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Caught on film earlier today in Stuttgart, Germany, is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. Scheduled for release in 2009, the new CLK replaces the nearly five-year-old current model which has only seen one facelift. Our spy tells us the 2009 CLK coupe should come out in early 2009, with the rag-top convertible being released just in time for summer.

Mercedes needs to upgrade its CLK to best the BMW 3-Series coupe, the Audi A5 coupe, and the 2009 Audi A5 convertible.

The new CLK should have three different engine choices, including a V6 with 272 horsepower, a 388 horsepower V8, and a nasty 503 horsepower CLK 63 AMG. There may also be a 428 horsepower option as well, along with diesel engines for some markets. Likewise, the 4-matic system should be an option. We look forward to seeing how Mercedes will release this as a hybrid.

This update on the CLK should be a little more upmarket, as well. We eagerly await a little more class and style on this car's exterior, but until a little more black tape and prototype-casing is dropped, we'll have to keep wondering what the exact look of this car will be. Our spy on the streets of Germany believes the four-eyes front end "will be quite different from the looks of the C-Class."

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Ford has announced the arrival of a new special edition of the high performance Focus ST. Called the Focus ST500, and priced from £20,495, it will be available to just 500 UK customers.

The Ford Focus ST500 is based on the top-of-the-range Focus ST3 with the addition of unique features. All models are finished in metallic black with classic silver bonnet, roof and side stripes which are designed to echo the livery of the winning GT40 in the 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966.

Power comes from the Focus ST's acclaimed 20-valve five-cylinder Duratec 2.5 engine, which develops 225PS at 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Since its introduction in 2005, the Focus ST has established itself as one of the finest "hot hatchbacks" ever made and received critical acclaim from the specialist media and enthusiast customers alike.

With sales of over 13,500, the Ford Focus ST is now firmly positioned as the most sought after performance hatchback in the UK, and reflects the motorsport success of the all-conquering Focus RS WRC, which saw Ford take the 2006 WRC manufacturer's title, and which currently heads the 2007 World Rally Championship.

Included in the Focus ST500's unique specification are scarlet leather Recaro sports seats and matching upholstery, special ST500 badging, automatic Xenon high-intensity headlamps, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and solar-reflect windscreen.

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Press invited to Death Valley

There is no way to keep a new car hidden for long, and Skoda knows it. So, instead of letting us put the clues together like a connect-the-dots drawing, Skoda invited a select group of press representatives to take part in hot weather testing in the American Death Valley desert.

The journalists were presented with the next generation Skoda Superb powered by the 1.8 TSI/118 kW (160 bhp) engine and was only lightly camouflaged. One of the new technologies in the 2009 Skoda Superb is AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) for the bi-xenon headlights. AFS has four modes of lighting, namely: Intercity (0-15km/h and 50-90km/h; regular dipped lights), City (15-50km/h; shorter but wider beam), Highway (90+km/h; wider and longer beam) and Rain (during low visibility; lower and wider beam).

Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Skoda Board of Directors said, “The New Superb is an exceptional car and brings a number of technical refinements and interesting solutions. That’s why we selected this untraditional form of presentation.” Further details will be revealed closer to the 2009 Skoda Superb world debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next spring.

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For those that have not been to showrooms to check out the Perodua Myvi yet, here are some photos which Mellissa, a friend of mine, took when she went to the showroom. Her photography’s so so so so much better than mine. There are also shots of full grown adults in the car to get an idea of how spacious it is. Also available are photos of the back seats converted to a larger boot space for transporting… more stuff than usual? LOL!

The red one is the 1.3 and the silver one is the 1.0.

