Back when Top Gear was young and impressionable, we thought a coachbuilder was a mutant amalgamation of a football coach and a bodybuilder - a steroid-pumped, whistle-blowing, press-up dictating maniac.
And, on the evidence of the coachbuilt Castagna Aznom, we weren't too far off the truth.
This snarling lump of supercar is the product of Italian firm Castagna Milano, and it's the scariest thing to come out of Italy since Caligula. (Always on the ball with topical references, us.)
Coachbuilding, of course, is the art of sticking a new body on an existing chassis, and the frame that underpines the Aznom is that of the Corvette Z06.
However, Castagna has bolted a carbon fibre/aluminium frame on top, taking styling cues off the 'Vettes of the 50s and 60s to create a deep-vented, mad-grilled schoolboy fantasy.
A retracting rear wing, F430-esque rear diffuser and fat 20-inch alloys give the Aznom plenty of intent, but we're not so keen on those stuck-on wing mirrors. There are a few more cultured touches inside the cabin, including a Google Earth satnav system.
Castagna has also fettled the Z06's seven-litre V8 up to a massive 750bhp, which should be good for a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 217mph.
And that's before it gets down the gym and puts in some serious reps on the ergs. Or whatever it is that goes on in gyms.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Castagna Aznom
Sunday, July 15, 2007
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels.
Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go Seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; ParkSense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster Seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Mercedes M-Class 'Edition 10', Exclusive special anniversary series
The “Edition 10” is a fitting tribute to mark the tenth anniversary of the most successful Mercedes-Benz premium SUV. It recalls the market launch of the M‑Class a decade ago, a vehicle now regarded as the pioneer of the premium SUV. Compared with the series-production models, the anniversary edition sporting the special “Edition 10” logos on the wings features even higher-grade appointments and is instantly recognisable from the exterior, courtesy of its eye-catching design and engineering details. Highlights include the 20-inch light-alloy wheels shod with 265/45 R 20 V tyres.
Depending on the customer’s preference, the light-alloy wheels in gleaming silver provide an interesting contrast to the “Edition 10” design ‑ or blend in harmoniously with if the darkened “chrome shadow” finish is specified. The darkened housings for the bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System and identically styled fog lamps with integral cornering light function lend the vehicle’s front end an even more striking appearance. The package of measures at the front end is rounded off with a special radiator grille and simulated stainless steel underride guard, both in titanium-look.
Dark-tinted tail light clusters, a simulated stainless steel underride guard in titanium-look and twin-pipe exhaust system with separate chrome tailpipes adorn the rear of the M-Class “Edition 10”. Blue-tinted glass and special chrome trim elements on the door handles, rub strips, radiator grille and rear bumper add the finishing touches to the striking appearance. The special model is available in obsidian black, iridium silver or calcite white.The two-tone all-leather appointments in cashmere beige and black create an interesting contrast in the interior. The black roof lining, the sports instrument cluster and wood trim elements either in “anthracite poplar” or “pale birch” further enhance the interior refinement.
Velour floor mats with an embroidered “Edition 10” logo welcome occupants, while the driver can enjoy the special touch of brushed stainless steel sports pedals. Power-adjustable front seats and the interior lighting package round off the specification.The standard equipment of the powerful trendsetter includes the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC with DIRECT SELECT, ESP®, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS traction system with additional functions including Downhill Speed Regulation, hill-start assist and off-road ABS. Difficult terrain is easier to negotiate with the optional Off-Road Pro engineering package, which includes a low-range ratio, electronically controlled multi-disc differential locks for the centre and rear differentials and increased ground clearance.
Optional extras include the AIRMATIC air suspension system with the Adaptive Damping System ADS, the COMAND APS telematics system or KEYLESS-GO, all of which add extra comfort and convenience.
