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At the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29, Malaysian carmaker Proton will reveal a pre-production version of the R3 Satria hot hatch. The R3 Satria has been developed by Proton’s special vehicles and motorsport arm - R3, which stands for Race, Rally, and Research - at its headquarters in Shah Alam in Malaysia. The pre-production model features a range of special body enhancements as well as suspension development and, according to Proton, a high performance power plant – though no details where released. -Continued

At this stage the R3 Satria is still in development and no on sale date has been decided however the R3 division is working to bring the performance model to market as soon as possible.

Source: Proton R3 Satria Hints at New Hot Hatch at Melbourne Show

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Ford | 2008 | Geneva Motor Show | Ford Galaxy | Ford S-Max | Ford Mondeo

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Ford announced that for the 2009 model year the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy will get a new high performance 2.2-litre diesel engine and sporty new versions of the popular ’Titanium’ series.

the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi is the largest displacement and most powerful diesel engine available in Ford of Europe’s passenger cars. It gives a sustained 400 Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and 420 Nm of transient overboost provides the necessary power for brisk and confident overtaking manoeuvres. Maximum power of 175 PS is delivered at just 3,500rpm.

“The ’Titanium’ series features and styling details complement perfectly the ’kinetic design’ elements of both vehicles, and with over 50 per cent of customers ordering this series, we know it is a success,” said Adams. “Now, with the sporty Titanium S we have added more overt styling elements and features to create a new and individual series derivative.”

Details after the jump.

Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy customers now have even greater powertrain and series choices with the launch of a new high performance 2.2-litre diesel engine and sporty new versions of the popular ’Titanium’ series.

Developed for performance, the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi is the largest displacement and most powerful diesel engine available in Ford of Europe’s passenger cars. It gives a sustained 400 Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and 420 Nm of transient overboost provides the necessary power for brisk and confident overtaking manoeuvres. Maximum power of 175 PS is delivered at just 3,500rpm.

The engine has been developed and engineered by Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën as part of the longstanding co-operation on diesel engines between the two companies. In its first applications with Ford, the engine has been specifically calibrated to provide performance, quietness and smoothness of operation in the company’s large and luxury models – new Mondeo, Galaxy, and S-MAX.

"Exceptional quality and reliability are an accepted fact when it comes to our powertrains and this new engine is no exception," explained Nick FitzGerald, Chief Programme Engineer, Large and Luxury Products, Ford of Europe. "The power and torque available is equivalent to a much larger gasoline engine, but in diesel form gives improved like-for-like fuel economy."

New Unique Features

Delivering 400 Nm of peak torque – with a transient overboost of 420 Nm – the engine boasts two new features that are unique to this engine in the Ford line-up: A third-generation common rail and the turbo system with specifically-calibrated pedal mapping.

Third-generation common rail

This high-tech engine features Bosch piezoelectric injectors with seven-hole nozzles which use multiple injection capability and up to 1,800 bar of injection pressure.

Like other diesel engines in the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy ranges, the diesel injection combustion process of the 2.2-litre provides five injections per combustion stroke. The time lapses between each injection are controlled electronically depending on the rpm and engine load, engine temperature and air intake temperature.

This combustion process enhances the premium feel of the vehicle, as it makes the engine very refined by reducing noise and vibration.

Turbo system and pedal mapping

A variable-geometry turbo ensures good efficiency and throttle response. Pedal map sensors that are specifically calibrated give the driver a sensitive and responsive throttle pedal feel, which contributes to an easy and convenient driving experience. The turbocharger is calibrated to offer superb responsiveness at low revs and seamless acceleration under part load conditions.

Good responsiveness at low revs contributes to good control in parking and manoeuvring situations. As the engine is switched off a throttle shut-down system lessens any vibration.

Performance and Emissions

The performance of this engine is demonstrated by its target acceleration figures; all Ford models using this engine can reach 100 km/h from a standing start in less than ten seconds.

A fully optimised combustion system also contributes to reduced emissions. The Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models using this engine respectively emit 165, 176 and 179 g/km of CO2. "Given the power and torque, and therefore the acceleration of this engine, these figures are very reasonable indeed," said FitzGerald

The 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is a Euro IV compliant engine equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which is designed and manufactured for zero-maintenance.

