Chevrolet Epica - Suzuki Verona - Daewoo Tosca 2007






The Daewoo Tosca was officially presented in Korea and I updated the photo album with new pictures. The Koreanj mid size sedan will be sold in Europe as Chevrolet Epica while it is also rumored that it will come to the US a 2007 Suzuki Verona. Although Korean is definitely not one of my strong points, with the help of web-translators I managed to come up with the engine specifications. There are two inline 6cylinder engines available:

2.0 liter with 144 hp / 6.300 rpm & 19,2 kgm torque / 4.600 rpm

2.5 liter with 157 hp / 5.800 rpm & 24,0 kgm torque / 4.000 rpm

The European edition will be previewed in the Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo Brera Spider 2007


These uncovered photographs of the Alfa Romeo Brera Spider which is going to be officially presented in the Geneva Motor Show in March leaked today to the internet.

Like most of the competition, the new Spider follows the tradition and is equipped with a soft top. Two seats are provided, which allow for a respectable luggage volume of approximately 250 litres.

Two petrol engines will be offered on the new Alfa Romeo Spider; a 2.2 litre JTS direct injection four-cylinder and a 3.2 litre V6, with the units offering 185 hp and 260 hp respectively. In 2007, a GTA model is expected, which will feature a twin-turbo V6 engine with 408 hp and 680 Nm of torque

Six speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard, whilst an automatic six speed transmission will become available for the V6 version in 2007. As with the 159 and Brera models, power from the V6 engine will be delivered through an all-wheel-drive traction system, with rear bias for sporty handling., coupled to a 6-speed gearbox completes the driveline while an automatic will be offered at a later date.

In terms of vehicle size, the Spider is 20 mm shorter than the Brera Coupé due to a shorter rear overhang, while the wheelbase remains at 2,528 mm. To fully exploit the four-wheel-drive abilities, the Spider makes use of front quadrilateral suspension at the front, with tri-link at the rear. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with sporty, non-intrusive calibration, is also fitted to control the Spider's dynamic behaviour. An electronic system called MSR is also fitted, which adjusts braking torque during down-changing

The Brera Spider will hit the market in Europe in July, while rumours have it that it will come to the US along with its coupe sibling during 2007. If that happens, it will be sold throughout Ferrari / Maserati dealerships.

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Seat Ibiza 2006 facelift






FOR 2006, the Seat Ibiza has received a mild facelift which includes new “honeycomb” mesh style air intakes for all versions that follow the Cupra styling cues. The FR model with the 1.8 Turbo engine (150 hp) showed in the photos gets a more aggressive look thanks to the Cupra (180 hp) bodykit. Also, all versions get new light clusters, different bumpers & wheel styles and revised interior trims. The facelifted spanish supermini will be previewed in Geneva with sales following in April.

Skoda Roomster MPV

SKODA announced on its official website that is going to preview its all new compact MPV, Roomster, at the Geneva Motor Show that opens its gates to the crowd in March (2-12). Based on the VW Polo – Skoda Fabia platform, the Roomster will retain the controversial style of the prototype.

BMW Z4 Coupe Official -3.0 & M version








THESE ARE the first official photos of BMW’s new Z4 based Coupe, that retains the muscular looks of the concept we saw last year at the Frankfurt Motor show. BMW’s answer to the Cayman coupe will be available in two editions, the 3.0 and the M. The Z4 Coupe boasts a much stiffer body than the roadster, promising better handling.

The 3.0 is fitted with a straight 6 cylinder 3,0 litre engine that produces 265 hp while the M edition is fitted with the M3 straight 6 engine that blows out 343 hp. According to Munich, the Z4 M weighs 1.420 kg (80 kg heavier than the Porsche Cayman S) and it is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h -or- 62 mp/h in 5,0 sec. Top speed is, electronically limited at 250 km/h -or- 155 mp/h.

BMW has put a smaller tank in the Z4 Coupe in order to help boost boot space (300 litres). According to inside information, when it goes to sale in the summer, the Z4 3.0 Coupe will cost less than the 3.0 Roadster, while the M version will undercut Porsche’s Cayman S price by15%!.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

BMW Z4 M Coupé: The new high-performance BMW Z4 M Coupé generates 343hp and 365Nm of torque from its 3.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine. Maximum power is generated at 7,900rpm while 80 per cent of the maximum torque is available from 2,000rpm.

