Thursday, August 25, 2005

2006 new car model 2006 Volvo C70

Motortrend reports:
Volvo Cars of North America has released the first official photos of its all-new 2006 Volvo C70. With its three-piece retractable hardtop, the second-generation C70 promises the best of both worlds: With the top up, it's a sporty coupe with dramatic, head-turning style. With the top stowed below the rear deck, it's an open-air convertible that invites wind-in-the-hair fun and excitement. The all-new Volvo C70 car model will be unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, with sales beginning in the U.S. in the spring of 2006 - just in time for summer.


"We've succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the mere touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe. The customer gets two cars in one. Both with space for four adults," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Hans-Olov Olsson. The first-generation C70 Convertible had its best year in 2004 with just over 8000 cars sold globally, while U.S. sales in 2004 totaled 4069 units. "Our all new C70 is one of the first open-top cars in the premium segment with both a steel roof and space for four adults. We believe this is a highly sought-after combination. That's why we expect to more than double our sales compared with the first-generation C70," says Olsson.

Read more about this 2006 new car model at First Look: All-New 2006 Volvo C70

2006 Jaguar XJ and Jaguar MY XJ range

AskAPrice reports about the 2006 new car models from Jaguar: Jaguar XJ and MY XJ range 2006.

"Jaguar's focus this year is firmly on meeting our customers' needs for cars that combine superb value for money with a driving experience that you can only get from a Jaguar. That's why the 2006 XJ range has been significantly upgraded to ensure every customer will find a model to satisfy his or her requirements. From the introduction of our acclaimed 2.7 litre V6 turbodiesel engine to a host of other groundbreaking advances for every model, such as acoustic laminated glass and Bluetooth ® wireless connectivity, the new 2006 XJ will keep Jaguar at the forefront of the premium saloon market." Bibiana Boerio, managing director, Jaguar Cars

"The addition of the excellent new 2.7 litre twin-turbo Diesel engine to the XJ range reinforces the fact that our new 2006 car models are not only the most technologically advanced cars Jaguar has ever made, they rank among the best cars produced anywhere in the world," says Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars. "This is the position Jaguar now holds in the premium car market and the introduction of the new XJ 2.7 twin-turbo Diesel reinforces that stronghold.”

Key Features of this 2006 Jaguar new car models:
New 2.7 litre twin-turbo V6 Diesel introduced to XJ range - the first diesel XJ.
Latest twin-turbo commonrail diesel engine technology means the 2.7 litre V6 produces 207PS (152kW) EEC and 435Nm of torque.
Fitted with a Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (CDPF).
Accelerates from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 141mph (225kph), yet returns 35mpg (combined cycle).
Electronically controlled active engine mounts on diesel model – an industry first – cancel engine idle vibration by 90 percent and provide class-leading levels of refinement.
2006 Model Year XJ saloons also benefit from a large number of additional changes:
Subtle revision to the XJ's exterior appearance thanks to removal of front and rear screen finishers and body side mouldings.
Even better refinement for all XJ models with the introduction of acoustic laminated glass, a new secondary bulkhead system, isolated driver's airbag and modifications to the bonnet sealing system.
Bluetooth ® wireless system is available where license permits, allowing drivers to use a compatible mobile phone in a safe, legal and convenient manner.
Uprated braking system with a bigger disc and calliper assembly.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to highlight an excessive loss in vehicle tyre pressure.
Two new alloy wheels are introduced: The 19-inch Sabre Wheel replaces the 19-inch Performance wheel on XJR models. An 18-inch Tucana Wheel replaces the 18-inch Dynamic in UK, Europe, North America and the 18-inch Luxury Wheel in other markets on the XJ6 and XJ8 (dependent on market).

Two new exterior colours - Winter Gold and Indigo.

