GM's main man told Bloomberg that he expects 75 percent of The General's car and truck sales to come from outside the U.S. within a decade. Meanwhile, while GM's setting sales records in developing markets overseas, they're losing money at home. Lots of money. To his credit, Rabid Rick did touch on that small issue with Bloomberg. GM's CEO claimed his "plan" to end those losses is about "50 to 60 percent complete." WHAT PLAN? Has anyone seen this plan or is he, like Indiana Jones, making it up as he goes along? Which ever it is, Wagoner [finally] admits things aren't quite going as expected. "Maybe the actions are a little farther along, but the results I don't think are that far along." With Wagoner conceding defeat in North America, the results probably won't get much farther along, either. What's that sound? Why, it's Toyota, Honda and Nissan letting out a war whoop as they thunder down their American happy hunting ground.

Bloomberg »

Source: Rick Wagoner: GM’s Throwing in the Towel on the U.S. Market

Simona Alina
Filed in: Peugeot | minivans vans | Peugeot 807

With an updated design, cutting edge equipment and a new engine option, these latest developments on the 807 will confirm its position as a versatile luxury vehicle. The 807 sees the introduction of new external styling, new high quality interior features, improved equipment levels and a new high performance HDi power train (2.2-litre HDi DPFS 125kW ≈ 170 bhp) combined with a manual six-speed gearbox or, shortly after launch with a new automatic six-speed gearbox.

With all these new additions, the 807 will strengthen its position as a versatile, luxurious and dynamic MPV, capable of meeting the needs of ever more demanding customers, whatever their lifestyles.

Exterior styling

Still based on the same timeless exterior design, the designers, however, have now added an extra touch of modernism and refinement to this latest 807. A number of subtle styling touches have been introduced to the front of the vehicle, with slight changes made to the air intake grille which is now separated by horizontal chrome detailing, a larger lion badge and the addition of a chrome trim round the entire vehicle. This feature helps to emphasise the body protection mouldings, which are also painted in the same colour as the vehicle’s exterior. To reflect the new chrome features, the side door handles now also have a chrome finish.

At the rear, the Peugeot badge is now larger, with a larger chrome tailgate trim accommodating the new “PEUGEOT” lettering. Finally, there are also two new metallic paint finishes available, “Rhodes blue” and “Moondust” grey.

Interior style

Internally, the trims, finishes and fittings have been updated to match customer expectations – benefiting from the use of higher quality materials. With this in mind, the plastic materials making up the fascia panel and door fittings, etc are now specified in ‘Mistral’ Black. Similarly, a lot of pre-prepared parts are in softer colours. The door handles, the gear knob and the fascia panel vent edges have a chrome finish, which contributes to the luxurious opulence of the passenger compartment.

Regarding the trim on the seats, the fascia panel and the door panels, the entry-level model (available depending on the market) will be trimmed in a new ‘Bise’ Grey woven fabric. This trim colour is also used on level two models, but here it is combined with a velour woven fabric. Customers can also specify the option of a second, lighter trim called ‘Matinal’.

This new look can also be found in level three vehicles, but this time the seats are trimmed in Alcantara® and fabric. As an option ‘Mistral’ black leather is available for the seats, with the door panels and fascia panel trimmed in Alcantara.

Engine

A new 2.2-litre HDi DPFS 125 kW (≈ 170 bhp) diesel engine has been introduced to become the top-of-the-range HDi diesel model in the 807 range. It will further enhance the dynamic and luxurious appeal of this vehicle. This engine, fitted with twin turbo-chargers, can be already found powering the Peugeot 407 and the 607, and due to its engine technology is one of the most advanced engines available. This HDi engine provides a level of performance and driveability which is more frequently found with larger capacity engines, while still providing low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

The 807 HDi range now comprises of:

• 2.0-litre 16v HDi DPFS 88kW (≈ 120bhp), 300Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, • 2.0-litre 16v HDi DPFS 100kW (≈ 136bhp), 320-340Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.2-litre 16v HDi DPFS 125kW (≈ 170bhp), 370 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.2-litre 16v HDi DPFS 125kW (≈ 170bhp), 400Nm, 6-speed automatic gearbox (available in the Spring of 2008).

