/507 bhp V10 engine. Both power units are series winners of the “International Engine of the Year Awards”, which the new 309 kW/420 bhp V8 engine utilised in the BMW M3 was also able to seize in its category this year.

2008 Smart fortwo cdi Set For UK Review

The world’s CO2 champion, the smart fortwo cdi, is coming to Britain.Sales of the new smart diesel model, which boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car worldwide, just 88g/km, will start next year with manufacturing of right-hand drive models commencing in February.

As well as impressive green credentials buyers will appreciate the car’s remarkable fuel economy. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 85.6mpg. It means the new smart can travel 670 miles between top-ups, equivalent to a journey from Dover to Prague.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “The cdi gives customers the whole range of smart benefits when driving in and around the city, with the added bonus of low cost, long distance motoring. Our retailers are reporting heightened interest in the iconic two-seater; registrations are buoyant and we think the addition of the smart cdi to the range early next year will give added momentum.”

The car’s Mercedes-Benz-developed three-cylinder common-rail diesel engine develops a healthy 45hp, offering drivers useful performance as well as economy. The diesel model will be available in both coupé and cabrio versions.

The smart cdi benefits from all the enhancements currently available in the new smart fortwo petrol models, including improved ride and handling, class-leading safety, added protection from head and thorax airbags, a larger boot, more elbow and shoulder room, comfier seats, upgraded trim and a revised dashboard layout with a more efficient ventilation system. There is also a new five-speed semi-automatic transmission offering both fully automatic and manual modes.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Official SEMA Car Review

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a true 21st century sports car, will be the official vehicle of the 2008 SEMA Show. “The influence that the Camaro has had on the automotive industry and vehicle personalization is undeniable,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications. “Since the car was introduced in 1967, enthusiasts have fallen in love with the Camaro. It’s simply a great example of the passion and excitement that comes from this industry.”

After 35 years of continuous production, the Camaro was taken off the assembly line in 2002. Chevrolet introduced a concept version of the popular vehicle in early 2006, announcing later that year that a new generation of the Camaro would be forthcoming. That vehicle is set to debut in 2009.

“We are so excited about the return of the Camaro,” said Ed Peper, North America Vice President, Chevrolet. “The Camaro brings technology and great design to consumers early next year, and we are looking forward to bringing this much anticipated vehicle to the show in Las Vegas.”

General Motors, through several of its vehicle brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Saturn, is a long-time supporter of the SEMA Show. The automaker has exhibited at the event since 1996, and also demonstrates a strong commitment to vehicle personalization by collaborating in numerous SEMA programs that make it easier and more cost-effective for its members to develop products for their vehicles. These programs allow SEMA members to obtain vehicles in advance of the public, access confidential drawings and data on new vehicles, and be recognized for their creativity and design achievements.

“We could not be more pleased to be working with the General Motors family at the SEMA Show,” said MacGillivray. “The automaker has a long and deep history with our industry, and it’s evident through the vehicles that they manufacture.”

Also at the 2008 SEMA Show will be a dozen of the world’s leading automakers, where thousands of display vehicles will be outfitted with custom wheels and tires, mobile electronics, performance products, accessories and more. Each year, more than 130,000 industry professionals attend the event, which is open exclusively to automotive professionals.

2008 Lamborghini Reventon Diamond Black Review

Leading automotive coating specialist Zircotec has been selected by Automobili Lamborghini to supply a new thermal barrier for its one million Euro Reventón car. Zircotec’s plasma-sprayed Diamond Black coating is applied to the exhaust and inhibits heat transfer from the tailpipe protecting heat sensitive components from damage.

“Lamborghini needed a durable solution that protected the composite bodywork and components at the rear of the car,” says Zircotec’s sales manager Peter Whyman. “Paint finishes were unable to meet the stringent quality and durability requirements set by Lamborghini. Our coating is plasma-sprayed, in effect welding it to the base material, making it more resilient during heat cycling, life testing and abrasion tests. Together with the new black finish, Zircotec was able to deliver not only a highly durable coating but one that satisfied the requirements of Lamborghini’s Styling Department”. “The Zircotec coating was the only coating that satisfied all our requirements,” adds Luca Meschiari, Head of Exhausts at Lamborghini. “It is durable and offers significantly better performance than any other solution we have seen.”

Lamborghini is the first application for the Diamond Black surface, for which a patent has been applied for. “Up until now, black was only available using high temperature paints,” continues Whyman. “Only using paint is less durable and is therefore not appropriate for OEM applications. We developed this finish as part of an increasing range of individual coatings that can be adjusted to the application and customer requirements. It provides an extremely hard and durable surface that is highly resistant to vibration, mechanical damage and thermal shock.”

