Volkswagen unveils new Tiguan Compact 4x4

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Tiguan compact 4x4 which will go on sale in February 2008, following its world public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Based on the Concept Tiguan that made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year, the Tiguan is slightly larger than the Volkswagen Touran compact MPV and an appearance which reinforces its strong links to its ‘big brother’, the Touareg. In the UK, the Tiguan will initially be available with two engines – a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel which is likely to be the most popular model, and a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI petrol unit. Later in 2008 a 170 PS TDI and two further petrol engines will become available to order.

The Tiguan is slightly larger than the Volkswagen Touran compact MPV at 4.4 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.6 metres in height. It has a purposeful appearance which reinforces its strong links to its ‘big brother’, the Touareg, with raised suspension, large tyres and true 4x4 styling cues.

In the UK, the Tiguan will initially be available with two engines – a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel which is likely to be the most popular model, and a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI petrol unit. Later in 2008 a 170 PS TDI and two further petrol engines will become available to order. Both diesel engines meet the stringent Euro 5 emissions standard that comes into effect in 2009.

S, SE and Sport models will be offered at launch, all with 4MOTION four-wheel drive and an 18 degree angle of approach, a figure that defines the size of obstruction the vehicle can drive over. Customers requiring additional off-road capability can choose a 28 degree angle of approach front end. This model comes with a radiator protection grille, underbody protection, hill descent control and a compass.

UK pricing is expected to start at around UKP 19,000 (US$38,000), with Volkswagen Retailers due to start taking orders for the new car in November.

New smart fortwo BRABUS - 30% more power

German automotive performance company Brabus regularly graces our pages, most notably by continually breaking its own record for the world’s fastest sedan. The name is synonymous with Mercedes and Smart performance tuning and the company’s latest effort involves the next generation Smart fortwo. With a reengineered 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo engine the smart fortwo BRABUS and the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive have 30 percent more power than before and still boast low fuel consumption. The sporty two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/h. Ex factory prices for the pocket rockets range from EUR16,490 (US$22,160) to EUR 22,430 (US$30,150) depending on the equipment line and body type.

The sporty character of the new smart fortwo BRABUS is immediately apparent. For example, it features "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels with wide tyres measuring 175/50 R 16 at the front and 225/35 R 17 at the rear, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system with centrally positioned stainless steel tailpipes and a body that has been lowered by ten millimetres. In the interior cockpit instruments with specially designed dials, BRABUS sports pedals and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles underline the exclusiveness of this model. The transmission and suspension also have a sporty setup.

The smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive lives up to its name with additional equipment details such as H7 projection headlamps with titanium coloured surrounds, a front spoiler with enlarged air inlets, striking side skirts and a rear apron painted in the colour of the body. The seats are covered with fine leather and are heated. The leather-effect instrument panel features aluminium-look trim components.

Both BRABUS models of the new smart fortwo are available as a coupé or a cabrio.

The turbo engine that has been improved in numerous details is the heart of the new smart fortwo BRABUS. From capacity of one litre the three-cylinder engine now develops 72 kW/98 bhp at 5500 rpm and lends the 770 kilogram two-door car remarkable agility. The weight to power ratio is just 7.8 kg/bhp - 24 percent lower than that of the previous BRABUS variant.

The turbo in-line engine develops maximum torque of 140 Newton metres at 3500 rpm. The BRABUS variant of the smart fortwo sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 km/h.

With combined fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres the new smart fortwo BRABUS is one of the most economical cars in its size and power category. Carbon dioxide emissions stand at 124 grams per kilometre.

2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Lineup Delivers More Products that Customers Want

- More Crossovers: New 2008 Ford Taurus X crossover builds on Ford's industry-leading sales growth in this fast-growing segment. Through May, Ford's crossover sales have grown 37 percent, year-over-year.
- More Innovations: Including Ford Sync(TM), a first-of-its-kind, in-car voice-activated communication and entertainment system developed with Microsoft for cell phones and media players. It's available this fall exclusively in 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
- More Standard Safety Equipment: Now more than a third of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles offer AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control and Safety Canopy(R) side curtain air bags as standard features, including America's safest-rated large cars, the new 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
- More Fuel Economy: Highway fuel economy improves in several 2008 models: Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable (up 10 percent), Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (up 8 percent for gasoline version, up 14 percent for hybrid), and Ford Focus (projected improvement of 4 percent).
- More Quality: Ford's newest models build on the company's quality leadership; Ford Motor Company had more top quality awards than any other automaker in the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.