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Press Release

Advanced Power: two new E-Class models with pioneering drive systems

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time in implementing the Road to the Future which it presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is now offering two new E-Class models to pave the way for a new generation of particularly economical and environmentally friendly diesel and petrol vehicles. Trailblazing BLUETEC technology makes the new E 300 BLUETEC the world's cleanest diesel in its class, while retaining legendary attributes of the CDI engine such as high torque, economy and operating range. At the same time Mercedes-Benz is extending its range of models with the new E 350 CGI, which features second-generation direct petrol injection. This model likewise excels with a favourable fuel consumption and a high performance. Compared to the E 350, the fuel consumption of the innovative V6 engine of the E 350 CGI is lower by around ten percent per hundred kilometres. And with 215 kW/292 hp this unit also makes 20 hp more output available. With these new E-Class models, Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its aim to offer customers superior, luxurious and safe automobiles with the highest level of environmental compatibility, both now and in the future.

At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz presented 19 innovative models as part of its "Road to the Future" agenda - a unique and varied range of new, particularly economical and clean models with intelligent drive technologies. In this long-term development strategy for the future, Mercedes-Benz has the declared aim of offering economical and environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising on safety, comfort or driving enjoyment. The focus of this development process is primarily on optimised internal combustion engines.

Just a few weeks after this announcement, Mercedes-Benz is now offering the first new E-Class models to make this ambitious goal a practical reality, while providing an impressive day-to-day experience for all.

E 300 BLUETEC - the cleanest and most economical executive-class diesel

Pole position on the Mercedes-Benz Roadto the Future is taken by the new E 300 BLUETEC. Following the successful launch of the world’s first BLUETEC passenger car in the USA - the E 320 BLUETEC, which is selling very briskly and has been voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007" - Mercedes-Benz is now also offering BLUETEC technology for the world’s cleanest diesel in Europe as well. With immediate effect, the new E 300 BLUETEC is available here as the cleanest and most economical diesel in the executive class.

BLUETEC is a concept based on a number of coordinated technical measures. First of all, in-engine measures minimise the untreated emissions. An oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter then ensure effective exhaust gas aftertreatment. The nitrogen oxides are subsequently reduced by BLUETEC technology using a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The package as a whole results in exemplary levels for all exhaust gas constituents. BLUETEC technology significantly undercuts the Nox limits of the EU5 standard, and even has the potential to meet the future EU6 standard.

In Europe Mercedes-Benz is offering the new E 300 BLUETEC in parallel with the E 320 CDI, which continues in the range. The slightly lower peak output of the new BLUETEC model - 155 kW/211 hp rather than 165 kW/ 224 hp - results from the measures taken to lower emissions and improve fuel consumption. These improvements include the use of special piezo-electric injectors, a lower compression ratio and specific fine-tuning of the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. The powerful torque of 540 Nm at 1600 - 2400 rpm remains unchanged, and guarantees superior performance with a low fuel consumption and low emissions. The combined consumption of the E 300 BLUETEC according to the NEDC is 7.2 to 7.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres.

E 350 CGI with second-generation direct petrol injection

In parallel with the E 300 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its model range with the E 350 CGI, which features an ultra-modern direct-injection petrol engine with a spray-guided combustion process. This unit, the world’s first V6 petrol engine with this innovative combustion system and piezo-electric injection, was introduced in the CLS 350 CGI in spring 2006 and is now also available for the Saloon and Estate in the high-volume E-Class.

Compared to the E 350, which remains in the range, the 215 kW/292 hp V-engine develops 20 hp more output and 15 newton metres more torque (365 Nm) while consuming ten percent less fuel. On an NEDC average the E 350 CGI Saloon, which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, consumes just 8.7 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. In both model variants the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The E-Class as a technological trendsetter

The E-Class sets new technical standards, and also features a comprehensive range of safety equipment which includes PRE-SAFE®, the Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. This makes the E-Class the safest car in its class. Agility and driving enjoyment is assured by the DIRECT CONTROL package with a direct steering ratio and a new suspension setup.

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In addition to the high demand of the customers wanting more power, MINI's tuning division, John Cooper Works (JCW), seeks to distance itself further from the competition with a second more powerful performance and styling kit for the Mini Cooper S. With potential competitors such as the Clio Renaultsport 197 with 197 horsepower or Fiat's 180hp Punto Abarth SS Concept revealed at this past Frankfurt Motor Show and likely to go into production, the first JCW kit for the second generation MINI with its 192hp is slightly inadequate.

