Mitsubishi News - At last, pics of the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE
September 30, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
We’ve been waiting since last week to bring you pictures of the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Special Edition, and they’re finally here!
Recapping what we previously reported, the Evo Special Edition represents the final round of updates to the Evolution IX bodystyle. With its price set at $33,249, this new trim grade includes the aluminum roof shared with the Evo RS and MR, a new front lip extension, lightweight 17″ BBS wheels finished in a “Diamond Black” look, red-stitched Recaros, and HID headlamps.
The Graphite Grey exterior color depicted above looks good to us, but if that’s not your fancy, Mitsubishi will be happy to make you one in Apex Silver or Tarmac Black instead. Wth that, we bid a fond farewell to the Evo IX.
On deck: Evo X!!! Not that we’re not excited about it or anything….
(More pics, press release after the jump)
[Source: Mitsubishi]
PRESS RELEASE:
THRILLING VISUAL AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS AT AN EXCELLENT VALUE DISTINGUISH 2006 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION SE
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is applying the “Special Edition” treatment to its critically acclaimed ninth-generation Lancer Evolution. The 2006 Lancer Evolution SE offers special features at a competitive price of $33,249 MSRP to make this legendary performance vehicle even more thrilling. The new SE trim level represents the final enhancement to a Lancer Evolution body style that has been on sale in the U.S. market since 2003.
Inside the Special Edition trim level, supportive, red-stitched RECARO(R) seats accentuate the interior while the exterior receives a new front airdam extension that adds style while reducing front end lift. A lightweight aluminum roof panel, also found on the Lancer Evolution RS and MR, helps control body roll by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. The feather weight 17″ forged BBS(R) alloy wheels, now in a new “Diamond Black” finish, add style while reducing unsprung weight to improve suspension performance. The SE trim level also includes high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with halogen fog lamps giving the vehicle a distinctive look. The available exterior color choices for the Lancer Evolution SE are Apex Silver, Graphite Gray and Tarmac Black.
True to the Lancer Evolution’s heritage, the SE is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC intercooled-turbocharged engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) that is mated to a rugged 5-speed transmission.
The revised airdam, Recaro(R) seats with red stitching, and forged BBS(R) wheels with “Diamond Black” finish are available on the MR trim level as well in the form of an Appearance Package which sells for $500.00.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 540 dealers.
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[tags]mitsubishi cars, mitsubishi models, mitsubishi autos, mitsubishi news, mitsubishi[/tags]
Nissan News - Ghosn may start talks with Ford
September 30, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
Fresh rumors Friday suggest that disappointing progress in Renault-Nissan’s talks with General Motors may be shifting attention to a Ford-Renault-Nissan linkup… again.
According to people familiar with the GM talks, not only does it look unlikely that Renault and Nissan will take an equity stake in GM, but the two sides also have been unable to agree on joint purchasing and vehicle development (see our post Thursday). When the talks opened in July, GM CEO Rick Wagoner and Renault-Nissan’s Ghosn said the talks exploring an alliance would wrap up in mid-October.
If nothing else, the GM talks have demonstrated Renault-Nissan’s willingness to take on a third partner, so perhaps Ghosn is getting ready to take Bill Ford up on his offer to discuss a partnership if the GM talks fail.
[Source: Bloomberg]
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[tags]nissan cars, nissan autos, nissan news, nissan models, nissan[/tags]
Mercedes-Benz News - Mercedes CL Cabrio in the works?
September 30, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
[tags]mercedes benz news, mercedes benz reviews, mercedes benz, daimler chrysler[/tags] -
Filed under: Convertibles, Mercedes Benz
The rumormongers over at Auto Motor Und Sport report that during a conversation with Hans Dieter Multhaupt, Daimler Chrysler’s Vice President of Program Management and Development, the idea of a convertible CL was hinted at, along with the possibility of a diesel mill finding its way under the hood.
The translated article quotes Mr. Multhaupt, as saying that the engineers and designers take steps to insure that these variants will be possible with limited modifications. The one factor that leads to broader offerings is consumer demand, which Mercedes hasn’t seen, yet.
We’re not sure about the diesel, but it’s probably a no-brainer that a droptop version of the S-Class based coupe will make it to production. Soon.
[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]
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Toyota News - Toyota boosts profit forecast, aiming for top spot
September 30, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
Get those big foam fingers ready, Toyota fans - the Japanese automaker looks set to vault into the global #1 spot sooner than later. The automaker is now predicting that worldwide sales will grow 11 percent in 2008, to 9.8 million units. General Motors, the current number one, sold 9.17 million units in 2005.
Toyota also revised its profit forecast Wednesday. Upward. By over 31 percent. In a blinding flash of the obvious, a senior VP at Fuji Investment Management called the new numbers “impressive” and went out on a limb to say, “I think Toyota is a buy.” However, most of the increased profit can be attributed to the continued weakness of the Japanese yen.
Toyota plans to fuel continued growth with strategic new products, including a low-cost vehicle for emerging markets, particularly in Asia, and flex-fuel vehicles for the booming Brazilian market. In more-developed markets, we can expect continued development of plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. In the near term, the North American market is the target of a major push into the full-size truck market and expansion of the Scion brand.
[Source: Reuters]
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[tags]toyota cars, toyota news, toyota suv, toyota[/tags]
Volvo News - Volvo to sell C30 in U.S.
