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Lamborghini Versus BMW

Virtually Test Drive Lexus Vehicles

Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that a new “Lexus Car Pack” is available now for free download on Xbox Live Marketplace for Test Drive Unlimited, the ultimate automotive and lifestyle gaming experience for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

As part of the Company’s new relationship with Lexus, Atari has released the Lexus GS 450h hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan and Lexus LS 460 premium luxury sedan on Xbox Live Marketplace for free download. Additional Lexus vehicles coming soon to Test Drive Unlimited include the SC 430 hard-top convertible and the all-new 2008 LS 600h L, which will be the world’s first full hybrid V8 luxury sedan. The LS 600h L will reach Lexus dealer showrooms later this Spring.

“Lexus automobiles are among the finest vehicles on the market today and a perfect fit for Test Drive Unlimited, one of the hottest racing games in recent times,” said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Atari, Inc. “Atari is committed to providing consumers with a top-notch automotive experience and this free, downloadable Lexus Car Pack for Test Drive Unlimited is another example of that commitment.”

Packed with 90 vehicles, one thousand plus miles of open roads and a host of online options, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R. ™: Massively Open Online Racing. Both online and offline gamers will experience many of the world’s most exotic and fastest vehicles on Test Drive Unlimited’s diverse Hawaiian roads. Gamers win races, challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, apparel, homes and garages. Boasting huge online content, racers around the world can challenge others to join them in the virtual paradise of the game’s persistent online racing world.

Players will engage in online challenges, and build communities by creating or joining exclusive members clubs to talk, trade cars, and race with other like-minded and similarly-skilled drivers in Test Drive Unlimited, one of the most comprehensive online racing experiences to date. Test Drive Unlimited is currently available in North America for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and rated E10+.

More information http://www.testdriveunlimited.com

Audi A5 Offers Sportluxe Edition

The Audi A5, the brand’s powerful and elegant new coupé, can now enjoy even greater dynamism thanks to two striking S line packages from quattro GmbH. Both comprise numerous visually attractive and functional optional extras, which add additional sporty nuances in terms of driveability and design.

To ensure even more agile handling, the S line sports package plus combines a sports suspension (with ride height lowered by 10 millimeters) and 18-inch alloy wheels of 5-spoke design or, alternatively, 19-inch alloys of 20-spoke design. quattro GmbH will add a 20-inch wheel of 7-twin-spoke design to the range in the middle of the year.

In the interior, sports seats with an electrically adjustable lumbar support afford optimal lateral restraint. The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat center section backed in contrasting silver.

Ford Iosis Selected For Villa D’este Concours

The Ford iosis concept car, which made its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as the definition of the company’s dramatic “kinetic design” form language, has been selected as one of the finalists in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The 2007 event takes place at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy between April 20 and 22. During the three day event, thirteen concept cars will be on display to visiting members of the public who will be able to vote for their favourite in a secret ballot at the Villa d’Erba on Sunday, April 22. The event is expected to attract around four thousand visitors.

The organising committee selected Ford iosis for its innovative impact on automotive design. Iosis preceded a range of new Ford’s products which include elements of “kinetic design” form language. These products are receiving very positive comments from customers and the media within Europe and elsewhere.

The first Ford production model that expresses the ‘energy in motion’ philosophy of the company’s dynamic new ‘kinetic design’ form language is the bold and sporty Ford S-MAX, which is Car of the Year 2007.

Together with “kinetic design” Ford has introduced a new brand philosophy of “Feel+” which is designed to highlight the new energy and emotion of Ford’s latest vehicle offerings, including the all-new Ford Mondeo.

“Feel+” is more than an advertising strapline, however, and represents a new way of thinking inside Ford for its latest products. With the emphasis on driving pleasure, high quality interiors, reliability and affordability, Ford is stepping up its delivery of new exciting products to its customers around the world.

Stefan Lamm, Ford of Europe’s head of Exterior Design said: “The iosis is a benchmark concept vehicle for us, as it represents the purest expression of our “kinetic design” form language, representing energy in motion. Iosis also signalled the design future for Ford of Europe production models - a future that is now being realised with the Ford S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007, and the all-new Mondeo, which provided the initial inspiration for this concept. We are delighted that the organisers have selected iosis to be a competitor at this event.”

New Volvo S40 And V50 Sportswagon

Volvo’s two best-selling models in 2006, the S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon, have been given a comprehensive external and internal redesign to enhance their dynamism, versatility and safety even further, while visually drawing both models closer to Volvo’s all-new S (saloon) and V (estate) styling. With effect from 2008 Volvo model year, production starts in May and first customer cars will arrive in the UK in early July.