Expected features:

• power increase to 215hp

• JCW exhaust

• bigger / larger JCW brakes

• restyled JCW Aero body kit

• unique 18' JCW wheels

• JCW sport suspension

The car shown in the images is a prototype / development car during tests at the Nürburgring - Nordschleife with a restyled Aero kit which includes front and rear bumper fascias and side skirts plus 18-inch wheels from the JCW GP Limited Edition. The front bumper fascia shows revised fog lamp and lower center grills for improved cooling to the new brakes.

The unveiling of the finalized car is expected for Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 with first deliveries starting with model year 2009 in summer 2008.

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Ford has been using movies to promote their cars for a long time now, and on the odd occasion Ford made it into a classic movie. 40 years ago Steve McQueen wrote history with an insane 7-minute car chase which was to set new standards in the business, in order to commemorate that achievement Ford is building 7,700 2008 Mustang Bullitt's. The new Bullitt features the latest FRT (Ford Racing Technology) gadgetry while sporting the original colour scheme and exhaust sound.

The new 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt Limited Edition comes with an FRT fine-tuned 4.6 liter V8 delivering 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, a modified chassis and suspension. And while the Bullitt is based on the Mustang GT, pretty much every feature has been adjusted for this limited edition. New shocks, struts, brakes have been added and maybe most interstingly a new open-element air filter, derived from Ford Racing and a first in a production Ford, drops ambient temperature from 50 degrees down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit allowing more horsepower and torque from the engine. Combine this with the unique live rear axle 3.73:1 gear to launch/fire the new Bullitt.

Of course the colour of the car will remain true to the original, Dark Highland Green. Surprisingly the Bullitt will also be available in black, which, in my humble opinion, defeats the purpose of this particular limited edition. Ford engineers have also managed to make the new Bullitt sound like the original Bullitt, a nice feature which will make plenty of hearts skip a few beats. The exhaust system features a dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe specifically developed for Bullitt with 3.5 inch chrome tips. The new Bullitt rides on 18 inch cast-aluminum Euroflange wheels especially made for the Bullitt and has Dark Argent Gray spokes with a satin finish.

Also true to the original Bullitt is the total lack of badging on the car, including (or rather excluding) spoilers, scoops and even the iconic pony in the grill. The only badge you will find is on the gas-cap. The interior is rather minimalistic aswell featuring black leather upholstery with a hand-machined, aluminum swirl dash panel appliqué as the centre piece. “The 2008 Mustang Bullitt, like the movie car, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said Doug Gaffka, chief designer.

The Bullitt will be in dealerships early next year and has an MSRP of USD 31,075.

Edit: Interesting detail is that the attached 'action' shots are taken in similar stances (and same locations) as the original.

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Press Release

BUCKLE UP AND BRACE FOR ACTION, MCQUEEN FANS

* More horses: Featuring the latest in Ford Racing Technology, Bullitt’s 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
* Sport-tuned: Modified chassis and suspension improves an already competent and capable chassis to deliver the most balanced Mustang ever.
* Film-inspired: Dark Highland Green exterior paint calls back the original movie car, while a specially mastered DVD helped Ford engineers deliver an exhaust note that matches the film.
* Mustang magic: Bullitt is the latest in a line of special editions that keep Mustang news fresh. Plus, it delivers on the Mustang tradition of unique products that fit customers’ individual preferences: a steed for every need.
* Bottom line: Bullitt carries on the Mustang tradition of affordable performance with a $31,075 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). A limited production run of 7,700 units is planned.

Four decades after hitting the big screen and redefining the on-screen car chase, the Ford Mustang Bullitt returns to the streets in 2008, blending the best Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology. This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance, thanks to special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque that Bullitt delivers through its 4.6-liter V-8 engine.

“The 2008 Mustang Bullitt embodies the true spirit of the 1968 movie car,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Like the original Bullitt, this car dials the driving dynamics up a notch for Mustang enthusiasts who love the performance, handling and the sweet sound of Ford power that only Mustang can deliver.”

