New Car: 2009 Kia Forte

Following the teaser images of the new Forte sedan, Kia has decided to released some early press pictures and specification for the South Korean market before the car goes on sale on 21st August, however, Kia is putting the Forte though its paces on Korean roads before its reaches dealers.

The new Forte will replace the Spectra/Cerato. Measuring at 4530 mm and 1775 mm, the new Forte is larger and more economical than its predecessor. South Korean spec'ced range-topping Forte's will feature 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 tires. Customers can opted for voice-activated satellite navigation system, push-button start with smart key, sunroof, Bluetooth and 17" alloy wheels.

2 engine will be available: 1.6 litre Gamma 4-cyl petrol engine developing 124bhp which is mated to an automatic transmission and a 1.6 litre diesel engine producing 128bhp. A 2.0 litre petrol engine will be made available at a later date. The U.S market is unlikely to receive the diesel engine and will see the Forte in mid 2009. A coupe variant will make its way into showrooms later on in 2009. The 1.6 litre 14.1 km/L or 33mpg (U.S), while the diesel boasts 16.5 km/L or 38mpg (U.S). The interior images will arrive soon.

The U.S Forte is undergoing mechanical and road-testing testing in Death Valley, CA and in parts of Michigan. MI.

The new sedan will make a world debut at the upcoming Paris motorshow but will not go on sale in Europe as previously reported, which is a shame since the Forte is a good-looking car.

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Teaser: 2009 Kia Forte

New Car: 2009 Peugeot 308 CC

Peugeot has released official pictures of its new 308 CC. The 308 CC replaces the popular 307 CC. The front end and interior of the 308 CC look almost identical to the RC Z concept, however, besides the lower diffuser section in the rear bumper fascia, the rear gets a more conventional design in line with the little sibling, the 207 CC.

Besides the existing engines in the 308 range, it has been hinted by Peugeot officials that a diesel hybrid engine as demonstrated in the Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi may be used. If so, it would be the world's first hybrid coupe convertible.

The new car will be revealed at the September Paris motorshow.

Press Release:

Peugeot pioneered the folding roof concept

Benefits from all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range

To be revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show

As the pioneer of “folding roof cars” with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models from the 1930s, Peugeot now reveals details of its latest coupé cabriolet, the 308 CC.

It’s now over seven years since Peugeot introduced its best known coupé cabriolet, the 206 CC, which then evolved in 2003 into the 307 CC and then, in 2007, into the UK’s current best selling open top car, the 207 CC. This successful concept will shortly evolve again with the introduction of the Peugeot 308 CC.

The 308 CC, with its four full-size seats, capitalises on all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range whilst still embodying the “307 CC spirit” and Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise. Above all, it promises enthusiasts of “lifestyle” motoring a unique and genuinely attractive offer.

An attractive design…The 308 CC stands out due to its elegant and stylish design, both in its coupé and cabriolet configurations. A low sporty profile confirms the dynamic potential of the 308 CC and the prominent shape and spectacular LED rear lights create a unique signature for the car by day and by night.

The passenger compartment has an undeniable personality. Particularly striking in the “cabriolet” version, it has a different feel from the hatchback and creates the impression of a grand touring car.

The deeply sculpted and supportive front seats, with their integral head restraints, have an inbuilt air vent which diffuses warm air around the occupant’s neck. The rear seats also mirror this distinctive design and offer rear accommodation that is surprisingly generous for a cabriolet.

The 308 CC will be available with both simple and an “integral leather” interior trim. The entire passenger compartment is now also trimmed in leather, which is unusual in this segment.

Key Features:

Fully automatic retractable roof that can be magically transformed in 20 seconds

Four full size seats, with increased rear leg room

New 2.0 litre HDi FAP Euro 5 140 bhp diesel engine

Six-speed manual gearbox

Wider front and rear track, larger diameter disc brakes and ESP

Excellent structural rigidity

Low interior noise levels

Full complement of airbags including chest/pelvis side airbags built into the front seats and a side head airbag which is a world first, guaranteeing effective protection of all parts of the body regardless of seat position

Active rear roll-over protection bars

The Peugeot 308 CC will see for the first time on a Peugeot coupé cabriolet the introduction of a warm air heating system built into the front seats. This “Airwave” system acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature, flow and direction around the occupant’s shoulders / neck.

