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Following the announcement last week of the production site for the future electric, zero-emission Kangoo Van, Renault has now announced that the electric version of Fluence will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. Production will start in the first half of 2011.


Unveiled as Fluence Z.E. Concept, the electric vehicle (EV) will be produced on the same production line as the conventionally-powered versions of Fluence. As at Maubeuge, where the Group will produce electric, petrol and diesel Kangoos, this option will limit the entry price of the programme and ensure an industrial fast start, while ensuring top-level quality.


Producing the future EV at Bursa allows Renault to benefit from the site's excellent performance on quality, cost and lead times, along with local sourcing. As a result, the Group will be able to market the zero-emission saloon at the same attractive price as internal combustion models.


Scoring high on elegance and comfort, Fluence is a midsize saloon aimed at strengthening Renault's international presence. Owners of the electric model will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge and 'QuickDrop' battery exchange. Renault will launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.


Renault has now revealed the four production sites for its future EV range. The city car previewed by Zoé Z.E. Concept and the electric Kangoo will both be produced in France, at Flins and Maubeuge respectively. The vehicle based on Twizy Z.E. Concept will be built in Valladolid, Spain.


Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.
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Porsche is inviting enthusiasts to test their knowledge of the marque and identify specific Porsche 911 sports cars purely by their distinctive engine sounds.

To celebrate the launch of the new Evolution 911 course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, enthusiasts can log on to www.porsche.co.uk/competition and try their hand - or should that be their ear? - at identifying a variety of iconic Porsche 911 models from history.

To this day, an integral part of the 911 driving experience includes the charismatic sound from its rear-mounted flat six engine, a virtue of the iconic sports coupe since its launch in 1963. As the 911 has steadily evolved, so its voice has changed - larger capacity engines, turbocharging and, most significantly, a move to water-cooling from air-cooling, have each influenced the accent of the 911 engine note. But with each evolution, the 911 still retains a very characteristic sound which is music to the ears of car fans around the world.


Each contestant gains entry to a prize draw for the chance to win an Evolution 911 driving experience at Silverstone.1 The Evolution 911 course is a great gift for enthusiasts wishing to experience for themselves the origin of the 911 species, as it offers the unique opportunity to drive a classic 1980s 911 3.2 Carrera and a Type 993 911 from the 1990s alongside a current generation 911 Carrera. The enduring design language ensures that a Porsche 911 maintains a consistency of style that has never gone out of fashion. Just as the styling of the 911 has evolved, so the driving experience still retains the authentic 911 character.

Costing £275 for a 90 minute programme, the Evolution 911 course is the perfect starting point for drivers to travel back through the historic years of sports car performance, and experience for themselves the unique feel, character and driver involvement offered by the Porsche 911.

For more information about the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone visit www.porsche.co.uk/experience


Editors' Notes

1 What you will drive on the Evolution 911 course

1986 911 ‘G series'
With its distinctive ‘whale tail' rear spoiler, the Carrera 3.2 evolved from the successful 911 SC, reviving the Carrera name for the first time since 1975. It used a new 3.2-litre version of the flat-six boxer engine.

1994 911 (Type 993) Carrera
This car was significant as it was the final incarnation of the air-cooled 911. Styled by Englishman Tony Hatter, the 993 was an inspired take on the classic 911 profile. Mechanically it featured an all-new multi-link rear suspension that raised the dynamic ability of the car further still.

911 (Type 997) Carrera S
The latest evolution of the 911 moves the concept on in both design and performance. Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) technology, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox all contribute to make the 911 Carrera S the definitive sports car.
Source:Porsche UK

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The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be ordered from 16 November: The Gullwing is in the starting blocks

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the absolute highlight at this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, is now available to order. From Monday, 16 November 2009, company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Germany will be taking orders for this super car with its characteristic gullwing doors. The sales price is 177,310 euros (including 19 % VAT).

"Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG's commercial release on Monday. There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.


As of the commercial release on 16 November 2009, prospective buyers will be able to obtain high-quality informational material which provides details of the paint finishes, leather colours, standard equipment and optional extras available for the SLS AMG. It will also be possible to configure your dream vehicle online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com. To bridge the time until the market launch in spring 2010, it is worth watching the web specials at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg or www.mercedes-amg.com/#/sls . These offer a comprehensive insight into all the top features of the SLS AMG. Both online magazines cover performance, technology, design and equipment in exciting video material, as well as in words and pictures.


Mercedes-Benz and AMG active on online platforms

Mercedes-Benz and AMG are exploring new ways of communicating with customers on social media platforms: at www.sls-amg-reporter.com fans of AMG will find short video clips and articles by Matthew K., the SLS AMG reporter. This 36?year old car enthusiast is following the market launch of the SLS AMG and provides information about various events worldwide at which the Gullwing model is presented to the public. Matthew K. is also active at http://twitter.com/sls_amg , reporting live on his travels with the SLS AMG, as well as about his experiences and thoughts on the super sports car. Up-to-date information about the SLS AMG is also available from www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz - fans can communicate with other users and even upload their own photos and videos that express their passion for Mercedes-Benz.


A new legend delivering exceptional performance

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As its first completely independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company's more than 40-year history.?It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The SLS AMG's unrivalled technology package is an alluring proposition:
aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard - this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.


The SLS AMG sells at 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the Gullwing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.
Some of the main options include:

* AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
* AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
* AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
* AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
* AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
* AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
* AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
* "AMG alubeam silver" paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
* "AMG monza grey magno" paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
* AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
* AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
* Leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
* Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
* 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
* Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross
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Based on the same platform as the S60, the new V60 wagon is expected to debut late next year as a 2011 model and follow in the footsteps of previous Volvo wagons like the V40, V50 and V70 lines. It would also serve as a more stylish rival to other premium wagons like the BMW 3-Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Audi A4 Avant and the upcoming Acura TSX Sport Wagon.


Wearing the bold lines of Volvo’s new family styling, the V60 would likely feature the same engine options as the S60 sedan - although Volvo remains tight-lipped on the specifics for now.
Looking to take a larger slice of the prestige market, Volvo will likely aim the V60 at the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate.
The 2011 Volvo S60 sedan is scheduled to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, and while there is no official word on a wagon variant, March is a long time away…


Powertrain options will almost certainly be shared with the S60. One option is likely to be a new 1.6-liter gasoline unit with turbocharging and direct-injection technologies--a spinoff of a Ford EcoBoost mill.
via:motorauthority

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The new Regal is based on the Opel Insignia, Europe’s “Car of the Year” in 2009, which bodes well for its dynamic performance. In addition to its general vehicle architecture, the Regal also shares many of the Insignia’s Euro-flavored design cues, in addition to incorporating Buick’s current design themes.


General Motors may have offloaded its Saturn brand but a replacement for one of its more popular models, the Aura mid-size sedan, will soon be arriving in North America--only it will be wearing a Buick badge.


The 2011 Buick Regal. Basically a restyled Opel Insignia, the car is being positioned as an attractive and sporty addition to the new Buick line. Check out the stories at TheCarConnection and Motor Authority for all the insight into the car's capabilities and intentions.


The 2011 Buick Regal will be available in two options including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged. Estimated fuel-economy for the non-turbocharged model comes in at 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The 2011 Regal will be built in Russelsheim, Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan.


The Regal's interior sports LED-lit gauges, a low instrument panel, and a sweeping dash with suitably upscale trim. Buyers will have a choice of satin metallic interior trim, or piano-black plastic or a dark wood called Kibo.

Source:General Motors

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