NEW MÉGANE COUPÉ-CABRIOLET, THE ELEGANCE OF A COUPÉ, AND THE ENJOYMENT OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet rounds off the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with introduction of the line-up's sixth body type. The newcomer's striking looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the thrills that go hand-in-hand with driving a cabriolet. New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:
unruffled open-top motoring thanks to the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass wind deflector situated behind the rear head restraints,
outstanding handling performance thanks to a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system,
a broad choice of engines, including one which can be ordered with the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
careful attention to quality, including high-gloss black and satin-effect chrome exterior features.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the beginning of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes on sale this spring.
ARRESTING LOOKS FROM EVERY ANGLE
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with a car whose intrinsic appeal is sure to turn heads. Its looks exude a distinguished elegance that is underpinned by the large glass roof which tells you that this is unmistakably a cabriolet, even in its coupé configuration. This high-gloss finish black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame, while the sweep of the waistline adds an unmistakably high-end feel that more than does justice to its cabriolet persona. The dark red taillights feature a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.
The interior layout carries over the same prevailing elegance and refinement, thanks not only to the quality of the materials employed and to the high standard of finish, but also to the three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats.
Although the floating dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the 'butterfly wing' door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet and adds to the newcomer's inherent elegance.
CHIC AND PRACTICAL
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants benefit from the thrills of unruffled open-top motoring in all conditions. The standard folding glass hard roof boasts a transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres (a segment best) to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism. The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.
With the top down, the driver and passengers alike enjoy a real sense of freedom. Entry and exit is made easier by the more forward position of the windscreen header-rail which has been advanced by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.
To make sure that all occupants are able to benefit from the pleasure of riding al fresco without the drawbacks, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment) positioned behind the back seat headrests. This arrangement enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90kph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows two occupants to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's length of 4,485mm ensures that the driver and the three passengers benefit from a standard of comfort expected of a family car.
The driver is treated to a carefully thought-through environment and conveniently positioned controls which carry over solutions previously employed for New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:
controls clustered either around the steering wheel or on the centre console,
height- and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70mm and 240mm respectively),
position memory for front seats, after being tipped forward,
reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45mm and five degrees respectively).
In addition to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's carefully-honed lines, special attention has gone into ensuring that it is a practical package, too, and that includes the boot:
automatic closing for simple, secure locking
large capacity (417 litres with the roof up, and 211 litres with the roof down)
easy to access, with a segment-best sill height (590mm from the ground) and aperture (258mm) with the roof down, enabling three cabin cases to be carried side by side.
A RAFT OF PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH FEATURES
Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are more readily associated with the next segment up:
hands-free starting, and hands-free locking as the card-holder walks away from the car,
electric parking brake
automatic dual-zone three-mode (soft-auto-fast) climate control
3D sound by Arkamys® audio with Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack plug)
Carminat T omT om® navigation, the market's most competitively priced built-in sat-nav system
customized settings and activation/deactivation of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity warning).
A PERFECTLY SMOOTH RIDE
New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet delivers the same high standard of driving precision as Mégane Hatchback and Mégane Coupé to provide an enjoyable, responsive ride:
The MacPherson-type front suspension is attached to a so-called 'horned' subframe, an arrangement that ensures a level of lateral rigidity that is three-times superior to that of the former-generation Megan Coupé-Cabriolet.
The rear suspension's torsion beam features a lighter, closed-profile beam that delivers enhanced torsional stiffness.
The new electric power steering system is more responsive and refined, and gives even more accurate feedback of information from the road.
The torsional rigidity of the bodyshell has been uprated by 80 per cent compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet in order to match the increased stiffness of the suspension and for even greater handling precision, whether the roof is up or down.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations.
Petrol engines:
The 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts.
The diesel engine range comprises the following Euro5-homologated powerplants:
The dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox.
The dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission
The six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission fits perfectly with Renault's bid to combine ride comfort, driving pleasure and respect for the environment. Based on DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology, it stands out as a genuine clean-break solution compared with conventional automatic transmissions thanks to:
CO2 emissions and fuel consumption comparable to those of a vehicle equipped with a manual gearbox,
fast, smooth, automatic gearshifts,
instant response to the driver's demands.
THE PLEASURE OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING IN TOTAL SAFETY
When it comes to safety, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reaps the benefits of the brand's extensive expertise in this field. Like all the models that make up the New Mégane range, it has been engineered to boast exemplary passive and active safety performance.
