Monday, July 31, 2006

Land Rover Defender 2007 pictures

*UPDATE: FOR OFFICIAL PICTURES AND INFO, CKICKE HERE: 2007 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

As reported earlier this year (click here: 2007 Defender), Land Rover is planning to update its
nearly immortal Defender which has been in production with various upgrades since 1948 -talk about British infatuation with the past… These phone cell pictures taken from Land Rover's Solihull factory in Birmingham give a first glimpse of the 2007 Defender which according to Land Rover, is going to on sale next spring. While its seems that the exterior remains practically the same as there are only minor changes -check out the side gills, the interior gets a more serious upgrade with Discovery (LR2 & LR3) style gauges, air vents etc.

Press Release: "Customer demand for the Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010."

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2007 Audi S3 quattro Unveiled

UPDATE - September 4th: 2007 Audi S3 Video

Well, it seems that we don’t have to wait till the middle of the week as i said yesterday (click here: Carscoop) to see the 2007 Audi S3 quattro . Thanks to my friends over at Autoblog.it, we’ve got the first official picture of the 260 Hp S3, as they managed to find the front page of a Spanish magazine with the car upfront. Apart from the 260 Hp 2.0 TFSI engine, the S3s exterior looks seem a bit subtle as designers avoided to give it a more mucho look.

The main differences between the S3 and the A3 S Line versions concern the mask and the slightly changed air vents in the bumper. Maybe that was intentional as it is rumored that Audi will produce in the near future a more powerful version of the A3, the RS3 with a turbocharged 3.2 V6 FSI engine producing about 350 Hp. As with the A4 range (RS4 vs S4), the RS3 will get a much more dynamic and mucho bodykit than the subtle S3. Stay tuned as according to my information, the 2007 Audi S3 quattro will make its official debute on Wednesday.

via: Autoblog.it

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BMW opens mobile-phone portal

Beginning today, Bimmer fans will have their own BMW mobile site located at the address: www.bmw.mobi. This mobile portal offers product information on all BMW models. Additionally, users can download for free a large selection of background pictures, ring tones and videos. Further services which will include a technique encyclopedia or a mobile dealer search are to be included in the near future according to BMW.

Although www.bmw.mobi is currently available only in two languages (German and English), gradually, locally adapted language versions in the international BMW markets will follow.

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Top Gear test 3 of the fastest Euro MPV's

Ford S-MAX 2.5 Turbo 220 Hp vs Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo 193 Hp vs Opel Zafira OPC 2.0 Turbo 240 Hp

Your in the mid 30s or 40s, and your family needs dictate that you should find a car with space and versatility but you still can't get over that beloved GTi you drove a few years ago ? Well in Europe, car manufactures seem to have found the perfect solution for thiose special needs: Boxy an spacious MPV's that promise to satisfy not only all your family needs but also your personal ones. Top Gear gets together three MPVs that hide under their hood high-output Turbocharged engines and tries to find out if they truly fulfill their dual characteristics.

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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Vroom-Vroom Commercial

I leave this commercial uncommented. Just take a look at the previous post by clicking here: Greenpeace anti SUV Add

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Greenpeace anti-SUV humourous Commercial

Greenpeace released this anti-SUV commercial at the British International Motor Show. Its shows how people will treat (according of course to Greenpeace) a coworker who lives in a city and owns an SUV (in the video, the guy has a Toyota Land Cruiser). Kind off far fetched if you ask me. Ok, SUVs waste gas, take up space and have no place in a city, but spitting in the mans coffee ? Jeez….See the video below. After the jump, read Greenpeace's comments

What does your car say about you?

"This week while we bake in soaring temperatures, thousands will flock to the British International Motor Show to see the launch of the first right-hand drive Hummer and other gas guzzling luxuries. Based on a war fighting assault vehicle, the Hummer’s size and fuel consumption will make it a deadly addition to the fleet of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on the roads of our cities. Our mole inside the motor show will also pontificate about the latest fuel efficient and electric cars on the lot."


