Lincoln to drop Mark LT after MY2008

After Ford's luxury arm, Lincoln, made the abrupt decision to market a successor to the disastrous Blackwood, the successor is apparently on the chopping block as well. The Mark LT, aka the tarted up Ford F-150, performed sluggishly in sales and Lincoln only saw a declining future for the one that could have been just a few decades ago. The Mark LT will be discontinued after the 2008 model year.

As of now, no official word from the executives has emerged. However, a reliable source of Automotive News stated that they are certain the deal will be made. Lincoln speculated to sell 20,000 units of the faux-bling pickup, but vastly missed the target to a mere 12,753 units. Since its market release in 2005 as a 2006 model, Lincoln only managed to sell 28,117 units.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Dodge Challenger not coming to Europe

The neoclassical pony-car era has already begun in North America with the redesign of the Mustang in 2005. The General is preparing for the release of the revived Camaro for the 2009 model year. The folks over at Auburn Hills are planning the debut of the revival of the Challenger at the Chicago Auto Show in 2008. So while we are impatiently anticipating the comparison test of the trio by Motor Trend, the Europeans won't even get a chance to experience the fun. At least with the Dodge Challenger that is.

The Challenger has been confirmed to not arrive in European showrooms. To make matters worse, the "new" Chrysler plans to make the car limited-production. Unlike the Ford Mustang, the Challenger is likely to bear a premium price tag and limited availability. The new owners of Chrysler, Cerberus Capital Management, made the heart-wrenching move.

The Challenger will be introduced on the 15th of next February in the Windy City, and will commence production later that year in the Brampton facility. Spy photos have assured that the production version will stay very akin to the concept.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Frankfurt: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Due for unveiling at Frankfurt next month, Mercedes-Benz pulled the wraps off the 2008 C-Class Estate. The styling is very attractive for a wagon and it seems red goes really nicely with them (circa Holden VE Wagon). The C-Class Estate boasts the largest load capacity in its class, at 1500 liters. The Estate also features an optional "EASY-PACK" tailgate, which essentially is a power tailgate. The European C-Class Estate is available in three trim levels: CLASSIC, ELEGANCE, and AVANTGARDE. The North American range will remain the same as the Sedan: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury and the C350 Sport. The Sport models receive the AMG-styled grille, and we prefer it to the traditional grille on the Luxury model.

The Estate is equipped with the same engine options as its four-door counterpart. The C200 Estate achieves 47MPG and claims to run over 620 miles on a single tank. Except for the C350 which is coupled to a 7G-TRONIC transmission, all models are standard with a six-speed manual. As always, the North American models will not get the diesel engines.

The C-Class Estate will go on sale in Europe immediately after its public launch in Frankfurt next month. No word on sale dates in North America and the official pricing for now. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]



PRESS RELEASE: The new C-Class Estate: Unrivalled spaciousness, plus exemplary safety, optimum comfort and tangible agility

Stuttgart, Aug 31, 2007

Stuttgart - Just a few months following the market debut of the saloon, Mercedes-Benz is now unveilling the estate version of the new C-Class. The estate takes the trademark strengths of the saloon, such as safety, agility and comfort, and combines them with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility. Quite apart from being able to hold a maximum of 1500 litres, giving it a larger load capacity than any other premium-class estate in this market segment, the new C-Class Estate also offers a host of handy features for easy loading and safe transportation -a tailgate which opens and closes automatically at the push of a button, for example. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Mercedes estate burns as much as twelve per cent less fuel. With an official NEDC consumption of 6.0 litres/100 km, the new C 200 CDI can make a single tank of fuel (66 litres) last for over 1000 kilometres. Just like the saloon, the estate version of the new C-Class has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate, which attests to the environmentally oriented development process as conforming with the international ISO standard. In terms of safety, the new estate blazes a trail with innovations of the likes of PRE-SAFE® and the Intelligent Light System, and distinguishes itself as the safest car in this vehicle class. Seven airbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters, as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints all make up part of the standard specification.

