18 November 2008, 11:29 AM
The new BMW 7 Series sees the global debut of ECUs with AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture) in series production. AUTOSAR has been introduced both on the software applications layer of the 7 Series and in its infrastructure software. The BMW Group will continue to pursue the standardisation of interfaces together with its development partners. Step by step, AUTOSAR is set to make increasing inroads into future generations of vehicles. E
18 November 2008, 11:19 AM
Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.
Combine those elements with the new Mustang’s improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation,
18 November 2008, 08:56 AM
Innovation No5: the Asymmetrical Dashboard
The fifth cut-paste-and-print guide to the design and engineering innovations in the new Toyota iQ explains how an asymmetrical dashboard design made it possible to maximise interior space.
Thanks to the much smaller air conditioning unit developed for iQ (the subject of the Innovation No4 bulletin), Toyota was able to reshape the dashboard to free up more space ahead of the front seat passenger.
The dashboard has an asymmetrical shape, and is slimmer and position
17 November 2008, 04:51 PM
In one of the hardest-fought contests in recent years, Vauxhall’s Insignia has taken the honours as 2009 European Car of the Year, polling an impressive 321 votes.
The 59-strong jury of senior motoring journalists from 23 European countries voted the Insignia first, with the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf coming in second and third respectively.Steve Cropley, editor-in-chief of Autocar, COTY’s British-based sponsoring magazine said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver good news at such a tough time. The ma
17 November 2008, 03:22 PM
Renault has the perfect solution for customers who like their hot hatch thrills with just a touch more refinement and extra comfort, with a new version of the much-acclaimed Clio Renaultsport 197, the ‘Lux’.
The new Lux version comes packed with extra features such as leather upholstery and automatic climate control, worth £2,000 as individual options, yet at £16,995, Lux costs just £1,000 more than the standard version.In addition to the leather upholstery and climate control, the Lux boasts automatic headlamp
17 November 2008, 03:16 PM
For small and large businesses alike, cost-cutting is very much a focus in today’s financial climate.
But if you wish to reduce your overheads without compromise, Hyundai’s new medium panel van could be just what you need.The new iLoad goes on sale in January 2009 and will offer an incredible specification, as well as one of the best payloads in its class.
But it’s not only your cargo that the newcomer will carry in comfort, as the iLoad is also one of the most driver-focused vans on the market, thanks t
17 November 2008, 12:48 PM
Audi is the first premium brand to introduce a prestigious long-wheelbase version in the upper mid-size category exclusively for the Chinese market: the Audi A4L’s wheelbase is 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) longer, which benefits rear-seat passengers in particular. The A4L thus offers unrivalled spaciousness in its segm
17 November 2008, 12:09 PM
A milestone in transmission technology is now available in the Audi S3 and S3 Sportback sporty compact models. The S tronic dual-clutch transmission unites the powerful two-liter TFSI engine with the road in a manner that is both sporty and efficient. This ensures quicker acceleration, high agility and ride comfort along with improved fuel efficiency.
A genuine marvel of engineering, the revolutionary S tronic dual-clutch transmission has been a sensation ever since it debuted in the Audi TT
17 November 2008, 11:14 AM
Mazda Motor Corporation has released refined versions of the Mazda Demio compact on sale in Japan. Known as the Mazda2 in overseas markets, the Mazda Demio has earned high praise in Japan and abroad. The freshened model goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range from 1,195,000 to 1,621,750 yen (including consumption tax).
The freshened interior features a glossy black center panel and matching materials for th
17 November 2008, 10:43 AM
Daihatsu announced the minor redesign of the compact SUV Terios. Exports of the new Terios will commence in November, initially focusing on Europe. The Terios (Japanese name: Be-go) was launched in February 2006 as a "tough yet casual SUV" and exports of the vehicle were begun. It won wide support among customers as a new vehicle genre that combines the drivability of an SUV and convenience of a compact vehicle with the functionality of a station
15 November 2008, 10:12 AM
Mass production was officially launched in the first European Hyundai automotive plant – Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech in Nosovice, the Czech Republic. “The Hyundai plant is such a large investment and important production influence on the GDP and will amount to around 1 percent a year and trade surplus will grow by around CZK 50 billion a year after the plant switches to full capacity,” said Martin Riman, Minister of Industry and Trade of th
14 November 2008, 06:13 PM
Truck customers can see for themselves how "Built Ford Tough" pickups outperform the competition by visiting the Web site for the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, which launches today.
Mike Rowe, star of the Discovery Channel television show "Dirty Jobs," and F-150 Chief Engineer Matt O'Leary host a series of demonstration videos that capture the all-new F-150 in direct, head-to-head competition with the 2009 Dodge Ram, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and th