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2007 Audi S3 quattro to be unveiled this week

UPDATED: August 1st, First official pictures & specifications unveiled, to read more click here: 2007 Audi S3

UPDATE - September4th: 2007 Audi S3 Video

Inside info: Thanks to a tip I got, I learned that Audi is going to unveil its long awaited sport version of the A3 in the middle of the week. The S3 quattro will be equipped with VW Group's most powerful version of its 2.0 TFSI engine up to date, producing 260 Hp. Power will be driven to all wheels either through a 6speed manual or through VW Group's renowned 6speed double clutch semi-auto gearbox.

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Elegantlty-spooky: Binz Mercedes-Benz CLS Hearse edition

Now, however much of a fan of Mercedes-Benz you are, this is one heck of a Benz that you never-ever wish to be seen in: the Binz CLS Hearse edition. German based Binz, a well known rebuilder of Mercedes Limos seems to have married the elegant style of the CLS with a you know what… Come to think about it, this could be the ultimate vehicle for the Adams family second cousins from the far away heights of Deutschland country...

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Thursday, July 27, 2006

2007 Mini Cooper & Cooper S officially unveiled

New 1.6 120 Hp & 1.6 Twin Scroll Turbo 175 Hp engines, 60 mm Longer, New Underbody, Sales start in October 2006

After more than 800,000 units sold worldwide, BMW decided that it was time to change its hugely successful Mini. Although the 2007 model is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September (with sales starting in Europe in October), the Bavarian company gave a handful of journalists the chance to get a taste of their new Mini by organizing a mini presentation in Europe which included driving the car. Luckily for us, Mini gave out a dozen or so, slightly camouflaged pictures.

According to BMW-Mini press release, the seemingly unchanged Mini has gone through quite a bit of changes including all brand new power units and transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes and safety systems. As for the design, the second model generation of today's modern Mini gets a carefully but thoroughly upgraded interior, and evolutionary body design. Most important though is the fact that the 2007 has grown by approximately 60 millimetres or 2.76 inches in length.

The 2007 Mini is entering the market in the guise of the Mini Cooper (1.6 with 88 kW/120 hp) and MINI Cooper S (1.6 Turbo with 128 kW/175 hp), with the Mini One "basic" version following somewhat later. Finaly, the new MINI will also be available with a turbodiesel.

PRESS RELEASE

Evolution in exterior design: The revised body design of the new MINI not only considers the even stricter safety standards to be observed in future, but also – with the car’s dimensions increasing only slightly, for example with exterior length up by approximately 60 millimetres or 2.76 inches – accentuates the proportions and design features .

As a result, the new MINI not only retains the proportions so typical of the car, but naturally also boasts characteristic features such as the hexagon grille, large headlights, the diagonal joint between the engine compartment lid and side direction indicators as a clear reminiscence to the welding seam on the classic Mini stretching out over exactly the same connection line in the past, and the upright rear light clusters.

From the side, the car is naturally still dominated by glazing all round the passenger cell, the extremely short body overhangs both front and rear, and the extra-large wheels, all of these features once again accentuating the masculine "stance-on-the-wheels" character.

Revolution in the cockpit Reflecting the formula of offering maximum car on minimum space, the interior of the new MINI looks even lighter than before, but is even more generous in its features. Moved far to the outside, the air vents accentuate the horizontal orientation of the dashboard and create a harmonious transition from the cockpit to the door lining. And last but not least, the decal elements may be supplemented by up to 16 chrome-plated trim surrounds on the instruments and air vents themselves.

Now even larger than before, the Center Speedo, a genuine MINI icon in the cockpit, comprises all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions over and above the analogue-face speedometer. Through its high, central position, the Center Speedo allows optimum ergonomic control by both the driver and front passenger, while the slender centre console ensures even more space and roominess within the footwells.

