Auto Channel

Toyota Australia on Monday has announced that it will sell the Toyota FJ Cruiser In Australia starting from next year.

Due to make its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October, the retro-styled Toyota FJ Cruiser boasts a pedigree stretching back 50 years to the FJ40 LandCruiser.

It’s equipped with a powerful engine, dual-range 4WD, excellent ground clearance and ample suspension articulation that will enable it to live up to the reputation of the early FJs.

In the U.S., the FJ Cruiser is offered with a 258-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine and the choice of two-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, or four-wheel drive and either an electronically shifted five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Australian models will be produced in Japan and we’ll get our first look at the vehicle at the Australian International Motor Show to be held in Sydney from October 15.




Press Release

Toyota Australia today confirmed it will add the rugged retro looks and solid off-road performance of the FJ Cruiser to its range early next year.

A pre-production version of the sporty off-roader will make its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October.

Local sales are expected to kick-off late in the first quarter of 2011.

FJ Cruiser will give Toyota a second brand-enhancing vehicle inside 12 months, following the launch of the eye-catching Rukus from June 1.
With looks like no other SUV, FJ Cruiser comes to Australia with a pedigree that stretches back 50 years to the legendary FJ40 LandCruiser.

The modern vehicle captures this heritage with its body-on-frame structure, short wheelbase, stocky appearance and the arrangement of its headlights and grille.

FJ Cruiser will be the only Toyota vehicle to use the name Toyota spelled out across the grille, instead of the corporate emblem.

The vehicle's retro-inspired styling is enhanced by the boxy shape, near-vertical windscreen with three wipers, white roof and wrap-around rear windows.

Four doors provide access to two rows of seats. The front doors are standard size while the rear doors are smaller and are reverse-opening.

The FJ - equipped with a powerful engine, dual-range 4WD, excellent ground clearance and ample suspension articulation - will deliver the off-road prowess implied by its "Cruiser" badge.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director
sales and marketing David Buttner said FJ Cruiser was all about style and substance.

"FJ Cruiser has loads of character that isn't found in any other SUV, let alone one that is built for off-road terrain," Mr Buttner said.

"It will be a lot of fun to own and drive, satisfying those who want a modern vehicle with the boulder-crawling spirit of Toyota's legendary off-roaders," he said.

In the United States, the FJ Cruiser has recently been awarded for its quality and its value.

In the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study, it was rated at the top of the Compact Crossover/SUV segment.

FJ Cruiser was also named best-in-class for mid-size SUVs in the 2010 IntelliChoice.com Best Overall Values of the Year Awards.

Australian models will be produced in Japan.

The Australian International Motor Show will be held in Sydney from October 15.

All Content ......

German tuner BRABUS has Releases their Mercedes G Class BRABUS Ride Control system. The system uses replacement gas-pressure shocks that can be switched between ‘extra comfortable’ and ‘sporty comfortable’ settings, from inside the vehicle – in just five milliseconds.

The Ride Control Suspension from BRABUS tries to lessen the roughness of the G-Class ride while still maintaining its off-road credentials. BRABUS claims the new suspension kit will be particularly advantageous at low speeds and on rugged terrain by providing a softer ride. For higher speeds, the stiffer setting on the kit provides for an improved and safe handling.

The custom BRABUS Ride Control Suspension comprises newly developed gas-pressure shocks for front and rear axle that replace the production components. An elegant aluminum control switch, stylishly integrated into the center console in front of the shifter, lets drivers choose between ‘extra comfortable’ and ‘sporty comfortable’ damper settings.

Upon engine start the system automatically pre-selects the last active setting prior to engine stop. The sport mode is indicated by a blue-illuminated selector switch.

The BRABUS Ride Control custom suspension is available for all Mercedes G-Class models regardless of body style from the G 350 CDI to the G 500 (US G550) and the G 55 AMG.




Press Release

The Smooth-Ride Suspension for all G-Class Models:

The New Electronically Adjustable BRABUS Ride Control Suspension

Many owners of a Mercedes G-Class long for a smoother ride without compromising the high level of driving safety: The new innovative push-button Ride Control Suspension from BRABUS combines exceptional ride comfort with sporty handling and ample safety reserves.

The custom BRABUS Ride Control Suspension comprises newly developed gas-pressure shocks for front and rear axle that replace the production components. An elegant aluminum control switch, stylishly integrated into the center console in front of the shifter, lets drivers choose between ‘extra comfortable' and ‘sporty comfortable' damper settings.

The BRABUS Ride Control controller commands the electronically controlled valves in each shock absorber to switch to the selected mode and thus to dampen softer or firmer. Switching damper rates takes just five milliseconds and can be done while the vehicle is moving.

