Mercedes-Benz-Hughes Telematics announced MBRACE TELEMATICS SYSTEM


2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz, together with Hughes Telematics, announced a new infotainment system for its cars; the mbrace Telematics system, that will allow users to access 18 different services via a nifty telematics system.
Similar to Ford’s Sync system and GM’s OnStar, mbrace also enables pairing of smart phones like iPhones and BlackBerrys to the car’s electronic interface. Drivers can then use their phones to lock or unlock their cars remotely.
Other services include automatic emergency service notification in case the car is stolen or in an accident, a vehicle health check function that goes live to the nearest dealership, real-time weather and traffic reports, and even a concierge service that gets you 24/7 access to a customer-service rep who will help you make dinner reservations, book a hotel or order a flight.
The system will be available as standard in most Mercedes Benz cars, while others (GLK, C-Class, SLK and the new E-Class Coupe) will have it as an option. This fully upgradable system will come with a free subscription for six months, and will ultimately cost $280 a year. The optional concierge services will add $20 a month to that bill.
What makes mbrace really stand out is that it is fully upgradable, with new applications easily installed as they are developed. Furthermore, most vehicle owners using the current Tele Aid telematics service can also upgrade to mbrace by visiting a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Nissan Cube pricing announced (UK)


The Nissan Cube will cost from £14,000 rising to £16,300 when it goes on sale in January 2010. At first, the car will be available with just one engine choice and in two trim levels. All cars are available with a CVT transmission which add an extra £1,200 to the OTR price.

The engine is a 108bhp 1.6 litre petrol unit, which can be hooked to a manual or CVT gearbox. This gives 42.8mpg combined and chucks out 151g/km of CO2. Renault-Nissan's 1.5 litre dCi diesel will be added to the range in May 2010. We expect this to add an extra £800 over the manual petrol model.

The basic trim level is called Cube. This will include a panoramic glass sunroof, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth and cruise control. The 1.6 CVT will cost from £15,200, £1,200 over the regular manual.

The higher Kaizen trim costs from £15,100, and adds an upgraded audio and navigation system, rear parking camera and climate control. Add another £1,200 for the CVT and you will end up paying a steep £16,300.

The first 100 Cubes will be 'LDN' special editions. Named after the London Design Museum, which heralded the original Japanese-market Cube as one of the 50 cars that changed the world. The LDN edition is finished in a special brown colour with a matching suede interior. Priced from £14,600, standard kit will include climate control, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. The optional CVT can be specified for £1,200.

As with the Mini range, Kia Soul and Fiat 500, Nissan will offer customers numerous personalisation options for their Cube, including exterior graphics.

Nissan has predicted relatively low sales of just 2,000 Cubes a year in the UK.

Renault causes some serious uproar (FR)


Renault's decision to call it electric supermini Zoe has caused pandemonium in France.

Press report suggested that parents of children named Zoe have flooded the company with complaints and launched online petitions demanding the name be changed.

"Our daughters have a beautiful first name that must not be associated with a car, so let us unite to bring pressure on a multinational which is going to destroy this pretty name for a children," says a petition launched by Sebastien Mortreus, from Auby.

"It's a scandal that they are able to use common first names for products." Zoe is the 17th favourite girls name for newborns in France but Renault is unimpressed by the arguments and is sticking with the moniker.

"It is a name that evokes values of femininity, of youth, a playful spirit and vivacity..". "It is also a reference to the concept of zero emissions."

Originally, the Zoe concept was a concept car with 3 seats that hinted at the current Twingo city-car. The forthcoming Zoe electric car will arrive in 2012.

Volkswagen Polo named 'Car of the Year 2010'


Volkswagen's fifth-generation Polo has won the desirable 'Car of the Year' award for 2010 with 347 points, against 337 for the Toyota iQ which came in second. The new Vauxhall/Opel Astra - a favourite to win and continue GM’s success with the Insignia that won the 2009 title, finished in third place receiving 221 points.

The other finalists for this year's competition, which brings together a total of 59 motoring journalists from 23 European countries, were the Skoda Yeti with 158 points, the Mercedes E-Class with 155 points, the Peugeot 3008 with 144 points and the Citroen C3 Picasso with 113 points.

