Around this time we get a flood of Car of the Year for every automotive website, magazine and publication. Some have chosen obvious cars as winners, some go for the more interesting cars.
This year, Auto Express UK has chose the new Ford Mondeo to be their Car of the Year.
Britain's higest selling weekly motor magazine chose the Mondeo as the best family car and the best estate car aswell. Editor in chief, David Johns hailed the Ford as "The new Mondeo is Ford's finest ever car,". He also stated the not just the saloon, but the hatchback and estate models also deserved the award being "been designed and engineered to the highest standards".
This will surely boost the very popular Ford top seller across Britain and help Ford with their financial worries with large debts, after needing to sell of Land Rover and Jaguar this year.
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW FORD MONDEO NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR
TROUBLED car giant Ford has been given a welcome boost by the news that the new Mondeo has been named Car of the Year.
The Mondeo was voted the best new car by experts at Auto Express, Britain's biggest-selling weekly motoring magazine.
And it was also named best in the family car class and best estate car too in the magazine's annual New Car Honours.
"The new Mondeo is Ford's finest ever car," said Auto Express editor in chief, David Johns. "Each and every model, whether hatchback, saloon or estate, has been designed and engineered to the highest standards. The car oozes quality, especially in the cabin which has levels of equipment and comfort which sets new standards for the class."
Ford - which is struggling with huge debts and facing having to sell-off Land Rover and Jaguar from its empire - beat rivals including prestige German makes, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and Audi to the overall Car of the Year title.
Other major winners included:
Vauxhall Corsa - Best Supermini
Honda Civic - Best Compact Family Car, and Best Hot Hatch (for the Type R)
Citroen C4 Picasso - Best MPV
Kia - for its industry-leading seven-year warranty
The Auto Express New Car Honours are the result of the biggest new car assessment programme carried out by any UK motoring magazine - with over 1,100 new cars independently tested each year on a wide range of key buying criteria, including practicality, value for money, performance, handling and safety. Uniquely, Auto Express also gives every car tested a green rating for environmental impact.
This year's winners were selected in 19 classes covering every size and class of car.
Source: Auto Express
With more than 5000 Lexus IS cars on the road, Lexus Australia has decided to treat us with their limited edition Lexus IS 250X.
The IS 250X will feature a limited set of five-spoke, 18" alloy wheels, "X" badging and with a one-off Vermilion and Onyx pain job. They will also be matched with a black interior.
The Lexus IS 250X will be priced at $64,390 AUD for the standard manual model and will only be available to 260 lucky owners.
Source: Lexus Australia
With many previous pictures of the upcoming GranTurismo, Maserati have finally released new pictures.
Maserati GranTurismo is expected to be released at the end of the year.
• Engine 4244 cc 90° V8
• Power 405 PS (399 hp/298 kW) at 7100 rpm
• Torque 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) at 4750 rpm
• Top speed 285 km/h (177 mph)[2]
• Acceleration 0-62 mph 5.2 seconds
• Acceleration 0-400 m 13.4 seconds
• Acceleration 0-1000 m 23.9 seconds
Source: Maserati
Inline 6 Cylinder Engines could soon be a thing of a past if Ford's decision to cut them by 2010 is any indication.
Citing economical and environmental issues, Ford has decided to invest heavily into the new Duratec V6 engines. According to Ford, the main concern behind the decision is the added pressure to produce a more environmentally friendly engine and due to the added increases of petrol prices.
As a result of this, Ford Australia has cut 600 jobs at their Geelong engine plant.
Ford Announces New Engine Direction
Ford Australia today announced a key step in a new product manufacturing strategy that will allow the company to achieve production efficiencies and access global economies of scale.
From 2010 Ford Australia will import a global new Duratec V6 engine, including high performance derivatives, for use in the company's locally made Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory model lines. The improved economies of scale resulting from the globally-sourced engine will offer increased flexibility to potentially incorporate future alternative fuel strategies, particularly diesel technology.
As a result, the company will discontinue its Australian I6 engine operations in Geelong in 2010. Redeployment opportunities will be maximised wherever possible and the company will work closely with its employees and unions to minimise the impact on the 600 people affected by the decision across engine operations. The company's remaining 1400 employees in Geelong and 3000 in Campbellfield will not be directly impacted by the decision.
Construction of the company's new Research & Development Centre, announced in 2006 as part of Ford's $1.8 billion Australian investment program, will continue and is due for completion later this year. Significant investment programs in new emissions laboratories and wind tunnel technology at Ford's test facilities at Lara will also continue, along with usual operations at the company's stamping plant and Ford Discovery Centre.
The decision to introduce the new engine and discontinue engine operations at Geelong follows industry-wide changes in consumer behaviour, including lower demand for large cars and the corresponding increase in popularity of smaller, imported vehicles. These changes have seen sales of locally produced vehicles as a percentage of the total industry in Australia fall from 36.1 per cent in 1998 to 19.4 per cent year-to-date in 2007 (Source: VFACTS).
"The Australian car market has fundamentally and permanently changed," said Ford Australia President Mr Tom Gorman.
"Our new engine strategy is a direct response to the lower manufacturing levels of locally produced large vehicles. Although we remain committed to our current local vehicle lines – Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory, it is imperative that we improve our ability to respond to the increasing consumer desire for alternative fuels, improved performance, and better fuel economy while spreading the investment required across a broader base of vehicles. Importing the new engine from 2010 will allow us to achieve these goals."