Upon engine start the system automatically pre-selects the last active setting prior to engine stop. The sport mode is indicated by a blue-illuminated selector switch.

The advantages of the innovative BRABUS suspension concept for the G-Class are apparent: In normal driving mode it provides notably higher ride comfort than the production car, which is especially beneficial at low speeds as well as on rough roads or in terrain. At higher speeds selecting the firmer sport damper settings offer more dynamic handling and further increased safety reserves.

The BRABUS Ride Control custom suspension is available for all Mercedes G-Class models regardless of body style from the G 350 CDI to the G 500 (US G550) and the G 55 AMG.

All Content ......

VW has announced the 2011 Volkswagen Touran price for UK as the newly launched MPV is now available for order to customers in Britain.

The British RHD version of the 2011 Volkswagen Touran MPV offers a choice between a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine developing 105 PS and 129 lbs ft of torque, a 1.4 TSI with 140 PS, a 1.6 TDI with 140 PS and a 2.0 TDI with either 140 PS or 170 PS. The 2011 Volkswagen Touran will be available with a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Volkswagen's UK dealers are now accepting orders for the redesigned 2011 Touran minivan with first deliveries are set to take place on 22 September. Prices for the seven-seater MPV range from £17,585 on the road for the Touran with the 1.2-liter TSI petrol, to £25,535 for the range-topping Sport model with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel and DSG transmission.

The interior is slightly updated by revising the  entertainment and climate functions and a new three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of restyled dials. Of course, there are some new trim finishes.

Standard features of the car include air conditioning, alloy wheels, roof rails, a CD stereo system, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six airbags.




Press Release

The new Volkswagen Touran compact MPV opens for ordering today complete with fresh styling both inside and out, a range of efficient new engines and a starting price of £17,585 RRP on the road. First deliveries are set to take place on 22 September.

Unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show in April, the new Touran draws on the design language seen on the Polo and new Sharan with a mix of clean lines and a lower, wider appearance than the model it replaces. The changes extend to the front wings, bonnet and front bumper which are joined by new wing mirrors, rear lights and a restyled tailgate and bumper.

Inside the new Touran the entertainment and climate functions have all been revised and a new three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of restyled dials. Fresh trim finishes are also available.

As with the outgoing car, the new Touran’s focus is on versatility, with the ability to carry seven adults with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor. In addition, air conditioning, alloy wheels, roof rails, a CD stereo system, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six airbags are all fitted as standard. A five-seat option is also available.

The second generation of Park Assist, a system that will also be available on the new Sharan, is offered. Not only does the new system require less space to perform parallel parking manoeuvres, it also allows the Touran to be parked in spaces at 90 degrees to the kerb.

Fitted for the first time to the Touran is the advanced new 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. Despite a modest displacement of 1,197 cc, the turbocharged unit develops 105 PS and 129 lbs ft of torque while returning 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 149 g/km of CO2. In BlueMotion Technology form, complete with Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the 1.2-litre TSI engine is capable of returning 47.9 mpg while emitting an estimated 139 g/km of CO2.

A further petrol and four diesel engines will be available, ranging in power from 90 to 170 PS. Three trim levels – S, SE and Sport – will be available with BlueMotion Technology variants being offered with each.

All Content ......

General Motors announced the 2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer price for the European market.

The model will retail starting later this year from EUR18,000, with orders being accepted as of now. The entry level Sports Tourer is the 1.4 ecoFLEX engine that develops 74 kW/100 hp. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer will also be available with a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine with either 120 hp, or 140 hp and with a 2.0 CDTI diesel developing 160 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Actually, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer range will include three diesel and five petrol versions.

The new unit is 1.4 turbo which develops 120 hp and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The Astra lineup will also be available with a start/stop technology, to be used on the 1.3l CDTI ecoFLEX engine.

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer price starts at 18,000 EUR for the entry level 100 hp version. The equipment list of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer
includes front ergonomic seats, an adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis, AFL+ adaptive forward lighting and the Opel Eye system.




Press Release

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer Priced at 18,000 euros

• Compact Wagon is dynamic, practical – and affordable
• World premiere at Paris Motor Show
• New Astra Hatchback already has 200,000 orders

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2010 in Paris (October 2 – 17), but it can be ordered now. The athletic station wagon is as beautiful to look at as it is practical to use. And, it is eco-friendly and affordable to boot. The 1.4 ecoFLEX (74 kW/100 hp) starts at 18,000 euros in Germany. The compact wagon comes with a wide powertrain line-up of three diesel motors and five gasoline engines ranging from 100 to 180 hp.

An efficient trunk design and premium features enhance the functionality of this dynamic, beautifully sculptured wagon which has a load space between 500 and 1550 liters. With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1835 mm – 28 mm more than the current Astra wagon.