Design

Taking a step closer to the all-new Volvo S80 saloon design cues, the Volvo S40 now features a reprofiled nose and chrome framed ‘egg-crate’ grille, complete with a 50 per cent larger Volvo badge – a clear indication of Volvo’s bolder future design direction.

This distinctive front is flanked by new clear-lensed headlamp units, while a striking full-width air intake, incorporating reworked integral fog lamps and a central mesh section, replaces the previous three-part air intake unit.

At the rear, the S40’s new tail light units – fitted with LED light emitting diode brake lights – are now smaller, with new graphics, and sit 30 mm higher than previously. A new bumper and revised boot handle design as well as a more sporting exhaust pipe layout complete the visual makeover.

Just as the S40 draws inspiration from the all-new S80, the V50 Sportswagon moves closer to the all-new Volvo V70 estate, with a sportier new grille and headlamp layout and distinctive three-part front air intake. And, like the S40, the Sportswagon features Volvo’s deep-set chrome-collared grille and larger Volvo badge.

The V50’s distinctive rear styling now benefits from slimmer tail light units that are equipped with LED brake lights, enhancing the car’s shoulders. A new boot handle, restyled bumper and a revised pair of exhaust pipes complete the look.

Restyled lower door mouldings and side sills also underline the visual changes between old and new saloon and Sportswagon models.

Versatility and Packaging

Volvo designers and engineers also gave the cabins of the S40 and V50 a thorough revision to add more storage space and carrying versatility as well as boosting the choice of interior trims.

Volvo’s iconic ‘floating’ centre stack has revised controls and is complemented by a multi-function centre tunnel storage area, a more compact handbrake design, and a revised armrest that’s longer and further forward for greater driver comfort. It can also flip through 180 degrees to act as a useful table for rear passengers.

As well as redesigned cupholders, there’s now a much larger storage area under the armrest, while the lower sections of the front door inside panels have been redesigned to accommodate larger items. The auxiliary input for the audio system has been repositioned under the armrest and is now standard across the range, while a roll-top cover for the central storage area provides heightened security.

Other changes include more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 and D5 models, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.

New trim options for the floating centre stack comprise a Nordic Light Oak real wood matt inlay and Virtual White, inspired by the modern glossy white surfaces in sporting equipment and computers. Drivers can also now opt for the new Spring Green upholstery and three new exterior colour options have been added too.

Safety

Introducing yet more safety features, the new Volvo S40 and V50 Sportswagon can be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in continuous sync with steering direction.

Should any of the Volvo’s airbags be deployed, the hazard lights will now automatically be activated – a feature that helps attract the attention of other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark.

During emergency braking or when the anti-lock function is activated, the EBL Emergency Brake Lights function flashes all three brake lights five times a second to warn following drivers of the emergency braking manoeuvre.

ISOFIX points in the rear seats are now standard, as is water repellent glass2 on the front side windows for enhanced visibility in poor weather.

Dynamics

The new Volvo S40 and V50 also benefit from an enhanced powertrain offer. The D5 diesel engine will be available with a slick six-speed manual transmission. Because of its more robust nature, the transmission can handle the engine’s full 400 Nm of torque, compared to the 350 Nm of the automatic gearbox.

The transmission, which arrives later this year, will make the turbodiesel D5 not only the fastest diesel-powered Volvo to date but also one of the cleanest – the advanced powerplant will be fully compliant with anticipated stringent Euro V emission regulations.

Finally, the turbo-charged T5 model enjoys a 10 hp increase, taking total output to a full 230 bhp.

Volvo prices C30 from $22,700

Volvo announced that its upcoming C30 hatchback will be priced from just $22,700 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this October. Keeping in mind that doesn’t include a destination charge of $695, the pricing is clearly aggressive for this premium brand and makes the C30 Volvo’s least expensive model. The base price will net you what Volvo calls a C30 Version 1.0 that comes standard with the turbocharged T5 five-cylinder producing 227 horsepower, a 160-watt stereo, 17-inch wheels, chrome exhaust tips, power windows and remote locking.

Step up to the C30 Version 2.0 and you’ll be paying $25,700, but will instead get a 650-watt stereo with 10 speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, 18-inch alloy wheels, a bigger roof spoiler and the handsome sport body kit . You’ll also be able to “special order” a C30 with your choice of 17 exterior and 12 interior colors, as well as 30 more accessory options.

Both cars, by the way, come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Ordering up an automatic will add $1,250. Other accessories include a navigation system for $2,120 (comes standard on Version 2.0) and Bi-Xenon gas discharge headlights for $700. Choosing any “special order” item will ding you with a one-time $300 charge, unfortunately. While the new C30 is clearly priced aggressively, the long list of optional “special order” items means that your cost out the door will rise rather quickly.