As packaging restrictions increase, together with a requirement to reduce weight, the Zircotec coating offers OEMs a robust, easily packaged solution that can dramatically inhibit the transfer of heat from exhausts, turbos and catalysts, protecting heat sensitive components. Proven in Formula One and World Rally, Lamborghini joins other prestige vehicle manufacturers and top level motorsport competitors to benefit from a technology that was originally developed for the nuclear industry. “The technology allows OEMs to quickly resolve heat management, even on existing platforms.”

Zircotec’s zirconia-based ceramics have a thermal efficiency of less than 1.7 W/m K, so provide an excellent thermal barrier. When applied to an exhaust system, the Zircotec coating inhibits the radiation of heat from the surface of the material, holding the heat inside. The coating can also be applied to other metal components including heat shields.

2009 Subaru Exiga 7-Seat Panorama Tourer Review

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru’s latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru’s strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride -all realized by Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3).

1. Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

• Seven passengers
Despite a body size that’s convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.

• Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle’s low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.

• Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.

2. FHI offers four EXIGA models:

• 2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range

• 2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment

• 2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling and interior designs

• 2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental considerations

3. Major Features

• The EXIGA has realized ideal proportions that provide the optimal body size for better handling, as well as ample interior space through its carefully calculated measurements of the height, width, length, wheelbase, floor size, and roof design.
• Front and rear visibility is maximized by the creative design and positioning of pillars and windows.
• The three rows of seats are laid out at three different heights, like gradually elevated theater seating, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third to allow all passengers better outside views.
• A large panoramic glass roof fully covers area above the second row of seats and enhances the openness of the interior. The glass roof is available as an option on all models except the 2.0i.
• Large rear door openings with wide plastic door sills are designed to facilitate ingress and egress, and the rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees for easy access to the third-row seating.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with reduced projection into the interior makes room for comfortable third-row seats and a wide luggage compartment.
• The subframe between the rear suspension and the chassis helps to reduce vehicle noise and absorb vibrations from the road.
• By using the newly designed resin fuel tank and optimizing the body frame structure, the floor has been made flat to provide spacious legroom for passengers in the third row.

4. Design
• The EXIGA exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant styling.
• Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.
• Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.
• Each of the four EXIGA model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually designed spokes.
• Eight exterior colors are available.

5. Interior design
• Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.
• Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness and elegance, are available as interior colors.
• The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide comfort.
• The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter, outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.

6. Utility
• By removing the headrests, the front seatbacks can be tilted back flat to provide room for occupants to lie down.
• The left and right seats of the second row independently slide back and forth in a range of 180 mm. The seatbacks fold down easily with one-hand operation of the walk-in mechanism, allowing easy access to the third row seats.
• The third-row seats employ reclining mechanisms for more relaxed travel. The seatbacks fold down flat with easy operation to provide expanded cargo space in the back of the vehicle.
• Hooks for hanging bags, retractable hooks and 12-volt power outlet are provided in the cargo area.
• Thanks to reduced projection into the interior of the wheel housing and rear suspension, the cargo floor has been made flat. The cargo space offers two tiers. There is a layer under the cargo floor board that offers more space for storing small items. Even tall items like baby strollers can be placed vertically in that space without the need to fold them and lay them on the floor.
• Courtesy lamps are mounted inside of all doors for better egress/ingress at night. • Blue lights illuminate the inside of the instrumental panel recesses, the center console, and the foot of the first and second row seats. They are not only useful at night but serve as elegant and premium quality décor.

7. Powertrain
(1) 2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)
• The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS) promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through adoption of the regular gasoline engine.
• With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine’s intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.
• Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.
• By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.
(2) 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)
• A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.
• The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the EXIGA. Optimization of its A/R and compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.
• Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
• Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a minimum to improve cooling efficiency.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.

8. Drivetrain and Chassis
• Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all 2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel economy improved.
• 5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting down in manual mode.
6
• The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.
• The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.
• Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.
• The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.
• All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tierod design appropriately maximize braking control.
• Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage. (SPORTSHIFT is the trademark of Prodrive Ltd.)

