Volvo S80 2007 Exclusive!

EXCLUSIVE: VOLVO REVEALS FIRST DETAILS OF ITS ALL NEW S80 SALOON

· All new Volvo S80 saloon will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show.

· 2^nd generation of Volvo’s flagship executive saloon.

· Safety: Collision Warning and Brake Support with Active Cruise Control.

· World first: Personal Car Communicator (PCC).

· Excellent driving dynamics – benchmarked against class leading premium rivals.

· New Volvo 315bhp V8 with AWD and 3.2 six-cylinder petrol engines, plus latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel.

· Scandinavian luxury broadens choice in executive car segment with class-leading interior, 'floating' centre stack, premium materials and colour schemes.

· Prices and specifications to be announced in the spring.

The S80 is the largest of Volvo’s S-range of saloons and this second generation S80 offers a competitive alternative to the dominant, German luxury saloon rivals thanks to its own distinctive Scandinavian style, combined with excellent ride and handling characteristics benchmarked against the class leaders.

“We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender in its class and win over many new customers considering the other popular premium brand rivals. We expect to sell 50,000 new S80s a year around the world, of which 70 per cent will be new Volvo customers,” says Frederik Arp, Volvo Cars CEO. “The main markets for the all new S80 will be the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and China,” he continued.

Evolutionary Exterior Design

At its launch in 1998 the first generation S80 heralded a bold new design direction for Volvo, which still looks modern today, but now Volvo’s designers have carefully and cleverly evolved Volvo design language to be more youthful and dynamic as well as introducing new Volvo safety technology and powerful new engines – including Volvo’s V8 (315bhp), available with AWD (All Wheel Drive).

“The all new S80 is about evolutionary design,” says Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director. “All the shapes and materials it uses represent a continuous development of the Volvo design language. We have given the all new S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance, and created an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology,” he continued.

World Class Safety – new technology

New safety technology for the all new S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the award winning Volvo Safety Centre.

Personal Car Communicator (PCC): The new S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car.

Collision Warning and Brake Support: The Collision Warning system alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible.

The new active Bi-Xenon headlights improve the driver’s visibility at night by turning the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned.

Scandinavian Luxury

The all new Volvo S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ differs from the traditional, or Teutonic, luxury offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Instead, Volvo’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way.

The interior design offers a distinctive blend of intelligent, elegant and unpretentious Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, luxury materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together.

Premium Sound audio system

Volvo’s Premium Sound audio system for the all new S80 will include 5x130W D-class digital ICE power amplifiers from Alpine, Dolby^® Pro Logic II Surround Sound^™ and Dynaudio speakers to create the finest, high quality audio system.

Powerful Engines – D5, 2.5T plus new V8 AWD and 3.2-litre in line 6-cylinder

The two new engines available for the all new S80 will be Volvo’s V8 petrol engine, offering 315bhp and 440Nm of torque, which will be combined with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with Instant Traction^™ for maximum traction and driving pleasure. Four catalytic converters and advanced electronics also make it one of the cleanest V8 engines available.

The second engine will be a completely new, naturally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit delivering 235bhp with 300Nm of torque and like all Volvos will be fitted transversely to provide maximum space and improved crash performance with more space to absorb any impact.

The new engine was designed by Volvo and will be built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other PAG brands, such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite being a six-cylinder unit, it has been designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder engines thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself.

In addition, two of Volvo’s five-cylinder engines will be carried over from the current S80 – the 200bhp 2.5T petrol unit with 320Nm of torque and the latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel with 400Nm of torque.

Driving Dynamics

Extensive testing and development of the all new S80’s driving dynamics has been undertaken in demanding and extreme conditions around the world. Excellent handling characteristics and driving pleasure have been achieved by benchmarking it against the highest standards of the well known leaders in the premium large saloon class.

Advanced technology in the new S80 includes the options of Volvo’s active ‘Four-C’ chassis with three settings which constantly adjusts chassis settings to suit driving conditions and preferred driving styles, plus servotronic steering offering variable steering torque. In addition, there will be All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction^™ (initially with the V8 engine) and all models will have DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).

Technorati Tags: Volvo, S80, official, 2007

Fiat Stilo 2006 Facelift

Mild facelift for 2006

Τhese photographs that leaked in the internet during an importer presentation reveal the Fiat Stilo 2006 facelift. The mild facelift will be applied to all versions (3-door, 5-door and Multiwagon) and it is Stilo’s final update before the Italians unveil an all new model in the end of this year.

The most significant changes affect the exterior styling, where a new grille (first seen on the mini Trepiuno concept) which give the Stilo a more family look. The grille includes a chrome inlay, with a perforated central belt and smooth ‘whisker’ sections flanking the laurel-embedded Fiat emblem. The bumper protection mouldings are now colour-coded, whereas a new range of colours will be offered, including the Blu Magnetico recently introduced on the Grande Punto. A new range of alloy's include 16-inch 8-spoke design.