The renowned power and flexibility of the ‘M’ engine contributes to a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds and propels the car to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Power is transferred to the road via a six-speed short-shift manual transmission.

Key to the purity of driving dynamics and handling characteristics of the Z4 Coupé is its exceptionally stiff body structure of 32,000Nm/degree. The suspension of the new Z4 M Coupé is largely the same as the recently announced BMW Z4 M Roadster, apart from the spring and damper settings that take account of the different weight distribution of the fixed head car. The chassis and suspension also share many common features from the benchmark BMW M3 Coupé, such as the M variable differential and compound brake system taken directly from the M3 CSL. Also in common with the forthcoming Roadster, the new Z4 M Coupé rides on unique, lightweight Z4 M alloy wheels shod with 225/45 ZR18 tyres on the front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres on the rear.

From the outside, there is no mistaking the new BMW Z4 M Coupé with its purposeful stance. The roof of the two seater is contoured for added headroom. From the sides, the long bonnet accentuates the dramatic styling with occupants set back in true sports car style. Owners can personalise their new BMW Z4 M Coupé with a choice of three exclusive M colours and five ‘standard’ colours.

From the front, a deep front air-dam with distinct x-shaped lines differentiates the ‘M’ car from the 3.0si. Large air scoops in the valance and two precision lines running along the bonnet signal the car’s performance credentials. Xenon headlamps and BMW’s unique corona light rings also accentuate the dynamism of the front view.

From the rear, the car’s wide rear wheel arches combined with horizontal diffusers and BMW M’s trademark double-twin tailpipes creates a powerful, resolved stance. BMW’s traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ is integrated into the large clamshell boot lid and shallow-sloping hatchback that hides a practical 300 litres boot capacity.

Internally, the new BMW Z4 M Coupé features BMW’s M Sports seats covered in a choice of four nappa leather colours that provide the highest levels of lateral support.

BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé SE / Sport: Powered by BMW’s innovative magnesium-alloy 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé develops 265hp at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 315Nm at 2,750rpm. This powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These high levels of performance are not, however, at the expense of fuel consumption with the 3.0si models delivering a combined fuel consumption of 31.7mpg.

This lightweight engine is mated to a six-speed, close ratio manual transmission as standard, ensuring that the driver can select the exact ratio for any given situation. Customers preferring an automatic can opt for BMW’s six-speed Sports automatic gearbox that, like the open-top Z4, allows the driver to select gears using paddles on the steering wheel and features blip-throttle down changes.

Like the Z4 M Coupé, the 3.0si benefits from BMW’s tradition of near perfect 50:50 axle weight distribution, a low centre of gravity and rear-wheel-drive. All of these traits combine in the new Z4 Coupé to deliver a dynamic, sporting drive. The new Z4 Coupé can also be used as a cross-continent cruiser, with the 3.0si SE and Sport variants benefiting from up to 340 litres of available boot space; 40 litres more than the M Coupé as a result of the relocation of the battery.

Externally, the silhouette of the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé is identical to the M variant, with the 3.0si differentiated from the M car by styling details such as different style 18-inch alloy wheels (on the Sport model, 17-inch alloy wheels on SE models) and a revised front and rear valance, the rear featuring ‘only’ two exhausts. The 3.0si model is available in 10 non-metallic and metallic paintwork finishes, eight interior colours and five trim options. Customers wishing to further personalise their cars can select from a further palette of exterior and interior colours and trims through the BMW Individual programme.

BMW 1 Series - 120d for customer racing WTCC / Group N




BMW Motorsport launches BMW 120d for customer racing

THE GERMAN manufacture is extending the range of models available for customer sport with its latest offer of a race version of the BMW 120d. The racing kit is expected to cost 95,000 euros when it goes on sale in March 2006 and is available from BMW Racing Parts.

The 245 hp racing model was developed by BMW Motorsport and is suited to both rally racing and endurance events across the globe. Like its production counterpart, the turbocharged four-cylinder inline diesel engine driving the 120d race version is also coming from BMW Motoren GmbH Steyr in Austria.

BMW is thus perpetuating its customer racing tradition in the year 2006. After the BMW 320i E46 took both the Manufacturers’ and the Drivers’ title in the 2005 World Touring Car Championship, next year will see numerous private teams lining up alongside the BMW national teams to contest the FIA WTCC with its successor model, the BMW 320si. To date, 114 kits of the E46 series forerunner have been sold around the world by BMW Racing Parts.