6. Body Construction and Safety
• The EXIGA uses an advanced form of Subaru’s proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.
• A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle stability.
• The EXIGA, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash- worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear- impact crashes.
• By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
• The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.
• Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer’s options.
• All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.
• A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal collisions

10. Others
• Ventilation for the rear seats is placed on top of the dashboard, effectively circulating air to the third row of seats. Standard on all models, the ventilation system is extremely quiet with greatly reduced operating and airflow noise, yet it efficiently cools the entire cabin.
• The air conditioning system on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0GT models offers a function to allow temperature adjustments independently on the left and right sides of the seats.
• The combined audio system of CD player and AM/FM tuner, compatible with MP3 and WMA* formats, and an HDD navigation system with audio capability and a rearview camera
(compatible with Subaru G-Book Alpha telematics service) are optional on all models. WMA is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
• A keyless entry system with a push-start button is a manufacturer’s option.

2008 Mitsubishi and Citroen Partner on EV’s Review

PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi have announced that both companies agreed to start a feasibility study on an extended technical collaboration in the field of electric powertrains. This project, which will run over several months, relates to the development, the manufacture and the use of an electric powertrain for small urban vehicles.

To step up the viability of electric vehicle projects and accelerate market introduction, the companies agreed that cooperation on electric vehicle development and production would be mutually beneficial.

This new agreement reinforces the bonds between the two manufacturers who, a week ago, laid the first stone of their joint Russian factory, in Kaluga (180 km south west of Moscow).

For PSA Peugeot Citroën, this agreement lies within the scope of its Strategy and Ambition plan covering 2010-2015, which should maintain the PSA Group’s leadership in environmentally friendly cars.

With an extensive knowledge of electric vehicles, PSA Peugeot Citroën is the largest global manufacturer of electric vehicles to date with more than 10 000 units sold. PSA Peugeot Citroën will bring to this project its expertise in the field of electric powertrains.

For MMC this agreement is consistent with its electric vehicle strategy.

MMC, aiming to become one of the leading car manufacturers of electric vehicles, has prioritised development of the i MiEV* new-generation electric vehicle for introduction to the market. MMC will launch the electric vehicle in the Japanese domestic market in 2009 and is considering a possible future introduction to Europe and the U.S.

In addition, MMC has set up Lithium Energy Japan, a Joint Venture founded in partnership with GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation, which is to supply large capacity and high performance lithium ion batteries for the i MiEV. Preparation for mass-production of the batteries is going smoothly.

Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, based on the “i” minicar

2008 Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 Wow Brits Review

Mazda has confirmed its plans to return to the British International Motor Show, with the thrilling ‘Mazda Zoom-Zoom Challenge’ attraction, from 23 July to 3 August at ExCel, London Docklands. A major success at the 2006 Show, the Zoom-Zoom Challenge will allow over 5,000 members of the public to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s cars, at no charge, to experience their spirited handling and entertaining drive.

Competitors will compete against the clock in a technically demanding driving challenge around a specially-constructed test track as they strive to achieve the fastest lap time and demonstrate the most accomplished car control. Professional racing drivers will take each participant around the track for a familiarisation lap followed by a warm-up circuit behind the wheel and a timed circuit in both the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car and all-new Mazda2 3dr supermini.

The top prize will be the use for a year of the £11,000 plus 1.5‑litre Sport version of the all‑new Mazda2 3dr for the competitor posting the highest score throughout the two weeks of the Motor Show (23 July – 3 August).

At the show, Mazda will display its Furai Concept, the raciest interpretation of the Nagare design language to-date and the latest car in Mazda’s award-winning and highly acclaimed series of concept cars. Based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) sports racing car, the Furai has a 450hp three-rotor rotary engine initially tuned to operate on 100 per cent ethanol fuel, the first time a racing three-rotor rotary engine has been fuelled in this way.

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The Nagare design language hints at Mazda’s future design intentions and reflects the Mazda design ideals of ‘flow’ and the ‘embodiment of motion’. Outside the show halls, the Mazda2 and Mazda MX-5 will convey the current generations’ ‘emotion of motion’ to the expected 550,000 visitors to the Docklands-based Show.

Earlier this year, the new five-door Mazda2 was named 2008 World Car of the Year and was awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The stylish Mazda2 reversed the trend of new cars gaining weight as it shed 100kg compared with its predecessor, allowing the car to challenge the best in its class for fuel economy, low CO2 emissions and agility.

Thanks to its lightweight body, the impressive handling of the new Mazda2 will be a key element of the experience for visitors driving on the tight Zoom-Zoom Challenge track at the Motor Show. The demanding circuit will also allow visitors to fully experience the rewarding handling of the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car in a safe but fun environment.