Uniquely, in Ford Motor Company products, the engine is equipped with an ’intelligent oil condition monitoring algorithm’. The system was developed by Ford engineers and is designed to ensure that the engine oil is maintained at optimal performance levels. An information lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates when the system recommends that the oil should be removed and replaced. This useful driver feedback is designed to give superior engine reliability and durability by tailoring the maintenance of the engine oil to the car’s use. This is coupled to a ’variable’ service interval of up to one year or 20,000km. Full technical specifications can be seen in the Technical Data section.

Sound Quality and Vibration

The best possible Sound Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) is an important aspect of all Ford powertrains and the new 2.2-litre diesel engine is no exception. The engine is fitted with balancing shafts to further diminish vibration.

Paired with Ford’s acclaimed 6-speed Durashift manual transmission, this combination offers a powertrain with lots of torque – maximum 400 Nm at 1,750rpm – something that contributes to relatively few gear shifts and reduced driver fatigue. Twin pilot injections for the combustion process simultaneously optimise emissions, fuel economy and play a significant role in reducing the conventional noise of a diesel engine to contribute to the most pleasant acoustic behaviour.

"Conventional diesel technology is by no means dated thanks to the actions we take in developing the engines and calibrating them specifically to our range. Many drivers like the familiarity that a diesel engine gives them with the combined fuel economy, long service life and reliability and modern refinements in our portfolio where this engine will be available," explained Phil Lake, Chief Engineer, Powertrains, Ford of Europe.

Joint Ford and PSA Peugeot CitroënDevelopment

"The development of this engine has joined the skills, experience and techniques of engineers from Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën to achieve high goals and objectives for this engine," said Steve Adams, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury cars. "Thanks to the utilisation of system engineering, and modern digital simulation, a team comprising 200 people from both companies have developed the engine in just three years. A further 300 people are now assigned to the production of this engine."

New Sporty Titanium S series for Mondeo and S-MAX

The Mondeo and S-MAX ranges have been expanded by the introduction of a new sporty Titanium S model. Based on the highly specified Titanium models, new features and elements have been added to give both cars even greater styling presence and a highly sporty character.

"The ’Titanium’ series features and styling details complement perfectly the ’kinetic design’ elements of both vehicles, and with over 50 per cent of customers ordering this series, we know it is a success," said Adams. "Now, with the sporty Titanium S we have added more overt styling elements and features to create a new and individual series derivative."

Exterior Styling

The Titanium S series is available on new Mondeo five-door and wagon bodystyles plus the S-MAX.

A standard, full body styling kit gives the vehicles a unique and sporty look. Side skirts and a rear spoiler are a standard feature on the S-MAX and are now offered as an option on Mondeo, and are finished in body colour.

The lower trapezoidal front grille situated in the body-coloured front bumper skirt has a lower grille frame in a contrast colour of silver or anthracite, depending on the body colour. The upper and lower grilles of the Mondeo Titanium S have a unique honeycomb design for series differentiation. A new front fog lamp kit also features bezels – on the Mondeo Titanium S models – in the contrasting shades. The body-coloured rear bumper skirt incorporates an integrated diffuser in a contrasting shade that surrounds the tailpipe finishers on the exhaust.

Tailored Technology

Standard sports suspension gives a 10 – 15mm lower ride height than the regular suspension, and the set-up is unique, offering more stability over uneven surfaces, less body roll and more direct steering thanks to the use of harder damper settings, stiffer springs and suspension bushes. The Sports suspension complements the sporty nature and agility of the Titanium S, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels.

For Mondeo Titanium S customers choosing the option of Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), the sports suspension is not required and subsequently not fitted.

Ford’s enhanced Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) is also fitted as standard to Mondeo and S-MAX Titanium S models, and gives the driver the swivelling and cornering headlight functions. Additional Titanium S features have been tailored to each car line; the S-MAX, for example, gains privacy glass while the Mondeo acquires a standard Ford Power start button.

Interior Styling

Soft-touch surfaces to key contact areas and the use of piano black and brushed aluminium surfaces have already become a signature of the high quality materials and craftsmanship of the established Titanium series. With the new Titanium S, further detailed changes to interior components, materials and finishes give the passenger compartments a sporty feel that is characteristic of the new series.

A new ’Carbotex Sport’ appliqué is used on the door spears and areas of the instrument panel. Piano black surface areas have been extended forward to surround the multimedia unit and in-car entertainment controls. The Sports seats are partially trimmed in leather and red thread used in a running stitch frames and divides into sections the seat squab and cushion.