Other new features will also be introduced including:

Automatic remote-control locking of interior storage compartments (glove box and storage under the central armrest)

A special “rear seat access” function which electrically slides forwards the front seats

Deadlocking of doors and selective unlocking

LED courtesy lighting in the door mirrors

The 308 CC is also a car that can be used on a daily basis due to its usable boot which includes a number of dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot carpet designed to hold the optional wind stop). It has a capacity of 465 litres or 266 litres with the roof folded.

Finally, to make any journey as pleasant as possible, the 308 CC will benefit from a comprehensive range of Peugeot’s latest in-car-communication systems.

A MP3 CD audio system

A MP3 CD audio system, USB Box (iPod / MP3… connectivity) and hands-free phone kit

A user-friendly satellite navigation system offering a MP3 CD audio system, Bluetooth functionality and satellite navigation with a retractable 7″ 16/9 colour display

A top-of-the-range satellite navigation system with a 30 GB hard disc with Juke Box function, MP3 CD audio system, integral mobile phone, Bluetooth functionality, USB connector and a retractable, high-resolution 7″ 16/9 colour screen with a 3D display

Finally, for all music aficionados a JBL Hi-fi option will also be available with 10 speakers offering a made-to-measure sound experience.

The new Peugeot 308 CC will be the star of this year’s Paris Motor Show in September.

'09 BMW 7-Series receives official unveiling in Moscow (RU)

The all-new BMW 7 Series has received an official presentation on the Red Square of Moscow, Russia.

400 international guests were invited to the event, the 7-Series was housed inside a huge hourglass hidden by more than 180,000 shiny balls which gradually fell revealing the all-new model in its full glory.

Press Release:

The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics, combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.

The flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body too. All three engines produce more power yet use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace.

Model: 730d, 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li

Power hp: 245, 326, 326, 407, 407

Torque Nm: 540, 450, 450, 600, 600

0 – 62mph (seconds): 7.2, 5.9, 6.0, 5.2, 5.2

Top Speed (mph): 153, 155*, 155*, 155*, 155*

Combined Mpg: 39.2, 28.5, 28.2, 24.8, 24.8

CO2 Emissions g/km: 192, 232, 235, 266, 266

* Electronically-limited.

The BMW 730d sets a new benchmark in terms of drivetrain performance. The new all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. Its effortless real world driving smoothness comes courtesy of a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm. The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any previous BMW 7 Series and it is also the most economical 7 Series ever. Its 192g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, while no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 153mph top speed. To put the BMW 730d’s competitive advantage in context this luxurious vehicle records near identical fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the Mercedes C320CDi – a car that is two market segments below the 7 Series and is smaller and lighter than the BMW. The impressive performance of the 730d is, in part, possible due to third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, incorporating piezo injectors, that operates at a peak pressure of 1,800 bar. This system ensures a near perfect combustion process. Weighing 185kgs the new six-cylinder diesel engine is also 5kgs lighter than its predecessor. The BMW 730d is set to be the biggest seller in the UK, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of sales.

The BMW 750i and 750Li are the range flagships. The new 4,395cc V8 engine from the recently launched X6, featuring twin-turbochargers and high-precision direct injection technology, produces 407hp from 5,500rpm to 6,400rpm; impressive figures that are backed up by an equally stunning 600Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm. Such breathtaking performance sees the BMW 750i accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption on the combined cycle is 24.8mpg, while CO2 emissions equate to 266g/km.

The all-aluminium V8 engine powering the 750i and 750Li also features its own world first - twin-turbochargers and catalysts that are placed within the V-space of the engine block. This not only optimises packaging but the reduction in manifold length and larger cross sections mean the engine breathes better for enhanced performance. Double-VANOS variable valve technology and high-precision direct injection technology further aid engine performance to the degree that all the innovations combine to offer a V8 engine that has an equivalent output of a traditional 12-cylinder unit. Aimed at customers who prefer the characteristics of a petrol-powered BMW six-cylinder engine, the BMW 740i and 740Li are also offered. Using an internationally-acclaimed 2,979cc powerplant, the BMW 740i musters 326hp and 450Nm of torque for rapid yet serene performance. The twin-turbocharged engine features high-precision direct injection and Double-VANOS variable valve technology to achieve optimum performance. The car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the 740Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The 3.0-litre BMW 740i and 740Li post combined fuel consumption figures of 28.5mpg and 28.2mpg respectively, while returning emissions figures of 232g/km and 235g/km. All BMW 7 Series models come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Kia reduces emissions on Picanto, Rio and Cee'd (UK)

Kia’s engineers have been fiddling around with the Picanto, Rio, Cee'd and Pro_Cee'd in an attempt to reduce emissions and lower CO2 taxes. The models are now in VED Band B and pollute under 120g/km, meaning a saving of up to £85 a year on tax.

