2006 Skoda Roomster new model launch

Skoda released pictures of the new 2006 car model called Roomster. These are the first official pictures of the new Skoda Roomster that is going to become the fourth model of the Skoda family.

From the official Skoda Roomster - 2006 new car model pictures release

"Not only does the Skoda Roomster represent the Skoda 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, Skoda is now introducing its new Skoda Roomster to the public in Geneva."

The new 2006 Skoda Roomster model will make its first public appearance at the International Motor Show in Geneva on 28th February 2006.

You can view more pictures of this new car model from Skoda at Skoda Roomster Showroom

2006 new model: Seat Ibiza FR

Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT launched its restyled 2006 Ibiza model. Five trim levels combine with eleven engine options to give European buyers a choice of 18 different Ibiza car model configurations.

The engine range is unchanged from last year, ranging from a 1.2-liter gas engine developing 64 hp, to a 1.8-liter, 20-valve turbo putting out 180 hp. Five diesels range from a 70 hp, 1.4-liter engine to a 1.9-liter, 160 hp unit.

According to the company, the new Ibiza 2006 model has evolved to become '…racier still'. In general, a new bumper, with restyled air-intakes, and twin headlights identify the new models, along with larger wheels – 15-inch is now standard.

The 2006 Seat Ibiza FR model is the most notably revised, as part of an emphasis on the FR brand in 2006. Behind the new Ibiza FR's front air-intakes lies a honeycomb grille, while the area behind the front registration plate is black. New 17-inch alloys and 'FR' badging complete the picture.

Prices and full specification details for the 2006 SEAT Ibiza car model will be released at the model's world public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

BMW Z4 M Coupe 2006 new car

Here are some info about the Z4 M Coupe 2006 new car model from BMW.

Here are some detailes about the 2006 Z4 Coupe from the press release (and some 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe specifications):

"The 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupé is a sports car for very special moments – moments the driver may well experience every kilometre, every mile on the road. Uncompromising, purist, and extremely powerful, this two-seater offers an unparalleled experience of undiluted dynamism both in everyday traffic and on the race track. Without doubt, its prize-winning 3.2-litre straight-six M power unit developing maximum output of 252 kW/343 hp offers performance of the highest conceivable standard.

...

While obviously being closely related to the BMW Z4 M Roadster, this fixed-roof two-seater goes its own way also in its design and styling. The low and sleek curvature of the roof typical of a coupé and the striking look of the car from the side make this new model unmistakable at first sight.

..

BMW’s new car model is powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-litre straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4 Roadster. The engine’s performance figures are indeed impressive at very first sight: 3,246 cc displacement, 252 kW/343 hp maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. And no less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of 365 Newton-metres or 269 lb-ft is available at the driver’s request from just 2,000 rpm.Output per litre is 77.8kW or 106 hp, giving the BMW Z4 M Coupé a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.6 kilos or 7.6 lb/kW. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 5.0 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph"

For more details about this 2006 new car model you can visit BMW guns for Cayman with Z4 Coupé

Mitsubishi - Proton Alliance

Business Times reports about a new alliance between Mitsubishi and Proton car manufacturers:

"The head of Mitsubishi Motors Corp said today the Japanese carmaker was open to forming a technology alliance with Proton.
Mitsubishi Motors was one of the founding members of Proton and a major shareholder until its own financial difficulties forced it to sell off its 8 per cent stake in early 2004. Mitsubishi Motors still supplies car parts to Proton.

Proton, the brainchild of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, suffered a setback earlier this month when Volkswagen AG suddenly pulled out of a joint-venture plan, fanning speculation of tie-ups with other carmakers.That sent shares of Proton spiralling to their lowest in more than four years,"If there is something we can help with, we would be very open to considering it," chief executive officer Osamu Masuko said at the launch of Mitsubishi Motors' new "i" minicar in Tokyo today."

