General Motors has debuted its redesigned 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The five-seat, crossover SUV features revised exterior and interior designs and enhanced safety features, including a tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar and an electronic vehicle stability control system. GM announced the return of the all-wheel-drive and GT models to the Vibe line-up. Depending on the model and engine size, the Vibe’s fuel economy in the city varies from an estimated 19 miles-per-gallon (mpg) to 26 mpg. All 2009 Vibe models are scheduled to rollout in early 2008.
Škoda is used to its cars winning awards, but now even the firm’s TV adverts are picking up gongs. The Czech firm’s commercial for the New Fabia – in which a team of artisans bake a car entirely out of cake – scooped the ‘Commercial of the Year’ prize at the British Television Advertising Craft Awards (BTACA). The now famous clip also won the prizes for ‘Best Model Making’ and ‘Best use of Recorded Music’.
Volvo’s unveiled its new XC70 SR at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), being held in Las Vegas from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. The car, Volvo indicates, was designed to emulate lifeguard vehicles seen at many California beaches. The four-door SUV features a 5-inch-lift suspension for improved ground clearance, heavily modified body panels, and specially-made oversized tires with a tread designed for increased grip on loose and sandy soil. The XC70 also includes first-aid equipment and custom rescue surfboards.
Mazda unveiled its Taiki concept car during the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, being held Oct. 24 – Nov. 11. This sports car is the fourth concept vehicle in Mazda's Nagare series. The Taiki features a next-generation rotary engine and is touted as being environmentally-friendly. Mazda's theme during this year's show is "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom."
The new BMW 1 Series Coupé features rear-wheel-drive dynamics and seating for four (2+2). The BMW 135i is powered by BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which produces 300 horsepower and direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling. The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds. The engine features on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy. Starting in the spring of 2008 in the U.S., the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i, with an M Aerodynamic Kit.
The new BMW M3 Saloon will be the highest-performing four-door M3, with 414-horsepower V8 and balanced chassis. The M3 Saloon can go from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, only 0.1 seconds slower than the M3 Coupé, with a top speed of 155mph. BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme ensures that these levels of performance do not compromise fuel economy, with the car delivering 22.8mpg on the combined cycle. The 2008 M3 Saloon will arrive in America in spring 2008.
BMW unveiled its new MINI Clubman at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One year after the launch of the new generation, MINI has extended the range of models with the MINI Clubman. The car has a unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family.
Porsche plans to unveil its new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11. The new vehicle can accelerate to 100 kilometers-per-hour (km/h) in 3.7 seconds and can reach top speeds of 329 km/h (204 miles-per-hour). Simultaneously, the vehicle, which Porsche is touting as the “fastest-ever 911,” also averages an estimated 12.5 liters/100 km (22.6 miles-per-gallon) in the New European Driving Cycle. The new 911 GT2 is expected to be available starting in November 2007.
One year after the launch of the new generation, MINI has extended the range of models with the MINI Clubman. The car has a unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family.
During the IAA motor show in Frankfurt, Porsche plans to unveil the Cayenne GTS – the company’s first SUV to include its electronically controlled damping system with steel springs. The sports SUV includes a 4.8 liter engine with direct gasoline fuel injection and consumes 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers (a figure in accordance with EU standards). The Cayenne GTS can also achieve the fastest acceleration rate among its SUV counterparts. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds quicker than the Cayenne S. The vehicle is expected to reach dealerships worldwide beginning in February 2008.
