Cars Scoopy

Monday, September 17, 2007

Fiat 500 appears at London Design Festival

The motor industry’s style icon of the moment – the stunning Fiat 500 – is all set for its first appearance at the London Design Festival in the UK’s capital. The new 500, which represents Fiat’s manifesto for the future, has already set the motoring world alight, attracting critical acclaim from potential customers, enthusiasts and the media alike. And the London Design Festival, which runs until 25 September, will be a perfect backdrop to display the 500’s amazing poise and style to a new group of interested onlookers.Designed at the Fiat Style Centre in Turin, a pearl white example of the 500 will be the focal point at ‘Tent London’ – one of the festival’s leading exhibitions, from 23-25 September. Based at the city’s famous Truman Brewery, a reclaimed industrial site in London’s Brick Lane, ‘Tent London’ will display a vast array of work including old and new design, art and architecture by emerging and established designers from around the world. The 500 will be contained in a specially-built mirrored glass case that, every six seconds, flashes bright light to reveal the car inside. It’s a fitting show for the 500, a vehicle that is among the leading players in terms of automotive design. Fiat is backing up the Tent London appearance with a sponsorship of the Financial Times Business of Design Breakfasts, running during the festival at the city’s famous Royal Festival Hall. Covering subjects such as design, branding, architecture and retail, the seminars will attract influential opinion-formers from the design and financial worlds. Delegates will learn about the 500 and receive a model of the car as a memento. “The London Design Festival is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our new 500 to even more people,” says Elena Bernardelli, Marketing Director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “The festival is quickly becoming one of the leading design events on the world calendar and we are delighted to be a part of it.”

Car Review: Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi 136 GT

When it comes to competing for a slice of the UK family car market, there are no half measures. And that is exactly why Peugeot has pulled out all the stops to get its new challenger here in record time.Only last week we carried a world first drive of the new 308, and now we’ve tried a right-hand-drive model in Britain. How come it’s here so soon?You don’t need us to tell you that September is a key month for new car sales, and Peugeot didn’t want to miss out on a large chunk of business, so bosses decided to bring production of right-hookers forward.

The new family hatchback is the first Peugeot of the ‘8’ generation, and while it doesn’t represent a massive departure from the 307, it’s reasonably attractive, with a redefined front end and curvier shape at the rear. As with Mercedes’ latest C-Class, the nose and tail get different treatments dep-ending on which model you go for.

Under the skin, the 308 uses the same platform as its predecessor, so the car’s overall dimensions haven’t changed a great deal. In fact, boot space has risen by only seven litres and rear legroom remains modest.

Yet the Peugeot feels deceptively large inside – and that’s all thanks to the Cielo glass roof, a feature that’s standard on the top two of the five trim levels and optional on the rest.

The French firm desperately wanted to enhance interior quality on its fam-ily hatchback, and has succeeded. The one-piece dash moulding, which has five chrome-ringed air vents set into it, looks and feels great, and is better designed and more tactile than the effort in the 307. There are a couple of black marks against the newcomer, though: the right-hand-drive version has no footrest for the driver’s clutch leg, while the glovebox is tiny.

Buyers have six engines to choose from. We drove the top-of-the-range 136bhp 2.0 HDi, which is currently the only model to feature a six-speed gearbox. The diesel engine is refined, but could have done with being updated, because it lacks real grunt, with the power tailing off too early in the rev range. It doesn’t help that, despite the modest size gains, the 308 tips the scales by at least an additional 60kg across the board.

Still, that extra weight has not dented the car’s road manners too badly. While it’s far from sporty, the Peugeot is very capable, with a fine balance of ride quality and handling, plus excellent cruising ability.

It’s a strong vehicle, too, and has already earned itself a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Prices start at £12,595 for the five-door 308, with three-door versions costing £600 less when they arrive here in December.

RIVAL: VW GOLF 2.0 TDI GT

While it’s not as well equipped, the equivalent Golf – the 2.0 TDI GT Sport – is considerably cheaper than the Peugeot, at £18,887. We still think the VW has the edge for build quality, too, and it’s a great car to own, thanks in no small part to its superb resale values. But the diesel engine isn’t the smoothest around and the car doesn’t have the 308’s polished road manners.

Other Peugeot Cars:
+ In Flux: Peugeot Flux concept coming to 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
+ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Citroen C5 Airscape - full details, hi-res gallery
+ Drive Experience: Citroen C-Crosser Exclusive HDi
+ Peugeot asks, "Parlez-vous TT?" with 308 RC Z Coupe Concept
+ Peugeot's 4007 Off-Roader Has Car-Like Handling And A Torquey, Refined Engine
+ Citroen's 2CV is back!
+ First Drives Experience-Peugeot 207 GTi

[source: AutoExpress]