You can read more at Mitsubishi open to tech alliance with Proton

2007 Ford expedition new car model

Available in two lengths, Gigantic (standard) and Leviathan (EL- stretched a further 14.8"), the New Ford Expedition model effectively replaces the big-daddy Excursion, which be-villained Dearborn among conservationists while netting the automaker handsome profits and devoted fans among those with a penchant for large 'lifestyle accessories.'

Autoblog reports about this 2006 - 2007 new car model from Ford:

"The exterior is plainly evolutionary, but appears to have made good use of the three-bar grill spreading throughout Ford's stable, along with a bulging hoodline and confident new headlamps. Overall, the effect is familiar, but easily more successful than the somewhat awkward looking face of the new-for-2006 Explorer.

The interior benefits from the dramatic material improvements first issued on the F-150, with options including a rear-seat entertainment system brandishing an 8.5" display, heated and cooled front seats (sorry, kids), and a Centerslide™ middle seat that can be moved closer to Mom n' Dad, Volvo XC-90 style. An improved sat-nav system with 6.5" screen shares console space with an MP3-capable stereo."

The 2007 Expedition will be available into dealerships this fall.

You can read more about this 2006 new car model and 2006 Ford Expedition specs at Ford unleashes 2007 Expedition on unsuspecting Texans

2007 BMW X3

The Detroit auto insider reports about the 2007 BMW X3 new car model:

"Midway through its life cycle, BMW's compact X3 utility vehicle is slated to get a major facelift for model year 2007. The X3, which gets new front and rear styling, is expected to make its public debut at the Paris Auto Show in the fall. In addition to fresh sheet metal, BMW will substantially upgrade the cabin of the X3. The four-door SUV will share engines and transmissions from the 3-Series sedans, including a twin-cam 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, as well as a turbo-diesel six primarily for European customers."

You can visit the original post at 2007 BMW page

Crash Test: Ford Explorer - Mercury Mountaineer

Here are some news about the 2006 Ford Explorer crash test as well as the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer crash test:

These 2006 car models are now crash tested: The 2006 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, which were heavily revised this year, have earned five-star crash ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s front and side impact crash tests for drivers and passengers. Each SUV features a package of 10 standard safety features from Ford, seven that are all new to the mid-size SUV class.

That's good news!

New 2006 X-Trail Columbia Edition

New 2006 car model:
Nissan and Columbia Sportswear join forces

Portland-based Columbia Sportswear Co and Nissan Europe SAS announced a joint branding effort aimed at building brand awareness throughout Europe.
The two companies have joined forces to launch the Nissan X-Trail Columbia Edition. "The X-Trail Columbia perfectly embodies what both brands value the most; robustness and advanced technology, the love of the outdoors and the true spirit of adventure," said Brian Carolin, Nissan Europe senior vice president of sales and marketing.

This 2006 new car model (2006 Nissan X-Trail Columbia) is available with a sunroof, full body color, electric folding mirrors, privacy glass, auto air-conditioning, ESP+, advanced DVD-based navigation system, heated and power seats with leather trim, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Each X-Trail Columbia buyer will also receive a Columbia Selkirk parka.

A series of events, marketing promotions and advertising will promote the X-Trail across 21 countries.

2007 Ford Shelby GT500 car model

Here are some info on the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500:
"The Ford Shelby GT500 seamlessly combines the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance cues, such as the famous Shelby Cobra logo.

- Performance Inspiration: Carroll Shelby and Ford Special Vehicle Team join forces to create a modern successor to the famous Shelby GT500 of the late 1960s
- Performance Hardware: 475-horsepower supercharged V-8, 6-speed manual transmission, race-tuned suspension, four-piston Brembo brakes
- Performance Design: Mustang heritage with aggressive muscular front-end design, Le Mans racing stripes, unmistakable "Cobra" logo and Shelby nameplate

After 40 years, racing legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Mustang are back together with the introduction of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500.

