The car will go on sale this fall in North America and discerning buyers of the S class vehicles will notice the absence of the big V8 and the installation of an Eaton-Roots style supercharger, coupled to a 3.0L V6.

Apparently this will improve significantly on fuel economy – up to 25 percent - and reduce the weight without reducing the car’s horsepower - which is around 330.

Additionally, the car is a little roomier with some improved features such as the optional 7-speed S tronic dual –clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. Customers will be pleased to note that pricing will be similar to the outgoing model despite the addition of extra improvements within the package.

According to an Audi press release the vehicle is designed to compete with the BMW 335i and 335xi in general performance and pricing. The technical specifications are below.

• Standard power train will be the new 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 mated to quattro® all-wheel drive
• Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual gearbox and a new 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 specifications:
o FSI direct injection with intercooled supercharger
o 333hp – 325 lb-ft
o 0-60 mph 4.9 sec (USA est.)
o Top speed 155 mph
• Latest generation of quattro® all-wheel drive is employed, with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40% front / 60% rear under nominal conditions).
• New available quattro with sports rear differential dynamically varies torque between the rear wheels.
• Fuel economy is significantly improved over previous generation S4 (approx. 25% on European tests)
• Braking system is upgraded specifically for the S4.

The X1 will make its formal debut this fall at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. BMW is expected to release full details on the car — including sharper images — in the next week or two.

The 2008 Nissan Nismo 350Z coupe started at $38,810, including a $660 shipping charge. The base 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe starts at $30,650, including a $720 destination charge.

Nissan said only three accessories are available on the 2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z. They are $115 Nismo carpeted floor mats, $200 illuminated kick plates and a $95 carpeted trunk mat.

The Nismo Z gets a standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 that churns out 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque, compared with the standard 370Z coupe’s 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Nismo 370Z is offered with only one transmission, a six-speed manual.

What was unsaid in the official announcement is that the 2009 SEMA show appears to be alive and well and poised to provide some much-needed high-powered entertainment as the U.S. begins its slow crawl out the recession.

Ford did not reveal what it has planned for SEMA. But John Felice, Ford and Lincoln Mercury marketing general manager, said the automaker will “showcase the flexibility of our vehicles for personalization and accessorization.”

Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO, said it will be “making some exciting announcements in the coming weeks about ‘first ever’ programs at the 2009 show. These programs will further demonstrate how the SEMA show represents one of the many year-round activities that help us all do better business.”

The 2009 SEMA show will run November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Audi is getting ready to launch the R8 Spyder at the Frankfurt auto show this September. But the company told us that no teaser shots will be provided in advance, so these spy shots likely are the closest we’ll get to the real thing before then.

Like its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, the Audi R8 Spyder will have a fabric top. Audi executives like to point out that every one of the company’s convertibles has a cloth roof rather than a folding metal one, unlike some BMW and Mercedes offerings. Today’s state-of-the-art fabric tops are so well-isolated that they have virtually no disadvantages in the areas of noise, interior comfort and temperature, or high-speed driving.

Folding hardtops, on the other hand, can add weight and complexity, and they often call for ungainly changes to a vehicle’s shape to accommodate stowing the hardtop panels—witness the Ferrari California’s ungainly butt. Looking at the California, we don’t want to start imagining what a folding-hardtop R8 would look like.

When the R8 was conceived, engineers were content with just having a coupe version, and a Spyder wasn’t under serious consideration. This changed after the initial success of the nameplate, and Audi came up with a conversion that looks organic and altogether convincing. We even think the loss of the coupe’s distinctive sideblade adds a touch of elegance.

The R8 Spyder will be launched with the magnificent 5.2-liter V-10 engine that makes 525 hp and is a close relative to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4’s 560-hp engine. It provides 391 lb-ft of torque; 0–60 should take four seconds or less, and top speed will be in the neighborhood of 195 mph. A slick-shifting six-speed manual box will be standard, but most customers will opt for the R tronic six-speed automated manual, which blips the throttle at virtually every downshift.

In our opinion, though, even that bit of tech can’t make up for losing the beautiful gated shifter of the standard transmission. The 420-hp V-8 might be added later, but it’s looking more likely that the V-10 will remain the only engine until the R8 is replaced by a successor a few years down the road.

Audi envisions its new family of four-door hatchbacks — the company insists on calling them “five-door coupes” — as a stand-alone sub-series under the name Sportback, in much the same way that the company markets its station wagons under the Avant name.

