Auto News archives

2007 Nissan Rogue

Nissan has revealed its 2008 Rogue crossover, which will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit early next month. It will go on sale in September 2007 at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 2008 Nissan Rogue will be available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System

2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept

While the technologically advanced Chevrolet Volt has the capability to travel 40 miles on electricity alone, at first glance, the concept could easily be mistaken as simply a design statement. The Volt conveys an immediate message of agility and sophistication, with exterior proportions more commonly associated with classic sports cars. Twenty-one-inch wheels and sheer, taut surface relationships reiterate the statement. The Chevrolet Volt’s athletic design challenges the notion that an en

2007 Mazda Ryuga

How will Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit achieve form and substance in the future? Laurens van den Acker, Design Division General Manager for Hiroshima, Japan's Mazda Motor Corporation, disturbed the status-quo and challenged every designer in his three global studios with that very question upon his arrival at Mazda early last year. After months of soul searching, hundreds of sketches and thousands of discussions, meetings, arguments and revisions, the first part of the answer was unveiled at the r

2007 Ford Airstream Concept

Playing to win in the growing crossover segment, Ford has joined with another iconic company to showcase how it could further expand its lineup of expressive crossovers with the Ford Airstream Concept. “Crossovers are an increasingly important part of our business, and Ford is going to continue developing an expressive range of these vehicles,” says Peter Horbury, executive director – Design, The Americas. “The Ford Airstream Concept is a futuristic look at crossovers. It’s the ultimate moder

2008 Ford Focus

Redesigned from the inside out, the 2008 Ford Focus brings a bold new look, a modern interior and a high level of driving enjoyment to the small car segment. Joining the new Focus four-door sedan is, for the first time, ever a sporty two-door coupe, which is designed to attract new and younger buyers to a growing small car market. Ford is renewing its commitment to the small car market as an influx of younger buyers and the instability of gas prices have led to growing sales in the segment. S

2007 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro concept was the celebrated star of the American 2006 auto show season. Now, at the beginning of the 2007 auto show season, there is a new star rising: The Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept. It will be unveiled on the eve of the North American International Auto Show at GM Style, an exclusive, fashion-splashed event combining celebrities, couture and automobiles. Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in the US in 2009. A pro

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. The new Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It arrives at Chevrolet dealerships later this year. “The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet’s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

Citroen C4 Picasso

The new five seat Citroen C4 Picasso benefits from the same forward thinking that shaped the design of the recently launched Grand C4 Picasso, with outstanding all-round visibility, a light and airy interior, leading cabin and boot space, incorporating a new version of Citroën’s Modubox folding trolley, and the use of high quality materials. The easy-to-use and flexible interior lay-out combines with the uncluttered interior space and the highest levels of comfort to ensure that travelling is a

2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept

The Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports car fundamentals, the FT-HS concept was a joint undertaking of Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota's California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group. The design team was assigned the task of creating a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emo

2008 Opel Corsa OPC

Opel has shifted into top gear with the new Corsa. Following the successful market launch of the bestseller’s fourth generation, Opel now sends the sporty top version on to the road. The OPC model is the quintessential expression of the Corsa’s dynamic character, with top-level agility and vehicle control promising pure driving fun. Its 1.6-liter turbo engine with 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 225 km/h. The max

Mercedes-Benz Vision GL 420 Bluetec

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its US diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLUETEC® technology, even large, high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SUV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mp

2009 Jaguar XF

The all-new Jaguar C-XF concept car, a stunning four-door sedan that blends dynamic, modern features with classic, heritage cues, will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. This concept, which boasts a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, signifies a new era for the company and is a clear indication of the design direction for the company's next-generation of sport sedans. Headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum and Head of Advanced Design Jul