New 2008 Ford Taurus X crossover builds on Ford's industry-leading sales growth in this fast-growing segment.

Ford Motor Company today kicks off the 2008 model year by delivering more of the products customers really want -- with new cars, crossovers and trucks featuring advancements in safety, quality, environmental innovation and design.

"We promised that 70 percent of our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup would be new or significantly upgraded by the end of next year. With our 2008 showroom, we're halfway there," notes Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas.

In the crossover market, Ford Motor Company is setting the pace with newer entries, such as the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX, which have led a year-to- date increase in total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossover sales of 37 percent through May - the largest increase among major manufacturers and well above industry-wide crossover growth of 17 percent. In May alone, the Ford Edge outsold all mid-size crossovers, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano.

In the passenger car market, the Ford Fusion has emerged as the preferred choice of many mid-size car buyers. Through May, Ford Fusion sales were up 15 percent over a year ago. In two separate head-to-head consumer challenge drives organized by Car and Driver and Road&Track magazines, the Ford Fusion all- wheel-drive sedan beat the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in styling, handling, performance and fun-to-drive categories. Along with the Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan, Fusion attracts new customers to Ford, with conquest sales of 40 percent.

"More customers are recognizing Ford makes great passenger cars," says Fields. "Just three years ago, 70 percent of our U.S. retail sales were trucks and SUVs, and 30 percent were cars and crossovers. Today almost 50 percent of our retail sales are cars and crossovers, thanks to the success of our new products."

In the pickup market, Ford continues to build on its 30 years of truck leadership. First, the 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty brought a series of industry- first features to the heavy duty truck segment. It has set the stage for this fall's arrival of the 2008 Ford F-150, which delivers more firsts to the full-size pickup segment along with an expanded model lineup.

Additionally, 12 models in the 2008 lineup will distinguish themselves through the availability of Ford Sync(TM), an exclusive hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system developed with Microsoft that fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle through voice recognition, Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

There's also more evidence of quality improvements at Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. Ford Motor Company has the most top-quality vehicles in the industry, according to a customer-based initial quality survey released by J.D. Power and Associates.

In the research firm's 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS), Ford Mustang, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln Mark LT swept their vehicle segments for top honors. Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates placed among the top 10 nameplates, with Lincoln in 3rd place, Mercury in 8th place and Ford brand in 10th place.

"The quality gap between our vehicles and our competitors' vehicles is increasingly about perception, not reality," says Fields. "It's another sign our plan is working. We're building a North American business that's on track to compete profitably, to deliver greater quality, and to build more of the products that customers want."

New 2008 Ford Taurus X Joins the Industry's Freshest Crossover Lineup

In 2008, Ford Motor Company builds on the successful Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX with the arrival of the 2008 Ford Taurus X. Together with the 2008 Ford Edge, Escape, Mercury Mariner and Lincoln MKX, the Ford Taurus X gives Ford, Lincoln and Mercury the freshest lineup in the fastest growing segment of the industry.

Rated the safest seven-passenger crossover in America, the 2008 Ford Taurus X offers a flexible interior that features an available all-new one-touch, flip- and-fold, second-row seat for easier access to the third row; and fold-flat second-, third- and front-passenger seats, which create a flat floor for stowing cargo up to 9 feet long.

Ford Taurus X also comes with segment-exclusive heated second-row seats, standard 17-inch wheels, a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission and available all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control, side air bags and the segment-exclusive, three-row Safety Canopy(TM) side curtain air bags. In addition, an Eddie Bauer series joins the lineup. Other highlights in the 2008 crossover lineup include:

-- The 2008 Ford Escape offers an all-new Ford Tough Truck-inspired exterior design and a refined interior with an industry-first seat fabric made from 100 percent recyclable materials. A new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system contributes to fuel economy improvements of up to 8 percent on gas models and up to 14 percent on hybrid models. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) (Roll Stability Control), Ford's Safety Canopy(TM) side curtain air bags, side impact air bags and ABS.

-- The 2008 Mercury Mariner also is newly designed inside and out for 2008. Its modern, sophisticated interior and exterior design is accented with available 17-inch wheels and two-tone Alcantra(R) suede seats. Mariner features one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment, including standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R).