September 30, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Volvo
Soon after Volvo unveiled its C30 in Paris, it was announced that the diminutive hatch will find its way stateside. Although its primary market will be Europe, Volvo would like to see a fair number of the 65,000 C30s produced finding a home in American garages.
The C30 rides on an identical wheel base as its larger sibling the S40, pushing the wheels to the outside of the car for better handling characteristics. The same 218 HP, turbocharged inline-5 will be shoved under the bonnet, producing a tractable 236 lb.-ft. of torque.
Typical for Volvo, safety is the name of the game. Beyond the expected passive safety devices, the C30 will come equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which will aid drivers in lane change maneuvers.
All this and more will hit American shores no sooner than 2008, with pricing expected to be in the mid-to-high $20k segment.
The full press release can be seen after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
Volvo Cars of North America Announces It Will Sell the Exciting New C30 in the U.S. Market
PARIS, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ — In conjunction with Volvo Cars dramatic unveiling of the all-new C30 at today’s Paris Motor Show, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced that it will bring the car to the U.S. market no earlier than the 2008 model year. The announcement comes just nine months after the C30 Design Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early 2006.
The C30’s primary markets will be in Europe, with the largest markets being Italy, the U.K., Germany and Spain. Volvo Cars estimates global sales of the C30 at 65,000 units annually. Pricing and volume expectations for the U.S.-bound C30 have not yet been set.
The C30 will represent a new segment entry for Volvo; one that will bring a younger buyer into Volvo retailers. “The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30’s youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo’s traditional customers,” commented Anne Belec, President and CEO of VCNA.
To get those younger buyers interested, the edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark. “The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” noted Volvo Car’s Design Director Steve Mattin. “Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following.”
218 horsepower and 8.5-inches shorter than a Volvo S40
Putting 218 horsepower to the front wheels, the new C30 is powered by a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine that produces 236 pound-feet of torque.
Measuring in at just 167 inches in length, the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range — an impressive 8.5 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan while still retaining the 103.9 inch wheel base, which really pushes the wheels towards the end of the car. “A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel,” said C30 project leader Hakan Abrahamsson. “Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering.”
Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30’s standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5×130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine(R), Dolby(R) Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio(R). Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Simply put, it rocks.
Volvo’s legendary safety is well represented in the new C30
When it comes to safety, the new C30 is a true Volvo. Among other things, it will be available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car.
The front end incorporates the same patented multi-steel structure as the S40 and V50. Combined with airbags and safety belt pretensioners, the C30 offers first class safety. But the C30 wouldn’t be a Volvo if it didn’t also include such standard safety equipment as the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.
Preliminary Specifications Engine: 2.5-liter double overhead cam turbocharged 5-cylinder 218 hp at 5,000 rpm 236 lb.-ft of torque at 1,500 - 4,800 rpm Dimensions: Length - 167.4 inches Width - 80.3 inches Height - 57.0 inches Weight - 2,900 pounds (estimated) Wheelbase - 103.9 inches
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Mulally already shaking up Ford
Filed under: Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Volvo
Even though Alan Mulally hasn’t officially taken the helm at Ford yet, he is already making waves. The former Boeing CEO has taken the reigns already, acutely focused on becoming the company’s new leader. In a report by The Detroit News, the details of Mulally’s actions are coming to light. He is cutting through executive meeting schedules, eating at the company cafeteria instead of the executive dining room, and dumping his Lexus for a Ford. Mulally’s goal is simple; revamp the Ford corporate culture into one that promotes honesty, directness, and most of all teamwork. Not to mention cutting out the bean counters’ influence on product development and, ultimately, the product content, a problem that has plagued Ford for a long time.
Bill Ford Jr. thinks that Mulally will sharpen Ford, and we think he may be its only hope at this point. FoMoCo has a lot of potential, as we all know, and would definitely be the feather Mulally needs in his cap to prove himself as one of the greatest business leaders of our time.
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Volvo readies three C30 concepts for SEMA
Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Concept Cars, SEMA, Hatchbacks, Volvo
click on image above to enlarge
As you know, we were unabashedly impressed with the C30 when it debuted as a concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show and were equally excited to see the production version lost little of the concept’s charm. It turns out that Volvo is pretty excited about the C30 too, as the Swedish brand has turned three cars over to a triumvirate of tuners who will produce custom versions for the SEMA Show in November. The companies involved include ipd, HEICO SPORTIV and EVOLVE.
The first tuner is little ipd who will make a very big statement with its C30 concept (shown above) producing 400 horsepower thanks to a belt-driven supercharger. That delicious powerband is augmented with audio courtesy of Alpine and Apple. Handling is jacked up a notch thanks to a fully adjustable coil-over suspension system and the party will come to a stop quickly thanks to a big break package. And just for fun the ipd C30 is painted with a Swedish flag theme. Nice.
(Follow the jump for more details on the other two tuner Volvos and more renderings)
[Source: Volvo]
click on image to enlarge
The HEICO C30 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, which explains the involvement of Burlington, Vermont-based Burton snowboards. HEICO plans to turn the all-wheel drive C30 into a backpack on wheels for the outdoor advernturists, but beyond that all we have to go on in this rendering.
The final tuner is EVOLVE, a company that’s worked with Volvo in the past on show cars. The EVOLVE C30 is described as combining “stunning aesthetics” with “staggering performance capabilities.” Show and go is always a good thing, but what really tickles our fancy is the question EVOLVE poses: “What would happen if a Formula One car and Volvo C30 were put in a blender? “
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[tags]volvo cars, volvo models, volvo reviews, volvo[/tags]