Metallic toggle switches again typical of MINI are featured not only in the centre console, but also as function switches to be found for the first time in the roof lining. The conventional ignition key, in turn, has been replaced by an electronic signal transmitter enabling the driver to start the engine simply by pressing the Start-Stop button after having inserted the round chip sensor in the opening next to the steering wheel.

Mini Coope1.6 120 Hp: The MINI Cooper features a normal-aspiration power unit developing maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The intake valves are controlled in a fully variable process by the BMW Group’s absolutely unique VALVETRONIC technology, allowing the engine to breathe freely, without the usual restrictions imposed by a throttle butterfly.

Mini Cooper S 1.6 Twin Scroll Turbo 175 Hp: The turbocharged version of the new 1.6-litre four-cylinder featured in the MINI Cooper S offers even more impressive performance data: Maximum output is 128 kW/175 hp, a figure which certainly sets the standard for an engine of this size reaching its maximum power at 5,500 rpm.

The engine's peak torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. When accelerating, torque is even boosted briefly to 260 Nm or 192 lb-ft by a short increase in turbocharger pressure. Referred to as "Overboost", this function gives the MINI Cooper S even more dynamic acceleration, acting exclusively on the engine’s torque, not on maximum output.

Standard 6speed gearbox: Both engine versions of the MINI come as standard with a 6speed manual gearbox. The optional automatic transmission available in each case also features 6 speeds controlled by 5 clutches to provide an absolutely smooth and consistent gearshift virtually without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power.

Free choice of two different suspension set-ups: The new generation of the MINI is available with a choice of 2 different suspension set-ups offering the customer either a truly sporting experience or a more comfort-oriented style of motoring. In its basic set-up, the new MINI Cooper is more comfort-oriented than its predecessor, while the suspension of the MINI Cooper S is far more sporting and dynamic, reflecting the car’s superior performance.

Both models are available as an option with sports suspension comprising even firmer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars.

Limited-slip differential: As an option the MINI Cooper S is also available with a mechanical limited-slip differential referred to as the Super Differential preventing the drive wheels from spinning by feeding engine power to the wheel with better traction.

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Rinspeed amphibian vehicle sets new record on sea (VIDEO)

Big Boss of Swiss car design company Rinspeed, Frank Rinderknecht, put himself in the Guinness Book of Records as he crossed the English Channel in a selfdesigned amphibious vehicle called Splash –wonder why…. Rinderknecht set a new world record for crossing the Channel -193 minutes and 47 seconds.

"It was like a giant slalom on an alpine mogul piste. The only difference was that it was not flexible poles we had to get round but enormous tankers and container vessels," said Rinderknecht

The Rinspeed "Splash" - a concept amphibious vehicle that was unveiled in the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, skims over the water on extendable wings like a hydrofoil. Packed with a 140 Hp, 750 ccm two cylinder, 4 stroke Weber Motor engine, the Splash can go up to 80 km/h in the sea, but at that speed even small waves feel as hard as rock. Watch the videos bellow

Video 1

Video 2

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Jeep Compass Funny "Bobbleheads" TV Adds

Jeep came out with new series of TV adds to promote their 2007 Compass, the company's first try at the compact SUV market. All four 30 second TV Spots star Thunderbird styled puppet dolls with bouncing-heads (aka bobbleheads) , that even include a dog. Nice, but I don't think much of the music background, sounds kind of creepy in my opinion.

The multimillion-dollar campaign for the Compass, targets young buyers, aged 22-30, are single, college educated, city-dwelling, and with an average income of around $40,000.

Phil

Bounce

Gear

Monday

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Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Fiat 500 or Trepiuno Concept...

A lot of sites referred that the car shown in these pictures was the production version of Fiat’s Trepiuno Concept, the 500. But a more thorough check shows that this in fact is the Trepuino and not the 500. Beside the fact that the word “Trepiuno” is written in the license plate, a closer look at the interior unveils a prototype cabin (check out the gear lever and the centre console) while the glass roof is something that doesn’t seem fit for a car that intends to be cheap.