A choice of five “Edition 10” models
In addition to the powerful V8 diesel engine with its 700 Nm of torque in the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC, two superlative V6 diesel units are available. The V6 entry-level unit in the ML 280 CDI produces 140 kW / 190 hp, the ML 320 CDI develops 165 kW/224 hp from the same displacement. The ML 350 and the ML 500 with the new 5.5-litre V8 unit bring two petrol versions to the line-up with outputs of 200 kW/272 hp and 285 kW/388 hp respectively.
Ten years in Tuscaloosa – a German-American success story
The first generation of the M-Class (W 163) was launched in 1997, paving the way for today’s premium SUVs. Fitted with all-wheel drive as standard, it combined the comfort and handling safety of a passenger car with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. The Sports Utility Vehicle also offered ample room and optimum adaptability, virtually assuring its success from the off: some 600,000 units of the first-generation M-Class were sold worldwide before it was replaced by the all-new model generation in 2005.
The W 164 series consummately perpetuates this success story; around 250,000 Mercedes-Benz customers have already purchased this model.Like the first generation, the current M-Class is manufactured at the DaimlerChrysler Tuscaloosa plant in the U.S. state of Alabama. The production facility was opened on May 21, 1997, two years after construction began, and was the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car plant outside Germany. Shortly after production started, worldwide M-Class demand easily outstripped forecasts. In addition to the initial 300 million U.S. dollars, the company invested another 100 million U.S. dollars to increase capacity from 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles a year. In 2002, more than 88,000 M-Class vehicles were produced in Tuscaloosa, setting a new record. Between 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also produced at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, where the legendary G-Class is built.
The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive story began a hundred years ago
In addition to marking the 10th anniversary of the model series, the launch of the M-Class “Edition 10” in 2007 also recalls another significant event. In 1907 – exactly a hundred years ago – the Berlin-Marienfelde plant rolled out the world’s first all-terrain all-wheel-drive passenger car. This one-off vehicle, painstakingly designed by Paul Daimler, was used by the German Imperial Colonial Office in German Southwest Africa, now Namibia. The technology used in the 3.6-tonne vehicle with its touring car body and six seats was ahead of its time. In addition to the permanent all-wheel drive, the large vehicle even had all-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability.
The entire powertrain was encapsulated, making it perfectly suited to the ubiquitous dusty desert tracks of German Southwest Africa. A sturdy underride guard protected the transmission. The “Dernburg Wagen”, named after Bernhard Dernburg, the head of the German Imperial Colonial Office, was used successfully for several years, mainly in the area around Windhoek and Swakopmund, and clocked up no less than 10,000 kilometres. The trail of this unique vehicle went cold in the post-colonial era – its whereabouts are now a mystery.
Scion Announces Pricing For All-New 2008 xD
"The Scion xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."
Its urban personality is communicated as it hugs the road with its wide stance, thick muscular
body, short overhangs, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits -- horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.
The all-new Scion xD is powered by a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a first to the Toyota family. The xD engine produces 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm and comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The efficient 2008 xD is EPA-certified as a Low Emission Vehicle. It has EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the manual transmission model and 26/32 for the automatic. Starting with the 2008 model year, all estimated fuel economy ratings will be calculated using the new EPA methodology.
Engineers designed the Scion xD with a short, wide frame in mind for better handling and comfort. In addition, the Scion xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear for increased stability and a pleasing ride.
The xScion D rides on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R 16 tires, and stops with front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes. Customers will be able to choose from three standard wheel covers.
Inside, the simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster -- digital clock and HVAC and audio controls -- flows down the center. The xD's unique speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.
The interior of the Scion xD was designed for convenience, utility, and comfort. xD features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.
The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is unique to its segment and focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen.
The xD's optional Premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.
The Scion xD comes mono spec like all Scion vehicles. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The xD has ample standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and active headrests on driver and front passenger seating.
Scion also generously equipped the xD with more upscale standard features compared to other vehicles in its segment. These features include cruise control; power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; a tire pressure monitor system; tilt steering wheel with audio controls; first-aid kit; and multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle between the odometer, trip meters, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, drivable distance and average vehicle speed.
