Suzuki Splash Official Images Released

Following the revelation of Opel’s Agila earlier today, Suzuki released the first pictures of the Splash mini that will debut along with the Agila at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Theoretically, the Suzuki’s new mini which is based on the Swift platform is closely related to last year’s Splash Concept, however, design-wise we see very little in common between the two. Since the Agila is based on the Splash with very few optical differences like the redesigned front-end and rear light-clusters, there’s no difference in dimensions (3.740 mm in length, 1.680 mm in width and 1.590 mm in height). Likewise, the engine range will consist of three engines, two petrol 1.0 & 1.2-liter delivering 65 and 86 Hp respectively and one 1.3-liter common-rail turbodiesel with 75 Hp. The Splash is expected to go on sale in Europe next spring

Press Release & high-res pictures below

World Premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt / Available with three engines with CO2 emissions below 140 g/km

With the Splash, a new fresh and exciting small passenger car, Suzuki Motor Corporation intends to gain a significant market share in this growing market segment in Europe. The new flexible compact car combines the sportiness of Suzuki’s successful model Swift with the technologies and immense know-how of the Japanese world market leader in the mini car segment. The Splash is not the successor of any specific former Suzuki model, but a brand-new concept to satisfy the needs of demanding European customers in terms of roominess, compactness, modern design, aerodynamics, quality, driveability, performance and environmental friendliness. The safety equipment encompasses state-of-the-art features such as six airbags and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP®*). It looks fresh, energetic, juvenile and emotional and thereby underlines the aspiration of its name Splash. Within the global growth strategy of Suzuki, the Splash is already the fourth entirely new model within three years after the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4 which all embody Suzuki’s unique ‘Way of Life!’-philosophy.

Within this market segment, the car convinces with a relatively tall body (1.6 metres) based on the chassis from the sporty Swift. With its overall length of 3.7 metres and width of 1.7 metres it offers an amply tall and comfortable roomy cabin with sufficient legroom for adults on all seats. Its modern design leads to excellent aerodynamic efficiency and consequently to low carbon-dioxide emissions.

The Splash will make its worldwide debut at the International Motor Show in September in Frankfurt am Main. Sales of the car with its excellent ride comfort will start as of spring 2008. It will be available with two different petrol engines: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, 12-valve unit with maximum power of 48kW (65hp) and a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve unit with maximum power of 63kW (86hp). With these engines, low friction and plentiful flat torque delivery at low and mid-range speeds help to ensure good driveability across the rev range while promoting fuel economy and limiting CO2 emissions. Customers preferring a diesel engine can choose a proven 1.3-litre, common rail, 16-valve unit with optional particulate filter and a maximum power of 55kW (75hp). In light of the growing need for environmental compatibility, emissions of all three engines with 5-speed manual gearbox are between only 120g/km and 140g/km. The petrol engines were both newly developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation as next-generation power engines. The diesel engine will be produced at Suzuki’s plant in India under licence from GM Powertrain Europe.

Suzuki aims to sell up to 60,000 units per year of the Splash in Europe. The brand-new model has been developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation and will be produced by its subsidiary company Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary.

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Volkswagen Golf 2013 Official launch on September

Volkswagen Golf 2013: Official launch on 4 September. As you approach the end of the year, multiply the news about new releases and presentations of the 2013 versions of many models. One of the most anticipated is the Volkswagen Golf 2013, a car that will know its seventh generation this coming September. A car is one of the great protagonists of the Paris Motor Show 2012, but it will not wait for the conclusion of the Paris event to be disclosed to the public, but it will have its official launch a few weeks before, exactly the September 4 at the Museum of Modern Art in Berlin.

A presentation in a unique and unusual for a car, although it is true that the Volkswagen Golf is not a car either. Not surprisingly, we discuss a model that has been going 38 years without interruption in the market, a path that is difficult today to imagine many other compact cars and cities. A life that gives a clear indication of the wide acceptance that has always had the audience in many different parts of the planet. This success has become a classic, and continues to be, year after year, one of the best selling models.

A seventh generation of a conservative
The Volkswagen Golf 2013 is the first of the seventh generation of this compact German, a new generation that will bring, let alone, great revolutions. In fact, we could consider it almost like some back to the classical canons, those who have helped to keep this model from the top of its target audience. A model that retrieves the most recognizable face of the new Volkswagen, a piece that, with certain modifications, can be found in the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013 for example.

The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf holds significant similarities with the appearance that we know of the latest Volkswagen Polo. Its almost as if, rather than draw on the Golf for the development of Polo, as expected, on this occasion was the Pole who has served as a reference in the new line of Volkswagen Golf. This assumption can confirm in the next few days, when in the days prior to this presentation, let see some official images of the new model.