In the passengers cabin, the changes include a new two-tone trim with a nylon-like material applied on the seats. The material is reportedly soft and comfortable, as well as being practical in colour. The trim on the seats also includes a ribbed central pattern, similar to the effect presented on the Grande Punto Dynamic trim level. Other changes focus on the aluminium-finished instrument binnacle and a rounder gearlever knob, which is also complemented by an embossed aluminium gate pattern.

The lightly facelifted versions of the Stilo are due to go on sale across Europe after its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Startech V6 3.0 CRD

262 HP FOR THE GRAND CHEROKEE 3.0 V6 CRD

PRESS RELEASE: The third generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee has arrived and STARTECH presents an exclusive refinement program for the SUV. The extensive product lineup is characterized not only by its professional engineering and innovative design: All components also offer exceptional quality. For the 3.0 CRD model with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers the new SD6 performance kit and a particulate filter.

Equipped with the new STARTECH SD6 tuning kit the V6 diesel produces a maximum power output of 262 hp / 193 kW compared to 218 hp / 160 kW for the non-tuned version. At the same time peak torque grows from 510 Nm to 580 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. The added 44 hp / 33 kW are available for 1,590 Euros.

The STARTECH SD6 performance kit consists of an auxiliary computer control unit that can be installed in less than 30 minutes by authorized Chrysler dealer, thanks to the included wire harness and installation instructions.

With STARTECH SD6 tuning performance of the SUV improves noticeably: The sprint to 100 km/h is shortened from 9.2 seconds for the production car to 8.5 seconds for the STARTECH-tuned version. Top speed increases to 210 km/h.

To make the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD even more environmentally friendly STARTECH offers a diesel particulate filter for vehicles with or without STARTECH engine tuning. The OEM-quality filter for the common-rail turbodiesel V6 is designed to be easily installed by any authorized Chrysler dealer. No modifications to the engine electronics are required. Both engine performance and fuel consumption remain at low production-car levels.

The STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels are immediate eye catchers. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the Grand Cherokee an even more exclusive appearance. But that's not all: Shod with Pirelli tires in size 265/45 ZR 20 all-around they also give the SUV even more agile handling with further increased safety reserves.

The STARTECH suspension kit is specially calibrated to the use with sporty low-profile tires. It lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters and further improves cornering ability due to the lowered center of gravity.

The exclusive looks of the American 4x4 is not only characterized by the large STARTECH 20-inch wheels: The STARTECH designer also created exterior components that are as attractive as they are functional.

The front of the new Grand Cherokee is customized with the strikingly styled STARTECH front apron. Its counterpart in the rear is a custom-shaped apron that features cutouts for the two characteristic oval chrome tailpipes of the STARTECH sport exhaust. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system is available for all engine variants of the Grand Cherokee. It produces not only a more sonorous exhaust note nut also optimizes power yield.

The sides of the five-door are upgraded with STARTECH side sills with integrated LED entrance lights. The lights are activated either with the standard keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle. This STARTECH development makes entering and exiting the vehicle at night safer.

Exclusive interior design is yet another STARTECH specialty, which is also available for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. The STARTECH accessories range from an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel covered in the finest leather to polished stainless-steel sill plates with illuminated STARTECH logo.

Skoda Roomster MPV Specifications

AFTER the official photos (see archive) , Auto Cars 2011 managed to get exclusively, the first official information and specifications on Skoda’s all new compact MPV, Roomster, which intends to compete against cars like the Renault Scenic and Opel Zafira.

Premier	Geneva Motor Show March 2006
European sales	August to October 2006 (depending on the country)
Dimensions	Length 4.205 mm Χ Height 1.607 mm X Width 1.684 mm
Front leg space	Skoda Roomster 1.026 mm vs Opel Zafira 0.991mm vs Renault Scenic 0.990 mm vs Focus C-Max 1.018 mm
Knee Space front passengers	Skoda Roomster 646 mm vs Opel Zafira 642 mm vs Renault Scenic 615 mm vs Focus C-Max 627 mm
Knee Space rear passengers	Skoda Roomster 790 mm vs Opel Zafira 540 mm vs Renaullt Scenic 340 mm vs Focus C-Max 450 mm
Boot space	460 litres - 1.476 litres (seats folded)
Engine range	1.4 FSI 90 hp (5gear Manual), 1.6 MPI 105hp (5gear Manual & 6gear Auto), 1.4 Tdi 80hp, 1.9 Tdi 105hp
Varioflex System	Rear seats that can be folded 900 -1800 or fully ejected
Rear seats	Offer a “Cinemascope” feeling to the rear passengers a as they are located higher than those in front
Panoramic roof	Glass roof that extends to all the length of the car

Heuliez Macarena – Peugeot 407 Sedan-Cabrio

FRENCH coachbuilder Heuliez which specializes in producing short series models for niche markets such as convertible or station-wagons is going to present the Macarena Concept in Geneva.

The success of coupe-cabrio models such as the Opel Tigra TwinTop and the Peugeot 206 CC in Europe, (both designed by Heuliez), drove the French company into developing a sedan-cabrio edition of the new Peugeot 407.

