22 October 2008, 08:01 AM
In spite of its small dimensions, iQ is the fruit of some very big ideas in how to design and engineer small cars. Success in creating a vehicle that is less than three metres long, yet has space for four seats on board was made possible thanks to a series of six interlinked technical and packaging innovations, pioneering work that rewrites the rulebook on car design.
In a series of six simple cut-paste-and-print guides, Toyota will explain how.
INNOVATION No1: The front-mounted differential
The position o
21 October 2008, 04:42 PM
Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, is celebrating its latest accolade after triumphing at ‘The Engineer Technology + Innovation Awards 2008’ with another environmentally focused project. The winning project, Project HOTFIRE, developed a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine concept that reduces fuel consumption by 15% and was named the leading academic collaborative project in the automotive sector.
21 October 2008, 10:30 AM
Toyota Australia has redesigned Toyota Genuine bull bars for upgraded HiLux to complement the vehicle's new-look front end.
The Toyota Genuine Forge alloy bull bar is shaped to replace the existing (new shape) bumper and complement HiLux's new trapezoid-shaped radiator grille and new headlamps.
The design takes into account body clearance requirements on rough roads, provides plenty of engine ventilation and comes with the added protection of an extended mesh stone guard.
The steel bull bar alternative, Toyo
21 October 2008, 10:20 AM
A new Toyota Genuine BluetoothTM* hands-free system makes the newly updated Toyota Yaris even more appealing and convenient to drive.
The small, unobtrusive BluetoothTM device operates via the vehicle's audio system and connects wirelessly with BluetoothTM enabled mobile phones*.
Matthew Callachor, divisional manager for Toyota's customer service division, says the hands-free device delivers simple-to-use technology that makes a real, positive difference to driving convenience.
"A vo
21 October 2008, 10:09 AM
953 kilometres and 29 mountain passes in Italy, Austria and Switzerland in only 22 hours is the magnificent feat achieved by the SEAT Altea freetrack on the gruelling mountain tour carried out last weekend by Tyrolean Gerhard Plattner and Austrian Franz Doppler. During the challenge, SEAT’s all-roader demonstrated its
21 October 2008, 09:56 AM
Voting after their annual Truck Rodeo, members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 “Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas,” giving Dodge honors over competitors from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda and Toyota.
“This is quite an honor,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Marketing. “In a head-to-head competition, our game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram un-seated the new Ford F-150, long considered
21 October 2008, 08:01 AM
Following its world show debut in Paris earlier this month, Renault has now confirmed pricing for its eagerly-awaited New Laguna Coupé, ranging from £20,995 to £27,995.
The new Laguna flagship has more than just the sector-leading BMW 3-Series Coupé in its sights. With a raft of high-performance engines, impressive equipment levels and 4Control chassis in its Coupé GT guise, the svelte four-seater has a formidable arsenal.
In keeping with its elegant and muscular lines, the Coupé naturally receives the finest
20 October 2008, 04:58 PM
On 21 November 2008, several weeks ahead of its official launch, video game fans will be the very first to get behind the wheel of Renault’s striking New Mégane Coupé. Albeit only on screen, gamers will be able to enjoy the sight and sound of the French marque’s rakish three-door from the comfort, and relative safety, of their own living room as it takes to the streets in the latest edition of the phenomenally successful Need for Speed franchise,
20 October 2008, 04:56 PM
Magdalena Dietz, 29, entrepreneur and PR consultant, today received the key to her new Mercedes-Benz GLK from Bremen plant manager Peter Schabert. Ms. Dietz is the first customer to take delivery of a vehicle of the entirely new GLK-Class following its market launch. The handover - of a GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC in metallic tenorite gray with numerous optional equipment features - took place in the Customer Center of the Bremen plant.
“The GLK is our most important new model this year,” said plant manager Peter Schaber
20 October 2008, 04:51 PM
Škoda has just made its family friendly MPV even better by adding a whole host of goodies to the Roomster 2, completely free of charge.
With value for money, low running costs and high fuel efficiency topping the wish list of more and more car buyers, families opting for the Roomster 2 are now getting £1,500 worth of additional equipment in a fun and economical car.
The Family Pack is designed to offer even more comfort to a family on the move thanks to features such as panoramic sunroof,
20 October 2008, 11:05 AM
A very exciting day here in Zolder, Belgium, where the ninth round of the FIA GT has just taken place. After hard work during the night to recondition MC12 no. 1, which went out of the track at the "Lucien Bianchi" curve, today the Andrea Bertolini - Michael Bartels duo won by a 7" margin over their rivals Hezemans-Gollin.
Thanks to this result, the Vitaphone Racing Team and Maserati MC12 are mathematically the Team's 2008 Champions in the FIA
20 October 2008, 10:51 AM
The SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive has been chosen as official car for the meeting entitled “Climate Change, Awareness and Action”, organised by the Biosphere Foundation and the Spanish delegation of the grass-roots movement The Climate Project, created and lead by Al Gore, former Vice-President of the United States and 2007 Nobel Peace prize-winner. The meeting, to be held tomorrow in Seville, will bring together more than 200 personalities from the spheres of politics, society and culture.
Fully in line with its sens
