The range leader for the all-new C-Class has arrived, the luxurious and powerful C 320 CDI.

At the heart of the C 320 CDI lies the superlative 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 as used worldwide in other passenger car models and SUVs from the Mercedes catalogue.

The V6 CDI motor in the C 320 CDI expands the range of engines available for the new C-Class to four, joining the C 200 Kompressor, C 220 CDI four-cylinder turbo-diesel and C 280 V6 petrol.

The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine produces 165kW and an impressive peak torque of 510Nm from a low 1,600 and 2,800 rpm.

It also features the third-generation common-rail technology, with advances such as rapid and precise piezo-injectors, as well as a maximum injection pressure of up to 1600 bar.

Although the C 320 has a kerb weight of 1700kg, it still returns an impressive fuel consumption figure of only 7.4-litres per 100km traveled, while accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds.

Comfort and agility go hand-in-hand with the standard inclusion of the Agility Control package, which features shock absorbers which adapt to road conditions for optimum comfort, or apply maximum damping forces during more spirited driving.

Hallmark Mercedes safety and quality make no exception for the C 320 CDI, with a total of eight airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters, Neck-Pro head restraints, Brake Assist and ESP, as well as Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system.

The interior features a new control and display concept which the new C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedes models. A centrally positioned colour display provides rapid access to frequently used functions, whilst steering wheel mounted controls provide access to information within the instrument cluster in the driver’s direct line of sight.

Optional Audio 20 and Comand APS systems complete the infotainment package for C-Class passengers, featuring keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system.

The Comand APS multimedia system conveniently features an Australia / New Zealand-wide navigation system, the data of which is stored on a 30GB hard disc. The system also includes a music server with a four-gigabyte memory, an integrated 6-disc changer, a DVD-player for video and audio, and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system.

The C 320 CDI is available from a recommended retail price of $92,800 excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Source: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 320 CDI

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Making its world debut today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Honda Accord Coupe HF-S Concept attempts to demonstrate how far you can go with in-house tuning. “The Accord HF-S Concept provides a glimpse into the future of vehicle customization,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda.

Built by Honda Access America, Inc. (Honda’s U.S. accessory development division), the Accord Coupe concept gets a stylish bodykit with carbon fiber panels, new bumpers and LED driving lights on all four corners. Additionally, the concept also features a dual-port exhaust system providimg extra power when needed along with an electronically controlled system that allows the driver to customize throttle response, suspension settings, steering boost, and traction involvement. -Press release & high-res images after the jump

Press Release

Honda Access America, Inc., Honda’s U.S. accessory development team designed and built the HF-S Concept to demonstrate how the customized use of technology could allow vehicle owners to fine-tune performance while adding their own senses of style. Key exterior and conceptual powertrain modifications represent functional performance and driving-experience enhancements.

Unique LED driving lights, placed on the fore-most corners, wrap around the front of the bumper providing increased visibility both forward and side for the driver while also creating a unique appearance. The shape of the front bumper is designed to create a vortex effect to enhance high-speed aerodynamics and engine cooling. On the sides of the vehicle, the shape of the carbon fiber panels decreases negative speed force around the wheel arches. The rear bumper diffuser is designed to reduce drag. The trunk spoiler is a prototype design engineered for high-speed down-force. The metallic color of the exterior is accented by Cadmium Orange Pearl - a color derived from super-heated metal. The use of this color for the brake calipers, badges, grille accent, and interior details underscores the vehicle’s high-performance appearance.

Key to the concept is the use of technology to electronically customize throttle response, suspension settings, steering boost, and traction involvement to the driver’s taste. Additionally, the exhaust is a two-stage design. It is engineered to be exceptionally quiet during relaxed cruising, and provide elevated levels of performance in high performance driving situations.

Source: 2007 SEMA: Honda Accord Coupe HF-S Concept

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October’s new vehicle sales are expected to be 1.24 million units, a 2.4 percent increase from October 2006 on an unadjusted basis, according to a forecast by Edmunds.com. Automakers will report October sales results on Thursday.

This October had 26 selling days, one more than October 2006. When adjusted for this difference, sales decreased 1.6 percent from October 2006. (The chart below sets forth other adjusted and unadjusted comparisons.)