The new estate adopts the C-Class Saloon’s customer-focused concept for the design and equipment lines. There is a choice of three models - CLASSIC, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE - which highlight the vehicle’s comfort or agility to differing degrees. The AVANTGARDE line features a large Mercedes star positioned in the centre of the radiator grille that emphasises its sporty, agile nature. This traditional distinctive mark of sporty models from Mercedes is now being employed in an estate model for the first time by the Stuttgart-based automotive brand. In the ELEGANCE model, a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish accentuates other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury. The CLASSIC model, meanwhile, is deliberately more restrained and traditional.

New benchmark figure: maximum load capacity of 1500 litres

During the concept phase for the new estate, the designers and engineers at Mercedes took the expectations of the brand’s customers as their yardstick. Consequently, spaciousness, versatility and functionality were given top priority. Compared to its predecessor, the rear of the new estate is slanted far more steeply, a crucial factor for enlarging the vehicle’s load volume. This now varies between 485 and 1500 litres (VDA measuring method), depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seat — more than any of the model’s rivals in this class of premium estate car are able to offer. Measured against the outgoing C-Class Estate, load capacity has been increased by as much as 146 litres.

This makes the estate a thoroughly practical vehicle in every respect. It is able to accommodate, for example, four golf bags including trolleys, nine large packing cases or a total of 44 drinks crates each containing six 1-litre juice bottles. The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres - that is an increase of 66 litres compared to the previous model and between 50 and 100 litres more than other premium estate models in this class are able to handle. The maximum utilisable interior length is a whole 2.82 metres, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell - 17 centimetres more than previously.

Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Thanks to a host of practical details, the new Mercedes estate can be loaded more easily, more conveniently and more safely. For instance, two bag hooks and four rings for anchoring loads are included in the load compartment as standard.

Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can likewise be found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, representing a first in this segment. Finally, the optional EASY-PACK load-securing kit presents drivers with even more possibilities for both partitioning the load compartment — that measures around 1.80 metres long and up to 1.20 metres wide — and for securing the load being carried.

The new C-Class Estate also makes a perfectly good towing vehicle and, indeed, offers a class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800 kilograms. The self-levelling suspension that is optionally available keeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load it is carrying.

Accredited environmental protection: a twelve per cent cut in fuel consumption

Environmental considerations played a key role in the development of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from the very start. This is corroborated by the Environmental Certificate that was awarded by the TÜV Technical Inspection Authority in Germany. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive brand in the world to have obtained a certificate under the terms of ISO standard 14062 for environmentally acceptable product development.

With brand new or redeveloped engines under the bonnet offering greater power and torque, the C-Class Estate consumes up to twelve per cent less fuel than previously. The four-cylinder power units were the focus of the development work: in the case of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 KOMPRESSOR petrol models Mercedes-Benz modified the engine management and fitted a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons to boost output by 10 kW/13 hp and 15 kW/20 hp respectively. At the same time, the fuel consumption figures for the two models could be cut by as much as 10.3 per cent to 7.7 and 7.8 litres/100 kilometres.

Mercedes-Benz also gave the four-cylinder diesel engines a thorough overhaul too, making improvements not only to the injection system, the turbocharger and the intercooler but to more than 90 other components too. The upshot is engines delivering more power and higher torque, combined with fuel consumption that is around twelve per cent lower. The new C 220 CDI now has an output of 125 kW/170 hp (previously: 110 kW/150 hp) and musters up 400 Newton metres of peak torque (previously: 340 Newton metres) from 2000 rpm. Fuel consumption on the NEDC driving cycle comes in at just 6.1 litres for every 100 kilometres (previously: 6.9 l/100 km).