The 2008 Bullitt arrives in dealers early next year, with a starting MSRP of $31,075 (including destination and delivery) and limited production of 7,700 units for the U.S. and Canada. The launch of the limited edition 2008 Mustang Bullitt coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of the Warner pos. Pictures film that gave the original car its name. In the movie, legendary actor Steve McQueen drove a Dark Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT that gained cult status among Mustang enthusiasts, thanks to a seven-minute scene that film and car buffs believe defined the modern movie car chase.
Bullitt Chassis Delivers a Balance of Performance and Comfort

Ford engineers modified the 2008 Mustang Bullitt’s chassis and suspension to fine-tune handling and ensure the extra horsepower and torque from the 4.6-liter V-8 is put to good use. The live rear axle uses a unique 3.73:1 gear that helps launch the Bullitt with vigor. Stock Mustang GT shocks and struts were swapped out for new units that allowed engineers to dial in a more aggressive driving dynamic while still maintaining the outstanding ride and balance of the base Mustang GT. A tower-to-tower pace designed specifically for the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis for improved cornering and holds a unique serial number for each Bullitt.

“The 2008 Mustang Bullitt delivers balanced performance,” said Paul Randle, chief engineer. “Comfort is not compromised for performance. Performance is on demand. You can easily take Bullitt from the track to the street and back onto the track with confidence.”

The pakes also have been improved versus the base Mustang GT’s. More aggressive front pads were developed specifically for Bullitt and improve fade resistance and pedal feel. The 2008 Mustang Bullitt wears unique cast-aluminum Euroflange wheels, offering a modern twist on the original movie car. The Dark Argent Gray spokes feature a satin finish, while a pight-machined lip completes the look. Calipers are colored to match the wheel. The wheels are wrapped in the same P235/50ZR 18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS tires used on Mustangs at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
Powered by Ford Racing

Bullitt packs firepower under the hood. The 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 delivers 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Engine calipation is designed to increase throttle response for a snappier acceleration feel. The redline has been boosted by 250 rpm to 6,500, with top-end speed bumped to 151 miles-per-hour. Gears are selected via a Tremac 5-speed manual transmission, and the shifter is topped with a polished aluminum shift ball designed specifically for the 2008 Bullitt.

The car features the first use of an open-element air filter in a factory-produced, fuel-injected Mustang. Inspired by Ford Racing, the intake is tucked neatly behind the driver side headlamp, mounted in an air box that was tooled up specifically for the Mustang. The hood liner was extensively modified to provide a full seal to the air box, ensuring that the engine is fed a steady diet of cooler air.

“Colder air reduces intake losses,” said Randle. “The new cold-air intake has shown a reduction in rise over ambient temperature from 50 degrees down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. That equates to more horsepower and more torque in all driving conditions.”

Engine performance is further enhanced through the use of an innovative adaptive spark ignition system, new for the 2008 Mustang. The system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed – and as much as 10 pounds-feet more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm. Bullitt can run on either premium or regular fuel. Ford recommends premium fuel for optimum performance, but the adaptive spark ignition will adjust the spark to burn regular fuel without damaging the engine.

“With all the improvements we’ve made to the engine and the taller 3.73-to-1 rear gear, the Bullitt will plant you firmly in the driver’s seat when you stand on the throttle. We’ve seen zero to 60 times drop by up to three tenths of a second,” said Randle. “There’s also plenty of power on tap at any speed. The car definitely feels lighter on its feet, and it is.”

The custom-designed exhaust system continues Mustang’s traditional use of a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe specifically developed for Bullitt. The all-new mufflers, featuring larger 3.5-inch chrome tips (versus the 3-inch tips on the standard Mustang GT) are tuned to minimize backpressure, maximize horsepower and provide the Bullitt with its powerful exhaust note.

“We wanted to get the exhaust note as close to the original movie car as possible, so we based it on a digitally mastered DVD,” said Randle. “We wanted something that would rumble your heart, literally buzz you – and the Bullitt team delivered.”



Related entries:

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
First Ever Mustang Convertible for Sale

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