Believe it or not, but The cost to release a car that has been clamped is £80 ($157) while if you want to rescue your vehicle from impoundment, you’ll have to pay double that (£160). Offenders also face prosecution with fines of up to £1,000. Car that have been clamped are towed away and impounded. If no one claims the vehicles, authorities can crush them after a period of seven
Via: FT
Our “compañeros” from Motorpasion have managed to snap a colour image of the forthcoming Opel Meriva minivan concept that will debut at next month’s Geneva Show. Though the new picture still doesn’t reveal much of the minivan concept, it’s better than the black and white sketch that Opel released a couple of weeks ago (see here). The concept previews the production version of the next-generation Meriva which is expected to be introduced in early 2009. As with the current model, it too will be based on the Opel Corsa. Via: Motorpasion
Prices for Suzuki’s all-new Splash mini-MPV, which goes on sale in the Additionally, the Splash will also be offered with a Fiat derived, 75 PS 1.3-liter diesel engine with an identical specification to the GLS+. Prices for the diesel model start at £10,499.
All models are equipped with six airbags and ESP (electronic stability as standard); a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.
Over the weekend we showed you the first set of leaked pictures featuring the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60 which is based on the homonymous concept that made its debut at the 2007 Detroit Show. Today, we discovered fourteen new images of the compact luxury SUV floating around the internet that gives us an even better view of Volvo’s answer to the BMW X3 and the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 SUVs.
Additionally, we obtained some inside info on the initial engine offerings which will include a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit delivering 285 HP and a 2.4-liter 5cylinder turbo-diesel available in two versions, with 163 and 185 HP. The XC60 will premiere at the Geneva Show with sales expected to start during the second half of the year. –More pics after the jump
Fiat has released the first official image along with initial details on one of the most anticipated hot hatches of the year, the all-new 500 Abarth that will debut in As anticipated, the Italian carmaker revealed that the 500 Abarth will be powered by Fiat’s new Fire 1.4-liter 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2,500 rpm). Interestingly, Abarth has also equipped the 500 with an electronic Torque Transfer Control system (TTC) that helps eliminate torque steer. –Press release after the jump
Press Release:
The return of the Abarth brand continues to bring new challenges. The ‘Scorpion’ philosophy, which is conveyed in all the brand’s activities with passion and tradition, continues to excite sports car lovers everywhere.
As envisaged by the plans to revive the brand, the Abarth & C. Spa company has set up new premises in the Mirafiori complex in
The inaugural ceremony is also an excellent opportunity to present the 2008 season of the Abarth Racing Team. After the brilliant results achieved in last year’s rally season, which marked the Scorpion’s official return to the racing world, the team will tackle 2008 with the same guts and determination; it will start with the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which will be contested by two official Grande Punto Abarth S2000s, driven by Giandomenico Basso and Anton Alen, with the support of its main sponsor Selenia and with the collaboration of Sabelt. And the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will also compete in the Italian Rally Championship, sponsored by Metis and Api-IP, with two cars driven by Andrea Navarra and Renato Travaglia. Finally, Umberto Scandola is a pilot from the Abarth Team that will carry out development tests as well as several prestigious international competions.
An Abarth Trophy will also be contested this year, maintaining a tradition begun in 1977: the Grande Punto API-IP ORO DIESEL Trophy is a championship reserved for the Fiat Grande Punto R3D which is now in its second edition (the pilot Alessio Pisi won the first edition).
From racing to our everyday roads, but always with a sporty approach. This is the goal behind the debut of the long-awaited ‘500 Abarth’, announced for the coming Geneva International Motor Show. The new car was developed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and will be marketed from July through the exclusive Abarth network.
With a strong sporty personality, the new car will be powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2,500 rpm). This brilliant, smooth new engine is also a friend of the environment: like the regular Fiat model it is derived from, the new Abarth will respect future Euro 5 legislation.
Another interesting feature of the 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably on bends, making it safer and more entertaining even with a sporty driving style. In other words, it is faithful to the phrase coined for the Abarths of the 1960s ‘small but wicked’.
