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New Ford Mondeo Sport
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford’s new Mondeo Sport special edition goes on sale next month, combining over £2,000 of extra options and elegant style on the road.
The high-spec Ford Mondeo Sport will be limited to just 3,000 customers. They will enjoy features including satellite navigation system covering Europe, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and self-dimming rear view mirror.
The equipment list, which also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and solar reflect windscreen to maintain a cool cabin temperature, is valued at over £2,000. The Ford Mondeo Sport will be available from September 1 at £18,795 for the petrol version and £19,495 for the diesel – or from just £300 over the Zetec series which the new Sport is based on.
Jon Gunn-Smith, Ford large car product manager, said: “Mondeo Sport represents the outstanding value typical of all vehicles sporting the Blue Oval badge. It will be on sale for a limited period during the lifetime of the new ‘60′ plate, so interested customers should get in quick.”
Ford Mondeo Sport can be specified with either 1.8-litre 125PS diesel or 2.0 145PS petrol engines. Available in four colours – Frozen White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, and Moondust Silver – Mondeo Sport will go on sale in five-door and estate bodystyles.
Press data & images: Ford
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Ducati Multistrada on the Road to Success
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
The new Ducati Multistrada has already proved to be a remarkable success with sales for 2010 expected to exceed previous sales forecasts by more than 20%.
Despite the Multistrada only being on the market for a few months, demand has often outstripped supply as bikers have flooded dealers with orders for this unique motorcycle. Ducati has worked closely with the factory to make sure that dealers receive bike allocations on time. Despite the increase in forecasted sales Ducati has been able to keep pace with orders and fulfil customer expectations by securing an additional 100 bikes for the market to be delivered in September.
For Ducati the Multistrada has not only been a sales success but also has successfully converted buyers from other brands with many purchasing a Ducati for the first time. Early indications suggest that over 40% of Multistrada buyers are new to the brand.
It is not only the design and quality of the bike that has brought new riders to the brand it is also the competitive service costs and service intervals throughout the range that has contributed to Ducati bucking the trend, with year on year growth in a very tough market.
The Multistrada is a new biking concept which combines sports performance while still providing an extremely comfortable ride and unrivalled versatility. The four-bikes-in-one concept uses three technologies which interact to instantly change the chassis set-up and character of the Multistrada 1200. Fitted as standard equipment on all versions, the electronic ride-by-wire system administers three different engine mappings to change the character of the engine, while Ducati Traction Control (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control. For the ‘S’ version, Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) instantly configures the suspension set-up to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’. It is the ‘S’model which has been responsible for 70% of all Multistrada sales with the ‘S’ Touring version proving the most popular.
Although ‘S’ models are still in high demand, customers can expect to order one now and take deliver by September/October. Base models in standard version or with ABS and are now available subject to individual dealer stock levels.
Press data & images: Ducati
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Commendation for Vauxhall’s Support of Motability Scheme
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Vauxhall’s strong support of the national Motability scheme has been recognised at the fifth annual Supplier Awards of Motability Operations, the organisation which operates the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter scheme.
The company’s continued commitment to Motability was highly commended while Vauxhall retailers were winners in three of the 13 award categories including the customer-nominated ‘Motability Sales Specialist’ award which went to Gavin Gray of Vauxhall retailer Bristol Street Motors.
In making the commendation, the judges said Vauxhall had worked tirelessly to demonstrate its continued commitment to Motability and that exceptional levels of customer care set the benchmark for customers. “Vauxhall’s new and exciting models available to Motability customers at the same time as the broader car market and a dedicated Vauxhall Motability team are highlights of Vauxhall’s long-term commitment,” the commendation stated.
And it added that consistent competitive pricing, including increasing the number of models available at nil advance payment, resulted in great value for money ensuring Vauxhall models remain some of the top choices for Motability customers.
Steve Catlin, Vauxhall Fleet Marketing and Motability Manager, received the company’s award: “Vauxhall is a strong supporter of Motability. We offer a wide range of models to scheme customers and extensive support, including nominated Motability specialists at our retailers. I’m delighted that this long-standing commitment has been recognised at the 2010 Motability Operations Supplier Awards.”
Over half a million disabled people in the UK enjoy affordable and worry-free motoring through the Motability scheme. Speaking at the awards, Mike Betts, chief executive of Motability Operations said: “In 2009 Motability received the highest ever levels in customer satisfaction. The last year would not have been possible without the support and partnership of our dedicated suppliers and business partners.”
Vauxhall retailers are particularly active in supporting the scheme and three of them were category winners in the 2010 awards. In the ‘Dealer Fleet Size up to 250’ category Monorep Vauxhall of Southall came out top. Evans Halshaw of Middlesbrough won the ‘Dealer Fleet Size 251-600’ category and the ‘Over 600’ fleet size award went to Grimshaws Vauxhall of Manchester.
Press data & Images: Vauxhall
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Subaru Impreza STI Cosworth launched
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Subaru has just launched the Subaru Impreza STI Cosworth and never has the term ‘Hot-hatch’ been described so well.
Just look at this hatch. Loyal fans to Ford RS500, VW Golf R or Renault will surely be having a change of heart after checking the STI Cosworth out. Subaru STI was considered pretty hot till the already mentioned competitors stole its thunder away.
In jumped in Cosworth, did their magic and came out with this spectacular looking hatchback.
Cosworth has managed to generate an extra 99 horsepower from the STI’s efficient 2.5-liter boxer engine which now produces 395 bhp and a torque of 398 pound feet which in result makes this model hit 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, which is also 1.5 seconds faster than the standard STI and can attain a top speed of 155 mph.