An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations: • front seatbelt warning lights,
tyre pressure monitoring system,
directional bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering dipped beams,
automatic headlamp activation,
automatic windscreen wiper activation
cruise control with speed limiter.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids, too:
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
Emergency brake assist,
ESC with understeer control.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's chief passive safety features are:
programmed structural deformation designed to protect the cabin – and therefore occupants – in the case of a rollover, thanks to reinforcement of the windscreen pillars, body sides, sills and floor,
automatic pyrotechnic deployment of the rollover hoops should dedicated sensors detect that a rollover is imminent,
seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters,
adaptive frontal airbags,
dual-volume head/thorax/pelvis lateral airbags,
anti-submarining airbags incorporated in the front seat cushions,
side impact sensors,
anti-whiplash head restraints,
Isofix child seat anchorage for rear seats.
The public will get its first chance to see New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14, 2010). It will also be displayed at L'Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées (N°53) in Paris, France.
What was once one of the most important collections of vintage and collector Ferraris in the world has been salvaged from bankruptcy wreckage and sold by Hamann Classic Cars of Greenwich, Connecticut. Founded in 1902 by the great grandfather of current Chairman Frits Kroymans, Kroymans was the exclusive Ferrari Distributor in Holland. The $3 billion automobile empire ended in early 2009, when the company filed for bankruptcy.
"We are thrilled to be a part of the salvation of this very important collection of vintage Ferraris," said Thomas Hamann, Owner of Hamann Classic Cars and Chairman of the New York City Concours d'Elegance, who brokered the deal between the European banks and Tom Price, a prominent classic car collector from Northern California.
Experts and collectors agree that this has been the most significant sale of classic Ferraris within the last twenty years. Among the collection recently sold include the following automotive masterpieces:
250 Europa GT 375 America 250 Boano 250 SWB Berlinetta 250 Testarossa 250 GTO 275 GTB/4 Alloy ex N.A.R.T. 330 GTC 365 GTS 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder 246 GTS Dino Spyder 365 GT4/BB 512 BB 550 Barchetta Enzo 2002 Formula1 Winner of US Grand Prix
This exquisite collection of cars is now coming to the U.S.
About Hamann Classic Cars:
Hamann Classic Cars is one of the leading classic car brokerage houses in the world for specialty collector automobiles. Dedicated to procuring European vintage race and sports cars, Hamann Classic Cars is the world's preeminent source for fine classic European cars specializing in classic Ferraris. www.hamannclassiccars.com
About Thomas Hamann
Thomas Hamann is passionate about cars. For 30 years, he has built an enterprise connecting equally passionate collectors with the vehicles of their dreams. He has become one of the most recognized and established classic car dealers in the world. Specializing in Ferraris, Mr. Hamann is also an authority in all European race and sports cars of the 50s, 60s, 70s and select European pre-war sports and luxury automobiles. He is a consultant to many private collectors, automotive museums, and auction houses. Mr. Hamann assists in managing some of the largest classic car collections in the world. SOURCE: Thomas Hamann Photos:zercustoms
Exhibition Outline of the 80th Geneva International Motor Show
Tokyo, February 5, 2010 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will exhibit the "SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT" as an European premiere and unveil the "Subaru Impreza XV" as a world premiere, which will be marketed this summer in Europe, at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press day: March 2 and 3; Open to the public from March 4 through 14). It will also showcase the "Subaru Plug-in STELLA", a production electric vehicle launched in Japan last year, "BOXER DIESEL" models, and highlight Subaru's unique Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine technologies. With these exhibits and throughout the booth design, FHI will showcase Subaru's efforts to integrate enjoyable and reliable driving with environmentally friendly solutions. The press conference by President Ikuo Mori is scheduled at the Subaru booth on March 2, 2010 at 15.45h
Employing the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", the "SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT" reflects Subaru's vision of the future grand touring car. Presented with an eye-catching sculpted exterior design, the concept offers an ideal combination of Subaru's authentic driving performance, all-round safety features and environmental friendliness provided by its unique hybrid system.
The "Subaru Impreza XV", developed on the basis of the iconic Impreza 5-door model, offers a new crossover styling. Exclusively designed front grille and wheel arch, and specially equipped roof rails and a roof spoiler accentuate the uniqueness of this special Impreza version. The available 2.0-litre Horizontally-opposed petrol engine and the turbo BOXER DIESEL engine comply with European EURO 5 regulations for enhanced environmental friendliness. Source: Subaru
Japanese tuners Wald are now taking orders for their new kit for the 2010 Lexus LS460 facelift. The car with the styling mods debuted in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010.
