Hot Cars

Cargo Ship Cougar Ace tips Over, 4,700 Mazdas Aboard

The Singapore-flagged cargo vessel Cougar Ace has tipped over off the coast of Alaska. All 23 crewmembers have been rescued. The same cannot be said, however, for the 4,700 Mazdas aboard the ill-fated 654-foot ship.

According to Mazda, 60% of the cars aboard are Mazda3s, and 30% are CX-7 SUVs. The Associated Press reports that the Cougar Ace tipped after her ballast was adjusted in the open sea. The resulting imbalance sent her over into the 60-degree list she is currently experiencing. As seen in the US Coast Guard photo above, her keel, rudder, and propeller are all out of the water.

The Coast Guard reports that aside from the list, the ship is stable and not sinking. Mitsui O.S.K., the Cougar Ace’s owners, has initiated a salvage operation and the company they’re working with is expected onsite in approximately one week.

Mazda does not know the extent of the damage to its vehicles and will refrain from further comment until it has more solid information, but based on photos of the ship, it looks like it’s safe to assume that the conditions in the hold are, at best, a gigantic mess.

Nissan Livina Geniss Unveiled

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., and Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company unveiled the Livina Geniss at the 2006 Guangzhou International Motor Show, the first variant of a new family of Nissan global cars that will be released over the next two years.

The vehicle, named Jun Yi in Chinese, will be the first Nissan car to debut in China ahead of other global markets when it goes on sale in China later this year.

Powered by the all-new Nissan MR18DE engine, the flexible and spacious model is based on the concept of a luxurious, yet practical vehicle. The model will be manufactured at Dongfeng Motor Co.’s (DFL) Huadu plant in Guangdong Province. DFL is Nissan’s joint venture in China with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd.

In addition to the Livina Geniss, Nissan and Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company are displaying eight other models, including concept cars, imported cars and locally produced vehicles, demonstrating Nissan’s commitment to the fast growing Chinese market. Nissan’s vehicles are on display in Hall No. 2 of the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center until July 31.

2007 GMC Acadia Crossover Unveiled

GMC has revealed some official shots of the upcoming Acadia crossover vehicle built on the same Lambda platform, already shared by the 2007 Saturn Outlook and the 2008 Buick Enclave. Inside Line says that the 2007 GMC Acadia will be GMC’s the only product without a full frame. The crossover will be shipped in both front- and four-wheel drive trims.

The Acadia will be equipped with a 267 hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. The crossover may be ordered in either seven- or eight-passenger configurations. Both traction and stability controls will come in a standard package, as well as antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitor.

The vehicle will run on standard 18-inch wheels and tires. GMC hopes that the Acadia will feature about 17 mpg in city and 25 mpg on the highway (24 for 4WD).

Tuner Lumma Design Gives BMW M6 Race-Ready Bodykit

Tuner Lumma Design has created an appearance package for the BMW M6 coupe. Dubbed the CLR 600, the car features a lowered ride height, wide fenders, a rear spoiler, racing brakes, 20-inch wheels, and modified front and rear aprons.

MS Design Tuning Programme For The New Ford Focus ST

MS Design has refined the dynamic design and the clear lines of the already sporty Ford Focus ST. The engine and the chassis of the ST reach top-performance - and MS Design Auto Tuning demonstrates its view of individual and dynamic design they consider for such a kind of vehicle. The “RACE-Edition” design of the Ford Focus ST was developed especially for the presentation on the Motor Show in Essen.

The styling package consists of a sporty grille, front spoiler, side wings, rear diffuser and an aerodynamically optimised roof spoiler attachment. With the front spoiler the ST gets a much wider appearance.

The side wings underline the dynamics that shall be expressed with the help of the individualisation programme. The sporty rear diffuser with its integrated newly designed and refined tailpipe upgrades perfectly the appearance of the car. In combination with the MS Design Auto Tuning 18 alloy wheel and the lowering springs, the ST hugs perfect on the road and gives the car a much more sportive and elegant appearance.

Ford Announces Pricing For 2007 Expedition Models

Hoping to rejuvenate sales of its big SUV, Ford Motor has cut prices across the board on 2007 Expedition models. Cutting the model range from four to three by dropping the 2006 base XLS model, the 2007 entry-level XLT is priced at $29,995 - $5,485 below last year’s XLT, and $3,485 lower than the previous base model.

The Eddie Bauer model comes in at $36,395 (a $3,200 drop) and the top of the line Limited is priced at $37,845 (down $3,500 from 2006).

All prices are for RWD versions - 4WD will set you back an extra $2,900. If you need extra room, there is an EL (extended length) version of each model for an extra $2,650.

The price reductions come with an enhanced standard equipment list, including Ford’s new six-speed automatic, additional safety features, and an extended warranty.