The petrol range is made up of two models:

• 2.0-litre 16v 103kW (≈ 141bhp), 200Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.0-litre 16v 103kW (≈ 141bhp), 200Nm, 4-speed automatic gearbox.

This new 2.2-litre HDi DPFS engine is the result of the fourth phase of the co-operation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Ford Motor Company and completes the evolution of the HDi range successfully developed in partnership since signing the co-operation agreement in 1998.

The four cylinder 2179cm3 engine has a sixteen-valve cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts. It has a maximum power of 125kW at 4000rpm and a generous maximum torque of 370Nm at 1500rpm for the manual gearbox and 400Nm at 1750rpm with the 6-speed ‘Porsche Tiptronic System’ automatic gearbox.

The torque and driveability at low engine speeds are particularly impressive, with the engine producing a torque of 200Nm at 1000rpm and 280Nm at 1250rpm. The operating range is also very wide, with high torque output available at all engine speeds (more than 350Nm at 3000rpm).

A new type of combustion chamber, a third generation common rail diesel injection system, increased injection pressure of 1800 bar and the fitment of parallel sequential twin turbochargers are the main technological innovations of this engine. Ultimately, this engine brings greater driveability to the 807 combining improved dynamic performance, with a six-speed gearbox, be it manual or automatic.

Equipment

Stylish and natural, the developments in the new 807 also relate to the onboard equipment, with technology working for the driver and also for passengers, in relation to both safety and comfort. The new 807 can also be fitted with a hands-free Bluetooth™ kit, front parking assistance and a rear multimedia system, consisting of a 16/9 screen and a DVD reader.

A perfectly integrated rear multimedia system

For the wellbeing of all rear passengers and the driver, a fold-away, adjustable 16/9 screen and DVD player are fitted in the central roof area of the vehicle. For the individual comfort of each occupant, two wireless headsets and a remote control are provided with the system. Using an audio/video jack, teenagers and young children with a keen interest in digital technology will be able to plug in games consoles, video players, computers, camcorders, cameras, etc. This system is optional but is even fitted as standard on higher spec models in some countries.

Bluetooth hands-free kit

Communicating with the car radio, this system allows the car to ‘recognise’ a Bluetooth™ mobile phone present in the car, take over its main functions, and transfer them to the car. The driver can then use their mobile telephone handsfree, and hear the telephone conversation through the car’s loudspeakers.

Front parking assistance

Front parking assistance, normally provided as standard in higher spec models in some countries, is now combined with rear parking assistance. This is a great help when parking and provides greater safety for pedestrians.

It uses the loudspeaker closest to the obstacle, to communicate via a variable audible tone, which varies in frequency, the distance of a nearby obstacle. Furthermore, a visual representation of the remaining distance is also provided on the multifunction screen.

This system, made up of four ultrasound sensors at the front and another four at the rear, is activated when reverse gear is selected or at speeds of less than 10kph, after the car has stopped for over three seconds.

It is also worth noting that within the past few months, the 807 has also seen the introduction of the new RT4 Multi-media system. Linked to a colour 3D screen and grouping together audio, GSM, GPS and Peugeot Emergency services, it includes a 30GB hard disk enabling it to host maps covering the whole of Europe and to save up to 180 hours of music in MP3 format.

Source: Peugeot 807

McLaren has moved to bind Lewis Hamilton to the team until at least 2012 by inking a (US) $138 million deal with the British youngster, according to reports. The British tabloid News of the World claims that Hamilton, who turns 23 on Monday, will make an average of more than $27 million per season for the next five years, despite making just $700,000 plus points bonuses while he raced to second place in the drivers’ championship in 2007.

The newspaper says the McLaren driver’s basic 2008 salary will be $17m, plus another $6m if he spearheads the Mercedes-powered squad’s first title since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.

“I’ve always said I’m happy to stay at McLaren for the rest of my career if they want me to,” Hamilton, who recently moved to Switzerland for personal and tax purposes, is quoted as saying.

“I have a great relationship with the team having been with them for so long, right from my days in karting, and I’m ready to lead them on the track this year.

“My relationship with the team only grew stronger last year with all that happened off the track and the way they supported me in the final races,” he added.

Source: Show me the money: Hamilton inks $138m McLaren deal