Engineers designed a sportier package for the facelifted model than their previous kit. It includes a blacked-out grille ringed in chrome, an aggressive front bumper, and new sidesills. A new diffuser surrounds the dual tailpipes, like the previous Wald kit, but this package has a more squared-off bumper.
The company does not plan to stop here. An e-mail sent to us from the tuner says they are working on a package capable of fitting the LS Hybrid.
Delivery of the Wald Lexus LS460 package will begin in mid-March. The package is also available through select Lexus Japan dealers. More Photos
To celebrate 40 years of the Blue Oval's performance model, Ford launched the limited edition Ford Focus RS WRC Edition. The Ford Focus RS WRC Edition price starts at 55 900 Swiss francs and the company says it will be limited to 50 units.
The unique graphic is the result of a design competition launched in October 2009 between the Swiss importer of the compact Ford rally enthusiasts. The winning proposal, already submitted as a prototype at the IAA in Zurich last November, that was painted white “Frozen White” adhesive side with black / green from design relatively simple and alloy wheels OZ Superturismo GT 19 inches.
The engine remains a turbocharged 2.5-litre from the stock Focus RS worth 300 bhp (305 PS / 224 kW) and 400Nm of torque. 0 - 100km/h sprint time is under 6 seconds and it is capable of posting a 260km/h (162 mph) top speed.
The next generation of the Nissan Patrol luxury SUV will have its world premiere on February 14 at a special event that will be held in the United Arab Emirates. For this purpose, Nissan launched an online competition offering an all expenses paid trip to the event for a total of six lucky winners.
However before you go and apply on the dedicated website, note that only residents of U.A.E., Saudi Arabia. Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qata are eligible to participate in the campaign.
We'll remind you that we first had the chance to see the 2010/2011 Patrol without any camouflage whatsoever in December 2008 through a series of photos that are believed to have been shot during an internal presentation.
Coincidentally, the same thing happened last September with the Nissan Patrol's more luxurious sibling, the 2011 Infiniti QX, which is scheduled to be introduced in North America sometime this year or early 2011.
It is expected that Nissan's Toyota Land Cruiser competitor will be offered with an updated engine range comprising of V6 and V8 petrol units as well as a six-cylinder turbo diesel. Source:carscoop
The year 2010 marks 75 years of the Jaguar name on both road and race cars. As a continuation of this great heritage, Jaguar can confirm it will return to the famed Le Mans 24 hours. With a total of seven wins between 1951 and 1990, Jaguar is the single most successful British make in the race's history. Jaguar will return to Le Mans this year lining up on the starting grid on 12th June 2010 with an XKR GT2 run by JaguarRSR. Paul Gentilozzi, Principal Partner, JaguarRSR commented: "We are delighted the ACO has granted us entry in the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans. It is a race that is held dearly in the hearts of motorsport fans across the world and for Jaguar to be racing again is something special.
"We are fortunate to bring an international line up of the world's finest driving talent including Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens as our drivers for this race."
Gentilozzi, who will drive the JaguarRSR XKR GT2 in the 2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) added: "Spirits will be high around Jaguar's return to Le Mans but we must remember the incredibly high level of competition - a podium place in our category will not fall into our hands. That said, I can guarantee 100 per cent commitment from JaguarRSR and urge fans of Jaguar and Britain's racing heritage to support the team whole heartedly."
C.J. O'Donnell, Global Marketing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "Motorsport has always been important to the Jaguar brand. Our domination of Le Mans in the 1950s was a foundation on which the company was developed. It was twenty years ago that Jaguar last won Le Mans with a TWR Jaguar Sport entry driven by John Nielsen, Price Cobb and Martin Brundle. Returning to Le Mans will reignite excitement for the marque across the globe, all the more poignant in our 75th year.
"With the introduction of the new XK, XF and XJ, the Jaguar brand has advanced cutting-edge technology, stunning design and our 'R' performance driving experience. We now return to motorsport to demonstrate this achievement and the prowess of the Jaguar XKR."
In 1951, the C-type won Le Mans at its first attempt, with a further victory in 1953. The D-type took Le Mans wins in 1955, 1956 and 1957 while this racing success was followed in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9LM, a V12-powered Group C car. Another outright victory would follow in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR-12.