Presentation in the midst of modern art
A very original framework and rare for the submission of a car is the Volkswagen has chosen the official coming-out of the seventh generation Golf. The Museum of Modern Art in Berlin will be the setting for this exclusive event, which can only come with the relevant invitation; we will know all the details of Volkswagen Golf 2013 that will take place on September 4 in the German capital.

Less than months both are unearthed the secrets of the new version of the Volkswagen Golf, a car will hit dealerships later this year 2012.

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New Fiat 500 L official pricing revealed

The new Fiat 500 L is about to appear on our territory, as well as dealers from many other countries. After being shown in the last edition of the Geneva Motor Show as one of the products star in Fiat, the expectation has been rising and forecasts for its marketing are pretty good, despite being in the segment, rival vehicles with more experience in this field.

The most notable of this compact is a great interior space, meaning the great difference regarding previous versions of the Fiat 500. It was a vehicle designed for the families that have been grown in number in recent years but however do not want to renounce the Italian move in Fiat essence, and more with the model 500 and his long career in the automotive world.

Official prices of the range

From installations where is found the largest number of staff of the Italian firm, prevent a few good numbers in the market despite times of crisis in which we are subject. It is believed that the new Fiat 500 L has the image corresponding to an ideal vehicle for countries that touch the Mediterranean Sea. It is thought that in the Italian country will be where more units will be sold and by far, but there will be interested in many countries. The fact is that official prices have revealed and acquire a competitive aspect to being submitted at a special introductory offer with a couple of thousands of euro cash.

500 1.4 L 16V lombardini Pop: 15.550€
500 1.4 L 16V lombardini Opening Edition: 17.150€
500 L 1.3 Multijet 85CV Opening Edition: 19.350€
500 L 1.3 MultiJet Lounges 85CV: 20.950€

The Opening Edition versions are which is more favored face to their marketing, since they offer a better level equipamient price than others, being of limited release versions. Time is all but the range will be expanded, finding more ways of shaping our Fiat 500 L as of.

Fiat has not been passed by high fever by the Compact with characteristics of crossover that is presented today and wanted to take this opportunity to demonstrate that the Italian firm can go much further than some we thought. Well see if this model really has all the success that is expected.

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Official Opel Insignia Heading to the USA as the Buick Regal

General Motors officially announced today that the name of Buick’s next mid-size sport sedan will be the Regal. Even though the Detroit automaker did not hand out any photos other than a cropped image of the sedan, chances are that the US-spec model will be identical to the Chinese market Buick Regal which in turn is based on the European Opel Insignia. These two models differ only in some details such as the styling of the front grille, the shape of the front fog lights and the exterior mirrors.

“The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan,” said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. “We’re thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family.”

GM said that even though the Regal name has been out of the market for the past six years it continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers.

Before entering bankruptcy and the decision to either sell or close its Saturn business (GM recently announced the death of the brand after negotiations broke down with Penske Automotive), the Detroit automaker had planned to replace the Aura with the Insignia.

General Motors did not say when the Regal will go on sale in the States, but buyers should expect to see the sleek sedan arriving at dealerships sometime towards the end of 2010 or early 2011. Engine options will most likely include 4-cylinder turbocharged units as well as a V6.

And what’s that we hear you say about a Buick Regal GNX? Well, your guess is as good as ours, but the recent introduction of the European Opel Insignia OPC that packs an all-wheel drive system and a 325HP 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 means that a sporty GNX model is completely feasible.

The Opel Insignia is also offered in Europe as a five-door liftback and a sleek-looking station wagon called Sports Tourer, but we wouldn’t hold our breath for an American release for neither model.

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Luxury Lexus LS600h will become the Official Car of Monacos Royal Wedding

MONACO - current media attention tends to wait for the implementation of the couples wedding in UK, namely Prince William and Kate Middleton, on 29 April. Meanwhile, interesting news also emerged from Monaco, a small country a protectorate of the French. What is interesting is this time not on the bridal couple, but a weddomg car that will be used.

Monaco Royal Family members who will get married is Prince Albert II, on 2 July. The prince will marry Miss Charlene Wittstock. The car taken to carry the bride is the Lexus LS600h.

Reported, when it will be used later, this luxury hybrid sedan is equipped with a light or blink rotator (flash), the symbol of the kingdom, and special plates "MC01". It is said that the luxury car is considered appropriate as the bridal couple Kingdom of Monaco car because this car will be surrounded by electric cars at the parade later .