More than 40 Scion Genuine and TRD accessories will be available at launch for xD. New to the accessory line up for the 2008 model year is the Scion navigation system. The system features a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen. Scion's Optomize accessory program will offer the Five Axis body kit.
"The xD is an incredible package with a stylish presence and an abundance of standard features," said Templin. "It sets the bar for value while balancing impressive fuel economy and performance."
xD models with a manual transmission will have an MSRP of $14,550, while models with an automatic transmission will be $15,350. The xD will reach Scion dealers in early August.
The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for the 2008 xD will be $620. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Friday, July 13, 2007
First Drive: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD
our first clue that something's up on the 2008 Saab 9-3 sedan and SportCombi wagon will be the conspicuous lack of Saab's traditional black body-side moldings. Your second clue is the new face inspired by the Aero X Concept.
To find your third clue, bend down on the ground and have a look underneath. Ya sure, that's a rear differential.
Come January 2008, the 9-3 will apply power to all four wheels. And while it represents a break with tradition, the all-wheel-drive 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD could save this brand from sales obscurity.
Only the Swedes Say It This Way
Saab says XWD should be pronounced "Cross-Wheel Drive." It hardly rolls off the tongue, but this fourth-generation Haldex-engineered system breaks some new ground.
Like other electronically controlled, on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, this one has its own computer that talks to not only the AWD system but also the stability control and the engine. The actual torque transfer between the front and rear wheels comes courtesy of fast-acting clutch plates.
At a steady cruising speed, more than 90 percent of engine power still goes to the front wheels. As soon as you dip into the throttle, the XWD brain starts fiddling with the power delivery and sending torque rearward to enhance traction. And in the corners, the XWD brain uses input from the stability control sensors to balance the car's handling by varying power delivery to the rear wheels, and it also raises the threshold at which the stability system will intervene.
What makes Saab's XWD most worthy of interest, however, is its optional rear limited-slip differential. Known as eLSD (electronic limited-slip differential), this clutch-type unit can distribute up to 40 percent of engine torque between the rear wheels. Since it uses both wheel speed and yaw sensors, eLSD can both improve traction on slippery roads and also help hold your line while cornering.
Together, XWD and eLSD will add $2,000 to the bottom line of the 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero sedan, raising its base price to about $35,000. The 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi wagon will start at about $36,000 with the XWD option. Other 9-3s, including all convertibles, share the '08 cosmetic changes but remain front-drive only. For 2009, however, the 9-3 2.0T sedan and wagon, which have a 210-hp turbo inline-4, will also get the XWD system.
Didn't Saab Practically Invent the Turbo?
Every 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero has a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6, but the extra $2 grand that gets you XWD also buys you more power. Thanks to an increase in maximum boost pressure from 7.3 psi to 11.6 psi, the turbo helps produce 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — increases of 30 hp and 37 lb-ft respectively.
This is a pretty nice engine, with an integrated intercooler, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a forged-steel crankshaft, sinter-forged connecting rods and exhaust manifolds with stainless-steel liners.
The front-wheel-drive Saab 9-3 Aero continues with the regular-strength version of the turbo V6, though it has been rerated 255 hp, an increase of 5 hp.
With either Aero, you have your choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. Saab says a manual-shift 9-3 Aero XWD sedan will accelerate to 60 mph in the low 6-second range.
Entry-level 9-3 2.0T models have the same transmission options, though the automatic has just five forward gears. A sport mode is new for both five- and six-speed automatics in 2008, and it noticeably quickens downshifts.
No Snow in Sweden During Summer
There's actually no snow in southern Sweden in the summertime, so Saab officials had to improvise. Our test loop at the Stora Holms test facility near Gothenburg was one part damp gravel trail, one part dry road course and one part wet autocross course.