In extending its product range with the new BMW 120d, BMW is driving forward its successful concept of offering 200-plus customer teams around the globe a wide range of opportunities to gather racing experience and successes. In addition to the recently unveiled version – with its flared wings modelled on the 320si built for the WTCC – the 120d will also be available with slightly modified bodywork to meet the FIA regulations for Group N.

SPECIFICATIONS:

120d

Length:

4,227 mm

Width:

1,845 mm

Height:

approx. 1,360 mm

Wheelbase:

2,660 mm

Vehicle weight:

1,135 kg (with driver)

Chassis/body:

unitary construction steel body

Aero package:

front apron, rear apron, CFRP front wings and rear flared wheel arches, rear diffusor

Front axle:

double-joint spring strut axle with adjustable anti-roll bar

Rear axle:

five-link axle with adjustable anti-roll bar

Shock absorbers:

Sachs with adjustable compression and rebound

Brake system front:

332mm steel discs with six-piston AP fixed callipers

Brake system rear:

284mm steel discs with four-piston AP fixed callipers

Wheels:

aluminium rims, 9″x17″ BBS

Seat:

Recaro ProRacer HANS


ENGINE

120d

Engine type:

four-cylinder inline diesel

Displacement:

1,995 cc

Peak torque

450 Nm at 3,000 rpm

Peak output:

approx. 245 bhp at approx. 4,200 rpm

Max engine speed:

5,000 rpm

Cylinder block:

grey-cast

Engine control:

DDE6.0

Tank capacity / Fuel:

100 litres, diesel


Chevrolet Camaro Concept-design timeline







GM released official pictures from the Chevrolet Camaro concept, where they show us how the car was developed from sketch to reality. It should be mentioned that according to GM sources, the car we saw at the Detroit Show was their second interpretation of the model. The story has it that while GM executives had the car ready in July, they decided to have a “private” sneak preview of the concept. The special guest’s (not from GM) who saw the car, told Tom Peters, director of design for GM’s global rwd performance cars, the it was a little too retro for their taste. Obviously, that had an impact to GM people who went back to design board.

Another interesting story that came from Autoweek is that GM is revising its rear wheel platform plans. Below is a part from the Autoweek story:

GM revived its rwd plans late last summer after halting efforts to develop North American vehicles on Zeta last winter. Last winter, GM executives said that the initial plan for the Zeta vehicles was not workable but pledged to develop a new strategy. Possible Zeta vehicles included the Buick Velite concept, Pontiac GTO and Impala.

Stefanyshyn would not reveal the entire lineup under consideration but said the next-generation Impala "is a possibility." GM's styling studio has prepared both rear- and front-drive versions of the next Impala, according to an industry source who did not want to be identified. The engineering of the new group of vehicles will be handled by GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia, which built the Holden Monaro that is the basis for the current Pontiac GTO.

The architecture will debut in the second half of this year on a redesigned Holden model. GM also is considering a rwd model for China. Stefanyshyn was named vehicle line executive for the Zeta architecture a year ago. After the program stalled, he canceled plans to move to Australia. Now that the program has been revived, he will relocate to Australia in February and restart the vehicle development program for North America.

Long wheelbases

GM vehicles on the global rwd architecture will have long wheel-bases and short overhangs. All-wheel drive will be available. The Camaro and Velite, a convertible concept introduced at the 2004 New York auto show, demonstrate the possibilities for the architecture.Stefanyshyn says the global rwd architecture can be used for a wide range of vehicles. Vehicles will be assembled in Australia and North America.But Opel no longer is considering such a car, says Hans Demant, managing director of Adam Opel AG. Says Demant: "It is just too big" for Europe.

GM GROUP Rear Wheel Drive candidates

  • Buick Velite convertible
  • Buick flagship sedan
  • Pontiac Grand Prix
  • Redesigned Pontiac GTO
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Chevrolet Impala

Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee




Retro craze in the US has gone banana wild as after the Challenger & Camaro prototypes, Dodge is remembering its past once again, this time with a special edition of its Charger. Below the official press release:

Offered in Detonator Yellow with black accents, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the Charger on Steroids. Powered by the Street and Racing Technology-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI producing 425 horsepower, the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee features special logos on front and rear fenders, contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. It will be available in dealerships this fall.
Before the re-introduction of the Super Bee designation on the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8, the only previous Dodge Charger available as a Super Bee was a 1971 model. Immaculately restored examples now sell for $80,000 to $100,000