ENDS
Details of Jaguar's wins at Le Mans 24-hours:
1951 Model: C-type Race No.: 20 Drivers: Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): First Jaguar win; 2244 miles, 93 mph
1953 Model: C-type Race No.: 18 Drivers: Tony Rolt, Duncan Hamilton Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Second Jaguar win; 2540 miles, 106 mph
1955 Model: D-type Race No.: 6 Drivers: Mike Hawthorn, Ivor Bueb Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Third Jaguar win; 2570 miles, 107 mph
1956 Model: D-type Race No.: 4 Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fourth Jaguar win; 2507 miles, 104 mph
1957 Model: D-type Race No.: 3 Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ivor Bueb Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fifth Jaguar win; 2732 miles, 114 mph
1988 Model: XJR-9LM Race No.: 2 Drivers: Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, Andy Wallace Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; sixth Jaguar win; 394 laps, 3313 miles, 138 mph
1990 Model: XJR-12 Race No.: 3 Drivers: John Nielsen, Price Cobb, Martin Brundle Result: 1st Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; seventh Jaguar win; 359 laps, 3034 miles, 127 mph More Photos
Lamborghini has released a new video to support their "Ad Personam" program. The plan, which translates from Latin as "To the person," offers customers the opportunity to select from a variety of exclusive options.
The options include an extensive variety of choice in exterior color, leather tone, and stitching hue. As the video points out, one thing that will not be changed is Sant'Agata, Bolognese, where each hand built Lamborghini is still assembled.
Lamborghini makes Ad Personam available, for a fee, to those customers who need an extra level of exclusivity. Launched at NAIAS in 2008, the only limiting factor to the options is the customer's available cash.
Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, said it plans to increase sales to more than 10 million vehicles by 2018 as it seeks to dethrone Japan's Toyota. VW's management board approved business targets, including profit margins, measured by earnings before interest and taxes, of at least 5% for the automotive business in the "medium term," Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen said in a statement Wednesday. The target doesn't include Porsche, which will be integrated by 2011, it said.
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has a target of beating Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, in global deliveries and profit margins. VW sold 6.29 million cars and SUVsworldwide last year, an increase of 1.1% from 2008. Toyota said last month that 2009 vehicle sales, including those of affiliates, fell 13% to 7.81 million vehicles.
"It shows plenty of ambition in the whole Volkswagen Group," said Stephen Pope, chief global equity strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald in London. "By being able to learn from Porsche's discipline, it gives them that extra springboard."
By 2018, Volkswagen, which includes the Audi luxury division and Czech unit Skoda, should have a pretax profit that exceeds 8% of sales, the company said.
Volkswagen shares fell 18 cents, or 0.3%, to 65.72 euros after rising as much as 1% on the Frankfurt exchange before the announcement. The automaker has a market value of 25.7 billion euros ($36 billion).
"With the implementation of 'Strategy 2018,' the Volkswagen group is seeking global economic and environmental leadership in the automotive industry by 2018," VW said in its statement. The plan would include "significant cost cutting, in part through the more prominent use of the modular design principle."
VW foresees steps to promote research and development of hybrid and electric cars, according to the statement. VW will also maintain "strict discipline" on spending and aim to keep the expenditure on fixed assets in automaking at about 6% of sales in the medium and long term.
First time Institute rates small pickups for rollover protection; only one model rates good in test that assures strength of roof
The Nissan Frontier has the strongest roof and the Chevrolet Colorado the weakest among 5 small pickup trucks, all 2010 models, that recently were tested for rollover protection by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Frontier, also sold as the Suzuki Equator, is the only pickup in the group to earn the highest rating of good. The Ford Ranger is rated acceptable while the Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma, and Colorado (also sold as the GMC Canyon) earn the second lowest rating of marginal.
The rating system is based on Institute research showing that occupants in rollover crashes benefit from stronger roofs. Vehicles rated good must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required under the current federal safety standard. The ratings, products of the Institute's new roof strength testing program, add to consumer information tests that rate vehicles' front, side, and rear crashworthiness. The rollover test is designed to help consumers pick vehicles that will protect them the best in one of the most serious kinds of crashes.
"As a group, small pickups aren't performing as well as small cars or small SUVs in all of the Institute's safety tests. None of the ones we tested is a top-notch performer across the board. In fact, no small pickup earns our Top Safety Pick award," says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. The Frontier came close to winning the 2010 award, but it's rated acceptable instead of good for protection against neck injury in rear crashes. To earn Top Safety Pick, a vehicle has to earn good ratings for protection in front, side, rear, and rollover crashes. It also has to have electronic stability control.