This loop isn't a WRC-caliber rally stage, but our manual-shift 9-3 Aero XWD SportCombi sucked us into the experience, permitting early and sustained doses of throttle. In a front-drive 9-3, such behavior would assure spectacular understeer and perhaps a trip into the brush. Therein lies the fun of XWD: If your eyes are up and the steering wheel is pointed in the right direction, you can get away with almost anything.
Aside from engineering a new rear subframe to carry the XWD components and revising the rear-wheel geometry, Saab hasn't made any significant suspension changes for the '08 9-3. Wheel and tire sizes haven't changed either, as the Aero still wears 235/45R17 all-season rubber.
This could be a missed opportunity. The Saab 9-3 Aero XWD remains a relatively lightweight car at 3,288 pounds, only now it has sharp throttle response off idle, an easily adjustable cornering attitude and lots of grip. There's a lot of potential for performance here, and we think Saab should take advantage of it.
All Quiet in the Swedish Countryside
We had a front-wheel-drive Aero sedan with an automatic transmission for the hour's drive from Stora Holms to the fishing village of Lysekil. It took only minutes to reacquaint ourselves with everything we like about the current-gen 9-3 — the light but accurate steering, the quiet and composed ride (especially on ultrasmooth Swedish roads) and the supportive front seats.
Unfortunately, the 9-3's mediocre interior materials continue to be a liability in a price bracket where the standards are set by Audi and BMW.
On the equipment side, rain-sensing wipers, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar telematics are now standard across the board. Midway through the year, Saab will offer an upgraded, surround-sound Bose audio system. Adaptive bi-xenon headlights, capable of swiveling 15 degrees in either direction, are standard for all 9-3 Aeros.
XWD Is the Right Formula
Front-wheel-drive 2008 Saab 9-3 sedans and SportCombi wagons will arrive at U.S. dealers in September 2007, followed by the convertible in October or November. But if you want a car that's really about driving, wait until the 9-3 with XWD arrives in January.
It goes beyond the grip and balance you get with any all-wheel-drive system. The 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD engages your emotions when you're at the wheel. It makes you care that it's a Saab, something not just uniquely different but also uniquely good.
The all new evolution of Nissan X-Trail
The all new Nissan X-Trail, on sale from 1 September, will have a starting price of £18,795 for the entry level 2.0-litre petrol TREK rising to £26,720 for the more luxurious upgraded AVENTURA 150PS 2.0dCi automatic. In some cases the increase in price over the outgoing model is as low as £100 representing excellent value especially considering the vehicle is larger, better equipped and with more modern and refined engines.
There are three grades and four engine variations to choose from with three of the power units being new to Nissan X-Trail. To simplify the Nissan 4x4 range structure the grade names of
TREK, SPORT and AVENTURA for X-Trail have been taken from the Pathfinder.
Although Nissan X-Trail has been completely restyled, customer research clearly showed that the robust, strong shape was popular and well appreciated. Indeed, it was a key factor in the decision making process for many buyers. It was clear that the “X-TRAILness” had to be retained, which is why there is a clear family resemblance between the original and the new version – a perfect example of evolutionary change.
New from the ground up, the latest Nissan X-Trail shares the same platform as the recently launched Nissan QASHQAI. The platform features strut-type suspension at the front with a multi-link system at the rear, both ends being mounted on separate rubber insulated sub-frames providing enhanced refinement and isolation from vibrations which in turn gives a superior ride both on and off-road.
As a result, new Nissan X-Trail is slightly larger than before: its wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2630mm, while overall length has risen by 175mm to 4630mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the luggage area, which has increased dramatically in size.
With the rear Seat in place, the original vehicle had a luggage area VDA measurement of 410 litres up to the lower edge of the rear window: in the new Nissan X-Trail the equivalent figure is 603 litres, an increase of 193 litres (including double deck trunk capacity). Fold the rear seats forward and this increases to 1773 litres.