It should be noted that the pictures were taken during a fair or show in Poland (the Panda Sport was unveiled to the public for the first time at the same place)

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Video clip of Honda's new light jet, the HondaJet

As I wrote before (click here to read more: HondaJet), Honda announced today that their going in the light jet business with the all new "Hondajet". Click on the following video to watch the flying Honda in real life action.


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Honda begins sales of the "HondaJet"

Honda seems to want to put some of that high revving V-TEC magic into the skies as the Japanese announced that their innovative HondaJet will enter the growing light jet market, with the process of accepting sales orders in the U.S. in fall 2006. Toward this goal, Honda will establish a new U.S. company to hold FAA type certification and production certification. Honda’s goal is to complete type certification in about 3-4 years, followed by the start of production in the U.S.

Basic Design Specifications

Seating

2 crew + 5 pass/ers or 1 pilot + 6 pass/ers

Maximum Speed

778 km/hr (420 knots)

Engine

HF-118 Turbofan Engine – x 2

Length x Width x Height

12.67 x 12.2 x 4.1 m (41.6 x 39.9 x 13.2 ft)

Operational Ceiling

12,497 m (41,000 ft)

Range

2,037 km (1,100 nm)

"Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades," said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products -- to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people’s lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility."

"In Piper we believe we have a partner we can collaborate with in our effort to bring new value to customers in the very light jet market,"said Toshida.


Honda Aviation – A Brief History

1986: Honda begins research in Japan on both small aircraft and jet engines.

1993: Honda begins research on composite body aircraft with Mississippi State University (MSU), leading to development of aircraft called “MH-02” that is jointly fabricated and tested by Honda and MSU. Research continues until 1996.

1995: Honda begins high altitude testing of its first generation turbofan engine, HFX-01, conducting more than 70hours of tests through 1996.

1999: Development begins of the HF118 turbofan jet engine in the 1,000 to 3,500-pound thrust class. Compact, lightweight, low emission, fuel efficient.

2000: Honda R&D Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina in October 2000 for the purpose of researching, fabricating and flight testing of HondaJet.

2002: Honda conducts high altitude tests of the HF118 engine starting in June 2002.Honda publishes and reports its first technical paper in June 2002 concerning technological achievements of the new airframe. Honda continues publishing technical papers, with the most recent paper in June 2005.

2003: HondaJet takes first test flight, December 3, 2003. Honda makes first public announcement of the achievement days later.

2004: Honda and GE Aviation announce February 16, 2004, an alliance to commercialize the HF 118 engine, and establish a joint venture, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC, in October 2004, to pursue the development, production and sales of Honda’s HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market.

In July 2004, Honda establishes Honda Aero, Inc. to manage its aircraft engine business in the U.S. and the Wako Nishi R&D Center in Japan to research and develop turbofan jet and piston aviation engines.

2005: HondaJet makes its public "world debut" at the EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28, 2005.

2006: Honda announces that it will commercialize HondaJet at the EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25, 2006. HondaJet has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a speed of 412 knots

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New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race car makes circuit debut

The Manthey Racing team from Germany will run two brand new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race cars in the 24 hour race at Spa in Belgium on 29 July. Porsche developed the near-standard racing sportscar based on the road-going 911 GT3 RS. Over the 2006/07 winter, 35 units of the new racing sportscar (not approved for road use) will initially be built.

PRESS RELEASE: Porsche decided to build the new GT3 RSR after analysing the relevant A.C.O. and FIA regulations in a specification which allows a minimum weight of 1,225kg (predecessor: 1,125kg) and permits the tyre width to be increased by two inches to 14 inches. Thirty-five kilogrammes of the required additional weight may be placed as ballast in the vehicle, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.

