Hot Cars

Austin Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance, the Vantage Roadster is uncompromisingly modern yet also incorporates classic Aston Martin design cues. The elegant lines are fused with traditional craftsmanship and striking 21st century style, with an interior hand-trimmed and finished in the finest quality genuine materials.

Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience.

“The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember.”

The Vantage Roadster will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the flagship Vanquish S, the elegant DB9 and the agile V8 Vantage Coupe.

Design
The design of the Vantage Roadster is elegant and uncompromising, a single fluid form with characteristic attention to detail, both inside and out, representing the open sports car in its purest form.

The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin’s synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

The three-layer fabric hood gives a taut, aggressive appearance when closed and when folded, the flow from front to rear is smooth and elegant, enhanced by the leather speed humps that create a unique transition between interior and exterior. Even in convertible form the Roadster retains the critically acclaimed design of the Vantage Coupe. The hood is stowed neatly beneath the rear tonneau cover and is either opened or closed at the press of a button located on the centre console, in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30mph (50km/h) with no manual intervention required.

Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminium, Vantage Roadster customers will have an extensive choice of body and trim colours from which to choose.

Performance
Developed from the outset alongside the V8 Vantage Coupe which was launched in 2005, the Roadster shares the unique-to-Aston Martin bonded aluminium VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture – the backbone to all modern Aston Martins. Adding to this structure, sophisticated materials such as lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites are used for the body, further contributing to the car’s low weight and high rigidity.

Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car’s centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars – providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.

Despite the additional mechanism associated with the Vantage Roadster’s convertible roof and the additional body stiffness, Aston Martin’s engineering team have ensured only a minimal weight increase to preserve the agile and sporting characteristics of the V8 Vantage Coupe. At just 4.38 metres (172.5 in) long, Vantage Roadster remains not only the smallest model in the Aston Martin range but also one of the leanest cars in its class.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in 5.0 seconds (0-60mph in 4.9 seconds) and a potential maximum speed of 280km/h (175mph).

Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin’s new Sportshift automated manual transmission – an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.

Mitsubishi Reveals Evo X In All But Name Along With New Lancer

Mitsubishi’s all-new Lancer saloon made its world debut at the show, along with an almost-finished concept for the forthcoming Lancer Evo X. The new Lancer sedan, which has continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an option for the first time, goes on sale in March while the Evo X will be available in the first quarter of 2008.

Prototype X is pretty much the Evo X – perhaps a slightly customised Evo X. Mitsubishi says the sheet metal is the same as the final version, though some of the features on the concept car might not make the final cut.

Under the bonnet, the Protoytype X has an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine based on the standard new Lancer’s aluminium 4B11 DOHC MIVEC engine and a new electronic all-wheel-drive system called Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Prototype X also previews a new automated manual transmission with paddle shifters.

The drivetrain also combines an Active Centre Differential (ACD) with an Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential and Active Skid Control (ASC), which is designed to make the car more useable in everyday driving without compromising performance.

Fiat - The Fastest Growing Auto Brand In The UK

Following a consistently strong sales performance throughout 2006, Italian auto maker, Fiat, has confirmed its position as the fastest growing automotive brand in the UK, with annual sales of 58,831 units - up by over 64% year-on-year - in a market down by 3.9% over the same period.

In percentage terms, the company’s 2006 market share stands at 2.51%, compared with 1.47% (35,828 units) the previous year.

Led by the huge success of the company’s stylish new Grande Punto, which went on sale here at the beginning of 2006 to widespread acclaim, Fiat’s performance in this sector of the market (B-segment), has been particularly noteworthy, and despite a number of key product introductions from competitors, only Fiat’s Punto has exhibited dramatic growth - 140% year-on-year.

Fiat Auto’s UK breakthrough has also been assisted by factors such as the steadily increasing penetration of its expanding Panda range in A-segment (over 9500 units compared to 8900 in 2005), and the arrival of the new Sedici 4WD SUV, latterly with a MultiJet diesel option.

“Obviously the Fiat team in the UK is pleased to have achieved the goals we set ourselves for 2006″ says Giulio Salomone, managing director of Fiat Auto UK, “but we will be working hard to consolidate the relaunch of our brand in the UK, with some additions to our Grande Punto range, and with the launch of our fantastic new Bravo here this summer, along with key priorities, such as network development, customer satisfaction, business sales and the internet; as we prepare for the introduction of our stunning new baby, the Cinquecento, early in 2008. This iconic car is already beginning to capture the public’s imagination, and I am certain it will play a key role in taking our brand to another level.