The same red stitching is also applied to the gear shift gaiter, the armrest of the centre console and – for the Mondeo Titanium S – the interior door panels. The leather steering wheel trim has been divided into four areas and the positions where the driver’s hands would most naturally fall are finished in a special perforated leather trim which extends around the toggle switches and thumb rests. Red stitching has been applied to the inner radius of the steering wheel in a substantial diamond design. The interior look is completed by black velour carpet mats that are edged by a red surround.

Further Personalisation

The Titanium S models still leave scope for customers to further personalise their cars through the creation of an ’S Upgrade Pack’. Applicable to both Mondeo and
S-MAX Titanium S, customers can select aluminium pedal covers, HID
Bi-Xenon units in place of the AFS headlights and Alcantara seat trim in place of the partial leather.

New Galaxy Titanium

Until now, the most luxurious Galaxy series available is the Ghia. The Galaxy Ghia model features additional chrome exterior styling, a full length overhead centre console and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

"Galaxy customers like the layout and technology that the car gives them but they have also been telling us that they like the modern ’techno’ and contemporary elements of the successful Titanium series used in the Mondeo and S-MAX," said Adams. "What appeals is the high level of equipment, the unique styling features such as the brushed aluminium finishes, and the driver assistance features like the Ford Convers+ full colour instrument display."

Responding to this customer feedback, a new Galaxy Titanium series is placed at the same high level as the existing Ghia model in the range, and includes the same high levels of standard equipment:

• Automatic headlights
• Automatic wipers with rain sensor
• ’Quickclear’ heated front windscreen for most European markets
• Cruise Control
• Power operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps
• Rear air conditioning

In addition, the technology and driver assistance features are further enhanced by new styling features; many of which will be familiar from existing ’Titanium’ Mondeo and S-MAX models.

The use of brushed aluminium in areas where chrome is used on the Ghia model and machined 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are the key exterior alterations.

Inside the Galaxy Titanium, sports seats finished in Alcantara trim and the integration of privacy glass enhance the interior ambience while the standard fitment of the Ford Convers+ display in the instrument cluster enhances interaction between car and driver.

Ford’s Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) headlights are fitted, equipped with lights that swivel plus additional halogen cornering bulbs. Sports suspension has been added to reinforce the sportier appearance of the exterior styling.

"We believe our customers will appreciate the detail touches made to the interior and exterior of the Titanium S series in our large car range, the availability of the new Galaxy Titanium as well as the performance of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi 175 PS engine." Said Adams.

Source: Ford Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy get new diesel engines

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Anthony Kodack
Filed in: KTM | auction

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Wings for Life, the research foundation started by Heinz Kinigadner and Dietrich Mateschitz is to receive a massive boost from an eBay online auction in which Cyril Despres’ Dakar winnning KTM 690 Rally bike is up for grabs.

Kinigadner, former MX world champion and KTM’s Offroad Motor Sports Consultant was prompted to create Wings for Life following a tragic motorcycle competition accident in which his own son was left paralyzed. The Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation is a privately funded non-profit organization that promotes worldwide research directed at finding a putative cure for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

“When we started to ask for a few unusual items we soon came to realise that these people were more than willing to give us some of their personal memorabilia and trophies,” Kinigadner said speaking of his efforts to raise items for the auction. .

The auction, to be held on the eBay internet platform from March 13-30, offers a unique opportunity for bidders to acquire more than 40 premium articles. They include memorabilia from the world of action sports, pieces of art and the opportunity to purchase a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Cyril Despres’ Dakar bike to go to highest bidder

Cyril Despres

Leading the list is David Coulthard’s F1 racing car used in the Silverstone GP in Britain but one of the most sought after items will be the second item in the auction catalogue, the KTM 690 Rally bike ridden by KTM factory rider Cyril Despres. The machine, tested in the extreme conditions of the world’s toughest rally, features a single cylinder, 4-stroke motor, 654 cc displacement and weighs 162 kg. The French rider, a member of the KTM Rally Factory Team, won the Dakar Rally in 2005 and 2007 and is ranked among the absolute elite in rally sport. The bike is expected to attract enthusiastic bidding and raise a significant sum for the Wings for Life auction.