ENGINE For the normally-aspirated Porsche engine this specification allows a capacity of 3.8-litres with two 30.3 millimetre air restrictors (predecessor: 3.6-litres, 29 mm diameter). The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the unit delivers 359kW/485bhp at 8,500rpm. Maximum torque increased to 435Nm. Top engine speed is reached at 9,000rpm.

GEARBOX For the 24 hour race in Spa, the GT3 RSR features the proven sequential six-speed gearbox of its forerunner. The customer vehicles for 2007 will be delivered with a new sequential six-speed transmission featuring the gears of the RS Spyder which competes in the American Le Mans Series.

THE BODYSHELL of the GT3 RSR with the welded-in safety cage is ten per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Distinctive wheel arches widen the body by 50 millimetres on each side. The track is enlarged correspondingly; wheels and tyres of the maximum allowable dimension can be fitted.

THE SUSPENSION with Porsche-optimised struts at the front and the Porsche multi-link axle at the rear corresponds to the configuration of the standard GT3 RS car. The modified kinematics is set-up for the wider tyre footprint and for the lowest possible camber change in rebound and compression. The new ZF-Sachs shock absorbers feature the Through-Rod-System with considerably lower chamber pressure and hence less friction than conventional dampers. As a result they offer a significantly improved response characteristic. The position of the rear axle was optimised. The axle features a new anti-roll bar, an adjustable upper link and an optimised lower link.

THE BRAKE SYSTEM features six-piston aluminium callipers and 35 millimetre thick brake discs measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front and 30 millimetre four-piston aluminium callipers with 355 mm diameter discs at the rear.

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Dodge's European Funny TV Adds "RamRash"

Dodge has high hopes for its newly born European career which started this summer. The American company has created a series of 6 funny TV adds all of which share the theme "Recognize the Signs". See in following videos how Dodge plans to lure the Europeans in their "net".

The Field Reporter

The Waiter

The Dancing Club

The Battering

The Wedding

Bump in the Head

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Mazda MX-5 / Miata Roadster Coupe Promotional TV add

You saw the pictures, now its time to see Mazda's 2007 MX-5 / Miata Roadster Coupe in a real life promotional video.

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Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Could this be the 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso?

Found this one on e-bay, a 1/43 scale model that want's us to believe it's the real thing –the 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso MPV that is scheduled to be unveiled in Paris in September. Although the car seems a tad different than the various scoops have suggested it to be, I have to say that this chinese made 1/43 model doesn't look anything out of the ordinary so it may very well be giving us a glimpse of the real production model.

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2007 Volvo C30 Promotional Video

The Swedes didn’t let time go by as a day after the press release came out, the first promotional videos emerged on the internet. To read the official press release and see the first pictures check out this previous post: 2007 Volvo C30.

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Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG Official Picture Leaks


The guy’s over at emercedebenz blog managed to obtain the first official picture of the almighty, 2007 CL 63 AMG which will probably wear the normally aspirated 514 Hp 6,3 litre V8 engine (from CLS 63 AMG). Check out the 6.3 Litre badge on the car’s wing -click pic to enlarge. More info and specs coming soon.
via: emercedesbenz

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Monday, July 24, 2006

Hyundai Unveils facelifted Coupe / Tiburon

Well what have we here ? Oh my God, the facelifted Tiburon “aka” Coupe in Europe ! Nothing much to say as the Korean coupe has only subtle changes in it’s front and rear end. By the way, leaving aside the fact that the car’s design remains awfully blunt, doesn’t the front end remind you of Ford’s “famous” Cougar Coupe…? Hey, maybe they wanted to differ the Tiburon’s “aka” Coupe design from its new English stable mate, the ….XK

Press Release: Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled it´s updated Tiburon Coupe at the Guangzhou Motor Show. Featuring a subtle redesign of the front and rear with an emphasis on new optical elements, the new Tiburon retains all the magic of the original design which has won a growing number of admirers since its first introduction in Sept. 2001. With its contemporary styling and sporty appeal, the new Tiburon radiates pure excitement among the young and the young-at-heart.