New in the compact segment is the FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be folded forward at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo compartment: A spring is electrically released, automatically activating swift, remote folding of the seatbacks. The Easy Access Cover slides upward and out of the way with a simple tap. The cover retracts with a quick hand motion.

Low cost of ownership is guaranteed due to the Astra Sports Tourer’s favorable insurance rating by the Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV), an umbrella organization of German insurers. The Sports Tourer received the lowest insurance rating (fully comprehensive, or, “Vollkasko neu” rating 13) of all the compact class wagons the GDV has valued.

The Astra Sports Tourer incorporates exciting Opel innovations that make life more comfortable and driving safer. These include the only front ergonomic seats in the segment certified by independent back experts from the Aktion Gesunder Rűcken (AGR); the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis, the AFL+ adaptive forward lighting and the Opel Eye.

Launched at the 2009 IAA, the Astra five-door has been very well received, with nearly 200,000 orders collected in less than one year.

All Content ......

The North American division of Suzuki has just Releases details on a special edition Kizashi model,

Suzuki’s North American division revealed that the Bonneville Kizashi started with a pre-production Kizashi prototype. Last May, construction of the Kizashi racer started with the Holdener/Habrzyk team installing the SCTA-approved roll cage, an aluminum bulkhead in the rear, racing seat, seat harnesses and window net. When it comes to performance, the Bonneville Kizashi is equipped with a new intake manifold, a tuned ‘long tube’ header and forged rods and pistons.

The car is powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine that delivers 500 wheel hp at 7000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. It also gets a new intake manifold, a tuned ’long tube’ header, forged rods and pistons, a Turbonetics turbocharger, a new 3.5-inch exhaust, and full synthetic 5W-20 racing oil from Lucas Oil. It’s main target will be to hit a top speed of 200 mph.

The Bonneville Suzuki Kizashi is currently undergoing testing and will hit the salt flats on August 14.


Press Release

BONNEVILLE KIZASHI – SOMETHING GREAT IS RUNNING

• Bonneville Kizashi builds on Suzuki’s winning tradition.

• Boosted powertrain moves sport sedan into new segment – Over 200 mph.

• Modifications void America’s #1 Warranty.

BREA, Calif. (August 9, 2010) – Since its introduction to the press in July of 2009, Suzuki’s Kizashi has been recognized as a midsize sedan with a difference – or two. Boasting a rigid structure, composed platform, suspension tuned on the famed Nurburgring and available all-wheel drive, the Kizashi has enjoyed accolades from both media and consumers; most notably, the Kizashi ranked first in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction survey. And with 185 horsepower from its 2.4 liter DOHC four, the 2010 Kizashi boasts class-leading power in the four-cylinder segment.

Fast forward to August 2010, and Suzuki moves the Kizashi into a category typically reserved for Bonneville streamliners. With extensive modifications supplied by Richard Holdener and Tom Habrzyk of Advanced Product Engineering and with Road & Track’s Sam Mitani behind the wheel, American Suzuki’s first-ever automotive assault on the salt begins on August 14 in Wendover, Utah. There, the Bonneville Kizashi – competing in the Blown Gas Coupe category – will rocket its way toward the 200 mph benchmark and, if successful, into Suzuki’s already remarkable motorsport history.

The Bonneville Kizashi began with a pre-production Kizashi prototype. In May 2010, construction of the Bonneville racer began with interior disassembly, underscoring Kizashi’s initial design premise. “Premium without the premium” is, suddenly, completely without the premium, reflecting a bare metal working environment intended for but one mission. Its upscale appointments removed, the Holdener/Habrzyk team installed the SCTA-approved roll cage, an aluminum bulkhead in the rear, racing seat, seat harnesses and window net.

With the cockpit modifications made, it was time to take a look under the hood and build on, with this Kizashi, the performance tradition rooted in Suzuki’s first win on Mt. Fuji some 55 years ago. The spare motor was disassembled to confirm the stock measurements, while the cylinder head was flowed and ported. The Bonneville Kizashi benefits from a new intake manifold, a tuned ‘long tube’ header and – for high rpm durability – forged rods and pistons. With up to 20 pounds of boost from the Turbonetics turbocharger, the Kizashi’s increased horsepower required air-to-water intercooling (and Snow water/methanol injection) – while its output demands a new ACT Clutch and Pressure Plate. A scattershield is added, the oil pan is welded for a new drain fitting and a new 3.5-inch exhaust is fabricated aft of the turbocharger. Additional protection for the high-boost, high-rpm turbo motor is provided by full synthetic 5W-20 racing oil from Lucas Oil.

