Mercedes SL Model 2007 (facelift)

Mercedes-Benz’s top selling Roadster just received a minor aesthetic facelift for the 2006 (2007 for the US) models. The most significant exterior changes concern the modified grille and the new rear light crystals. However, Merc’s engineers had a lot more to do than the designers as the engine range has been refreshed. The basic SL350 wears a new and more powerful 3,5 litre V6 engine with 272 hp (previous V6 3.7 with 245 hp) while the SL 500 has a new 5,5 litre V8 engine producing 388 hp (previous V8 5.0 with the same hp). The powerful SL 55 AMG has gained 17 hp reaching now 517 hp

Model	SL 350	SL 500	SL600	SL 55 AMG	SL 65 AMG
Engine	V6 3.5	V8 5.5	V12 5.5	V8 5.4 Kompressor	V12 6.0 TwinTurbo
HP	272	388	517	517	612
Top Speed	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 0-62 mph	6,6 sec.	5,4 sec.	4,5 sec.	4,5 sec.	4,2 sec.
Weight	1.825 kg	1.910 kg	2.045 kg	1.960 kg	2.120 kg

Toyota Rush

Who shrunk the RAV4? Well, not actually Toyota, but it’s subsidiary Daihatsu as the Rush is Toyota's version of the all new Daihatsu Be-go which will replace the mini SUV, Terios, in Europe. With a length of just 3.995 mm (157 in), the Rush is smaller than an 3d Accent. In Japan the model will be offered with a 1,5 liter engine that produces 80 hp. It is still unknown if the car will be available in markets except Japan.

Chevrolet Captiva SUV -official

Alter a long period of wait, Chevrolet previews its all new compact SUV, Captiva. Co-developed with Daewoo, the Captiva retains the prototype’s (S3X) design theme. The Captiva is one of GM’s worldwide car projects as it will be sold in Europe (as Chevrolet), Asia (as Daewoo) and the US (as Saturn).

Oficial press release:

The Captiva will also be the first model in Chevrolet’s European range available with an electronic stability program (ESP). It debuts at the Geneva motor show (March 2 - 12, 2006) and will be available in showrooms across Europe starting in June.

Dimenisons

The Captiva offers expressive design and a spacious, convenient interior featuring high quality fabrics and materials. The new compact SUV measures 4,639/1,849/1,726 mm (length/width/height) and with a wheelbase of 2,707 mm. It will be available with seven or five seats respectively.

4wd system

Customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants. The latter variant features an-active-on demand, four-wheel-drive-system. As driving conditions demand, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ARP (Anti-Rollover Protection).

Engine specifications

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available for the Captiva. They include the brand new, state-of-the-art common rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto&Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori. In its first application, the 16 valve unit offers 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2000 rpm.. In the ECE mix, fuel consumption is 8.1 L per 100 km. It is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe, beginning in 2006.

The base engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 142 hp at 5,200 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Captiva 2.4 average fuel consumption is 10.8 L per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 225 hp at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque is 302 Nm at 3500 rpm.