The study is called Macarena and features a glaas top roof system that opens with a push of a button, transforming the sedan to a 4door-cabrio. The electro-hydraulic system opens the 3 piece roof in less than 30sec, storing it inside the boot. When that happens, the volume of the boot is limited to 300 litres.

It should be stated that Heuliez is talking with several automakers that are interested in using this innovative roof system in there sedans.

Skoda Roomster MPV

VOILÀ! This is Skoda’s proposition in the popular compact MPV category. Although the Roomster production model holds the same name as the concept unveiled in 2003, its styling is less attractive and adventurous, and reminding us the Mercedes A-Class based Viano. Among others, the production model has lost the Saab style roof line and gained one more door on the driver’s side compared to the Roomster Concept as you can see in the pictures above.
The model range will include among others, 1,4, 1,6 and 2,0 litre MPI & FSI engines. According to sources in the VW Group, the Roomster will give birth to a crossover model based once again on a concept, the Yeti previewed in 2005.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Škoda Auto presents the first official picture of the new Škoda Roomster that is going to become the fourth model family. Not only does the Škoda Roomster represent the Škoda brand’s step towards a new market segment, but also a step towards a new development stage.

The Roomster made its first appearance as a design study at the International Motor Show (IAA – Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) in Frankfurt in 2003. In the light of positive response of the specialist automotive media and many potential customers’ demand, a decision was taken to develop the relevant production car. After less than two and a half years, Škoda is now introducing its new Škoda Roomster to the public in Geneva.

The Roomster car concept is unique with its variable interior and a young, fresh design. As usual, the Škoda Roomster impresses with an excellent value for money, a vast luggage compartment, a lot of storage space, and a flexible Varioflex rear seat facility.

The side lines reflect dynamics while large glass panes underline ample interior spaciousness. The customers can choose their ideal option out of three petrol engines and three diesel engines combined with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The Škoda Roomster will be manufactured in the Kvasiny plant. At first, the car will be put on the most important European markets including the Czech Republic in the summer of 2006. The new Škoda Roomster will make its first public appearance at the International Motor Show in Geneva on 28^th February 2006.

Chevrolet Epica - Suzuki Verona - Daewoo Tosca 2007

The Daewoo Tosca was officially presented in Korea and I updated the photo album with new pictures. The Koreanj mid size sedan will be sold in Europe as Chevrolet Epica while it is also rumored that it will come to the US a 2007 Suzuki Verona. Although Korean is definitely not one of my strong points, with the help of web-translators I managed to come up with the engine specifications. There are two inline 6cylinder engines available:

2.0 liter with 144 hp / 6.300 rpm & 19,2 kgm torque / 4.600 rpm

2.5 liter with 157 hp / 5.800 rpm & 24,0 kgm torque / 4.000 rpm

The European edition will be previewed in the Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo Brera Spider 2007

These uncovered photographs of the Alfa Romeo Brera Spider which is going to be officially presented in the Geneva Motor Show in March leaked today to the internet.

Like most of the competition, the new Spider follows the tradition and is equipped with a soft top. Two seats are provided, which allow for a respectable luggage volume of approximately 250 litres.

Two petrol engines will be offered on the new Alfa Romeo Spider; a 2.2 litre JTS direct injection four-cylinder and a 3.2 litre V6, with the units offering 185 hp and 260 hp respectively. In 2007, a GTA model is expected, which will feature a twin-turbo V6 engine with 408 hp and 680 Nm of torque

Six speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard, whilst an automatic six speed transmission will become available for the V6 version in 2007. As with the 159 and Brera models, power from the V6 engine will be delivered through an all-wheel-drive traction system, with rear bias for sporty handling., coupled to a 6-speed gearbox completes the driveline while an automatic will be offered at a later date.

In terms of vehicle size, the Spider is 20 mm shorter than the Brera Coupé due to a shorter rear overhang, while the wheelbase remains at 2,528 mm. To fully exploit the four-wheel-drive abilities, the Spider makes use of front quadrilateral suspension at the front, with tri-link at the rear. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with sporty, non-intrusive calibration, is also fitted to control the Spider's dynamic behaviour. An electronic system called MSR is also fitted, which adjusts braking torque during down-changing

The Brera Spider will hit the market in Europe in July, while rumours have it that it will come to the US along with its coupe sibling during 2007. If that happens, it will be sold throughout Ferrari / Maserati dealerships.

Technorati Tags: Alfaromeo, Brera, Spider, official

Seat Ibiza 2006 facelift

FOR 2006, the Seat Ibiza has received a mild facelift which includes new “honeycomb” mesh style air intakes for all versions that follow the Cupra styling cues. The FR model with the 1.8 Turbo engine (150 hp) showed in the photos gets a more aggressive look thanks to the Cupra (180 hp) bodykit. Also, all versions get new light clusters, different bumpers & wheel styles and revised interior trims. The facelifted spanish supermini will be previewed in Geneva with sales following in April.