Car of the Year 2010:

1. Volkswagen Polo - 347 points

2. Toyota iQ - 337 points

3. Vauxhal/Opell Astra - 221 points

4. Skoda Yeti - 158 points

5. Mercedes E-Class - 155 points

6. Peugeot 3008 - 144 points

7. Citroen C3 Picasso - 113 points

New Car: 2010 Fiat Doblò


This is the all-new Fiat Doblò 7 seater, which will go on sale in the UK Spring 2010.

The car is based on a new, larger platform and Fiat is claiming that it offers more passenger and luggage space than ever, plus reduced emissions thanks to new engines. Since the Doblò is sitting on a 2,755mm wheelbase, luggage capacity is now at 790 litres. For added practicality, the 2nd & 3rd row seats can be folded and tilted.

In Europe, the Doblò will be offered with four different engines: a 95bhp MultiAir petrol, and three Multijet diesel engines with 90bhp, 105bhp and 135bhp. A dual fuel engine (petrol/methane) and a diesel engine mated with a Dualogic robotized gearbox with paddle-shift will be offered. The former will not come to the UK.

Start-stop will be offered as standard to reduce overall CO2 emissions. The lowest powered diesel, 1.3 litre MultiJet 90bhp emits just 129g/km of CO2.


In terms of safety, the Doblò will be fitted with hill-
start assist control, x4 airbags, electronic stability control and ABS with electronic brake force distribution as standard.

Fiat says the Doblò offers automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, integrated Blue&Me hands-free communication system, and a Blue&Me TomTom navigation system will be offered.

Besides the standard passenger variant, Fiat has also introduced the new Doblò Cargo. Featuring a larger load compartment than the previous model, the Doblò Cargo will be available in seven different body configurations (short/long wheelbase, high top, short/long wheelbase 5 seater combi and short/long drop-framed versions for easy conversion into refrigeration vans and flatbed trucks).

The new Doblò will rival the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner, Volkswagen Caddy, Vauxhall/Opel Combo, Ford Transit Connect/Tourneo, Nissan NV200 and , is due to be launched from mid-January 2010, but it will be possible to order the vehicles from the end of November in Italy and from December in other European markets. No details of pricing have been released.

U.S sales could start in 2012 where it will where the RAM badge instead.






Press Release:


World premiere New Fiat Doblò: meet the first 'family space'

Meet the new Doblò, the Fiat car that is all about space.

A space to be shared with family and friends: a liveable space for people who travel and love to be in company; for people who choose the Doblò as a partner for leisure or work.

A vehicle designed to meet a need for functionality and comfort that makes the most of interior space and can accommodate up to seven people. An authentic 'family space' that can rely on top-class safety, economy and respect for the environment.

Compared to the previous version that sold approximately one million units, the new model has been completely revamped in terms of style, engines and technical specifications. These aspects make the new Fiat Doblò the "best in class" both in terms of space and in terms of reduced emissions.

All this has been achieved through the use of a new platform, more passenger space (with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, the biggest in its segment), a roomy 790 litre luggage compartment, reduced CO2 emissions (129g/km with the 1.3 Multijet 90bhp engine, the lowest in its category), standard safety features and highly modular interiors with seats that can be folded and tilted.

Style and comfort:

The look is very cutting-edge. With a central shield and side bumpers that are perfectly integrated with the body, the front end blends protection and sophistication while the pronounced wheel arch and sloping shoulder contribute to the vehicle's strong and agile look. The tailgate's essential lines emphasise the accessibility and size of the generous load compartment; clear, sparkling light clusters and expanses of glass give the new Doblò a touch of elegance.

The interiors have also been designed to offer functionality and create attractive, welcoming environments through combination of colours, materials and trims.

Smart solutions for the best use of on-board space, such as a range of storage compartments and flexible interiors, offering up to 7 places, will satisfy the needs of those who make the Doblò a car to be enjoyed with family or friends.

Environment and economy:

The Fiat Doblò will offer 4 power units at its launch: a 95bhp petrol engine and three diesel Multijet engines, 90, 105 and 135bhp, which will later be joined by a Natural Power engine with dual fuel system (petrol and methane) and an additional diesel engine with Dualogic robotized gearbox.

All units are lively and offer smooth torque delivery. They are remarkable for driving satisfaction, excellent performance, low noise levels, low operating costs (fuel consumption and maintenance) and also for their reliability and eco-friendliness.