“Customer awareness of our company is rising rapidly, and our latest TV advertising with Grande Punto reflects the younger buyer profile we are attracting.”

Fiat Auto UK’s successful 2006 has produced media awards for both Grande Punto (Scottish Small Car of the Year and Autocar magazine’s Design Award), Panda ( Auto Express City Car of the Year), and Sedici (a Towcar of the Year and Planet 4×4 magazine category winner), but the company has also laid the foundations for significant improvements in its customer service, and is working with J.D. Power on a bespoke Customer Contact Programme which is now in its seventh month of operation.

“We have worked hard to achieve our 2006 result,” says Giulio Salomone, “but we have many more challenges ahead of us, and in 2007 we shall be closely focused on our dealers and on the service we offer to our customers, along with the launch of our fantastic new Bravo in the summer.”

New Smart Fortwo On Sale Mid-January

The new smart fortwo is available to order from all smart centers from Monday 15 January 2007. Customers will be pleased to hear that prices for the new vehicle are no higher than for previous models. The new smart fortwo coupé with 45 kW (61 bhp) is available in the pure equipment line at a price of € 9,490.

The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor.

The new smart fortwo will arrive on the market in April and will be available as both a coupé and a cabrio. There are two naturally aspirated petrol engine versions to choose from, delivering 45 or 52 kW (61 / 71 bhp) respectively, and one turbo engine rated at 62 kW (84 bhp). The diesel version, the smart fortwo cdi, has a power output of 33 kW (45 PS).

Smart fortwo cdi: There’s no more economical way of running a car
Despite the increased engine power, standard petrol consumption for the petrol versions is just 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres. And in the 45 kW and 52 kW versions, the smart fortwo coupé needs even less fuel: Here, standard consumption according to the NEDC is just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The diesel version boasts even lower consumption. With standard consumption of just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, the new smart fortwo cdi has the lowest consumption in its class. Or, to put it another way, at present there is no more economical car than the smart fortwo cdi.

With CO2 emissions of just 90 grams per kilometre, the smart fortwo cdi achieves “three litre” status. The diesel version of the new smart fortwo thus has the lowest CO2 emissions of any car on the market today.

BMW 3 Series Coupe By HAMANN

BMW’s trump card in the two-door sedan segment is the 3 Series coupe. This elegantly proportioned model lends itself perfectly to accentuating its sporty appeal by adding new details. HAMANN from Laupheim also shares this opinion and adorns the 3 Series coupe an aerodynamics kit, power boosts, new wheel rims and a stylish interior.

Power boosts for petrol engines and diesels

HAMANN boosts the power in this coupe by means of optimized curve maps. In other words, the electronic power boost is achieved by recalibrating the standard ECU.

The six-cylinder petrol engines 325i and 330i receive a boost of 13 bhp / 10 kW and 17 bhp / 12 kW and in both cases around 25 Nm torque. The top speed goes up to 250 and 265 km/h respectively (standard: 325i 245 km/h, 330i 250 km/h). In the 330i, the price includes the deactivation of the 250 km/h speed restriction.

Also when it comes to the diesel models, customers can expect a substantial power boost. In the 330d, 272 bhp / 200 kW, 259 km/h top speed (standard: 248) and 600 Nm at 2000 rpm are quite possible. In the top diesel model 335d 313 bhp/230 kW, 272 km/h and a more than generous 630 Nm at 2000 rpm. A power boost to around 380 bhp for the 335i is currently in preparation.

By fitting a HAMANN 4-pipe sports rear muffler with four round tailpipes, the 335i and 335d can make their power public. The 4 stainless steel tailpipes, each 76 mm in diameter, make the rear end of this coupe look even more attractive.

Various power boosts

Still so young, and already its first facelift…. HAMANN does not do things by half and sets to work on the face. The new, sportier-looking HAMANN front spoiler is designed to be fitted onto the standard bumper. The visual lowering effect is created by the new side sills, which lend the side view more character. The vehicle’s back can either be customized with a HAMANN rear spoiler or a spoiler lip.