Nearly 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk of injury from contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent people, especially those who aren't using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof deformed. Roofs that don't collapse help keep people inside vehicles when they roll.
Rollovers are much more common for SUVs and pickup trucks than for cars. In 2008 almost half (47 percent) of all pickup occupants killed in crashes were in trucks that rolled over. This compares with 58 percent of deaths in SUVs and 25 percent in cars.
The best occupant protection is to keep vehicles from rolling in the first place. Electronic stability control is significantly reducing rollovers, especially fatal single-vehicle ones. When vehicles roll, side curtain airbags help protect people. Safety belt use is essential.
Roof strength-to-weight ratio within 5 inches of crush
In the Institute's roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 corner of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, a roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. For an acceptable rating, the minimum strength-to-weight ratio required is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5, and anything lower than that is poor. The Frontier withstood a force of just over 4 times its weight. This compares with 2.9 times weight for the Colorado. A strength-to-weight ratio of 4 reflects an estimated 50 percent reduction in serious or fatal injury risk in single-vehicle rollover crashes, compared with the current federal standard of 1.5.
In April 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ended numerous delays by unveiling a new rule that raises the federal roof strength requirement, currently a strength-to-weight ratio of 1.5, to 3 for vehicles with weight ratings up to 6,000 pounds. Roofs on vehicles with weight ratings 6,000 to 10,000 pounds will be required to withstand a force equal to 1.5 times their unloaded weight, whereas these vehicles' roofs are not regulated under the old standard. Another requirement is that roofs maintain sufficient headroom during testing. For the first time, the government will require the same performance on both sides of a roof when tested sequentially. Phase-in begins in September 2012, and all vehicles must comply by September 2016.
"The long phase-in of the new standard means roofs won't have to get stronger right away," Zuby points out, "so we plan to continue rating vehicle roof strength for the foreseeable future. We want to reward manufacturers who are ahead of their competition for protecting people in rollovers."
In addition to the new roof strength ratings, the Institute conducted side tests of small pickup truck models. Earning good ratings are the Frontier, with standard front and rear head curtain airbags plus front torso airbags. Also earning good ratings are the Ranger, with standard front-seat mounted combination head and torso airbags, and the Tacoma, which the Institute tested in 2008.
In contrast, the Colorado is rated poor for occupant protection in side crashes. It's equipped with standard curtain side airbags but lacks additional airbags designed to protect a driver's torso. The Colorado's poor structure, along with poor protection for the driver dummy's chest and pelvis, contributed to its poor rating overall. Plus the dummy's head came close to moving around the curtain airbag during the impact by the intruding barrier.
"A slightly different crash configuration could have resulted in a direct hit from the barrier on the dummy's head," Zuby explains.
The test of the Dakota produced a different problem. Its optional curtain side airbags failed to deploy. This is the first time this has happened in an Institute side test. Chrysler engineers say they've identified a problem with the computer program algorithm that calculates when to fire the airbags and are working on a remedy. When the computer program is fixed, the Institute will conduct another test of the Dakota and publish the results.
Zuby notes that "the Dakota is the only 2010 small pickup the Institute tested that has optional rather than standard side airbags. Most of the auto industry pledged to get standard side airbags in every new passenger vehicle by now."
Chrysler was among 15 manufacturers who got together in 2003 and agreed on the first set of rules designed to reduce the risks for people in front and side crashes involving larger and heavier SUVs and pickup trucks. Although the compatibility agreement specified performance criteria and not features, the idea was to make safety improvements like installing side airbags in all passenger vehicles more quickly than would have been the case with a government regulation.
"Chrysler is the only manufacturer we know of that isn't living up to the spirit of the 2003 agreement," Zuby says.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of another pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing 5th percentile women, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact. More Photos
The SEAT Ibiza increases its range with the arrival of the wagon version, called ST, a vehicle that stands out for its youthful, sporty design in addition to functional, to be presented to society in the next Geneva Motor Show. Thus, the Spanish brand continues its product offensive and allows the company to offer the latest range, fresh and attractive market. This is the first time that Seat includes the supply of its most popular model family a body, a point that reinforces the Ibiza one of the pillars of the brand sales and manufactured exclusively at the SEAT plant in Martorell ( Barcelona).