"Sales are strong for vehicles at the far ends of the price spectrum, as consumers affected by the housing market bust seek bargains while luxury buyers are largely untouched," observed Jesse Toprak, Edmunds’ executive director of industry analysis. “Meanwhile, sales of midrange vehicles like large cars and minivans are suffering."

There’s little shocking about October’s sales forecast. Honda’s continued steady growth can be largely attributed to the newly redesigned Accord, while Nissan’s year-over-year boost is due to particularly weak October sales last year.

The combined monthly U.S. market share for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors domestic nameplates is estimated to be 51.9 percent in October 2007, down from 55.1 percent in October 2006 and unchanged from 51.9 percent in September 2007.

Edmunds.com predicts:

Chrysler will sell 152,000 units in October 2007, down 4.5 percent compared to October 2006 and down 4.6 percent from September 2007. This would result in a new car market share of 12.3 percent for Chrysler in October 2007, down from 13.2 percent in October 2006 and up slightly from 12.2 percent in September 2007.

Ford will sell 177,000 units in October 2007, down 15.7 percent compared to October 2006 and down 3.4 percent from September 2007. This would result in a market share of 14.3 percent of new car sales in October 2007 for Ford, down from 17.3 percent in October 2006 and up from 14.0 percent in September 2007.

GM will sell 314,000 units in October 2007, up 5.4 percent compared to October 2006 and down 6.4 percent from September 2007. GM’s market share is expected to be 25.3 percent of new vehicle sales in October 2007, up from 24.6 percent in October 2006 and down slightly from 25.6 percent in September 2007.

Honda will sell 121,000 units in October 2007, up 9.3 percent from October 2006 but down 4.9 percent from September 2007. Its market share is expected to be 9.7 percent in October 2007, up from 9.1 percent in October 2006 and unchanged from 9.7 percent in September 2007.

Nissan will sell 87,000 units in October 2007, up 16.3 percent from October 2006 and down 7.3 percent from September 2007. Nissan’s market share is expected to be 7.0 percent in October 2007, up from 6.2 percent in October 2006 and down slightly from 7.2 percent in September 2007.

Toyota will sell 200,000 units in October 2007, up 6.0 percent from October 2006 and down 5.9 percent from September 2007. Toyota’s market share is expected to be 16.1 percent in October 2007, up slightly from 15.6 percent in October 2006 and down slightly from 16.3 percent from September 2007.

Change from October 2006 (Adjusted for less selling days)

Change from October 2006 (Unadjusted for less selling days)

Chrysler

-8.2%

-4.5%

Ford

-18.9%

-15.7%

GM

1.3%

5.4%

Honda

5.1%

9.3%

Nissan

11.9%

16.3%

Toyota

2.0%

6.0%

Industry Total

-1.6%

2.4%

Source: Edmunds.com

Source: Edmunds.com Forecast: Housing Market Woes Continue to Affect October Car Sales

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Cadillac | 2007 | suv | SEMA Auto Show | cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade Sport concept showcases even more of the dramatic presence and power that has made Escalade the sales and image leader among large luxury SUVs. The Escalade Sport showcases a small-block V-8 that produces approximately 550 horsepower and is backed by a heavy-duty 6L80 six-speed transmission.

Modified front and rear fascias, along with enhancements including 24-inch wheels, a lowered ride height and special aero rockers provide the Escalade Sport with a distinctive look.

Vehicle highlights:

 

• Escalade Sport concept
• Small-block V-8 with approximately 550 horsepower
• 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission
• Unique air induction and exhaust systems; underhood cover
• Sport-tuned suspension with two-inch-lowered ride height
• High-performance brake package
• Modified front and rear fascia with new upper and lower grilles
• Fog lamp housing
• New roof rack
• New side air extractors with lights
• New hood
• Retractable side steps with aero rockers
• Dual rear exhaust Corsa cat-back exhaust with new tips
• Twenty-four-inch, forged alloy wheels
• “Sport” badging
• Recaro sport bucket seats in first and second rows; third-row seat deleted
• Leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, console and upper door panels
• Specific gauge cluster graphics
• Aluminum cargo floor with runners and tie-downs
• Unique finish on trim plates
• Modified center console with new shifter and shift knob
• Billet aluminum pedals
• European-spec clear taillamps

Source: Internal

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Source: Cadillac Escalade Sport

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Hyundai today released two teaser sketches of its forthcoming Genesis Coupe, which will arrive some time after the Genesis/i50 sedan — likely as a 2010 model.