This has been achieved by rerouting the exhaust silencer from its original transverse position under the boot floor to a north/south location alongside the rear wheel well. This has allowed the creation of an innovative double deck trunk, with space for a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored away from prying eyes.
The drawer has partition walls that can be placed in a number of different positions or removed altogether as required. The floor and the drawer can both be removed to increase load space even further: as a result the trunk area of the new Nissan X-Trail is deeper and wider than the original and, even with the false floor in place, virtually as tall. With it removed, trunk height is increased by 127mm over the original.
But that’s not all. To ensure maximum practicality, the floor has been finished in a tough and easy-to-clean non-slip plastic surface. Raised ribs have been placed at unequal distances apart to help prevent loads shifting when the vehicle is on the move. Full carpeting was rejected for the trunk as customer research showed that many owners either carried dogs or outdoor sports equipment in the rear of their X-TRAIL and preferred a wipe clean surface.
The interior improvements continue with Nissan’s practice of providing much higher levels of quality and premiumness than expected for the class of car. Soft feel materials feature on all touch points throughout the cockpit. And as with other recent Nissan models, X-TRAIL has been created with versatility and practicality uppermost.
Positioning the instrument cluster behind the multi-function steering wheel has allowed greater versatility in the centre console, which can now house a larger navigation screen closer to eye level as well as providing space for an in-dash multi disc CD changer.
For the first time, X-TRAIL offers two levels of turbo-diesel power. Both engines are versions of the highly regarded 2.0-litre M1D unit already fitted in QASHQAI which combines high outputs and good economy with class-leading refinement. The 150PS is available on all grades and returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg and 190g/km of CO2 . Compare the fuel economy and CO2 with the out-going 2.2dCi 136PS engine (37.2mpg/ 203g/km CO2) and improvements made are 6.9% and 6.4% respectively.
With the help of an intercooler comes the second version producing 173PS available on the SPORT and AVENTURA. Fuel economy using the combined cycle is 38.2mpg with an output of 198g/km CO2.
Torque outputs for both versions are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90 per cent of which is developed at a low 1750rpm. These engines are also fitted with particulate filters to minimise emissions.
The 173PS engine should also prove to be popular with the towing fraternity as it has a class leading maximum braked trailer weight of 2200kg.
A new lightweight all-alloy 16 valve 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 141PS and 196Nm of torque is fitted to the TREK. It was development led by Nissan and unusually for a petrol engine, much of the torque is produced low down the rev band – 90 per cent is available from 2400rpm. It returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg and has a CO2 figure of 208g/km.
Although carried over from the original X-TRAIL, the 2.5-litre 169PS petrol engine has been further improved for greater refinement and better efficiency. Providing excellent low-to mid-range torque figures – peak torque is 233Nm – the engine comes on both the SPORT and AVENTURA grades and produces 29.4mpg and 230g/km of CO2.
The 2.0dCi 150PS is £800 more than the 2.5 petrol whilst it will cost a further £1000 to upgrade between diesel engines.
All engines are fitted with six speed manual transmissions but if you would rather give your left foot a rest then there is now a choice of automatics on both diesel and petrol versions. The 2.5 petrol has the latest fuel efficient constantly variable transmission (CVT) costing an additional £1200 with lower fuel consumption and CO2 than the equivalent manual – returning 30.4mpg and 223g/km CO2. The 150PS diesel has the option of a conventional 6 speed automatic for a further £1100. The higher powered diesel is only available in manual form.
TREK may be the first in the line up but it is not short on equipment with Bluetooth phone integration, 16" alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, climate controlled air conditioning, a full suite of airbags – driver, passenger, side and curtain, plus a CD / radio with 4 speakers.