The range is available with Euro 4 and Euro 5 versions and offers a Start&Stop device as standard, which cuts off the engine temporarily when the car is stopped to guarantee reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Safety:

To ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, comfort and active safety in all road surface and load conditions, the vehicle has been equipped with innovative mechanical features including a bi-link rear suspension system available with various component calibrations depending on vehicle application. The Doblò's consistent and predictable road-holding is also guaranteed by the use of state-of-the-art electronic devices for stability control, namely ABS with electronic brake force distribution EBD and, above all, ESP complemented by a hill-holder system that helps the driver during Hill starts and comes as standard on this model.

The vehicle has been designed and built to achieve the highest levels of passive safety, due to a body with crumple zones, front air bags and innovative front side bags. The latter offer protection for both head and chest.

The vehicle also offers technical solutions and equipment that create optimum comfort conditions and help keep attention on the road: these include an automatic climate control system with distribution to rear seats, cruise control, parking sensors, a built-in Blue&Me hands-free system and a “Blue&Me TomTom” navigator.

The Doblò Cargo, also new, is at the top of the professional vehicle category:

The new Fiat Doblò is joined by the new Doblò Cargo which has been designed to take its place at the top of its category in terms of performance and functional characteristics. It offers a more roomy load compartment than the previous model: square, regular, fully exploitable and equipped with sliding side doors and generously-sized rear doors to make light work of loading and unloading operations. Record-breaking statistics (interior length up to 2.2 metres, width between wheel arches of 1.23 metres, volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic metres, payload from 750 to 1000kg, combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km and range of 1250km with the 1.3 Multijet engine) ensure that the new vehicle can offer substantial benefits in terms of optimisation and reduction of running costs.

The range finds expression in 7 different body types: short and long wheelbase van, high top van, short and long wheelbase 5-seater combi; a particularly appealing and brand-new short and long drop-framed version can be easily and cheaply converted for specific trades (refrigeration chambers, fixed and tilting flatbed trucks).

The new models are due to be launched from mid-January 2010, but it will be possible to order the vehicles from the end of November in Italy and from December in other European markets.

Lexus GX460/Toyota Land Cruiser pricing announced (U.S/UK)


Lexus has released new pics of its second-generation GX460 SUV, which was launched at the Guangzhou motorshow in China earlier this week. The new model is the Asian and Middle Eastern version of the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 sold in European markets. The Land Cruiser V8 is offered alongside the GX in the U.S.

Featuring a standard 7 seat configuration, Lexus positions the new GX between the brand's LX570 premium luxury utility vehicle and unibody-based RX SUV.

The GX470's replacement is fitted with a new 4.6 litre V8 petrol engine producing 301bhp and 329 lb-ft of peak torque, coupled to a 6 speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

It comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive using an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN torque-sensing centre differential that distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip. The new Lexus GX also offers a low gear range for off-road driving while the Japanese automaker claims that it retains the same 6,500-lb. towing capacity as the 263bhp GX470 offered.

An optional Crawl Control system is also offered to help improve off-road performance. It automatically modulates the throttle and brake, allowing the driver to concentrate on the steering. Hill-start Assist Control also features, as does a Downhill Assist Control system.

According to Lexus, the new GX460 returns an EPA-estimated 15mpg town, 20mpg motorway and 17mpg combined.

For the first time, the GX will be offered in two trim levels, with the base carrying an MSRP of $51,970 and the Premium model priced at $56,765. Delivery, processing and handling fee is an extra $875.

Standard features include 10 airbags, power folding flat third row seat, electrically adjustable/heated and cooled front seats w/ memory, 4.2” multi-information display w/ rear-view camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and door mirrors, electric sunroof, Bluetooth, 9 speaker audio system w/ iPod connectivity and XM Radio, rain and light sensors, flip-up rear window, active front headrests, 3-zone climate control, leather & wood steering wheel w/ audio controls, HomeLink, front fog lamps, low-profile roof-rails, side-steps, 18” alloy wheels and full-time four-wheel drive. Options include a Pre-Collision System, adaptive xenon headlamps, 17 speaker sound system, heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats.