Concept Genesis Coupe will make its world debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday November 14th, the Korean automaker said. "Concept Genesis Coupe hints at design direction for a future rear-wheel drive sports coupe from Hyundai," a press release read.

The car will be based on Hyundai's BH rear-wheel-drive platform.

Source: Hyundai previews Genesis Coupe

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As disappointing as the official Pontiac SEMA entry was, this G8 has raised a few eyebrows around the place.

How does 373kW sound? Loud and proud. But the G8 seen here isn’t an official Holden or Pontiac entry. This one belongs to rapper 50 Cent, who kindly asked New York-based tuning house, Unique Autosports, to endow the Seppo-Commo with one-of-a-kind mods.

Will Castro, owner of Unique Autosports, took delivery of a standard Pontiac G8 and then started work.

The list includes:
· An all-new Spies Hecker Torch Red exterior paint job accented with a bold Ebony graphic that mimics the shape of Pontiac’s “dart” insignia; the graphic runs over the top of the car, starting at a point on the front fascia
· Twenty-two-inch chrome wheels from NC Forged that have a deep-dish, seven-spoke design
· Low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires
· Dark-tinted taillamps
· Tinted glass with Llumar film
· Custom “50 Cent Unique Autosports Edition” exterior badging
· Borla stainless steel exhaust system

In addition, the standard donk was replaced with an affordable LSX 427ci V8, but with internals as used on Corvette Z06’s 7.0L LS7 engine. Items such as a forged steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods, racing-derived aluminum cylinder heads and a complete LS7 intake/throttle body/fuel injection system were implemented.

It was then dyno tested to reveal more than 500hp. The badge on the engine cover states proudly 550hp.

“The most interesting aspect of the project is what we didn’t do to the exterior,” said Will Castro. “We didn’t add a body kit, spoilers or lower the car. The G8 has the right stance and appearance, so we only accented the original form with details that made it unique to 50 Cent.”

“A first-class audio system was a must for 50 Cent, and this one rocks the spot,” added Castro. “In fact, the G8 itself just-plain rocks and makes a great platform to build a custom, high-performance street car.”

Summing up his car, Fiddy stated, “Partnering with Pontiac has given me the opportunity to create something truly unique – a customized performance vehicle I am really proud of. The G8 is like none other and it pushes the boundaries of what people think a car has to be.”

Source: 50 Cent’s 500hp Sema G8

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And you thought it would be all about the SEMA Show today, huh! Just minutes after Hyundai released a set of teaser sketches (click here) previewing a rear-wheel drive coupe concept that will debut at the 2007 LA Show in mid-November, Nissan came out and announced the premiere of a family orientated concept vehicle at the 2008 Detroit Show in January. According to Nissan, the FORUM concept will combine distinct styling with various innovations like the sliding doors. -Teaser release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: LAS VEGAS (Oct. 30, 2007) – Nissan’s exploration of the next generation of family transportation, the Nissan FORUM Concept, offers distinctive styling with innovations including trackless sliding doors and no B-pillars. Created at Nissan Design America, the FORUM Concept makes its public debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Source: Nissan FORUM Concept To Premier In 2008 Detroit Show

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Viper Kid

Irvine, California, isn’t Modena, Italy, and Steve Saleen isn’t Enzo Ferrari. But that hasn’t stopped this Mustang racer-turned-car-builder from creating a 220-mph-plus supercar that’s all his own–and all-American, right down to its thundering, mid-mounted 7.0-liter pushrod V-8. Make no mistake, the Saleen S7 is a remarkable achievement. But the new S7 Twin Turbo is designed to take the S7’s max factor beyond Ferrari and into Bugatti Veyron territory. You read that right.