The Kizashi platform – and its Nurburgring heritage – is morphed into a salt-specific recipe with new coilovers, steel wheels seam welded, and speed-specific 15x7-inch Goodyear Front Runner® rubber. An air dam keeps the Kizashi’s nose planted, window straps and hood pins ensure the hood and glass stay in place, and a parachute can bring the high speed show to an emergency stop. Finally, a dual fire system provides the extra assurance so important for Mitani, with some 900 boosted horses but only a few feet in front of his now high-speed capsule.

With the build completed at the end of July, the first week of August provides a narrow window for the chassis dyno tune and over-the-road (closed course, professional driver) testing. Then it’s on to Bonneville and the week of speed, beginning Saturday, August 14 and ending on Friday, August 20. If the week goes as planned, and the Kizashi performs as designed, the SCTA will have two new members among its 200 mph ranks: Road & Track’s Sam Mitani and the 2010 Suzuki Bonneville Kizashi .

Technical Specifications – 2010 Bonneville Kizashi

Wheelbase:	106.3 inches
Overall Length:	183.1 inches
Overall Width:	71.7 inches
Engine:	2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Horsepower:	500 wheel hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:	420 lb.-ft. @ 5100 rpm
Transmission, Manual:	Six-speed manual transmission
Brakes:	Front ventilated disc brakes/Rear disc brakes
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates:	EPA test cycle does not include 200 mile-per-hour evaluation

All Content ......

The British division of Chevrolet has just released a one-off special version of its Spark supermini, an art car that will make its public debut at the upcoming Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival. Creative? Chevrolet! arts competition in Paris.

The Chevrolet Spark Woody was created using a three-quarter vinyl body wrap that creates the wood effect and also features retro style white rims and tires plus a surfboard on its roof.

The Spark Woody is one of a series of Art Sparks created by Chevrolet Europe in the past year. The first, a unique interpretation of the car by German fashion designer Smeilinener, made its debut at the final of the Young? Creative? Chevrolet Art Competition in Berlin last October, while other Art Sparks include a one-off WTCC leading car by Portuguese art student Jose Rocha, a YCC winner, and a Spark DJ Car – the world’s largest record turntable, created by Chevrolet UK this year.





Press Release

• Chevrolet unveils Spark Woody Wagon art car
• One-off created to coincide with Boardmasters festival
• Continues European ‘Art Spark' theme
• To feature at Paris Motor Show

Surf's up dudes - and here's the proof! Chevrolet, the manufacturer behind the market-leading 5-Year Promise aftercare package, has pulled the wraps off a one-off special version of its top-selling Spark supermini, created to celebrate the brand's American heritage and connection to youth culture.

Spotted driving around Newquay, Cornwall, at the start of the annual Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival, the Spark Woody will go on to star at the grand final of this year's Young? Creative? Chevrolet! arts competition, which takes place in Paris on the eve of the International Motor Show next month.

The car recalls the dawn of the surf movement in the USA, when, in the late Fifties and early Sixties, surfers bought ‘Woodies'. These were traditionally large estate cars based on mainstream models, but with timber framed bodywork, as they were both cheap and spacious enough to carry their boards and equipment.

Woody Wagons were immortalised in song, chiefly in The Beach Boys' Surfin Safari and Jan and Dean's Surf City, both widely regarded as two of the most famous surfing tunes ever.

Yet even when car makers stopped using wooden frames, an expensive and difficult production process, the Woody had become so much a part of American culture that its essence continued, with Chevrolet one of many US manufacturers who used Di-Noc woodgrained vinyl panelling to maintain the woody effect.

The Spark Woody was created in the UK for Chevrolet using a three-quarter vinyl body wrap provided by Pyramid Visuals of Weybridge, whose speciality is normally in vans and shop frontages. Its roof is adorned with an Escape Mini-Mal surfboard, made in Cornwall, as its wood-effect panelling was in keeping with the car's retro styling.

Chevrolet chose Newquay to show off the car for the first time, as the Cornish resort is famous across the world for its surfing culture - the Atlantic Ocean meets the British Isles at one of its narrowest peninsulas, which gives naturally excellent conditions for surfing.

The Spark Woody is one of a series of Art Sparks created by Chevrolet Europe in the past year. The first, a unique interpretation of the car by German fashion designer Smeilinener, made its debut at the final of the Young? Creative? Chevrolet Art Competition in Berlin last October, while other Art Sparks include a one-off WTCC leading car by Portuguese art student Jose Rocha, a YCC winner, and a Spark DJ Car - the world's largest record turntable, created by Chevrolet UK this year.

A further Art Spark, created by 27-year old British artist Ian Cook, will appear later this month at Silverstone Circuit to coincide with the British Touring Car Championship meeting there, while the Spark Woody will make its next public appearance this coming weekend at Snetterton, again tied in to the BTCC.

All Content ......