Now how did that happen? Well the guys at Cosworth simply used a new exhaust system and turbocharger, replaced with a specially developed one from Garret. There’s also an addition of new steel conrods, high performance pistons to reduce the friction with the engine, a re-designed head gasket and a new oil pump and new ECU software that manages everything.
There’s one thing that Subaru Impreza cannot compromise on and that is handling. Eibach and Bilsten along with Cosworth have developed a new suspension, given the car new coil springs and reducing the height by 10mm.
New AP racing front brakes along with 13.7 inch discs and six piston calipers take care of the effective braking in the Impreza STI Cosworth. 18-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubbers adorn the hatch.
A new distinguished front bumper, redesigned grilles and a new rear spoiler enhance the looks of the giving it a sexy sporty look.
The car will be priced at $71,800 or 49,995 pounds. The catch is that only 75 of such units will be produced and the Cosworth Impreza will only come with right hand drive.
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SUPERCHIPS UNLEASHES THE BMW 135i’S REAL DRIVING MACHINE
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Thanks to its combination of small size and powerful 3.0-litre six cylinder twin turbocharged engine, BMW’s 135i has attracted a loyal following amongst owners and the motoring press.
Which is why Buckingham based Superchips Ltd, the market leading specialist in performance electronic tuning, is pleased to unveil a performance boosting ECU remap for the 135i.
The result of extensive investigation into the BMW’s Siemens MSD ECU parameters, Superchip’s highly experienced technicians successfully identified several performance enhancement opportunities with the original factory settings, enabling the company to refine the 135i’s ECU map to meet the needs of the BMW driving enthusiast who demands a sharper, more exciting drive.
Careful optimisation of ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings via combination of extensive chassis dyno testing and road validation has produced a Superchips remap that elevates the performance of the 135i onto a different plane.
As measured on its in house four wheel drive chassis dyno’, the Superchips upgrade boosts the BMW 135i’s peak power from a tested standard output of 315 bhp, to a mighty 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp at 5989 rpm.
The Superchips ECU remap also significantly enhances the 135i’s torque output, rising from a measured 394 Nm to an impressive 456 Nm at just 3359 rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm at just 3267 rpm.
Compared to the standard BMW 135i, the Superchips upgraded car produces peak torque over 1000 rpm lower down in the rev range, making it not only ultimately faster, but also significantly easier to drive.
Although not yet tested against the clock, the Superchips remapped BMW 135i is expected to better the standard car’s 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint time, although for safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left untouched.
Installation of the Superchips ECU remap entails customers visiting one of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK who will undertake the remap procedure.
Suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of BMW 135i produced from 2007 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00 including VAT @ 17.5%.
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Audi R8 GT: Can’t get enough!
by Aman Chaudhry2 Comments
We just cannot seem to get enough of the Audi R8 GT. We recently told you about the GT is going to shed some 220 pounds and with more power will go much faster.
These are the official pictures of the all-new lightweight Audi R8 GT thanks to Audi’s media services.
By the way Audi plans to make only 330 of these stunning coupes.
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The all new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Volkswagen Phaeton has freshly been given a facelift, a nip here and a tuck there and is ready for it’s unveiling today at the Beijing Auto Show.
VW is trying (almost desperately) to boost its luxury car sales in the market with its competitors like Mercedes- Benz and BMW already marking territory. The history hasn’t been great either for the Phaeton as this ‘people’s car’ did not quite match up to the sales in Europe and subsequently had to be dropped out of America.
The first thing to notice in the new 2011 Phaeton is the new front end flaunting the typical VW front grille, LED running lights and bi-xenon headlamps.
A subtle change in the front wings and the bonnet can be noticed along with the chrome strips on the bumper.
The Phaeton MY2011 comes packed with technology and gadgets including a brand new steering wheel. There’s a Google maps enables satellite navigation system, roadside recognition and four-zone climate control system. This all-wheel drive system comes with adjustable air suspension and Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
Buyers can choose from six, eight or twelve- cylinder engines ranging in power from 240 hp to 450 hp. The base train is supposed to be a V6 with 280 PS of torque and can attain 0-60 in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.
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Ducati introduces Monster 796
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Ducati had introduced another Monster to its family. Monster 796 is the latest middleweight addition to Ducati and it will be slotted between the bulky 1100 and the entry level 696 making it both user friendly and sporty. The new Monster 796 will use the same engine as the Hypermotard 796 delivering close to 87hp though this engine will have more torque.
The Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard and features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Additional new features also include a rear sub-frame constructed ready to accept new accessory grab-handles designed to provide a confidence-inspiring grip for the passenger, while blending into the natural line of the tail-end.
There have been few changes in the riding position with the riding seat ride has been re-positioned and the handlebars have been raised. Ducati claims that these changes along with a re-designed seat shape are supposed to increse comfort and improve posture.
Ducati has been disappointed with the sales of the Monster 1100 so it is assumed that the pricing for the Monster 796 will be quite attractive.
Chances are that new Monster 796 might be priced the same as the 796 Hypermotard.
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The World Ducati Week
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
The anticipation of Ducati worshippers all over the world is finally over. The dates for the Word Ducati Week or WDW are out. The greatest Ducati events of all times is coming back after a three year gap in June 2010. The finalized dates for all fans and enthusiasts are June 10th to June 13th 2010.
The Italian Misano World Circuit will once again host the four day event which offers exciting track sessions, official riders and stunts, motorcycle tours, Ducati factory and museum visits, bike exhibitions, conferences, parties and much more.
After the sensational “Party on the Red Planet” in 2007, Ducati now presents the sixth edition of WDW named “The Red Planet Returns”.
For more information and updates visit the WDW official website http://wdw2010.ducati.com
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