While we won’t see the A5 Sportback on this side of the Atlantic any time soon, the even larger A7 Sportback — previewed earlier this year at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and due to reach production in a year or two — is said to be under serious consideration for the U.S. market.

An official statement from Audi of America left the door open slightly on the smaller model, saying, “The A5 Sportback is not in our near-term plans.”

The A5 Sportback will reach European dealers in September, priced from around $50,000 for the 2.0 TDI variant. A lower-priced sibling will join the European range in mid-2010.

The four-passenger A5 Sportback will come with a choice of direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines, ranging from the 168-horsepower 2.0 TDI to a 262-hp 3.2 TSI V6. Both front- and all-wheel-drive Quattro versions will be available.

Mazda will showcase the 2009 MX-5 along with a historical collection of early model-year Miatas and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 four-door sedan and five-door models.

Launched in 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small two-seat roadster that was spirited, fun-to-drive and unlike anything else available at the time.

Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted. Twenty years later, and with more than 800,000 models sold so far around the world, the MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster.

“The MX-5 Miata has been true to Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy since rolling off the assembly line 20 years ago,” said Tim Barnes, director, Product Development.

“Long before Zoom-Zoom became one of the most recognizable slogans around, Mazda designed Miata to epitomize the ‘emotion of motion’ concept on which Zoom-Zoom is based, and our worldwide sales are a real testament to Miata’s DNA and spirit.”

The 2009 MX-5 produces 167-hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perfect balance has always been a hallmark of the car, and the new model’s suspension revisions make it an even better mountain road dance partner.

In addition, updates to front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, package changes and new interior and exterior colors keep MX-5 as fresh today as it was 20 years ago.

Five Chevrolet-based characters – including four all-new characters – are featured in the new film set to open in the United States on June 26. All of them are at the Chevrolet display. The four new movie characters include:

* SIDESWIPE – a stylized Corvette vision concept vehicle
* SKIDS and MUDFLAP – twin AUTOBOTS® based on Chevy’s Beat (a concept that will go into production as the Chevy Spark in 2011) and Trax concepts
* JOLT – an AUTOBOT-based on Chevy’s upcoming Volt extended-range electric vehicle

BUMBLEBEE™, the heroic AUTOBOT based on Chevrolet’s Camaro concept from the first “Transformers” movie, returns with a high-performance attitude. Joining the vehicles on stage will be BUMBLEBEE in his AUTOBOT form, standing almost 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide.
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“Chevrolet is thrilled to again be part of one of the most anticipated movies in years,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “‘Transformers’ gives us a great opportunity to connect with young people on their terms, with a dynamic, environmentally friendly image. The new characters represent the change going on in Chevy showrooms. From the exciting Camaro, the 21st century sports car, to the game-changing Volt, there’s more than meets the eye at Chevrolet today.”

Directed by Michael Bay, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” sees the AUTOBOTS confront a new threat from DECEPTICONS® bent on avenging their earlier defeat on Earth. The new AUTOBOT characters in their current Chevy-based form square off against new, tougher foes determined to rule the universe.

“‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ goes way beyond the first film in terms of robot action and excitement,” said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures, the distributor of the film. “The new AUTOBOTS add to the storytelling, and these Chevy vehicles went with our filmmakers to locations all around the world. GM has again provided incredible support to the production team working on the movie.”

Along with the Camaro that’s reprising its role in the new film, the other Chevy models to be seen on the big screen are new to movie-goers.

SIDESWIPE takes the form of a sleek, vision concept dreamed up by the Corvette designers at GM. The design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. It brings them together in a futuristic shape that seems to be equal parts racecar and space ship.

“SIDESWIPE represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives.”

The Beat and Trax-based characters, SKIDS and MUDFLAP, remain faithful to their concept designs introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show – although each wears new paint and other exterior accessories. And while they may be small cars, when they turn into fighting AUTOBOTS®, they pack a big punch.

The other new AUTOBOT, JOLT, appears in the production form of Chevy’s 2011 Volt extended-range electric vehicle. With the capability of up to 40 miles (64 km) of pure electric propulsion, plus hundreds of more miles with the assistance from its Voltec powertrain system, the real-life Volt will change driving in America.