Other premier KTM items

For bidders with a more modest budget but who have a passion to acquire some outstanding motorcycle gear, Article 22 on the auction list, the personally autographed leather jacket of KTM factory rider Marc Coma, is also being offered. Coma and Despres not only share their factory rider status with KTM but are the closest of rivals in the world of top class motorcycle rallying. Coma was all set to use the jacket in the ill-fated Dakar 2008 when it was cancelled 24-hours from the start because of terrorist threats.

Kallio’s Helmet

In the world of international 250cc road racing, the number 36 is that of a very prominent Red Bull KTM factory rider, Mika Kallio of Finland. 125cc Rookie of the Year in 2002 and vice world champion in 125cc in 2005 and 2006, Kallio started to make his mark on the 250 cc class in 2007. He rides into the 2008 season as a title favourite and his racing helmet is among the auction attractions listed as Article 32.

MX treasures

Motocross enthusiasts will also be able to bid for two unique MX items – the racing helmet of multi-world MX champion Stefan Everts, who now leads the KTM Red Bull MX Factory Team, which is listed at number 34 in the auction catalogue and the Motocross racing shirt of Spanish MX1 KTM factory rider Jonathan Barragan, listed at item number 23. Barragan of Spain goes into the 2008 racing season as leading MX1 rider in the Italian-based, KTM-supported Team Silver Action, naturally onboard his KTM machine.

The Wings for Life Charity Auction not only creates an exceptional opportunity to acquire unique sports and art memorabilia but also to support a worthy cause directly related to sports injuries - and one that is enthusiastically supported by KTM. Heinz Kinigadner underlined that funds raised from auctioning this unique collection of items will be used to make further progress in the field of spinal cord research through the Wings for Life Foundation.

Wings for Life Charity Auction @ eBay March 13-30, 2008.
URL: www.wingsforlife.com/ebay

Source:KTM

Source: Dakar winning KTM 690 up for grabs at Wings for Life auction

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"Managing expectations." It's a term near and dear to the hearts of the people who pull our politicians' strings. Increasingly, it's the rhetorical weapon of choice for executives seeking to maintain their grip on America's large corporations. While there's nothing wrong with casting your company's efforts in a positive light, the danger is both simple and lethal. When a company's culture becomes based on hype, it loses its ability to react to reality– both good and bad. It becomes lost in the fog of war. One such company is GM.

Last Tuesday, GM CFO Fritz Henderson did something his boss, CEO Rick Wagoner, has refused to do throughout his entire tenure at the top. Fritz set a deadline for GM NA's return to profitability. Well, not a deadline, exactly. More like an estimate. Actually, make that a prediction– with caveats. Anyway, in the now-familiar post-bloodbath (a.k.a. financial results) conference call with industry analysts, Fritz said General Motors' North American operations should be solidly profitable by 2010. Or 2011.

Now that's saying something. GM North America is currently in complete turmoil, verging on chaos, heading towards meltdown. It's losing market share, production capacity, skilled workers, profitability (incentives are up) and, most of all, cash money. If you exclude the mother of all tax credit write-downs (which placed GM's '07 losses at $38.7b), NorAm dropped $1.5b last year. Not bad? Lest we forget, that number was propped-up by the sale of the Allison Transmission unit for $4.3b.

Speaking of fire sales and clever accounting, Fritz claims GM has $27b in cash and "cash equivalents" in the kitty. Take away $10b for life-sustaining cash flow, and GM is only $17b away from empty.

GM's cash conflagration continues unabated. Despite dramatic downsizing, the American automaker still has enormous overheads: advertising ($2.6b per year), research and development, factory modernization, pensions, health care, administration, servicing its massive debt ($2.9b per year) and, of course, executive compensation.

If we presume that these costs are holding steady– at least until the new labor agreement yields significant reductions– GM's $6.8b '07 loss (with Allison removed from the equation) indicates that they've got two-and-a-half years to turn the ship around– or go down. In other words, if Fritz isn't right, if GM isn't "solidly profitable" by 2011, they will be bankrupt.

Of course, this also assumes there won't be any "exceptional" calls on GM's cash pile. Heading into a major industry downturn, that's about as safe as assuming that the IRS will forget that you're legally obliged to file a tax return.

For one thing, bankrupt parts supplier Delphi, is looking for a billion dollar plus cash infusion. If GM's former division doesn't find the financing, well… Chrysler's unresolved Plastech debacle shows how vulnerable GM's assembly lines are to a parts disruption (a.k.a. renegotiation/extortion). A quarter of Detroit's main parts suppliers are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Even if GM's suppliers simply ask for their money up front, The General's liquidity would take a massive hit.