The 2006 MY Jaguar XJ range is as follows: Standard wheelbase models: Long wheelbase models: XJ 2.7 twin-turbo Diesel XJ6 3.0 V6 petrol (Asia Pacific, China, XJ6 3.0 V6 petrol Middle East) XJ8 3.5 V8 petrol XJ8 3.5 V8 petrol XJ8 4.2 V8 petrol XJ8 4.2 V8 petrol XJR 4.2 supercharged V8 petrol Super V8 4.2 supercharged petrol Super V8 4.2 supercharged petrol IMPROVEMENTS TO ALL 2006 MODEL YEAR JAGUAR XJ MODELS

New Car Model : 2006 Cadillac CTS

2006 Cadillac CTS Review from Motortrend talks about the exterior of this Cadillac 2006 car model :

"The stealth-aircraft-inspired styling of the 2006 Cadillac CTS is a blend of both forward-thinking design and traditional Cadillac style. The vertical lights, fore and aft, harken back to mid-Sixties models, yet the headlamps are truly modern, with a projector-beam type construction. The large, louvered egg-crate grille draws inspiration from 1930s Cadillacs, while the geometric sheetmetal is pure 21st century. The overall design effect was initially polarizing, but as this crisp-edged approach is applied on other models, the look is becoming more comfortably familiar and succeeds in being instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. The base CTS wears 16-inch aluminum wheels, with 17-inch wheels and even more dramatic 18-inch polished wheels available. The CTS-V model sports an aggressive front fascia, stainless-steel mesh grilles, lower bodywork extensions, and 18-inch wheels. "

Here is a picture of this 2006 new car model from Cadillac (the CTS):

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

2006 BMW M3 range


Wheels 24 reports that the BMW M3 range will grow:

Unlike the previous M3 range, which only consisted of a coupe and cabriolet, the upcoming line-up will include a four-door sedan and a Touring (estate) too.
Not since the E36 3 Series range was there a four-door M3 but as we reported before, BMW is on track to bring this derivative back to rival cars such as the Audi RS4. It is like to be the first M3 model to break cover too - perhaps as early as next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The coupe and convertible M3s will probably be launched, along with the mainstream 3-Series coupe and drop-top, at next year's Geneva Motor Show.
There is no doubt that the next M3, will be the hottest performance 3 Series too. It will come with a new lightweight V8 producing about 295 kW using the latest dual-VANOS variable valve timing system and BMW's SMG transmission will be standard. .
Insiders say that BMW is implementing new engine build technology to keep the weight of the power train on par with that of the E46 M3.

2006 new car model: Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Canadian driver reports about that Volkswagen introduces 2006 GLI:

"Volkswagen has announced the 2006 GLI into the Jetta lineup, giving drivers Autobahn-bred performance with the practicality of a large four-door compact.
Like all new Jetta models, the GLI is completely redesigned and is bigger than previous models, including occupant space, legroom and trunk volume. Its 2.0 T turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 200 hp and with a standard six-speed manual transmission, can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. An optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission is available. This direct-shift gearbox uses a twin-clutch, wet-plate design for fully automatic or manual gear changes with no power interruption. "

This is the new 2006 Jetta GLI car model from Volkswagen:

Thursday, August 18, 2005

2006 Honda Civic Preview Party

Here are some nice pictures and opinions about the 2006 Honda Civic model from 2006 Honda Civic Preview Party:

The Hollywood extra features some 2006 Honda Civic images and writes:

"All I can tell you is that I have to take back everything I've said about this car in the past few weeks.It looks fantastic!The top car is an EX sedan. With a 140hp 1,8 Liter engine.It looks much larger in person than the current model. And much, much better. I saw a 2005 right after and it really looked like crap next to the new one. The 2006 also looks much more upscale.The blue car is of course the new 200hp, 6 speed Si coupe. Inside, only the door design is different . Both the EX and Si can be ordered with a navigation system."

Air Brett also features some nice Honda Civic 2006 model pictures on his blog: New 2006 Civic (Pre-production)

2006 Nissan 350Z


The 2006 Nissan 350Z made its first public appearance this week at the annual Z Club gathering. More than 500 Z owners are attending the event, which runs until August 19.

The 2006 model year marks the first time that changes have been made to the 350Z since its 2002 debut in the U.S. New features include a revised front end, enhanced interior, LED taillights and speed-sensitive power steering.

Among the other revisions for 2006 are a new Grand Touring Coupe model, featuring 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, Brembo brakes, front and rear spoiler and vehicle dynamic control. All six-speed manual transmission models now receive the 300-horsepower tuning of the Z's standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6. Models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission are rated at 287 hp.

