Auto News archives

Toyota iQ: six degrees of innovation - No3

Innovation No3: the Flat Under-floor Fuel Tank The third instalment in Toyota’s series of cut-paste-and-print guides to the ground-breaking design and engineering features behind the new iQ reveals details of the car’s flat under-floor fuel tank. The usual place for a car’s fuel tank is beneath the rear seats, but in the compact interior of the iQ this would make it impossible for Toyota to achieve its goal of a sub-three-metre long car with four seats. The solution was to create a flat fuel tank, positioned

SsangYong Rexton R-line now available

The customised version of the Rexton, shown on the SsangYong stand at this year’s British International Motor Show, is now an additional model in the SsangYong range, priced at £29,995 on-the-road. The SsangYong Rexton R-Line was so enthusiastically received by visitors to the SsangYong motor show stand, that distributors Koelliker UK, had no hesitation in adding it to the range. Differing only in detail from the show car, the Rexton R-Line is the work of celebrated designer Afzal Kahn, wh

New Citroën C1 - Citroën’s good citizen gains extra sparkle

The nimble, dynamic and ingenious C1 is easy to live with and a practical all-round performer. The city car's innovative compact design, economy and environmental respect underline Citroen’s creative approach. The C1 earned the highest mark in the “essential car” category in a 2008 survey conducted by JD Power and L’Automobile Magazine on customer satisfaction in France. Since launch in June 2005, Citroen has sold 310,000 C1s worldwide. The Ma

Ford Flex Leads Personalization Line-Up at SEMA

The already daring design of the all-new 2009 Ford Flex lends itself to a wide range of opportunities for customers who want to add personality to their vehicle. More than a dozen aftermarket designers will display their unique, “tricked-out” interpretations of Ford’s newest crossover at next week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. “Flex is a vehicle that speaks to people with its polarizing style,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager. “That really is the magic of the car an

lincoln mks, ford focus stand out at sema

Lincoln MKS, Ford Focus Stand Out At SEMA

With its sleek design and strong wheel base, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS is opening doors in the aftermarket for customization enthusiasts looking for a full-size sedan to make their own. To demonstrate the personalization potential of Lincoln’s new flagship sedan, Ford will shine the spotlight on three MKS project vehicles at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas. “The MKS has many different facets,” said Ford designer Melvin Betancourt. “You can ho

Audi sets 2009 MY prices for the all-new TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster

Audi of America released pricing for the highest performing TT models ever brought to market – the 2009 TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the TTS Coupe will start at $45,500 and $47,500 for the TTS Roadster. “The Audi TTS Coupe and the TTS Roadster are genuine sports cars that provide remarkable driving experiences and striking design,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America. “W

New Passat Bluemotion 2 Featuring Stop/Start Now On Sale

The most efficient, economical and environmentally friendly Passat yet produced, the new BlueMotion 2, opens for ordering this week. Building on the gains in efficiency made by the existing Passat BlueMotion, the new BlueMotion 2 features an automatic Stop/start system linked to a new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rai

mercedes-benz tuner challenge at sema 2008: the glk in las vegas

Mercedes-Benz Tuner Challenge at SEMA 2008: The GLK in Las Vegas

Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading “Tuner Challenge”. Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire – the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range of tuning fantasies. Tuning operations were tasked with

New APR Widebody Mustang GT Kit in Development

APR now has a complete set of production parts going onto the show vehicle.  That's right, not a model, but production parts!  APR will be ready to sell the widebody kit to existing and new dealers at the SEMA Show.  The kit includes replacement front bumper, replacement front fenders, add-on side skirts, add-on rear quarter panels and replacement rear bumper.  Optional items will include a Carbon Fiber Hood and GTC-500 Mustang-spec. Rear Wing. 2005-Current Mustang GT Widebody kit specs: - 90mm wider in the fro

subaru unveils high-performance forester xti concept

Subaru Unveils High-Performance Forester XTI Concept

Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Forester® XTI Concept. It will be unveiled to the public at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, which runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. The Forester XTI Concept combines the versatility of the all-new Forester 2.5XT with the all-

Subaru Creates Ultimate Off-Road Forester With SEMA Mountain Rescue Vehicle

Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Mountain Rescue Forester® Vehicle, built for the National Ski Patrol (NSP). It will debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show that runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. Working with Subaru of America, Detroit-based Specialized Vehicles built the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept as the ultimate first responder vehicle, bolstering its trail-driving capability a

Autodelta 159 J4 2.2 C debut at MPH08 Motor show

The latest, completely focused high performance sports sedan from Autodelta, the Autodelta 159 J4 2.2 C, will make its public motor show debut this evening as MPH08 opens its doors in the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, for four days of motoring thrills and sheer extravaganza. The Autodelta 159 J4 2.2 C made its world debut during an exclusive event held in Amsterdam in June and the MPH08 show, hosted as usual by BBC Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, will be the first time t