The decision to opt a hybrid Lexus is once again to dedicate Prince Albert IIs commitment to environmental awareness. He erected The Prince Albert IIs Monaco Foundation in 2006. The institute is helping 150 projects to monitor changes in the evolution and provide protection to the environment. The special organization also gives attention to the specific species of animals and plants. It added that Prince Albert II also donates aid water management in developing countries.

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The new Mercedes E Class Now official

After countless spy shots and several times prematurely leaked to be, Mercedes-Benz finally radically new E-Class. The changes relate mainly to the front and the availability of new assistance systems. The engine range is cleaned.

The E-Class has always been the most "classical" model of Mercedes-Benz has been, among other recognizable by the standing star logo on top of the hood. It has not changed. The basic version and the version Elegenance still have an authentic grille with the star on the hood, while the Avantgarde line has a sportier grille with centrally placed big star. Redesigned, tighter around bumpers are available for all models and also general news are of course the headlights. The two sides are now merged into a single unit containing new LED daytime running lights. The design should evoke four eyes that lurk in the world. An optional full LED lighting available. Also for the redesigned taillights.

Intelligent Drive
Under the heading Intelligent Drive Mercedes presents a range of improved and new assistance systems for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Many of these electronics uses an advanced, in the windshield mounted stereo camera. Thus, the electronic "eyes" Traffic regulations recognize them. Moving objects such as pedestrians and cars, and crossing traffic (Cross Traffic Assist) are also interpreted. The stereo camera works together with further improved (radar) sensors.

Interior

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class models are also standard on the so-called Collision Prevention Assist with the driver via radar sensors to alert for an impending accident. Also, fatigue recognition (Attention Assist) is standard. Moreover, it now has a wider speed range and sensitivity is adjustable.

Four-cylinder petrol engines
No lack of available power. As always, there are several petrol and diesel engines available and all are equipped with ECO Start / Stop function. New are the 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol Blue DIRECT which already meet the EU6 standard. There is a choice of a 184 hp or 211 hp version. In the most favorable case is the specified fuel consumption is 5.8 l/100 km with an average CO2 emission of 135 g / km. Also added to the range is the Mercedes-Benz E 400 with 333 hp V6 engine and BlueDIRECT biturbo technology. Also it meets the EU6 standard. And of course the E 350 (306 hp) and E 500 with 408 hp V8 also of the party.

Powerful, efficient diesel engines
The cheapest diesel is the E 200 with 136 hp, 360 Nm of torque and an average consumption of 5.5 l / km. Then there is the E 220 CDI with 170 hp and the E 250 CDI with 204 hp (also with 4Matic all-wheel drive). If more than four cylinders need is dependent on the E 300 (231 hp) or the E 350 with 252 hp and optional 4Matic. Stranger in our midst is the E 300 Hybrid with the E 250 CDI engine as main engine, helped by a 26 hp electric motor. The joint torque is 500 Nm and because over short distances can be driven electrically whole does not exceed the average consumption to fall than 4.4 l/100 km. Greatest asset of the hybrid is eligible for 20% addition for business use, a first for the upper D-segment. The CO2 emissions of the sedan version is in fact only 107 g / km. The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Hybrid Estate is 117 g / km in the 25% band.

Four chassis variants
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a choice of up to four chassis variants. Standard on the base version and the Elegance is the Direct Control chassis that emphasizes comfort. The Avant-garde is equipped with 15 millimeter lowered chassis and selective damping and has a sporty nature. There is also a lowered sports suspension available and Airmatic air suspension (standard on V8 models).

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in April 2013 is expected on the market. The prices in the run up to the launch.

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Finally Official Pontiac is dead

Pontiac has been dead for some time now, at least from a manufacturing point of view. The Vibe was the last vehicle to roll of a Pontiac assembly line, marking the end of new car production for the brand in August of 2009. However, the former automaker has been stuttering and mumbling to itself while lying in its death bed. After all, new cars still needed homes and buyers eventually ponied up dough for the keys to the ghostly souls of a marque that once built the king of muscle cars: the GTO. Now, though, the very last new Pontiacs have been sold and the brand is completely, officially, no-doubt-about-it dead.

In an act of lunacy mercy, retired police officer Ed Dieffenbach drove over 1,100 miles to trade in his Chevrolet Silverado on one of the last Pontiac Solstice Coupes left in the country. Driving from Miami to northern Florida, Mr. Dieffenbach helped put an end to the brand’s suffering while also putting a somewhat stylish two-door in his driveway. We’re sure he’ll have years of fun with the Solstice, as long as he doesn’t need to use the cup holder… or stow the roof… or look back.

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