Of course, the AUTOBOT team isn’t complete without BUMBLEBEE, the yellow Camaro based on the new, 2010 production model. Sporting new wheels and SS-model performance cues, BUMBLEBEE is more stylish and powerful than ever – and enthusiasts will be able to drive their own new Camaro when it goes on sale this spring. For more exclusive AUTOBOT movie information relating to Chevrolet, please visit www.autobotsrollout.com.

Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures production, a Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, a Michael Bay film, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay and written by Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is based on Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS™ action figures and is produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated.

“Kia Motors’ product line is rapidly evolving and the Forte compact sedan is another head turner,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and KMMG. “The Forte is an aggressively stylish blend of comfort and practicality – and with a host of standard features it provides the great quality and value that consumers have come to expect from Kia vehicles.”

Style in Motion
Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a confident stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Attractive and Practical Interior
Forte boasts a class-leading 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte’s trunk also offers an impressive 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class, perfect for luggage for weekend getaways.

Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte pampers its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching, further enhancing its energetic persona.

Peppy Performance
Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla or even the 2010 Mazda3.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in class-leading combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway).

Music that Moves
Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.

Standard Kia Motors Safety
Forte offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

2009 Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.

The Saab 9-3X is a rugged all-round car designed to take active individualists to the start of their adventure. With distinctive looks, a versatile SportCombi body, higher stance and advanced all-wheel drive technology, the 9-3X offers fuel efficiency and functional storage without limiting the kinds of roads that need to be driven.

In the 9-3X, the acclaimed Saab Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system – which made its debut in the Turbo X limited edition model last year – will be combined with the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Overall, the 9-3X embodies Saab’s “EcoPower” technology philosophy, which aims at combining a dynamic driving experience with an efficient use of resources to achieve responsible performance.

Distinctive Appeal

Saab designers raised the chassis of the two-wheel drive 9-3 SportCombi 35 mm (1.4 inches) higher, so the 9-3X can handle a rugged driving terrain. It is specifically designed for those who frequently hit gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on asphalt.

The Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the less-is-more needs of today’s customers. “The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn’t want or need an SUV- type vehicle,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot.”

New front and rear bumpers feature a dark gray, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matte, aluminum-colored lower door decor strips. Roof rails and visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another bold accent.

With the addition of newly designed, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the 9-3X’s exterior character reflects its ability to handle mixed road conditions, whether rough or smooth, loose or paved. Inside, the 9-3X interior is based on top-of-the-line specification, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearshift surround.

Total Traction

At the heart of the 9-3X is Saab’s cutting-edge XWD system. It is an intelligent, active system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and grip in all conditions.

The hardware includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of ‘slip’ dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. A standard rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more grip.

As part of the Swedish-manufacturer’s rightsizing strategy, the 9-3X will come to the U.S. with Saab’s hallmark 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, offering 210 horsepower. Complementing the sporty exterior styling, the engine is mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Form meets function in luggage area

The 9-3X is also designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment easy, matching form with function. The rear cargo area, with a low floor, is surprisingly spacious and well-proportioned. The compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, free from intrusions, offering a useful rear seat up/down volume of 29.7/72.3 cubic feet .

The 60/40 split rear seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fold-down front passenger seat-back also makes it possible to carry items that are as long as 8 feet.

The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly-weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. The flush-fitted, black molded floor plate has been designed to stay scratch-free even in heavy use.

The TwinFloor stowage facility, too, helps keep luggage and equipment safe and tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upwards transversely when the handle is pulled so that the front edge fits into two retaining slots. There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a molded holder for large bottles.

Arriving for the 2010 model year, the 9-3X is expected to arrive in Saab showrooms throughout the United States this fall. Pricing will be announced at the start of the model year.

On February 9, 1989, Mazda Motor Corporation revealed a sporty little roadster at the Chicago Auto Show. On February 27, the latest and greatest version of that roadster will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show.

Today, the Mazda MX-5’s popularity is unchallenged - more than 850,000 MX-5s have been sold on all continents of the world, except Antarctica - and to this day it remains the only two-seat roadster to combine the traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout, an affordable price, and the joy of driving.

Mazda considers the MX-5 the purest exponent of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy. The diminutive roadster holds a special place in the hearts of Mazda employees and car enthusiasts alike.

None more so than Takao Kijima, Mazda MX-5’s long-standing programme manager.

“I have been involved with the Mazda MX-5 since the project was first approved in 1986, and was lucky enough to be a chassis engineer on the first model that established the MX-5 roadster’s reputation as an exciting and affordable lightweight sports car.