While the 500 Abarth represents the brand’s future, fans today can already enjoy a sporty drive at the wheel of the Grande Punto Abarth, equipped with the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 155 bhp at 5500 rpm combined with a 6-speed mechanical gearbox, which has a top speed of 208 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. An Open Day in April will mark the Italian launch of two elaboration kits – ‘Assetto’ and ‘esseesse’ – which will make the Grande Punto Abarth even more aggressive and powerful.
At the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29, Malaysian carmaker Proton will reveal a pre-production version of the R3 Satria hot hatch. The R3 Satria has been developed by Proton's special vehicles and motorsport arm - R3, which stands for Race, Rally, and Research - at its headquarters in Shah Alam in At this stage the R3 Satria is still in development and no on sale date has been decided however the R3 division is working to bring the performance model to market as soon as possible.
Pics via: zerotohundred
A new teaser image of the forthcoming Saab 9-1X Concept that will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show this March has popped up in a Swedish website. We remind you that last week Saab uploaded a blacked out teaser picture of their prototype premium hatch on their official website (click here). We can’t verify the authenticity of the image, but if it’s official, then its more than apparent that Saab’s designers took more than a look into the 9X Concept when they where creating the 9-1X. –Continued
Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Trollhatansaab
The sport version of Fiat’s hugely popular minicar has been fitted with an aggressive bodykit that included new bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, wider fenders that house larger alloy rims, a roof spoiler, red mirror caps and Abarth decals. Add the twin exhaust outlets in the rear and this is one 500 that you won’t call cute. There are no images of the interior, but it apparent from the ghost sketches that Abarth has equipped the sporty 500 with a pair of red bucket seats.
Sorry to say, we don’t have any technical details in our hands yet, but we’re guessing that the 500 Abarth will be equipped with Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine developing between 120 and 150 HP. –More images after the jump
Thanks for the pics CC!
This is the first promotional video for the all-new 2009 Ford Fiesta (details & pics) that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks. The Fiesta will go on sale in Europe in both 3door & 5door body styles this fall with engine options including three petrol units (1.25-litre in 60 and 80 PS guises, 1.4-litre 91 PS and 1.6-litre 115 PS), and two diesel units (1.4-litre 68 PS and 1.6-litre 90 PS). In the States, the Fiesta is expected to enter the market by 2010 though it is unclear whether Ford will bring the hatchback or/and a notchback version – have your say here. -Vid after the jumpVia: Motorpasion
Three new images of the 2009 Lance Delta hatch have wriggled their way into the internet giving us a few more views of the Fiat Bravo based hatch (see the first set of pics here). Positioned between the European C (Fiat Bravo, VW Golf etc) and D-segments (Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia etc), the Delta is not only Lancia’s first new model in the 21st century, but it also is the first product of the Italian brand’s new philosophy.The new Delta will be unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March with sales beginning in
Today, Ford 
Despite the restyling though, the new Falcon’s exterior design is rather dull. On the other hand, the Falcon’s interior looks more modern and interesting. The Falcon will go on sale in Australia this May where it will be offered with a variety of inline 6-cylinder (naturally aspirated and turbocharged) and V8 engines with outputs ranging from 261 HP for the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter 6-cylinder unit and 362 HP for the turbocharged version to the top-notch 389 HP 5.4-liter V8 unit for the XR8. –Details and pics after the jump
Press Release:
Ford Australia today unveiled the all-new FG Falcon range, showcasing all-new exterior and interior architectures and designs, an all-new front suspension, new powertrains with more power, more torque and improved fuel economy, and an advanced safety package.
The official debut of the 2008 FG Falcon included the entire new model range, with sedan, Ute and Ford Performance Vehicles line-ups all on show ahead of mainstream sedan models going on sale in May.
The all-new FG Falcon range also introduces a new model line-up and nomenclature, incorporating the new sports luxury G Series sedan range, along with three different exterior front end treatments and a significant realignment of models and specifications.
“The all-new FG Falcon range represents another step forward for automotive vehicle design in Australia,” Ford Australia President Bill Osborne said.
“It is an exceptional large car package that delivers outstanding performance, fuel efficiency, refinement and safety to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers.