In standard trim, the Tiburon is powered by a 2L 16-valve DOHC with Continuously Variable Valve Timing coupled to 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai´s Shiftronic semi-automatic gear selector. For the performance minded driver, a 2.7L V6 is available as an option along with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

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"Sex In The City" star Kim Cattrall promotes Nissan's Tiida

Nissan released three new TV adds to promote their new compact hatchback, the Tiida in the Australian & New Zealand markets. All three TV adds star Kim Cattrall, best known for her role as the super-sex-driven, Samantha Jones in the television series, "Sex in the City". In the TV adds, Cattrall leaves several innuendos like "Mmmh! Oh yeah!" as she drives past a Drive carefully, hump warning sign… Don't think much about the car, but Cattrall surely gives us a few "humps"…

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2007 Volvo C30 Official Press Release

Premium Hatchback, 4 Individual seats, 4.25 m Length, S40 / V50 based, 109 Hp 1.6 petrol, 180 Hp 5cylinder D5 Turbo Diesel & 220 Hp 2.5 T5 Turbo engines

A few days after the first photographs of Volvo’s 2007 C30 leaked on the internet, the Swedes came out officially presenting their all new premium hatchback which will rival cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, VW Golf etc. The stylish C30 will be available in Europe in December with fourengines, a basic 100 Hp 1.6 petrol & 109 Hp 1.6 diesel, a 180 Hp 5cylinder Turbo diesel and a 220 Hp 2.5 Turbo petrol (the same as the European Ford Focus ST). Officially, the Swedish premium hatchback will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September

Comments: Fredrik Arp, CEO Volvo: The new Volvo C30 is a cool car. A car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with busy urban lives. These people prioritise excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle”

The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model programme to make it possible for new, younger customers with a busy lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible”

Press Release Dynamic design. Individual style: The design of the production-ready model closely resembles the Volvo C30 Design Concept, which was first shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January this year.

In profile, the sloping roofline and distinct wheel arches give the new Volvo C30 a dynamic silhouette, enhanced by the extreme curve of the side windows as they taper towards the rear. The car’s distinctive Volvo shoulders are powerfully rounded and accentuated by the horseshoe-shaped lighting pattern around the rear lamps and glass tailgate.

Volvo offers high-class audio systems for the new C30 – and true audiophiles can choose the ultimate Premium Sound system, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround Sound, and 10 Dynaudio® speakers.

Room for four adults: The new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate folding rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. The space between the seats also makes Volvo’s unique, ultra-thin centre stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate.

Performance: engines from 1.6 (100PS) to T5 (220PS): The new Volvo C30 has a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 100PS, four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine and a clean, efficient four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel with 109PS, to the five-cylinder D5 diesel and T5 petrol turbo engines, providing 180PS and 220PS respectively.

At 4.25 metres long the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range – 22cm shorter than the current smallest Volvo model, the Volvo S40 saloon.

First class safety: When it comes to safety, the C30 is a true Volvo. Combined with airbags and safety belt tensioners, the Volvo C30 offers first class safety. The standard safety equipment naturally includes the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain (IC).

The Volvo C30 will also be available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car. The front has the same patented structure as the Volvo S40 saloon or V50 Sportswagon.

Production and volumes:The global volume target for the new Volvo C30 is 65,000 cars per year. Volvo expects that 75 per cent of the buyers will be in Europe and the largest markets will be Italy, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom. The car will be built at Volvo’s Ghent factory in Belgium and is expected in UK showrooms at the turn of the year.

The Volvo C30 SportsCoupe is a welcome addition to the Volvo C-range, complementing the recently launched Volvo C70 coupe/convertible. The stylish Volvo C30 will appeal to a wide range of customers and competes with other compact premium models typified by the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

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