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2008 Rogue

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new 2008 Nissan Rogue, which goes on sale September 18 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Rogue is Nissan's first entry into the small crossover SUV segment. It is available in two well-equipped, high-value models, Rogue S and Rogue SL. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the well- equipped 2008 Rogue S is $19,250 for the 2WD model and $20,450 for Rogue S AWD. Pricing for Rogue SL is $20,670 for 2WD and $21,870 for AWD.All 2008 Rogue models come equipped with a standard 170-horsepower (167 hp CAL emissions) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a long list of standard safety equipment, including six air bags. An available all-new Intuitive All- Wheel Drive system with yaw moment control is also offered on both S and SL models. Other standard Rogue equipment includes air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted switches, power windows and door locks, 60/40 split 2nd row rear seat, remote keyless entry, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, auxiliary input jack and 16-inch wheels and tires. Rogue SL trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, body-colored power outside mirrors, tailpipe finisher, 6-way manual driver's seat, rear passenger heater ducts and an additional 12-volt power outlet. Available technology features include Intelligent Key, Bluetooth(R) Hands- Free Phone System, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose(R)-developed audio system with AUX input and MP3 playback. The new Nissan Rogue also offers excellent fuel economy of 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway for 2WD models and 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for Rogue AWD models.

"Rogue's aggressive, performance-oriented styling, powerful engine, responsive handling, and driver-focused cockpit combine with its thoughtful everyday utility to create a vehicle that shifts the way buyers, especially younger buyers, think about crossover SUVs," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. Rogue's refined interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces, fold-flat front passenger's seat and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized partitioned glove box, a large dual-level center console and an available innovative rear cargo organizer. Rogue's standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque (167 hp, 170 lb-ft CAL emissions), tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. Combined with the standard Nissan Xtronic CVT(TM), the engine offers smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Available paddle shifters provide an added level of sporty performance and driver control. Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including a Nissan Advanced Air Bag system and front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupants. Five options and packages are offered for the 2008 Nissan Rogue: Premium Package (SL 2WD) $1,900; Premium Package (SL AWD) $2,200; Leather Package (SL AWD) $1,800; Moonroof (SL) $800; and splash guards at $125.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Volkswagen's production Tiguan graces the stage

Lost in the fray surrounding the reveal of the Up!, Volkswagen's entrant into the cute 'ute segment officially debuted in production guise in Frankfurt. The Tiguan, which will go on sale early next year, will initially be equipped with either a 140 HP two-liter TDI or a 150 HP 1.4-liter TSI, with larger engines to follow. There will be three models available -- S, SE and Sport – all of which will offer 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.

V-Dub is quick to point out that the Tiguan should be able to hold its own both on-road and off, citing an 18-degree angle of approach on standard models, or an optional front-end that allows for 28-degrees of cambered madness. Along with the additional off-road competence, buyers opting for the heavier-duty package get underbody cladding, a radiator protector, hill descent control and a compass.

Volkswagen's full press release can be viewed after the jump, and we've got a full gallery of live shots below for your viewing pleasure.
2008 Volkswagen Tiguan

More Excellent Car in 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show:
+ Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Carlsson Aigner CK65 Eau Rouge
+ Frankfurt Auto Show 2007: Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero
+ Frankfurt Auto Show 2007: Fräuleins of Frankfurt
+ Own an Aston Martin DBS, get a watch... for another $34,500
+ Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Le MANSORY Convertible
+ Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Citroen C5 Airscape - Oh, that was here?
+ Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Deutschland Americana - Geiger C6 Biturbo
+ Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Mercedes has an answer for Lexus with S-Class Hybrids
+ 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Awaiting our inheritance, Part Deux - Aston Martin DB9 LM
+ 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Ferrari F430 Scuderia debut almost scrubbed

[source : AutoBlog]

BMW Showcases its New MINI Clubman in Frankfurt (video)

BMW unveiled its new MINI Clubman at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One year after the launch of the new generation, MINI has extended the range of models with the MINI Clubman. The car has a unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Chrysler recalls 369,000 vehicles for problems

Automaker Chrysler LLC said on Friday it is recalling almost 369,000 vehicles for problems with brake systems and door latches and locks, Reuters reports. Chrysler, which was taken private by Cerberus Capital Management in a $7.4-billion deal last month, said it is recalling 296,550 sport utility vehicles for the brake-related problem. The vehicles affected include Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander SUVs for the 2006 and 2007 model years and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro. Chrysler said a glitch in an electronic control unit could cause a delay in braking when the vehicles are driving uphill. The automaker has had about 20 reports of such problems, said spokesman Max Gates.

Frankfurt Auto Show 2007: Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero

Amidst the countless tuner displays gracing the Frankfurt Messe, one vehicle caught the attention of our lens and caused the hairs on the back of our necks to stand at attention. The Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero, swathed in matte black from its body to its brake calipers, is pure evil incarnate, and it's got the motivation to match.

Sporting a duo of race-ready superchargers, air-to-water intercoolers, a revised intake system, individual oil coolers, new fuel injectors and a host of other mods, the TuNero puts out 707 HP at 8,350 RPM and 525 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,300 RPM. 62 comes up in 3.5 seconds and Novitec claims that a top speed of 216 MPH is easily within reach.