Auto News archives

Audi Announces Version 2.0 of “Audi A4 Driving Challenge”

Audi of America today announced the release of version 2.0 of the popular “Audi A4 Driving Challenge” iPhone and iPod Touch application. The first version has been downloaded over 370,000 times since it was released in August. Audi responded to consumer reviews and feedback for development of the second release. Upgrades include optimized graphics and enhanced game play. Further, skilled players will now be rewarded with the opportunity to unlock

Toyota develops world’s first rear window curtain shield airbag

Toyota announced today that it has developed the world’s first* SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag to protect rear passengers’ heads in the event of a rear-end collision. The innovative airbag deploys from the roof lining above the rear window in the form of a curtain-like barrier. Together with the headrests, the airbag minimises impact to the head from a colliding vehicle or parts of the h

Prices revealed for the new Volvo DRIVe SUB-120 g/km Range

Volvo Car UK announces preliminary prices for the new economical sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 Saloon and V50 Sportswagon. The new DRIVe range, which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in early October, will start at £15,410 OTR for the Volvo C30 and £17,260 and £18,660 for the S40 and V

A new chapter in the history of Lamborghini

Automobili Lamborghini will unveil its new project at the Volkswagen Group Event ‘Driving Ideas’, in Paris on 1 October. Come to the Lamborghini stand at the 2008 Paris Motorshow on press days, 2 and 3 of October – Hall 4, stand 110

Renault unveils new Kangoo Be Bop

Based closely on the Kangoo Compact Concept show car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault Kangoo be bop is the latest addition to the Kangoo family. Its compact size (3.87m in length), original two-tone colour scheme and exclusive interior appointments of this innovative vehicle combine to give it a particularly strong personality. Its extensive glazed area and four roomy seats afford a sense of space and light. Ideal for escaping the crowd, Kangoo be bop offers open-to

Suzuki powers into third vitara decade with new flagship Grand Vitara

Suzuki launched its first Vitara 20 years ago, creating the world’s first compact SUV and tapping into a new market for vehicles that deliver true off-road performance with responsive, fun-to-drive on-road performance. Since then the stylish and versatile SUV has steadily evolved and kept pace with growing demand for good-looking, versatile 4x4s that are as rewarding on the open road as they are motoring off the beaten track. In developing the

Kia Amanti Tops Strategic Vision SmartGreenIndexSM

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the Kia Amanti topped the large car segment in the newest Strategic Vision automotive metric, the SmartGreenIndexSM (SGISM).  The SGI reflects the relationships between perceived quality plus overall value and issues including fuel economy and environmental friendliness. In a

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars – the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are ma

Audi S3 boxes clever with new s tronic transmission option

The Audi S3 is now not only available with five doors, but also with seven speeds courtesy of the much lauded S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which not only quickens shifts compared with the continuing manual version, but also slows down fuel consumption. Available to order from October 1st at an ext

Ford Mondeo takes Caravan Club Towcar honours for second year

Ford's latest generation Mondeo has won a Caravan Club Towcar Award for the second year in a row. The Mondeo Titanium X Estate triumphed against tough competition in the £25,000 to £32,000 category at the Caravan Club's ceremony, the UK's longest running towing vehicle competition. Caravan Club Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain, said: “The returning champion, Ford Mondeo, had a lot to live up to, but it triumphed again. The estate model’s hug

nice mycar is electric vehicle of the year

NICE MyCar is electric vehicle of the year

NICE Car Company (No Internal Combustion Engine) has won electric vehicle of the year at the 2008 GreenFleet Awards. It picked up the accolade for MyCar, an Italian-designed two-seater which was launched at the London Motor Show in July. “We are obviously delighted to have won the award,” said NICE co-founder Julian Wilford. “Since launching NICE in 2006, our aim has been to bring clean, affordable and convenient transport to private and corporate customers alike. MyCar is the latest in a growing portfolio which

Nissan Launches New Murano Crossover SUV

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the all-new, second-generation Nissan Murano crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The new Murano will be marketed under the tagline of "SHIFT_design," reflecting its leadership in both contemporary styling and as a crossover SUV that combines utility and sedan-like comfort and luxury. The first-generation Murano debuted in North America in 2002 and won resounding accolades for its novel design and sporty d