The SPORT version starting from £20,695 encompasses all of TREK’s equipment but the alloys change to a larger 17", the stereo system is upgraded to a 6 stack CD auto-changer with 6 speakers and remote control, the front grille gets a chrome look and front fog lamps are also added, along with a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, cruise control, reach adjust steering and a ski hatch. Include auto-on for the headlamps, wipers and speed activated central locking, then the package is complete. Compare this vehicle to the outgoing Columbia 2.2dCi and there is only a £100 increase in price.
For a further £2000 the AVENTURA offers a choice of either Black or Sand coloured leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, intelligent key and electric folding door mirrors with chrome exterior door handles.
All X-TRAILs are equipped with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4 system which operates in two-wheel drive only to minimise fuel consumption and transfers into four-wheel drive mode as and when the vehicle detects it is needed, or manually selected by the driver. The SPORT and AVENTURA on the new X-TRAIL however get the very latest intelligent edition known as ALL-MODE 4x4-i incorporating Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).
USS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10 per cent incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline.
DDS – operated via a switch on the centre console – operates when ALL-MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 5mph allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like USS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.
On SPORT and AVENTURA grades there are upgrade models available to further enhance the specification list. The SPORT eXpedition costs £1700 more and includes DVD satellite navigation, rear parking camera, intelligent key and chrome exterior door handles. The AVENTURA eXplorer has the same price increase but adds xenon powered headlamps, DVD satellite navigation and rear parking camera. eXtreme is the second upgrade on both SPORT and AVENTURA which adds stylish roof rails with integrated lamps for a further £425.
Pricing overview:
- TREK starting price – £18,795 (2.0 petrol)
- SPORT starting price – £20,695 (2.5 petrol)
- AVENTURA – starting price £22,695 (2.5 petrol)
- To upgrade from 2.5 petrol to 2.0dCi 150PS add £800
- To upgrade the 2.0 dCi from 150PS to 173PS add £1000
- For CVT transmission add £1200 – 2.5 petrol only
- For 6 speed automatic transmission add £1100 – 2.0dCi 150PS only
- SPORT eXpedition and AVENTURA eXplorer upgrades both cost £1700
- eXtreme upgrade – roof rails with integrated lamps – costs £425
| Engine | Grade | Trans | Basic | VAT | Total | RFL | OTR |
| 2.0i | TREK | 6 manual | 15,778.72 | 2,761.28 | 18,540 | 205 | £18,795 |
| 2.5i | SPORT | 6 manual | 17,314.89 | 3,030.11 | 20,345 | 300 | £20,695 |
| 2.5i | SPORT | CVT | 18,417.02 | 3,222.98 | 21,640 | 205 | £21,895 |
| 2.5i | AVENTURA | 6 manual | 19,017.02 | 3,327.98 | 22,345 | 300 | £22,695 |
| 2.5i | AVENTURA | CVT | 20,119.15 | 3,520.85 | 23,640 | 205 | £23,895 |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | TREK | 6 manual | 17,140.43 | 2,999.57 | 20,140 | 205 | £20,395 |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | SPORT | 6 manual | 18,076.60 | 3,163.40 | 21,240 | 205 | £21,495 |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | SPORT | 6 auto | 19,012.77 | 3,327.23 | 22,340 | 205 | £22,595 |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | AVENTURA | 6 manual | 19,778.72 | 3,461.28 | 23,240 | 205 | £23,495 |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | AVENTURA | 6 auto | 20,714.89 | 3,625.11 | 24,340 | 205 | £24,595 |
| 2.0 dCi 173 | SPORT | 6 manual | 18,927.66 | 3,312.34 | 22,240 | 205 | £22,495 |
| 2.0 dCi 173 | AVENTURA | 6 manual | 20,629.79 | 3,610.21 | 24,240 | 205 | £24,495 |
Over and above the standard specification there will be further accessories available to personalise your vehicle from the Nissan accessory range. These include towbar and electrics, mats, styling packs, bike racks and roof boxes all covered by Nissan’s comprehensive warranty.