-- The 2008 Ford Edge adds several options for 2008 including a power liftgate, voice-activated navigation system, 20-inch chrome clad wheels, Sync and four new exterior colors. Edge also features a new color scheme on the instrument panel and door panels, along with a new rear liftgate handle for improved comfort and convenience. A new interior appearance package adds leather-trimmed seats with premium red seating surfaces and contrast stitching.

-- The 2008 Lincoln MKX adds Sync to its standard features list, along with SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, heated and cooled front seats, Reverse Sensing System, memory seats and mirrors and driver/passenger power lumbar. New available features include a Limited Package and 20-inch chrome wheels.

New Ford Taurus, Ford Focus and Mercury Sable Solidify Car Lineup

For the 2008 model year, Ford Motor Company adds three new passenger cars to its Ford and Mercury showrooms.

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable family sedans make their triumphant return this summer as the safest-rated large family sedans in America, based on NHTSA five-star frontal and side crash ratings and a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The new Ford Taurus is unmistakably Ford, sporting a bold new exterior design with a three-bar, Fusion-inspired grille. The 2008 Mercury Sable brings sophisticated Mercury style to the large sedan segment, with its distinctive waterfall grille and wrap-around headlamps.

Both vehicles feature refined interiors with best-in-class interior spaciousness and large trunk. A new 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission deliver a nearly 30 percent increase in power while also improving fuel economy by nearly 10 percent. Standard traction control, available all-wheel drive and standard safety features including Ford's Personal Safety System(R) and Safety Canopy(TM) with roll sensor provide extra safety and security.

A new Ford Focus brings a bold new design, refined interior, exceptional driving dynamics and class-leading technology to the small car market. The 2008 Focus is available in a first-ever coupe, as well as a four-door sedan, and will be the small car technology leader with Ford Sync(TM). Focus' 140 horsepower 2.0-liter engine delivers a 4 percent improvement in highway fuel economy. Its completely redesigned interior features world-class craftsmanship and comfort, along with a new class-exclusive ambient lighting option. Ford Focus' long list of standard safety features includes dual-stage front driver and passenger air bags, side seat air bags and side curtain air bags.

Other Ford Motor Company cars that offer improvements for 2008 include:

-- The 2008 Ford Fusion, which adds available keyless entry keypad, Reverse Sensing System, ambient lighting (late availability), voice-activated navigation, Sync (late availability) and standard ABS. A new Sport Appearance Package option includes unique 18-inch wheels and tires, unique spoiler, red seat inserts and red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and center console.

-- The 2008 Mercury Milan has a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, available keyless entry keypad, Reverse Sensing System, ambient lighting (late availability) and voice-activated navigation system, along with four new packages and five new exterior colors.

-- The 2008 Ford Mustang adds available ambient lighting, HID headlamps and 18-inch wheels (V-6 coupe). A V-6 Safety and Security Package combines ABS, traction control, Active Anti-Theft System and wheel locks into one affordable package. A new "Warriors in Pink Package" includes pink striping, interior stitching and floormats. Proceeds from this model benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R).

New 2008 F-Series Super Duty and F-150 Build on Ford Truck Leadership

After 30 consecutive years of topping the pickup sales charts, the F- Series enters the 2008 model year with an all-new, more capable, more refined 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty and a 2008 F-150 that boasts a host of surprising new features and improvements.

The 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty builds on Ford truck leadership with a bold new exterior design, a finely crafted, functional and capable interior and an all-new 6.4-liter Power Stroke(R) clean diesel engine. The Ford F-450 pickup is the most capable ever, boasting more than 6,200 pounds of class-leading payload capacity and 24,000 pounds (12 tons) of towing capacity.

Ford Super Duty also leads the segment in innovation, introducing the following new features for 2008:

-- An industry-first fully integrated Tailgate Step provides simple access to the truck bed.

-- An industry-first stowable bed extender offers customers a convenient means of adding cargo-hauling flexibility.

-- Industry-exclusive PowerScope(R) tow side mirrors, power-fold and power-telescope to enhance the towing experience.


Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 isn't resting on its laurels. The segment's towing leader at 11,000 pounds adds an unprecedented list of features and upgrades for 2008 that include:

-- A factory installed Cargo Management System - the market's strongest and most versatile provides greater hauling flexibility and securely stows all types of cargo.