The new engine will be sourced from high volume US engine facilities that are anticipated to produce approximately one million engines per year by 2011. In contrast, Ford Australia's engine operation currently produces 70,000 engines each year.
The next stage in Ford Australia's new manufacturing strategy is to improve the capacity utilisation at its Campbellfield manufacturing plant.
"We are currently investigating a number of alternatives that will allow us to return our Campbellfield manufacturing facility to 100 per cent capacity," said Mr Gorman.
"We look forward to working with our employees to ensure we can deliver on the next step in our process to continue building our business here in Australia."
Lex has published its top 20 used cars list which reveals the models that are going to be worth the most in the second hand market.
In 2007 not surprisingly those new models that are in current short supply have the best future residual value.
Top of the used car pile is the MINI, continuing where it left off in 2006. Lex reckons that Cowley’s finest will be worth 54% of its original cost new price based on a typical three year/60,000 mile contract.
In the second and third place are the stylish TT and A5, which together with the A3, Q7 and Cabriolet put more Audis in the Lex list than any other car maker.
Surprisingly the Lex list shows the anti-4x4 lobby has not hit residual value predictions, with no less than seven in the top 20, including the new Land Rover Freelander, Honda CRV and Mercedes M Class.
Bread and butter fleet cars have struggled to get anywhere near the top 20, but the nearest are the Audi A3 (7th) and the BMW 3 series (18th) which between them enjoy strong fleet sales. Volvo’s C30 is the only true three door hatchback in the top 20 at number nine.
There is only one green entry – the Toyota Prius in 15th place, while the Porsche Boxster, for so long top of the Lex list, has fallen to 14th. This shows how a car’s residual value halo can slip when a volume of cars start to appear in the used market.
“Most used drivers aspire to the same credentials as a new car buyer, that of style, exclusivity and reliability and that’s why this list is the way it is,” said Steve Jones, Lex Pricing Manager.
“Those used buyers who can’t afford a new Mini or Audi TT may well be able to stretch to a used one in two or three years time so they will be in high demand, thus pushing up prices,” he added.
Ranking Model % of Original Cost New Price
| 1 | MINI | 54% |
| 2 | Audi TT | 52% |
| 3 | Audi A5 | 51% |
| 4 | Range Rover Sport | 50% |
| 5 | Mercedes Benz SLK | 49% |
| 6 | Mercedes Benz C Class | 49% |
| 7 | Audi A3 | 48% |
| 8 | BMW X5 | 47% |
| 9 | Volvo C30 | 47% |
| 10 | Land Rover Freelander | 47% |
| 11 | Toyota RAV4 | 46% |
| 12 | Nissan 350Z | 46% |
| 13 | Honda CRV | 46% |
| 14 | Porsche Boxster | 45% |
| 15 | Toyota Prius | 45% |
| 16 | Audi Q7 | 45% |
| 17 | Mercedes Benz M Class | 45% |
| 18 | BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible | 45% |
| 19 | Audi Cabriolet | 44% |
| 20 | BMW 1 series | 44% |
The Chrysler Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo length and rear Seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open- canvas roof.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer. "The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers more value than ever before starting at under $21,000 for 4x2 models and under $23,000 for 4x4 models," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "We've reduced the MSRP by an average of $1,000 and added approximately $1,400 in features and content to both models. And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment."
Standard on both models is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. On-road ride and handling is improved with the addition of a new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems. Staying true to legendary Jeep heritage, the Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive systems to meet customer needs, including Selec-Trac(R) II -- the most advanced four- wheel-drive system available in its segment.
MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System, remote start, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's list of available features and options. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open-canvas roof, an industry exclusive; giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience. The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Available options include rain-sensing wipers and ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 is $20,990 and $22,600 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 has been reduced by $1,270 and has added $800 more content. The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 has been reduced by $1,170 and has added $900 more content.
The Jeep Liberty Sport comes standard with a proven and durable 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Standard on the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 is the Command-Trac(R) four-wheel- drive system. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic system provides peace of mind with available four-wheel-drive capability delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Standard features include side curtain air bags; body color fascias and wheel flares; cloth, low-back bucket seats; 16-inch aluminum wheels; P225/75R16 all-season black side wall (BSW) tires; tire pressure monitor; reversible cargo floor; fold-flat, reclining second row seats and AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and four speakers.
2008 Jeep Liberty Limited
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 is $25,175 and $26,785 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 has been reduced by $720 and has added 2,000 more content. The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 has been reduced by $620 and has added $2,100 more content.
Standard features include Command-Trac(R) part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4); YES Essentials Seat fabric; fold-flat passenger seat; power front driver seat; Infinity premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer; four-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels; P235/65R17 all-season BSW tires; security alarm; speed control; universal garage door opener; tire pressure monitoring system with display; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; auto up-down driver window; auto down passenger window; power heated folding-exterior mirrors, full-size spare tire and 115V power outlet.
Available on the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is the all-new Selec-Trac(R) II full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. The system is ideal for a range of road settings including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems typically seen on competitors.
Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider(TM) Full-length, Open Canvas Roof
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open-canvas roof.
With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.
The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof was designed and tested for safety to meet all regulatory and Chrysler Group requirements.
The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.
The Jeep Liberty is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.