Steve Saleen has always talked a big game. And on paper the S7 Twin Turbo walks the talk, with a claimed output of “over 750 horsepower” at 6300 rpm and 700 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. That’s a 36-percent increase in power and 33-percent increase in torque over the naturally aspirated version of the S7 that made its debut in 2003. With a claimed curb weight of just 2750 pounds, the S7 Twin Turbo’s weight-to-power ratio of 3.6 pound per horsepower rivals that of the Veyron. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it’s going to be stupid fast.

Read the full article at MotorTrend.com

Source: Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

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Ralph Kalal
Filed in: Ford | industry news

The check to Daimler had barely cleared the bank and Chrysler was telling dealers that it was going to cut model overlap. Now, over a year after Ford got new management, apparently it has arrived at a similar conclusion.
 
Alan Mulally, the Ford CEO has told Automotive News, an industry publication, that Ford will be cutting models – “drastically” – to reduce consumer confusion and to cut manufacturing and distribution costs, as well as reduce management time. By reducing the model mix a dealer would be expected to stock, Ford hopes dealers will be able to hold more strong-selling models in inventory. 
 
“You can dramatically transform that product line over a very short time,” Mulally told Automotive News.
 
For what, then, has Mulally been waiting? 
 
Rebadging the Ford 500 as the Taurus was the perfect opportunity to ditch the Mercury equivalent, the Sable. Didn’t happen. Granted, Ford has decided to dump the Lincoln version of the F-150, but that was only because its sales were so dismal that it wasn’t worth the effort. Apart from that, however, model overlap is no different now than it was when Mulally took over. The only real exception is the handful of new models recently introduced, such as the Edge, for which there is no Mercury clone.
 
Mulally did not give a time-frame for ending model overlap, but the implication of his remarks was that the company would be acting quickly. If so, that cannot be good news for the Mercury brand. From its inception, Mercury has always been a brand that overlapped something else at Ford. Of late, it has been a line that included nothing but Ford clones. If you delete from the Mercury dealer lot those cars which are also sold as Fords, what’s left?
 
Perhaps Mulally merely means to more precisely define models within the Ford line-up, or to eliminate overlap in their price structures, but that neither fits the notion of eliminating the number of vehicles in the company’s line-up or the idea of clarifying product identity.
 
More than likely, Ford intends to eliminate the Ford Crown Victoria, the Mercury Marquis, and the Lincoln Town car – and not replace them with anything similar. The plant that makes those cars is running at barely over 50% of capacity. Ford would be better off shutting it down than continuing to operate it. Ford has already restricted Crown Victoria’s to fleet sales, and that has presaged dropping the model in the past. Dumping the models would get rid of the dowdy images of the brand these vehicles convey.
 
Getting rid of the Marquis and Town Car, however, would take from Lincoln-Mercury dealers one of the few steady sellers they’ve got. Those cars may sell to a geriatric crowd, but the over-60 generation is still very well populated. Take that away, and the remaining products have lots of competition – much of it with the Ford oval on the car.
 
In the end, however, the basic question certainly remains: why has it taken Ford management so long to arrive at this not particularly revolutionary conclusion? Has the learning curve for the former Boeing executive been that long? Does Mulally have opposition internally at Ford that is slowing him down? Is the Ford family meddling in the decision-making process?
 
Whatever the reason, this certainly isn’t an example of “Bold Moves.”  Source: Internal

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Source: Was that taps for Mercury? Ford to cut line-up

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Alex Nunez
SEMA, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Roush

Click image to enlarge

var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/motorsport/ROUSH_P_51A_Mustang_takes_inspiration_from_WW2_fighter_plane’; During World War II, the P-51 Mustang fighter plane helped establish air superiority for the Allies. Jack Roush’s latest street Mustang borrows its name from that aircraft and hopes to establish similar dominance on the ground against the “invasion of foreign brands.” This is the Roush P-51A Mustang, being introduced to day at SEMA, and it is the most powerful road car (in terms of HP) the company has produced so far. Underpinned by a Roush Stage 3 suspension and driven by a modified, ROUSHcharged 4.6L V8 producing at least 510 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the P-51A should be more than able to keep pace with its competition. Naturally, a full Roush aero body kit, upgraded wheels and tires, and a brake upgrade are also part of the package. The P-51A isn’t shy about advertising its prowess, either, with “510 HP” emblazoned in large block characters on the hood. Incidentally, the yellow and r