-- An available Rearview Camera System, which is mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view while backing up, particularly when lining up to a trailer hitch. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror - a segment exclusive.

-- An exclusive and innovative new Mid-box, mounted in front of the standard pickup box and behind the cab, provides lockable storage for tools and other valuable items.


Plus, Ford expands an already unparalleled lineup of more than 60 unique Ford F-150 models with the addition of the new Lariat Limited, a Wheels and Stripes Package on the STX and the first-time availability of an XL SuperCrew with either 5.5- or 6.5-foot Styleside box. In addition, a special "Chip Foose" edition of the Ford F-150 is offered late in the model year.

Bold Design and Exclusive Features

Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition, Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Navigator continue to offer attractive features for those who need the functionality and space that only these vehicles provide.

Customers are taking to the new full-size Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, as evidenced by eight straight months of sales increases since the redesigned 2007 models began arriving in showrooms. The new award-winning extended model, the Ford Expedition EL, also has been taking sales away from the Chevrolet Suburban.

Much of that has to do with Ford's bold design. According to the latest automotive research from Kelley Blue Book's "Brand Watch," Ford is tops in exterior styling for trucks and SUVs. "Exterior styling is one of the top decision factors among vehicle shoppers, and consumers' perceptions can add or eliminate a brand from someone's consideration list," says Rick Wainschel vice president, marketing and market research, Kelley Blue Book.

For 2008, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator both introduce an available Rearview Camera System, while Ford Expedition offers available power-deployable running boards and welcomes the return of the King Ranch edition, available on both Ford Expedition and Ford Expedition EL models.

Innovations Change the Way People Interact with Their Cars

The 2008 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer - the vehicles that literally invented the mid-size SUV segment in the 1990s - are once again leading the way with a capless fuel filler, a Ford-exclusive innovation that eliminates the need for a fuel cap. With this feature, fueling a vehicle results in less mess and less evaporative emissions. The technology, available in the fall, will be introduced to the rest of the Ford Motor Company fleet moving forward.

Ford Motor Company's mid-size SUVs also will be among the 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products to offer Sync - Ford's exclusive hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using voice recognition, Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, Sync's unique features include: voice-activated music searches by genre, artist or song; audio reading of incoming text messages; voice-activated commands for accessing music stored on flash drives; and voice-controlled access to phone numbers stored in cell phone address books.

Sync was greeted with a tidal wave of news reports when it was introduced by Ford and Microsoft last January at the Consumer Electronics Show, where it won the show's "People's Voice" award, determined by popular vote over all the myriad of other gizmo debuts.

More Standard Safety Features for 2008

Safety is the number one buying consideration for women with kids, according to Marti Barletta, author of Marketing To Women and a Lincoln Mercury consultant. Women, she adds, now make up 65 percent of new car buyers.

The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury showroom is well positioned to meet customer requirements for safety. In addition to having the safest-rated large family cars in America with the 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, the company's crossovers - Ford Taurus X, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX - have earned "Top Safety Pick" ratings from the IIHS. In fact, when it comes to safety, Ford vehicles alone have as many models with four five-star ratings as Toyota and Nissan combined.

Ford is adding even more standard safety features for 2008. Along with standard side seat air bags on Mustang and Focus, Ford's Safety Canopy(TM) side curtain air bag with roll-fold technology is now standard on Ford Explorer, Ford Sport Trac, Ford Escape, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Ford Focus, Mercury Mountaineer, Mercury Sable and Mercury Mariner.

Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) has been added as a standard feature on the Ford Escape, Ford Sport Trac and Mercury Mariner. AdvanceTrac(R) is standard on Ford Taurus X and available on Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.

"This is Ford's strongest lineup of vehicles yet," says Fields. "And it's only going to get better, because improving our product lineup each year is what we're all about."

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com

Source: Ford Motor Company

Beijing Military Jeep

When American auto designer Edward Wong set out to create the first new Chinese military Jeep in 35 years, he drew his inspiration from Bruce Lee and the Shaolin monks, Chinese Buddhists associated with the martial arts. Little wonder then, that the new BJ2S is nicknamed "the Warrior."

"I did not want to design another Humvee," Wong told Car Design News. "I want this vehicle to represent China, its people and its cultures."