“I was honoured to succeed Toshihiko Hirai as MX-5 programme manager in 1995 and lead the team on the second and third generation MX-5.

“For me, there is no greater joy than to look back on 23 years with the Mazda MX-5 and I look forward to 23 more.”

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 launched in Australia in October 1989 with a price tag of $29,550. Reflecting its purist intentions, it was powered by a spritely 88kW, 1.6-litre engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Like most cars of that era, the MX-5 did not have power steering, anti-lock brakes, traction control, airbags or a CD player. Accordingly, its kerb weight was 960kg.

The facelift of the third-generation MX-5, which hits Australian showrooms in late March, reflects the high levels of safety and technology expected of 21st century cars. It has all those features missing from the first generation, including an iPod jack, cruise control, and even a hardtop roof which folds in 12 seconds.

The MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine is capable of revving to 7,500rpm and makes 118kW of power. It can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. And, where the original sported 14-inch alloy wheels, the 2009 model wears visually arresting 17-inch alloy wheels.

It’s fair to say the Mazda MX-5 has matured into a class act that has proven impossible to match.

Despite the depressed UK market being over 30 per cent down on a year ago, Fiesta sales were up by 28.3 per cent last month. January brought more good news for Fiesta when the newcomer was declared What Car? Car of the Year 2009.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ latest figures, Ford Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Galaxy were all sales leaders in their segments. The new Ford Kuga crossover, capable of over 44mpg while emitting only 169g CO2/km, has been Britain’s favourite compact 4×4 for four consecutive months.

The ever-strengthening appeal of Ford’s new car range was reflected in a 18.7 per cent share of January’s car market – up 2.4 points on 12 months ago.

The total market of cars and commercial vehicles combined shrunk by around 33 per cent to 127,398 units. While Ford accounted for almost one in five sales, its registrations were down by 27 per cent to 24,276 vehicles last month.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said: “Our aim of prioritising retail growth is paying off, buoyed by the new Ford small car range. New Ford Ka arrived last month, joining Fiesta to offer the combination of style, value and economy which private buyers are looking for more than ever.”

Commercial vehicle registrations continue to falter as businesses restrict capital expenditure. The iconic Ford Transit held a 29 per cent market share last month but sales volumes mirrored those of all medium commercial vehicles, which continue to post figures almost half of those a year ago.

This innovative concept portrays a dramatic new look for compact SUVs and was styled at the company’s European Design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

The world première of this new concept - codenamed HED-6 - will take centre stage on the Hyundai stand.

Hyundai’s European design team has hailed HED-6 as an ‘urban nomad, a car of contrast for a world of contrast’, citing cultural influences from major cities like Berlin, Paris and London as key to its creation.

HED-6 combines muscular design and everyday utility to fit comfortably in an urban or out-of-town environment.

The dramatic exterior design is enhanced by the hexagonal grille, angular style lines and piercing back-swept front headlamps, with the bold look completed by 21-inch, mirror-polished alloy wheels.

The three-dimensional, sculpted shape of the rear window is achieved using “Lexan” high-performance plastics instead of regular glass.

To emphasise the dynamic flowing lines, the designers have developed a special ‘Ice Blue’ exterior paint, with an advanced pigment effect for a brilliant shine.

Equipped with LED daytime running lights and powered by a 130 kW, 1.6 litre GDi turbo-charged engine, HED-6 gives an indication of the next generation of Hyundai SUVs.

Its design breaks the mold for mini-cars and takes Chevrolet’s signature styling elements to this vehicle segment in a youthful, fun and fashion-conscious way. Spark was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of mini-car concepts that has toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced. 

Exterior 

The crisp lines of the five-door hatchback provide a wedge-like profile. Below Chevrolet’s hallmark two-tier grille and headlamps that resemble diamond cut lines, the shape of the fog lamp housings and the “floating” lower air intake extend the sense of forward movement. Strong wheel arches accommodate up to 15-inch wheels to give the car a dynamic, ready-to-go stance. 

The rear door handles are integrated into the upper part of the door to preserve the clean lines of rear quarter panel and wheel arches. In the rear, an integrated tailgate spoiler and Chevrolet’s round tail lights add to Spark’s appeal. 

With an overall length of 3,640 mm and a generous 2,375 mm wheelbase, Spark offers a spacious cabin with outstanding leg and hip room in the front and rear. 