A truly effective means of reducing the lift. The same effect is produced by the HAMANN roof spoiler, which sits on top of the vehicle. The rear center molding, which incorporates matching cutouts for the tailpipes, is designed to be used in conjunction with the HAMANN 4-pipe sports rear muffler. Fitting Carbon-Kevlar mirror caps lends the HAMANN 3 Series coupe a further eye-catching touch.

Wheels from 18 to 20 inch

HAMANN really goes to town when it comes to the wheels. No fewer than four different designs and three sizes from 18 to 20 inch make choosing difficult. The HM2 design, available in an 18 inch version, is a single-piece light alloy wheel with five spokes in the ‘Silver’ finish and features an outer rim with an INOX steel lip.

The single-piece rim Anniversary I has a multi-spoke design and is also available in the ‘Silver’ finish and features an outer rim with an INOX steel lip. HAMANN offers it as an 18, 19 and 20 inch version. The PG3 wheel is a composite five-spoke wheel in silver with a high-gloss polished rim flange. Here, customers can choose between the sizes 19 and 20 inch.

Needless to say, 20 inch wheels suit the customized 3 Series coupe best. In this size, HAMANN offers its “Edition Race” design as its top model. The appearance of this three-piece, ultra-lightweight, forged rim in a cross-spoke design and with a black spider is characterized by the 9 main spokes, each of which branches outwards into 2 further spokes. In addition to the exciting design, the titanium bolts are a particularly eye-catching detail. The high-gloss rim flange adds the finishing touch to the stylish looks.

Typical wheel/tire combinations in 20 inch:

Edition Race: front 8.5 J x 20 / rear 10.0 J x 20 - 235/30 ZR 20 / 285/25 ZR 20
PG3: front and rear 8.5 J x 20 - 235/30 ZR 20
Anniversary I: front and rear 9.0 J x 20 235/30 ZR 20

By fitting a suspension lowering kit, comprising four progressive suspension struts, HAMANN succeeds in lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity by 35 mm at the front and by 20 mm at the rear. Even in vehicles that come with sporty suspension tuning, that’s still around 15mm.

Numerous accessories combine to make sitting inside the HAMANN 3 Series coupe all the more pleasurable. Thanks to the three-spoke HAMANN airbag sports steering wheel, the driver always has the reins securely in his hands. A sporty flair is added by the decorative carbon-fiber components, which HAMANN fits on the dashboard, center console, ashtray trim, doors, steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and the I-Drive-Controller.

HAMANN adds further sporty nuances in the form of sport gearshift knobs (in aluminum or leather/aluminum), aluminum pedals, an aluminum handbrake lever and an aluminum footrest. An exclusive set of floor mats sporting the HAMANN logo in silver rounds off the interior offering.

Needless to say, HAMANN will customize every 3 Series to a customer’s own specific requirements. By way of illustration, luxurious leather upholsteries in various colors are possible, as are extensive multimedia conversions featuring a DVD player, TV reception and a PlayStation.

Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition To Debut In Detroit

Chevrolet announced the HHR Premiere Edition, which features a special Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color and a special Ebony/Gray two-tone interior. Only 4,000 HHR Premiere Editions will be built.

The HHR Premiere Edition begins production early in the first quarter of 2007; it is based on the popular HHR 2LT. The Premiere Edition package is priced at $995 MSRP and includes the following features:

- Seventeen-inch black chrome wheels
- Black chrome exterior package
- Front fog lamps with smoked lenses
- Headlamps with smoked lenses
- Color-keyed running boards
- Color-keyed outside rearview mirrors
- Exterior accent stripe
- Aero wing rear spoiler
- Black, roof-mounted side rails
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting stitching
- Custom floor mats
- Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color
- Ebony/Gray two-tone interior

The HHR 2LT equipment includes a 2.4L Ecotec engine, FE3 sport suspension, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, cruise control and remote keyless entry. Also standard is a 260-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer, including a front-mounted auxiliary input jack so that an iPod or similar device can be played through the audio system.

“The HHR has been among the hottest selling vehicles in the industry since its introduction last year,” said Cheryl Catton, general director of Chevrolet car marketing. “The HHR Premiere and the previously announced HHR Panel will help us maintain that momentum in 2007.”

Since its launch, HHR has received five-star crash ratings – the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front seat and rear seat passengers. The HHR also was the highest-rated SUV for the 2006 model year in NHTSA rollover testing.

Chevrolet is America’s No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.