You can read more about this 2007 new car model at 2007 Ford Shelby GT500: Most Powerful Mustang Ever!

New DaimlerChrysler diesel car models

ABC reports:
"DaimlerChrysler's chairman believes there's a place for diesels in the U.S. car market.
Dieter Zetsche says diesel vehicles will attract consumers because they combine performance with fuel efficiency.

BLUETEC diesel technology will arrive in the U.S. market this fall on the Mercedes E-320 sedan, which gets 35-miles-per-gallon.

Speaking to reporters at the North American International Auto Show, Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler plans to share its BLUETEC diesel technology with Chrysler Group. He says it's clean enough to potentially be used in all 50 states -- including California and four other states where diesels don't currently meet emissions standards.

`The 2006 model-year SUVs receiving the top score were the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

more at DaimlerChrysler to introduce new diesel

2007 New Car Models

Here are some new car models announced for 2007.

2007 New Car Models

2007 Jeep Wrangler

"The new Jeep model seems to be better than the last in every way on paper : more power, more interior room, better off-road capability, more on-road refinement, and a very cool 3-piece modular top, while retaining elements that are near and dear to the diehard Jeep crowd, like solid axles. It's even MP3 capable and SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready. The vehicle will be available in 3 trims: X, Sahara and Rubicon."

Some details on the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler:
"Although slightly smaller than ancient 4.0L inline-six that's in all but the base 2006 model, the new 3.8L V6 puts out 205 hp and 240 lb/ft of torque, up from 190 and 235, respectively. The all-new Active Sway Bar System (ASBS), an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, provides support on harsh trails and pushes the vehicle's Ramp Travel Index (RTI, measuring the suspension articulation) up 28 percent to 652."

More at 2007 Jeep Wrangler: official photos and specs

2007 Jeep Compass
Another Jeep new car model is the 2007 Jeep Compass car model.
"the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass is being launched today as a production model. The crossover vehicle (Jeep actually calls it a compact SUV) is significant in many ways, not the least of which is the fact that it represents Jeep's move into segments outside the strict SUV market.
Like the 2007 Wrangler, the Compass will come with MP3 capability and will be SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready. It will also get some decent gas mileage for a Jeep thanks to the company's second-generation continuously variable transaxle (CVT2), a relatively new technology that optimizes the torque curve and improves fuel economy by 6-8 percent as compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic transmission. The first FWD Jeep vehicle with fully-independent suspension, the Compass aims to attract non-traditional Jeep buyers, expanding the brand into new demographics."

The new Jeep Compass will be available in U.S. and global volume markets by the third quarter of 2006. Outside the U.S., the Compass will be available with Chrysler's 2.0L diesel engine.

More about this 2007 new car model at 2007 Jeep Compass: official specs and photos

2007 Lexus LS 460/LS 460h new car models
These are 2007 new car models from Lexus. The new LS sedan is expected to have a 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Along with the more powerful engine will come the usual improvements to luxury, safety, and electronics that Lexus builds into each new vehicle.

Lexus will also offer a hybrid version of the LS460. The hybrid version is rumoured to be named the LS600h, and will combine Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive with a V-8 engine.

The 2007 Lexus LS460 is expected for fall 2006, and the hybrid model will likely be introduced several months later.

New 2007 Mazda CX-7 Model
Mazda North American Operations announced that pricing for the 2007 Mazda CX-7, the company's all-new crossover SUV, will begin at $23,750 for the front-wheel-drive Sport model. Produced entirely onMazda-derived platform architecture, the five-seat 2007 new CX-7 embodies an astuteblend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-driveSUV with Mazda's trademark "Soul of a Sportscar."

The 2007 CX-7 from Mazda is offered in three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.All models include air conditioning, power-windows, -door locks and -mirrors,retractable key, cruise control, and six air bags. Also standard on all CX-7sis an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and aTraction Control System (TCS).

The new Mazda's CX-7 car will arrive in the North American market in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 new car model.