The 2006 350Z also includes standard bi-xenon headlights, added MP3 CD capability for the optional Bose audio system and three new exterior paint colors, including silver alloy and magnetic black.

LeMay Museum Car Show

Something about the oldies but goldies:

Legend has it that while amassing the largest privately owned collection of vehicles in the world, Harold E. LeMay sold only five cars in his lifetime — and bought three of them back.
The annual LeMay Museum Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 27 will feature 750 vintage, classic and specialty cars and a display of exotic race cars from collectors around the Northwest at the LeMay family estate in Tacoma as well as the ongoing exhibit of more than 400 cars at the LeMay Car Museum, 423 E. 152nd St., Tacoma....
The collection spans all eras and includes Ford Model T's and other early cars; numerous foreign cars; American makes including Chevrolets, Buicks, Pontiacs, Chryslers and Fords; and "orphan" cars including Edsels, Hudsons, Kaisers and a Tucker.

from The Seattle Times

You can visit also The LeMay Museum official site

Saturday, August 13, 2005

International Herald Tribune reports: "Hybrid cars enter the fast lane "

The article talks about Mark Cappellano, a vintner in the Napa Valley of northern California, who waited eight months for his new car, a 2004 Toyota Prius. After he took delivery of the car, which runs on a hybrid system incorporating a gas engine and an electric motor, Cappellano drove it to Los Angeles and back - a round trip of more than 800 miles, or 1,280 kilometers.

In the Prius hybrid SUV, he only needed to fill it up twice while the same journey in his former car, a sporty Saab 900, would have cost him about $80 to fill his 10-gallon, or 40-liter, gas tank four times.

About hybrid cars: "For the first time since its commercial debut in Japan eight years ago, the hybrid car is in the fast lane of public consciousness. But whether that awareness will translate into any sort of meaningful consumption remains a big unknown.

Hybrid technology involves a combination of a gasoline-powered combustion engine paired with an electric motor. The two subsystems function as a tag team based on road and environmental conditions. On a straightaway, where less fuel is needed to make the car move, the gas engine will take over; on an incline or other terrain where more power is needed, the electric motor will kick in. "

Suzuki 2006 new car model

Gulf Daily News reports that Suzuki will launch new car next year:

The new 2006 car model from Suzuki will be produced and sold worldwide next year.The company will spend some 50 billion yen ($447m) on the development of the new small sport utility vehicle with a two-liter engine, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said.
Production of the Suzuki new car model will begin next year at its manufacturing bases in Japan, China, India and Hungary, with a sales target set at 200,000 a year worldwide, the business daily said.
The new vehicle from Suzuki will sell for about $15,000 in North America, some 20-30 per cent cheaper than comparable vehicles sold by other firms such as the RAV4 of Toyota Motor and the CR-V of Honda Motor, the daily said.
This Suzuki new car model will be targeted mainly at young people as a vehicle for first-time buyers.

2006 Audi RS4


Automobile Mag reports about the 2006 Audi RS4:

RS is Audi's ultimate prefix, surpassing the S models and denoting maximum performance. U.S. buyers have only seen one RS model-the 2003 RS6, a wild-child A6 rumbling with a blown, 450-hp V-8. But the RS6 was actually the third Audi RS, following the 1994-95 RS2 (based on the Audi 80 wagon) and the 2000-01 RS4, a 375-hp, twin-turbocharged screamer fashioned from the first-generation Audi A4 Avant.

The Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)-introduced in the RS6-has been updated here and effectively suppresses yaw, roll, dive, and squat by diagonally linking the two pairs of dampers hydraulically. This wholly mechanical system provides a confidence-inspiring, ground-hugging cornering attitude that is particularly awesome on smooth tarmac, where the RS4 occasionally will lift a leg or two when going ten-tenths.

Also read this article called Audi's Q7 SUV Surfaces which features 2 photos of the new Audi SUV model:

These enhanced photos provide a first official look at the Audi Q7, which debuts at September’s Frankfurt auto show. The seven-passenger Audi bears some resemblance to its Volkswagen Touareg cousin, but its aggressive and sporty styling signals a definite on-road bias. The Q7 will be powered by either Audi’s 3.2-liter V-6 or its 4.2-liter V-8, with the all-wheel-drive system from Audi’s RS6 supersedan, which has a 40/60 percent front/rear torque bias.