The new GX will make its first public debut in North America at the Los Angeles motorshow in December with sales starting towards the end of the month.

A Lexus source confirmed there are no plans to bring the GX460 to the UK, due to the Land Cruiser V8’s presence in this market.


The Land Cruiser in the UK meanwhile is offered exclusively as a 5dr model powered by a revised 4-cylinder 3.0 litre D-4D diesel engine that pumps out 173bhp and is linked to a 5 speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy is around 35mpg with CO2 emissions rated at 214g/km. The LC slots into VED band K.

Customers can choose from three different equipment levels; LC3, LC4 and LC5, with seven seats being fitted as standard on LC4 & LC5 but on the entry-level model, third row of seats are optional.

The LC3 (£29,795/£30,495 for 7 seats) comes equipped with DAB radio, electric power steering, 4-spoke height & reach adjustable leather steering wheel w/ audio controls, 6 speakers & AUX input, electric mirrors w/ plastic casing, plastic door handles, side-steps, vanity mirrors w/ illumination and cover, trip-computer, velour upholstery, alarm & immobiliser, 7 airbags, 40/20/40 split/slide/fold 2nd row seats with folding 3rd row seats (7 seater only), 17” 6-spoke alloys, roof rails, front & rear fog lamps, 4 electric windows, climate control w/ clean air filter, cruise control, full-time 4WD w/ centre Differential lock, under-body mounted full-size spare wheel, Bluetooth and Smart Entry and Start system as standard.

Pick the LC4 (£40,395) and you also get 3-zone climate control, 6CD/DVD autochanger, body-coloured door handles & mirrors, power-folding door mirrors, laminated privacy glass - rear windows, powered folding 3rd row seats, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats, 2nd row reclining seats, rear Differential lock, dusk-sensing xenon headlights w/ pop-up washers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking monitor, Bluetooth, colour-coded front & rear parking sensors, 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels w/ locking wheel nuts, 17 speaker JBL premium audio package and a hard disc drive (HDD) satellite navigation system with a 10GB storage.

The range-topping LC5 (£44,795) adds to equation an Adaptive Variable Suspension with Active Height Control, electric sunroof, 3-spoke leather & wood steering wheel, centre console w/ wood-detail, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Monitor, Steering Angle Display, Multi-terrain Select and a rear seat entertainment system for DVD playback and gaming.

On-the-road prices for the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser range from £29,795 to £44,795 with first deliveries set to take place in early December.

2009 Saturn Sky Redline Roadster Sport Car


2009 Saturn Sky Redline Roadster Sport Car
First introduced as a high-performance version of the Sky roadster in 2007, the Red Line turns out decent performance from an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 260 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm. These figures give this engine the notable distinction of having the best horsepower-to-displacement ratio of any GM engine and the most powerful motor in the Ecotec family. Gasoline direct injection technology helps the engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine. With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower. EPA figures for the Redline are a decent 21 and 30 for highway driving. Despite those numbers, the Redline gets to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

2009 Saturn Sky Redline Roadster Sport Car
To compensate for the addition of more power, the car’s chassis has been tuned for better handling and its braking system has been upgraded for quicker stopping. Other technical highlights include a torque-sensing, limited-slip differential and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Like all Saturn Skys, the Red Line model boasts a near 50:50 weight distribution, independent front and rear suspension, an extremely stiff body, and coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks.
Other modifications include a slightly stiffer suspension, a unique front fascia with a different foglight/grille treatment, as well as blackened headlamp surrounds and a rear bumper that has two fat rectangular exhaust tips, a single reverse lamp and a cute little "turbo" badge on its cheek. Inside, the Red Line gets leather wrapping for that still-too-big steering wheel, unique embroidery, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers and unique gauges with a digital boost gauge in the Driver Information Center.

2009 Saturn Sky Redline Roadster Sport Car
The Red Line also features several unique interior and exterior differences compared to the base Sky roadster including dual exhaust with chrome polished outlets, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a redesigned front apron with large vents and black headlamp bezels.
The base price of the Saturn Sky Redline is $30,475, which doesn’t exactly sound cheap. It is afterall still a Saturn. But all things being equal, you have to wonder if the car simply had a different badge on the hood if 30 grand would seem quite reasonable.

2009 Saturn Sky Redline Roadster Sport Car