In the new C 200 CDI, power has been upped by eleven per cent (100 kW/136 hp instead of 90 kW/122 hp before) and fuel consumption is 6.0 litres/100 kilometres (previously 6.8 l/100 km).As for the six-cylinder engine range, there is a choice of three petrol units developing 150 kW/204 hp, 170 kW/231 hp and 200 kW/272 hp, as well as the new C 320 CDI with an output of 165 kW/224 hp. With the exception of the C 350, all engine variants are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The C 350 is partnered by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Sporty agility: shock absorbers that change with the driving situation
The unique blend of agility and comfort that forms one of the exceptional strengths of the new C-Class is basically down to the standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL package. This features shock absorbers which automatically adapt to the current driving situation for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort when driving normally. As soon as a more dynamic driving style is adopted, on the other hand, the maximum damping forces are set to stabilise the estate effectively .

A steering system that is six per cent more direct and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission also form part of the AGILITY CONTROL package.

The dynamic handling package that is available as an option bestows the new C-Class Estate with a degree of agility worthy of out-and-out sports cars. The driver is able to choose from two drive modes which determine the fundamental suspension characteristic: Comfort and Sport.

Within these modes, the shock absorbers at each wheel are regulated by means of an infinitely variable electronic control. What’s more, the body is lowered by 15 millimetres and the suspension equipped with shorter springs and thicker torsion bars. The dynamic handling package also encompasses the new speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and variable centring.

The body index devised by engineers at Mercedes clearly illustrates just how agilely the new C-Class Estate performs out on the road. This index is calculated from the readings for various driving manoeuvres, thereby forming a new composite formula for a vehicle’s dynamic handling abilities. The larger the body index, the better the suspension is linked to the body and the firmer the suspension’s tuning. The standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension gives the C-Class a body index of 1.91 to 2.01 hertz, while the new model attains sports-car-like values of up to 2.46 hertz with the dynamic handling package fitted.

Kitting out the new estate with the AMG sports package adds a sports suspension with shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification, along with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15 millimetres.

Hallmark Mercedes quality: the safest car in its class

The C-Class Estate has come through an exhaustive programme of testing, during which it demonstrated its typical Mercedes-like levels of safety in over 100 crash tests in all. The occupant protection concept is underpinned by an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. The front-end structure comprises four impact levels which act independently of one another and enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell. The occupants are protected by a total of seven airbags as standard. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters.

The NECK-PRO head restraints in the front have a crash-responsive design, meaning that they move to cushion the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage in a rear-end collision to guard against the risk of whiplash. The integrated child seats, which fold out of the rear bench seat have undergone further development and are now also fitted with a wraparound head restraint.

Standard features such as the flashing brake lights, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program make vital contributions to accident prevention. The ESP® system now incorporates additional functions: not only does it monitor the tyre pressure it also helps to enhance safety when towing a trailer with an automatic trailer stabilisation function.

The anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® gives the new estate the edge over other models in this segment. This optional system makes use of the time before an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for a collision. The result is a considerable reduction in the loads exerted on the passengers upon impact. The Intelligent Light System is another technical innovation borrowed from the higher-end models in the Mercedes range and is the only system of its kind in this market segment at the current time. The system’s five different lighting functions are each suited to various typical driving and weather conditions.

Excellent comfort on long journeys: newly developed seats and air conditioning system
Inside, the attractively styled dashboard, the high-class materials and appealing colour schemes create a homely atmosphere. For the first time, the colour concept has been extended to the load compartment too. On CLASSIC and ELEGANCE models, the customer’s selected appointments colour is used for both the carpeting and the side trim. On the AVANTGARDE line, the rear compartment is carpeted in black too. Newly developed seats, which can be specified with a multicontour function as an option, as well as a powerful air conditioning system add to the estate’s excellent comfort on long journeys.

The new estate from Mercedes-Benz is the first model in this class to offer the option of individually adjustable three-zone climate control. And the expansive panoramic sliding sunroof can be found on the list of optional extras for an estate car for the first time too.