“For the first time in Falcon’s history, the new model will come to market with three distinct faces on the vehicle, offering both private and fleet customers, and both sports and luxury customers, a new Falcon to suit their lifestyle.
There are now three families of vehicles in the FG Falcon sedan range, including:
“The introduction of the all-new G6E Turbo will create excitement and provide the perfect balance of sports luxury performance for customers who don’t wish to compromise on either sports or luxury options,” Mr Osborne added.
A new body structure for the FG Falcon delivers significant improvements in structural integrity for greater occupant protection, and side and frontal crash performance, as well as improved vehicle refinement.
All petrol Falcon sedans will come standard with an advanced safety package, incorporating driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, driver and front passenger Beltminder® system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TC), and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Side curtain airbags, in conjunction with front side thorax airbags, are standard on premium sedan models, but are also available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
A new reverse camera system is standard on G6E and G6E Turbo models, and optional on the overt sports XR range, while a reverse sensing system is standard on all G Series models and available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
All FG Falcon Utes will have ABS with EBD as standard, while Traction Control is standard on XR Utes and optional on the remainder of the Falcon Ute line-up.
New model line-up
The new ‘FG’ series prefix for the eighth generation Falcon range heralds the arrival of the all-new Falcon line-up, as well as serving as an acknowledgement of the strong heritage of the long-running Fairmont and Ghia nameplates.
That acknowledgement also translates to the introduction of the new sports luxury G Series sedan range, incorporating the G6, G6E and G6E Turbo models.
The G6 is a nod to the “Ghia” nameplate and an extension of the G8 nomenclature used on the outgoing Fairlane range in recent years, while the “6″ represents Falcon’s high-tech six-cylinder engine.
G6E builds on the nod to “Ghia” and is a modest acknowledgement of the European-inspired styling and distinct design cues evident in the new vehicle, while G6E Turbo announces the introduction of the acclaimed I6 Turbo engine as the new hero of the sports luxury line-up.
Falcon XT
With a focus on interior appointments and safety features, the Falcon XT raises the bar for entry-level vehicle private customers and fleet buyers. For the first time on Falcon, it will have its own appearance and be distinctly different from the rest of the range.
The XT comes with the choice of either an I6 petrol engine producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS), or an optional 156kW E-Gas dedicated LPG engine with a four-speed SSS auto. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on the I6 petrol engine.
Standard interior appointments include automatic climate control, four-way power driver’s seat, four-speaker single CD audio system, a new, larger Interior Command Centre (ICC) LCD screen, cruise control and 60/40 split fold rear seats.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all petrol models, while the XT also features driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, and a driver and front passenger Beltminder® system.
G6
The entry G Series model, the G6 raises the bar for the discerning luxury buyer with a range of standard features in addition to those on the Falcon XT. These include a unique G Series front bumper and grille, front fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with luxury interior appointments, including suede seat bolsters and a rear centre armrest with cup holders. The G6 also incorporates luxury sports suspension and, on the safety front, a reverse sensing system as standard equipment.
G6E
The G6E builds upon the luxury G Series story even further, adding to the standard G6 specification with a range of features to deliver a highly-specified luxury G Series variant. Standard G6E features include the acclaimed ZF six-speed automatic transmission, along with a side indicator integrated into the exterior mirror housing, a front fender badge, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and a unique G6E front grille.
The interior adds a Bluetooth® mobile phone integration module, a premium audio system with seven-inch TFT colour ICC screen, six-disc in-dash CD player and subwoofer, an electrochromatic rear vision mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat with three-position memory. On the safety front, the G6E adds a reverse camera and side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
G6E Turbo
The new hero of the sports luxury Falcon line-up, the G6E Turbo is differentiated from the G6E by a range of performance-oriented features, including the I6 Turbo engine that produces 270kW of power and 533Nm of torque, matched to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission. New 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler and bright headlamp bezels complete the unique exterior elements, while 19-inch alloy wheels are available as an option.
Interior differentiation includes fabric-wrapped lower door trims and an iPod Integration feature, which provides a fully integrated interface between a customer’s iPod unit and the vehicle’s audio system.