Interior 

The design of Spark’s spacious cabin clearly matches its fun and fashion exterior look and functionality. A unique feature is the motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster. Mounted on the steering column, it provides easy- to- read information to the driver utilizing a combination of analog and digital displays. 

With fresh colors and fabrics, exterior color schemes continue inside to Chevrolet’s signature ‘dual cockpit’ layout and the door panels. Textured inserts flow from the instrument panel to each side of the cabin into the doors, adding another eye-catching element to the interior. 

Spark also boasts a high level of interior acoustic refinements typical of larger vehicles. 

Engines and safety 

Sales will start in Europe featuring 1.0 and 1.2-liter 16-valve four-cylinder double overhead camshaft gasoline engines, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. 

Depending on global markets, safety equipment includes driver and passenger front air bags, front side airbags, roof rail head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control. Other safety features include pre-tensioners for front seat belts and three-point belts in the rear. Spark has been developed and is expected to achieve high crash test ratings. 

Europe leads start of sales 

Spark will be available in European dealerships early 2010, followed by other global regions. Spark is the newest in a series of all-new, globally developed Chevrolet vehicles that are defined by expressive design, refinement and value. 

The all-new 370Z is the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since the 350Z arrived in 2003, and follows Nissan’s Motor Show reveal last year of the mighty GT-R.

Styling is a more aggressive evolution of the 350Z shape, with prominent wheel arches and distinctive light clusters in a shorter, lower and wider car than its predecessor.

Inside, the car combines its signature triple dash mounted dials with enlarged primary dials for a balance of tradition and up-to-the-minute style.

The 370Z is due to go on sale mid-year, around the same time as last year’s Motor Show sensation, the Nissan GT-R supercar, which is also displayed in production-spec form this year.

Powered by Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), the 370Z transmits its 247 kW and 365 Nm to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic with paddle shifts.

The 370Z is the sixth generation of Nissan’s classic line of Z cars which stretches back 40 years to the original 240Z of 1969 with total global sales of 1.7 million.

Sharp dynamics are derived from a wheelbase shortened by 100 mm, an upgraded chassis with double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, plus aluminium-caliper Akebono brakes and a lightweight body with aluminium for the bonnet, doors and hatchback.

Safety equipment includes Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), dual front, dual side and dual curtain airbags, active head restraints and a pop-up bonnet for pedestrian safety.

Melbourne International Motor Show runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).

The UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) is the most wide-reaching measure of customer satisfaction in the country, enabling members of the public to rate how well or how badly companies and organisations are performing.

In the automotive sector, customers were asked to rate their overall experience throughout their relationship with the car companies, from initial enquiries through to after-sales service. Honda (UK) emerged top, followed by Mercedes-Benz (UK) and Toyota GB.

Matt Gibson, Head of Customer, Honda (UK) said: “In tough market conditions, great customer service is a key differentiator. We are delighted to have won this award, selected by the people that matter most.”

To arrive at a shortlist of 33 top-performing organisations, the ICS invited 24,000 members of the public to contribute to an online survey assessing companies and organisations across 11 different sectors.

This marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck and latest in a line of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series models dating back to 2000, which aim to appeal to customers who appreciate quality and unique details only this kind of collaboration can bring.

“Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Just like with our other associations, we’ve linked with an industry leader to offer the best
of the best.”

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built off the award-winning new 2009 Ford F-150.

“This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that’s been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer. “Now we’re giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever – featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.”

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires – the largest in the F-Series lineup –
and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.

The interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

“There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” said Patrick Schiavone, Design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

Also impressive are the seats and console lid, which features hand-made cloisonné badges; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate.

“These handmade badges continue our theme of premium Harley-Davidson offerings,” said Schiavone. “Probably the only place that most people have seen hand-made cloisonné is on premium Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s really high craftsmanship, and people will recognize it as another connection between the two brands.”

Linkage is apparent even in the smallest details, such as adornments on the seats.

“The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley® biker jacket,” Schiavone said. “We even used authentic materials you’d find on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® brand apparel.”

The seat backs feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers from Harley jackets.

It is important to the Ford Design team that the truck remain genuine to enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, customers who traditionally are as loyal to their motorcycles as F-150 owners are to their trucks.

That’s why the team meets regularly with Harley-Davidson designers and travels to motorcycle events throughout the year – including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Harley-Davidson dealer meetings – to talk to current and potential customers. The team wants to be sure that when Harley-Davidson owners or enthusiasts need a truck, this is the truck they choose.