The colour display in the centre of the dashboard is linked up to the controller on the tunnel console. This is where the driver can operate the audio and navigation systems or the telephone. A clear menu control structure makes it simple to access all of these functions and more besides. Alternatively, there are the direct selection keys in the centre console: the car radio, CD/ DVD player, navigation system or telephone can be switched on at the push of a button. Subsequent operating steps are performed using the controller in unison with the colour display in the dashboard.

State-of-the-art technology: voice-controlled infotainment devices

Mercedes-Benz developed three new infotainment units for the C-Class: Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which allows mobile phones to be connected wirelessly to the hands-free system. The Audio 50 APS system also comprises pan-European DVD navigation using arrow symbols for route guidance. With the COMAND APS multimedia system, the navigation data is stored on a hard disc. A high-resolution map which can be viewed from different perspectives appears on the tilting colour display. The COMAND APS also comprises a DVD player, along with a music server for storing up to 1000 tracks.

The LINGUATRONIC voice control system is automatically included on C-Class Estate models equipped with the Audio 50 APS plus the six-disc DVD changer or with the COMAND APS system. For the first time, the new improved system is now able to recognise whole-word commands when entering a destination, selecting a radio station or calling up a name from the telephone directory. The driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, for example, but is able to speak them as whole words instead.

Following its public premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main, motorists will be able to place their orders for the new C-Class Estate with Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships from September 2007.

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Enter The Rumor Mill: Infiniti adding AWD in G37 Coupe

There's no official word regarding the addition of AWD in the G37 Coupe line-up. However, according to Inside Line, customers have been pleading Infiniti dealers to add an optional AWD onto the 2-door G. The M45 and the G35S have already been confirmed to get AWD. It is most likely the G37 Coupe will also get the X badge very soon.

"Dealers and customers have asked about it — and I understand it’s reasonable to expect it may happen, but nothing has been finalized, no timing decided,” Tim Gallagher, senior manager for product launch strategy and corporate communications, told Inside Line.

BMW has also confirmed an AWD version of their 335i Coupe, the 335Xi Coupe, for release early next year. Audi's A5 Quattro is already on the market, which points to the herald of a new all-wheel drive premium coupe war in the horizon.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Frankfurt: 2009 Audi A4 S-Line Package

No, this is not the S4 folks. Audi has unleashed the official details and images on the 2009 A4 S-Line Package. The S-Line Package adds nearly all the visual cues of the S4, but at a lower price than the real deal. The S-Line Package adds no performance upgrades. However, that's not to say that we simply adore the more aggressive look and we'd like one in white like the studio shots.

Exterior upgrades include 18 or 19-inch seven split-spoke wheels and blackened window trim. The suspension is also tweaked to a more firm state for better handling. Two S-Line exclusive colors are also available: Misano Red and Monza Silver. The S-Line is equipped with the 3.2L FSI V6 which produces 265 horsepower. Continue reading to view more images.

[Source: Audi]

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Frankfurt: Peugeot Flux Concept

Last March, the Geneva International Motor Show was host to Peugeot's 4th annual design competition. Out of over 4000 entries, the Flux was chosen. Penned by Mihai Panaitescu, the Flux, once a scaled clay model, was built to scale for unveiling at Frankfurt next month.

The task of the design competition was factored around the P.L.E.A.S.E. acronym which stood for pleasure, lightweight, efficiency, accessibility, simplicity and ecology. Peugeot decided Mr. Panaitescu's iteration met all the standards. The Flux Concept will also be included in the XBOX 360's Project Gotham Racing 4. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.

[Source: Peugeot]



PRESS RELEASE: PEUGEOT FLUX CONCEPT

After the Flux car design project was awarded winner of the 4th edition of Peugeot's Design Contest, the team at Peugeot's Style Center began creating a full scale model of the winning project, in close relationship with its author, Mihaï Panaîtescu.

In addition, the project is in the process of being crafted virtually for inclusion in "Project Gotham Racing 4," the racing game developed by Bizarre Creations exclusively for Microsoft®'s Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system.