Falcon XR6
The FG Falcon XR range continues to build on the powerful and distinctive design cues that have contributed to the cult status enjoyed by XR vehicles. The XR6 incorporates a host of features over and above the Falcon XT, including a new Tremec six-speed manual transmission as standard – with the option of either the five-speed automatic or the ZF six-speed automatic transmissions – and sports suspension.The exterior is differentiated by the signature XR double-drop lens headlight treatment, XR front bumper, grille and rockers, front fog lamps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the XR6 features a sports instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models, with reverse camera and reverse sensing systems available as options.
Falcon XR6 Turbo
In recognition of its overt sports status, the XR6 Turbo will – for the first time – be specified to the same level as the XR8, with the main difference between the two models being the engines.
The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo builds on the equipment levels of the XR6 with a range of performance and comfort-oriented features, including a 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
Falcon XR8
The XR8 shares its major equipment specifications with the XR6 Turbo and is differentiated by its engine and signature bonnet power bulge. The exciting Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8 engine moves to the XR8 with the introduction of the FG Falcon and is complemented by a new exhaust system with a Semi Active Muffler (SAM). The new exhaust system produces an unsurpassed, sporty V8 exhaust note, while also delivering a more refined interior environment.
A bold 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheel design is available as an option on all XR models.
Falcon Ute
The all-new FG Falcon Ute will go on sale shortly after the mainstream sedan range, offering no compromise performance and functionality, with the ideal mix of truck-like capability and car-like comfort, driveability and safety.
Each model in the new Falcon Ute range represents a unique mix of workhorse and recreational elements, which ensures the job gets done during the workday week, as well as on weekends when its time to getaway.
Falcon Ute
The entry level model, Falcon Ute is available in either Cab Chassis or Styleside Box bodystyles with a choice of engines and transmissions.
Standard powertrain specification is the I6 petrol engine, producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque, matched to a new six-speed manual transmission, while the new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) is available as an option. Also optional is the E-Gas dedicated LPG engine, which is matched with the proven four-speed automatic transmission with SSS.
Other features include cloth trim, a single CD audio system with a new, larger Interior Command Centre (ICC) LCD screen, cruise control, four-way power driver’s seat, power mirrors and windows, and steering wheel mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems.
Safety items include driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger Beltminder® system, and ABS with EBD, while side head/thorax airbags are available as part of an optional Safety Pack that also includes a perimeter alarm system.
R6
The new R6 model introduces an all-new model name to the FG Falcon Ute range, with a host of key sports features that deliver an altogether sportier look, feel and drive, as well as close links to the overt sports XR line-up.
With sports suspension, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, XR rockers and rear bumper, and a new, flush-fitting tonneau cover (on the Styleside Box model), the new R6 offers a fresh combination of sports ute dynamism with renowned workhorse capabilities.
On the inside, the R6 features sports bucket seats with unique seat trim, passenger seat lumbar adjustment and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
XR6
The XR6 builds on the specification and equipment of the new R6 model while still offering a wide choice of bodystyles – Cab Chassis and Styleside Box – and powertrains – I6 petrol with six-speed manual or five speed automatic transmissions, or I6 E-Gas with four speed automatic transmission.
The exterior is differentiated by the signature XR double-drop lens headlight treatment, XR front bumper and grille, front fog lamps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels, while Traction Control (TC) adds to the list of standard equipment.
Inside, the XR6 features a sports instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models, along with automatic climate control and a sports leather steering wheel. Bluetooth mobile phone integration, iPod Integration and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as part of an optional XR Sports Pack.
XR6 Turbo
Like its sedan cousin, the XR6 Turbo Ute will – for the first time – be specified to the same level as the XR8, with the main difference between the two models being the engines.
The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute builds on the equipment levels of the XR6 with a range of performance and comfort-oriented features, including a 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
XR8
The XR8 shares its major equipment specifications with the XR6 Turbo and is differentiated by its engine, the exciting Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8, and signature bonnet power bulge.
A bold 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheel design is available as a stand alone option on all XR Ute models or as part of the XR Luxury Pack, which also includes premium sports interior, leather seat trim, premium audio system and dual zone climate control.
Via: Drive , Source: Ford