While the BJ2S is on tap to replace all military Jeeps for the People's Liberation Army starting later this year, civilian versions are set to debut in the future.

The BJ2S is decidedly un-Humvee-ish with lots of Chinese influences. The front fascia is patterned after a mythical Chinese creature called a kylin or qilin that is said to be a good omen. The five slots in the grille stand for the five stars in the Chinese flag, and the three-slot front guard represents the army, air force and navy.

Cadillac's Future Product Portfolio Hinges on Hybrids

Cadillac is planning to roll out hybrid versions of many of the vehicles in its lineup in the next six years, from the CTS to the BRX CUV, industry supplier sources tell Inside Line.

One source close to the Cadillac hybrid strategy tells IL that the move toward offering luxury vehicles with a two-mode hybrid system makes sense for a number of practical and philosophical reasons. First, the hybrid option is expensive and Cadillac buyers can afford it. Also, Cadillac doesn't want to be seen as socially inept next to Japanese competitors like Lexus and is under the gun to roll out hybrid variants in a hurry.

GM currently is working on hybrids for the following engine displacements: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; 3.6-liter and 3.9-liter V6s; 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s.

Sources tell us that Cadillac's first hybrid, a two-mode system that increases hybrid fuel savings by efficiently adjusting to different engine speeds, will be the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The entry-level CTS will likely get a 3.6-liter V6 hybrid in 2010. The new Cadillac DTS, which is on the books for model-year 2011 as a replacement for the DTS and STS, may get a 5.3-liter hybrid V8 as early as 2012.

Sources say the Cadillac BLS, which moves to the rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform in model-year 2012, is scheduled for a 3.6-liter V6 hybrid in 2013. The Cadillac BRX, a small CUV off the TE platform, will roll out in model-year 2010 and will likely get a 3.6-liter V6 hybrid variant in 2011.

John Howell, Cadillac's product chief, told Bloomberg News on Tuesday that the luxury division is considering hybrid versions of all its models as U.S. gas prices hover near $3 a gallon.

Volvo Rolls Out "Sports-Inspired" R-design

The official word has come down about Volvo's new R-design lineup, a subject of much speculation recently. Using words like "refined" and "sports-inspired," Volvo said the factory options package — which is largely cosmetic — will be available on the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 in Europe this fall.

The R-design package apparently is not intended as a replacement for Volvo's high-performance R-series cars that the company is phasing out of production. Volvo explained that R-design "replaces and enhances" Volvo's current sport trim levels. R-design is available on Sport and SE Sport models and on all engines in the C30, S40 and V50 lineup. The Sport with R-design range starts at the equivalent of about $33,250 for a Volvo C30 1.6 Sport.

R-design includes exterior upgrades such as a satin matte-finish grille, color-coordinated bumpers and lower side moldings, rear or roof spoiler, satin matte-finish side mirrors and five-spoke aluminum wheels in 17- or 18-inch sizes. In the cabin, upgrades include off-black seats with contrasting cream-colored leather, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with R-design logo, aluminum pedals, aluminum center stack and door inlays, and tufted dark sport floor mats.

There are no major suspension modifications or powertrain upgrades. It is uncertain whether R-design will be available in North America.

Mercedes-Benz Announces Pricing for 2008 C-Class Cars

Mercedes-Benz announced that its 2008 C-Class will be starting under $32,000 and hitting a top price of $37,275 for the C350 Sport Sedan. The new cars arrive in U.S. dealerships on August 7.

The '08 C-Class models are the fourth generation for the lineup. They're bigger than the cars they replace — about 3.9 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider, with a wheelbase that's 1.8 inches longer. New for 2008, the C300 Sport and Luxury versions both can be had with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission starting in September.

Among the standard features for the 2008 C-Class are eight-way power front seats, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, an LCD display screen and a power sunroof. Another interesting touch is the three-pointed star in the center of the front grille of the C-Class Sport models, which Mercedes calls "AMG-inspired."

The suspension and steering have been revamped for a "noticeably more agile" driving experience, Mercedes says.

The 228-horsepower C300 Sport Sedan is priced starting at $31,975. The C300 Luxury Sedan's price tag is $33,675. The C350 Sport Sedan costs $37,275 — $1,500 less than the 2007 model, which was priced at $38,775. A $775 destination charge is included in all prices.