The new Seat Ibiza ST is a car with a strong personality. A new concept of family car in this segment, not surrendering a modern design that simultaneously provides a wide range of possibilities in terms of practicality and interior functionality. Thus, the ST Ibiza unlike SC and 5-door versions in its body, longer with 4.23 meters, and the volume of luggage, now 430 liters, extendable if the backs of the rear seats tilted down.
The new model debuts Spanish brand new range of engines that include the 1.2 TSI engine with 105 hp between petrol variants and the complete range of TDI engines common rail. Furthermore, the Seat Ibiza ST has a broad standard equipment in three finishes: Reference, Style and Sport.
A modern and attractive design
Undoubtedly the feature that identifies the new Seat Ibiza ST is its large tailgate, which enables substantially increased freight opportunities as well as the ease of doing, preserving the usual sporting spirit of the brand models thanks to an innovative design personality and work of SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke. The new hatchback has a very wide opening angle and provides the Seat Ibiza ST extremely distinctive image.
Following in the stands behind the lever opening the trunk, which marks the personality of the vehicle. As is characteristic of the Spanish company, SEAT logo toggles to open the trunk.
Also, all pilots and extol the sporty bumper of the vehicle.
The personality of the new Seat Ibiza ST also is marked by its front. The design language "Arrow Design" permeates the front of the vehicle. All the lights that stretch to the side of the body and the radiator grille with the logo of the brand presiding give a arrowhead that has already become the symbol of the new image of SEAT.
Another Ibiza Differentiator ST rails are installed on the roof, a very interesting and practical solution when transporting larger luggage.
The interior of the Seat Ibiza ST is characterized by its greater capacity. The trunk is wider thanks to 430 liters, 138 liters which is more than the 5-door version, be expandable if the backs of the rear seats tilted down. Besides the quality of its coating materials also include accommodation in order to have small objects, incorporating serial a 12 volt, for example, connecting a refrigerator.
Six thrusters to choose
The Seat Ibiza ST will be available with a full range of engines. Thus, the mechanics that make up the offering will be, in point of gasoline, 70 hp 1.2 engines, 85 hp 1.4 and the new 1.2 TSI with 105 hp, while the diesel range, in addition to the known 1.6 TDI CR 90 and 105 hp, will debut the new 1.2 TDI CR 75 hp. The entire range of engine meets EU rules-5 emissions.
Vast serial
SEAT's new model will feature a full equipment since the entry version, including items such as ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver & passenger airbag, head airbag, passenger airbag disconnection, air conditioning, Help Assistant pending the start, witnessed loss of tire pressure, electrohydraulic steering, CD/MP3 radio, central locking with remote control, comfort suspension, audible seat belt anchors in front seats and rear seats Isofix in preparation + anchorage Top Tether. Among the optional highlights the possibility of having the XDS electronic limited slip in the engines above 100 hp.
On sale later this spring, the Seat Ibiza ST will become a perfect ally for those who need space for a family trip with some baggage, or to customers for their hobbies need a vehicle with great carrying capacity. Photos: carscoop
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvBhLqsGI/AAAAAAACeYo/tkQQOT990CE/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-15.jpg)
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvAnSGRSI/AAAAAAACeYQ/EA7wSKHzAt8/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-12.jpg)
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvBZRsl1I/AAAAAAACeYg/cj6kVLLmcGc/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-14.jpg)
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvAotIP1I/AAAAAAACeYI/cb4X1ZHjtpc/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-11.jpg)
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvA6EQv7I/AAAAAAACeYY/fCRvmXP2mtY/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-13.jpg)
![[2010-Renault-Megane-CC]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2wvARZnB5I/AAAAAAACeYA/KAleO0P9i9M/s1600/2010-Renault-Megane-CC-10.jpg)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPxFjUS8I/AAAAAAACd-U/1SMuFiG1U80/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-2.JPG)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer.JPG]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPw6VxhwI/AAAAAAACd-M/GCcn_0qDzFA/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-3.JPG)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPv01oAzI/AAAAAAACd90/eMCKCfnvJkY/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-6.JPG)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPwTq7BBI/AAAAAAACd-E/4IUcUW-pr38/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-4.JPG)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPwMKzGbI/AAAAAAACd98/JL-9uUA3KIg/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-5.JPG)
![[SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2nPxbSMxAI/AAAAAAACd-c/uvDE5RAAxAI/s1600/SEAT-Ibiza-Sport-Tourer-10.JPG)
Posts