Service times for all engines in the range are set at 12 months or 12,500 miles whichever comes first.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid: new look inside and out with performance and safety improvements
The Ford Escape Hybrid is still the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, combining the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape – America’s favorite small SUV.
For 2008, The Ford Escape Hybrid combines a fresh new look, inside and out, with infotainment and safety features, a choice of two hybrid-specific upgrade packages and four new exterior colors.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a “full” hybrid, meaning it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or combined operation to maximize efficiency and performance. Its gasoline engine and electric motor work in concert, providing performance similar to that of a V-6 engine. In less demanding situations, the Escape Hybrid can run on its electric motor alone (at speeds up to 25 mph), its gasoline engine alone or the most efficient combination of the two.
Full hybrids achieve their greatest improvement in fuel economy during stop-and-go driving, when the electric motor is most efficient. In fact, the Escape Hybrid provides approximately 80 percent better fuel economy in city driving than the conventional V-6 Escape and can travel more than 500 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline.
It is an extremely clean vehicle to operate – an amazing 99.4 percent cleaner, on average than an unregulated vehicle. Ford Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is as tough as it is clean. For the past few years, taxi companies across the country have been putting Escape Hybrids to work, proving their durability and reliability after hours – even days – of continuous use. Many cabs have logged hundreds of thousands of working miles with no major issues.
Ford backs the Escape Hybrid with a standard 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for unique hybrid components, including the battery pack. Escape Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to offer towing capability of up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Escape Hybrid is produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.
Redesigned Exterior
The Ford Escape Hybrid is completely redesigned inside and out for 2008. Escape Hybrid now makes a more powerful statement, with a bolder, more rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition.
The Escape Hybrid features unique badging that uses the Ford road and leaf insignia, with standard 16-inch wheels and a discreet battery cooling vent in the driver’s side rear quarter window.
For 2008, four new exterior colors are added to the Escape Hybrid lineup. They include Kiwi Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Black Pearl Slate Clearcoat Metallic and hybrid-exclusive Light Ice Blue Metallic.
Industry-first 100 Percent Recycled Seating Surfaces
The 2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid are believed to be the first U.S. automotive applications of 100 percent recycled fabric seating surfaces. The new fabric, supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc., is produced from 100 percent post-industrial waste – defined as anything intended for retail use but never makes it to the consumer. This can be anything from plastic intended for pop bottles to un-dyed polyester fibers.
This plastic and polyester is processed, spun into yarn, dyed and woven into Seat fabric. Recycling waste otherwise intended for landfills has obvious environmental benefits. Interface Fabrics estimates that Ford’s use of post-industrial recycled materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents and more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
Upscale Interior Appointments, Flexible Storage Space
In addition to the industry’s first recycled seating surfaces, the 2008 Escape Hybrid features a host of interior innovations.
A “top of dash” display positioned at eye level on the dashboard shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle’s information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.
The Escape Hybrid features a clean, simple center console design with dials and buttons that “poke through” the face of the console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod jack, and controls for available heated seats and in-dash navigation system.
Escape Hybrid also features Ford’s new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.
Like the traditional Escape, Escape Hybrid offers seating for up to five and includes the same 60/40-split folding rear seat. Efficient packaging of the hybrid technology – locating the battery pack at the rear load floor – means that interior versatility is preserved. Even with a full complement of five passengers, cargo room behind the second row Seat is still an ample 27.6 cubic feet.
The maximum cargo space can be expanded to over 65 cubic feet, if desired. The roof rack is capable of holding up to 100 pounds of cargo.
A unique gauge package features an economy indicator with “green zone” that shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power. A separate gauge displays levels of charge and assist for the battery pack. An optional navigation system features an Audiophile stereo system, a unique energy flow diagram that displays hybrid system operation and a fuel economy screen that displays instant and average fuel economy.
Escape Hybrid also offers a 110-volt AC power outlet, perfect for a television, radio, air pump, electric razor or even holiday lights at the campsite.
