The Audi Q7 luxury sport-utility vehicle earned the highest rating in its category under a new consumer sentiment index aimed at identifying the smartest “green” choices available to U.S. consumers. This is the first year for the SmartGreen Index?, or SGI?, tabulated by the San Diego-based marketing research firm St
The recent auction sale held by Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions, based in Stalbridge, North Dorset, proved that enthusiasts and collectors of all types of historic vehicles, motorcycles, automobilia and railwayana are still willing to invest in their interest, despite the well-publicised credit crunch. The glorious
Straight from its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show, Lexus has revealed the all-new IS 250C coupe/convertible at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show. Based on the IS 250 platform, the IS 250C features a lightweight three-piece folding roof structure, category-leading boot and rear occupant space, and superior noise suppression and wind turbulence properties. Constructed entirely in lightweight aluminium, the new IS 250C's three-piece folding roof boasts an impressive opening
For the second consecutive year, SEAT will be the main sponsor of the Open Freestyle Circuit, one of the most significant winter sport competitions with the highest number of followers that attracts the best riders on the international snowboard scene every year. After last season’s magnificent experience, SEAT is o
Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 2009 350Z Roadster is available in three well-equipped models, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring – each equipped with a standard VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsep
Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2009 Nissan Sentra and Sentra SE-R, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. For 2009, both the Sentra and Sentra SE-R receive a new rear trunk lid design, MP3 playback capability and a new Premium Audio Package. SE-R models offer a new optional SE-R Upgrade Package with power sliding glass moonroof and Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ. Every 2009 Sentra includes a long list of standard convenience and safety equipment. Estimated fuel e
The main attraction in Opel model year 2009 is without question the new Insignia. The notchback and hatchback versions will be introduced in November 2008 and the station wagon variant, the Sports Tourer, will follow a few months later. All three models are now available to order. The other model lines were made even more attractive with targeted refinements. The best examples are the Agila, Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira and Combo: to date, the lo
GM Holden will introduce fuel saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology on all its V8 automatic models from January 2009. AFM, or cylinder deactivation, enables an eight cylinder vehicle to automatically operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions, before restoring full power when engine demands increase. In a combination of town and highway driving, the technology can deliver fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometre
Mazda has confirmed that the four-door saloon version of the all-new Mazda3, completely redesigned for the first time in five years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19th November 2008. The all-new Mazda3, which is the latest evolution of Mazda’s next generation Zoom‑Zoom products, follows the in
Golf, Jetta, Passat, Eos and Tiguan achieve top scores in demanding US crash tests Four Volkswagen models at once were awarded the best grade of "top safety pick" in the most recent publication of the independent US safety institute, "Insurance Institute for Highway Safety". The models Golf, Jetta, Passat and Eos each earned the best evaluation in their respective categories, thus winning the renowned prize for themselves. Together with this same outstanding safety award presented to the Tiguan in August, these ne
Hyundai Motor Company’s Powertrain R&D Center at Namyang has developed a new high-performance V6 Lambda RS (Rear wheel drive Sports) engine which will see its first application in the Genesis Coupe to be launched in Korea this month. Based on the highly successful Lambda first introduced in 2004, the RS edition features several key modifications which have raised power to a maximum of 310ps@6300rpm (310hp for US Market) and peak torque to
Citroën is to launch a second generation of its pioneering Stop & Start technology. Previewed on a striking pearlescent white and orange C3 Picasso at the Paris motor show, the new micro-hybrid system will be introduced in 2010 and will be available on a range of petrol and diesel models. The special show car offers even better economy than the standard model with almost 70mpg on the combined cycle as well as low CO2 emissions of just 110g