And then there's GMAC. Since GM sold 51 percent of the lender to Cerberus, The General's former cash cow has cratered. GMAC just posted a $724m fourth-quarter loss; the ResCap mortgage-lending unit bled $921m worth of red ink. If ResCap collapses, creditors may pierce the veil and sink GMAC. Meanwhile, cheap GMAC loans to high risk debtors are a thing of the past, which pulls the rug from under one of GM's main weapons in its war on excess inventory.

And that brings us to the income side of the ledger. While GM boosters view the new Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and GMC Acadia as evidence that the automaker has got its NorAm product-related shit together, it most decidedly does not.

As nice as they are, these vehicles are not class-leading import conquerers. Sure, GM's finally woken-up to the fact that they have too many brands  (eight), products (49) and dealers (6750). But their "throw the losers (Buick, Saturn, Pontiac, Saab) into a gulag and starve ‘em to death strategy" is a long-term play that will make things worse– before they get worse. No matter how you slice it, GM needs LOTS of turnover the keep the lights on.

Post corporate fire-sale, you could consider GM's brands its only remaining asset. If so, the company is already dead. Aside from Hummer, none of GM's brands has a clear remit or a coherent product line. There is overlap, cannibalization, confusion and chaos. Fleet sales aside, you can't sell products in a highly competitive environment without proper branding.

So, Fritz, how IS GM going to become solidly profitable by 2011? "We need to step on the gas on how we are performing in the market." At the moment, in terms of market share, branding and overall product desirability, GM is going backwards. Stepping on the gas will simply accelerate that process. Right until they hit something. That's the only realistic expectation.

Source: GM Death Watch 163: What doth it profit a man?

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Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: MPG, Porsche, Volvo

The autos section at business magazine Forbes has compiled a top ten list of most fuel efficient luxury cars. While some of the vehicles on the list seem obvious - the Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec diesel and the hybrid Lexus GS450h - there were some surprises. Giving Porsche’s complaints about European Union plans to impose limits on carbon dioxide emissions, finding the Boxster sports car on the list might come as a shock. However, driven tamely, it can achieve pretty decent mileage. Of course like many sports cars, it thrives on being driven quickly and doing so can easily drive the mileage into the single digits. On the other end of the spectrum most might not consider the Volvo C30 a luxury car. The little hatchback is based on the same platform as the European Ford Focus and, although well appointed, calling this a luxury car might be a stretch. Also, the 19/27mpg rating for such a small car is hardly exceptional and barely matches the 19/28 of the Porsche.

[Source: Forbes]

Source: Picking out the most fuel efficient luxury cars

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Over the years we’ve reviewed a handful of MINI competitors in an effort to bring you the best of the automotive world through the eyes of a MINI owner. Today we have another. However now that we have BimmerFile as our BMW outlet, we’re going to move all of our BMW related content (even cars we would call MINI competitors) over to the new sister site. And that starts with this review.

So with that said, we bring you our first review of the new BMW 135i - a car more than a few MINI owners have an eye on. You can check it out at BimmerFile.

+ BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

Written By: Gabe

Source: BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

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Maxx Biker
Filed in: Ducati | roadster | Ducati Monster

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Ducati presents two new color options for the also new Monster 696 a modern naked best characterized by agility, performance and especially Italian styling.

In order to better show the bike’s fine lines, the manufacturer decided that apart from the traditional Ducati Red, the Monster should also feature the Pearl White and Dark Black paintjobs.

2008 Ducati 696 shown in White Pearl

The Pearl White paintjob, already seen on the 848 Superbike makes the bike’s sinuous lines stand out even more and plans on increasing the model’s success. Ducati made this smart move so that the Monster 696 would reach the expected sales and although the three-colors offering starts with April, we reckon the success is guaranteed!

Source: Ducati Monster 696: New Colors Announced

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Maxx Biker
Filed in: Suzuki | supersports | Moto GP | Suzuki GSX-R | limited edition

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Stamford Superbike in the United Kingdom inspired of Chris Vermeulen’s Suzuki which he rode at the 2007 Australian MotoGP as a tribute to Barry Sheene and created a limited edition GSX-R1000 which has all the chances to be named the best looking GSX-R1000 of all times, or AT LEAST the one featuring the most beautiful paintjob.