“We talk to everyone we can; we find out what the customer values,” O’Leary said. “We look at what they like, what they want, and what they wish they had, and we go from there.”

“No one understands their customers better than Harley-Davidson and Ford,” said Joanne Bischmann, vice president – Licensing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We’re proud to share the spirit of Harley-Davidson authenticity in a unique interpretation of America’s favorite truck, the F-Series.”

About the F-150

On the new F-150, there’s a wealth of content complementing its unique appearance. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is equipped with a 5.4-liter three-valve engine, which is rated up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lbs. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport-tuned exhaust and a top speed of 115 mph.

The truck is available with 4×2 or an optional all-wheel drive, which features settings of 4×2, AWD and 4×4 high, unique to the Harley-Davidson edition on the F-150 platform. All 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 models will be SuperCrews.

The F-150 is new inside and out. The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the vehicle – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior, a more spacious, flexible and refined interior and an unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels.

The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. They include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.

GM plans to begin by collaborating with communities like San Francisco and metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C.  Step one is to increase awareness of the vehicle in early-adopter markets including San Francisco and Washington D.C. where there is already an interest in hybrid vehicles.

The goal with GM’s plan is to have a plug-in infrastructure developed by the time the Volt hits the market sometime next year.  In addition to noting San Francisco and Washington D.C. as key markets, GM also noted the parties that need to be involved in the development. 

The key parties include: state, city, and county governments, electric utilities, public utility commissioners, permitting and code officials, clean city coalitions, local employers, universities, and early electric vehicle adopters.

“Cities have an indispensable role in making plug-in vehicles successful,” said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.  “Here in San Francisco, we are acting now to make sure the charging infrastructure will be available to support these vehicles as soon as they are ready for sale, and we are working with other cities in the region to make the Bay Area a thriving market for electric transportation.”

In order to make the charging infrastructure work and be as clean as everyone wants it to be, several challenges need to be addressed. 

There need to be incentives for people to buy these vehicles such as: consumer-friendly electricity rates, renewable electricity options, and public and workplace charging infrastructure. 

Another incentive being considered for residents in states with high-occupancy-vehicle and car pool lanes is the ability to drive plug-in electric vehicles in these lanes without other occupants. 

The government approved a $7500 tax incentive for consumers of plug-in electric vehicles.

GM is also working with the state of Michigan, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and a coalition of more than forty utilities to make the infrastructure to power the Volt possible. 

By working with these organizations, companies, and governments GM is leading the charge in creating standards and a working infrastructure for plug-in hybrids.

This Audi probably would have never happened had Porsche gained control of the Volkswagen Group five years earlier.

But now the Audi R8 5.2 is out, larger than life and even better than expected. True, the Gallardo is sharper. The SL63 AMG is wilder.

And the 911 Turbo is all that in a more compact package. But in terms of total dynamic balance; anyone-can-do-it, A-to-B ground-covering ability; and that all-important blend of confidence, compliance, and comfort, the 5.2-liter V-10-powered R8 is the new leader of the pack.

That’s the inescapable conclusion after a memorable day in which even losing my driver’s license ten times over would not have dimmed the sparkle in my eyes.

In the morning, I left Marbella, Spain, for the remote, privately owned Ascari racetrack in a Suzuka gray R8 with a three-pedal transmission and magnetic dampers (standard in the U.S.).

After lunch, I chased the warm winter sun through the rolling hills of the Costa del Sol in a brilliant red coupe that featured the R tronic automated-manual transmission and the conventional chassis setup. My pick?

The manual version, even though it is a little less aggressive on the track and a little thirstier overall.

When we first tried the R8 a couple years ago, the last things it seemed to need were two more cylinders and 100 extra horses.

Which only goes to prove that even the finest sports car can always do with more power. In the case of the R8 5.2, the 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 was replaced by a 525-hp, 5.2-liter V-10.

Redlined at 8700 instead of 8000 rpm, the engine dishes up 391 instead of 317 lb-ft of torque. Although the torque curve peaks at a tall 6500 rpm, more than 350 lb-ft are on tap all the way from 3500 to 7500 rpm.

Perfectly spaced and mated to a creamy yet meaty clutch, the six-speed gearbox combines short throws with sensuous connectivity and the classic aluminum gates.

The R tronic works very well in paddleshift operation and in superquick sport mode, but when the lever is stuck in Drive, the transmission responds jerkily and somewhat reluctantly to impatient throttle orders.