Powertrain and Chassis
The Escape’s hybrid powertrain system consists of a half-dozen key components engineered to provide a seamless flow of power:
- A unique 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
- A 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired.
- A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
- A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the front wheels in a FWD Escape or all four wheels with the optional Intelligent 4WD System.
- A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
- An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
The generator-motor provides power boosts during heavy load situations, helping Escape Hybrid accelerate briskly to speed. In addition to fuel-free operation, electric motors deliver maximum torque at low rpm, so they are an ideal complement to gasoline engines that generate peak power at higher rpm.
For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from electric-only to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver. The four-wheel-disc regenerative brakes also have been retuned to provide better feel.
A new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system allowed engineers to easily tune the amount of steering assist independent of engine and vehicle speed, giving the Escape Hybrid a very easy steering effort at parking lot speeds, while retaining Escape’s hallmark crisp steering feel while driving. Thanks in part to the new EPAS system, Escape Hybrid models achieve a fuel economy improvement of up to 14 percent compared to the previous model.
The optional Intelligent 4WD System, available on all Escape models, is fully computer-controlled and provides maximum traction as driving conditions vary. Its operation is so seamless that most drivers will never notice that it has engaged.
Escape bolsters its safety leadership with a host of standard safety features
The 2008 Escape Hybrid has an entirely revised restraint system that consists of new air bags, safety belts, steering column and a new steering wheel. Standard safety content includes:
- Ford’s Safety Canopy side air curtains deploy in certain side-impact collisions, or in the event of an impending rollover, helping to protect front- and second-row outboard occupants. The curtains remain inflated for several seconds after deployment to enhance protection during an extended crash event. The system features “roll-fold” technology that’s designed to slide the air bag between the glass and occupants as it inflates if occupants are improperly seated or resting their heads against a window.
- Seat-mounted side air bags deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the driver and front Seat passenger’s upper and lower torso.
- Occupant friendly door trims with softened armrests, side impact foam bolsters and intrusion door beams to distribute the loading during an impact to the hinge and B pillars.
- Ford’s Personal Safety System, which includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, Seat weight sensing system for the passenger Seat and crash severity sensing.
- Ford’s Belt-Minder safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger. Escape Hybrid also comes equipped with such standard features as child safety locks on the rear doors, the LATCH child safety restraint system, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system and Ford’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Escape Hybrid includes: 2.4-liter Atkinson Cycle engine; 330V sealed nickel-metal hydride battery; Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission; Permanent Magnet electric motor; Regenerative braking system; Chrome shifter bezel; Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control; Front and rear disc brakes; ABS; Hybrid-unique 16-inch wheels; Outside temperature display; Six-way power driver’s seat; Eco-friendly cloth front and rear 60/40 split seats; Electric Power Assisted Steering; Rear window defroster; Solar tinted glass; Power windows; Air conditioning; Auxiliary input jack; Day/night rearview mirrors; Power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver side feature; Two power points; Rear cargo light; Removable rear Seat cushions; Tilt steering wheel; Safety Canopy side air curtains; Personal Safety System®; Seat-mounted side air bags; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; SecuriLock®; Belt-Minder®; Child safety locks; LATCH; Remote keyless entry.
Options include: Intelligent 4WD System; 320-watt, Audiophile audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer; Navigation system; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; 110-volt AC outlet; Power moonroof; Integrated side step bars; Leather-trimmed seats.
The Hybrid Premium Package includes: 110-volt outlet; Cargo area retractable cover; Compass; Electrochromatic mirrors and illuminated visors; Heated, power leather-trimmed bucket seats; Heated mirrors; Leather-trimmed second-row 60/40 split seat; Reverse Sensing System; Roof rack with cross bars.
A Hybrid Moonroof and Satellite Radio Package includes: SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with free 6-month subscription; Power moonroof.
Chrome Appearance Package includes: Chrome grille, roof rails and liftgate garnish.