The Flux project won after a selection period, which inspired the creation of 4,029 projects that came from 113 countries. The projects were posted on the website www.peugeotconcours-design.com between September and December 2006.

Beginning in March, the Flux project will be replicated to full scale and presented in Peugeot's booth for the next Frankfurt Auto show in September 2007. Starting in March is essential since it allows the teams in Peugeot's Style Center and Microsoft Game Studios to capture the project and have a design that is true to the author's vision and spirit, in terms of realistic handling and driving sensations.

"Project Gotham Racing 4" is an exclusive Xbox 360 title and will be the latest installment from Bizarre Creations' beloved racing franchise.

"We are excited to work with Peugeot in helping to visualize the future of Peugeot vehicle design. The Flux is a perfect fit for PGR4," said Martyn Chudley, Managing Director of Bizarre Creations. "We were impressed with the innovative and the extreme car designs submitted; We hope that Mihai Panaitescu will be excited when he sees The Flux faithfully created on the Xbox 360. We look forward to adding a lot of 'Gotham' to its chassis!"

From Designer Mihai Panitescu:

My intention was to design a vehicle that pleases it's occupants in every way. It's versatility combined with it's sportiness and the ability to use it in different environments are in my opinion some of the vehicle's strong points.

Either as an explorer of sandy beaches, sweeping mountain roads, or simply commuting in the city, the Flux concept embodies a vehicle that is made to please. It's dynamic shape and open air cockpit make it lively and fun to drive as the occupants are always in contact with their surroundings.

The name Flux was inspired by the continuous change and flow of our daily lives during work and play. The shape also represents this flow with transitions through hard and smooth lines, between straight and curved all of which are characteristics of Peugeot.

A relatively small car (3500cm long by 1650cm wide), it runs on a slim hydrogen power plant hidden in the back along with the tank mounted under the front bonnet. The hood and side body panels are made from plastic, polyurethane for the seats and aluminium for the mechanical parts.

The main components such as the chassis and head protection are metal.
Made up of simple body work (basic intersected volumes) the car is easily produced and accessible to everyone but most of all, it's fun to drive.

Adding to this, the car is also a gaming hub thanks to the integrated Xbox 360 so P.L.E.A.S.E. hop in!!!

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Frankfurt: Nissan Micra Colour + Concept

Nissan is prepping for the unveiling of the Micra Colour + Concept. Designed by the folks over at Nissan Design Europe, the Micra Colour + Concept's most prominent visual cue is the color like the name suggests. The car is wrapped in a peculiar, yet attractive two-tone color scheme. A Liquid Metal gold paint sweeps over the top half of the vehicle while the rest is given a three coat pearlescent white treatment.

The colour bonanza continues inside with a two-tone treatment. The seats are upholstered in a refreshing white while the carpets and the lower panels are dark yellow. The Micra Colour + Concept is purely a work of boredom by Nissan and is not intended for production. The concept will debut alongside the Mixim Concept in Frankfurt next month. Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.

[Source: Nissan]



PRESS RELEASE: NISSAN MICRA COLOUR + CONCEPT

The Micra Colour + Concept show car has been designed and conceived at Nissan Design Europe, the company’s European design headquarters in London, to showcase the latest colour and paint technology and to highlight the changes that have been made to the entire Micra range.

The biggest visual impact, however, is the paint effect. Micra Colour + Concept has been given a two-tone treatment with a Liquid Metal gold paint effect running over the top of the car and contrasting with the three coat pearlescent white finish on the car’s flanks.

The gold finish has an intense depth that makes it appear liquid to the touch. The extreme metallic look is the result of a special-effect pigment added to the paint.

Inside the Colour + Concept theme continues with a high contrast between the upper and lower portions of the interior. Re-upholstered in sumptuous white leather, the seats have accented detailing and stitching. Carpets and lower internal panels are a darker acid yellow to contrast with the pale upper portion of the dashboard.

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