In the Picanto this was achieved by deleting the 5-seat option as all models are now 4-seat versions, reducing the overall weight of the car and in turn reducing CO2 emissions to as low as 117g/km.

The Rio supermini has also had some attention, reducing emissions on the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine to 119g/km.

Finally, Kia’s engineers adjusted the standard output of the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine available in the new Cee’d and Pro_Cee’d models that now emits 119g/km, thus taking it into Band B meaning drivers will pay just £35 VED, a tax saving of £85 from the previous £120 a year.

Car sales fall again (UK)

Car sales have fell again in the UK. Latest figures from SMMT showed an 11.9% fall in private sales in June 2008 to 83,425 cars. That’s the biggest month-on-month drop since February 2006.

Even for fleet buyers, the June 2008 figures look bad. Demand was down by 6.1%, the steepest drop so far in 2008. Total new car registrations in quarter two were down 2.5%, compared to a 0.7% fall in quarter one.

Yet for months, new car sales seemed to be defying the gloom. The huge March 2008 market, which takes around 17% of total sales in a year, held up well. Sales to private buyers fell 1.4% compared to the previous year, but that still meant 222,788 new cars left showrooms. Industry experts had forecasted far worse, and despite the suggestion that pre-registrations were propping up a faltering market, it is clear that things have got a lot worse. In quarter two, private demand fell 7.9%, on the back of a more modest 2.4% fall in quarter one.

China also saw slow car sales. Car sales in China rose 14.2% in the first half, lower than an earlier expectation of 20%, as more stringent macroeconomic control policies and record high oil prices curbed purchases. Domestic carmakers sold a combined 3.3 million passenger vehicles, including sedans, MPV's, SUV's and minibuses, from January through June. Production rose 16.9% to 3.6 million vehicles during the same period. Though sales in June grew 13% to 517,469 units, it was the third consecutive month that sales growth has begun to flatten out, triggering concerns about a slowdown in the overall market for this year.

Industry officials blamed the reversal on floods in south China, which meant some carmakers stopped production and suspended vehicle shipments. Half-year sales of sedans rose 13% to 2.39 million units while SUVs, including crossovers, posted a 41.7% sales jump to 211,885 units. Sales of MPVs climbed 2.4% to 106,297 units. Shanghai VW was first among China's top-selling car manufactures in June, with retail sales of 40,124 units. Next came FAW-VW and Shanghai GM, which sold 38,908 and 35,189 vehicles, respectively. Like a number of its competitors, General Motors posted slower sales growth in China for the first half of this year, a victim of weaker market demand and keen competition.

While the total industry rose more than 14% in the first six months, GM boosted its half-year sales in China by 12.7% to a record 590,126 vehicles. That compares with a growth rate of 19% last year. GM cited the strength of its Chevrolet brand in China. Sales of Chevrolet vehicles, including the popular Lova small sedan and the new Epica mid-sized sedan, jumped 34.6% in the first half to 109,131 units. Both models are made by Shanghai GM, a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. Shanghai GM's flagship Buick brand said its first-half sales reached 146,321 units, including 90,604 Buick Excelles; GM launched a revamped version earlier this year. Sales of the Cadillac luxury brand hit 3,285 units in the first half of the year.

In Australia, it seems that the credit crunch is yet to affect buyers since the sales of SUV's and mid-sized sedans were booming. Toyota enjoyed selling over 25,500 units with the Corolla hatcback taking most of the sales.

In Brazil, Korean car firm, SsangYong saw sales rise by 1,873% jump in sales for June 2008, compared to June of 2007. The brand sold 750 units from January to June 2008, while it sold only 38 units in the same period last year. In June only, Ssangyong sold 182 units of its sport-utility vehicles. It sold 11 units in the same month last year.

Related link:

Car sales plummet in the UK

Chevrolet HHR pricing and specification announced (UK)

We've seen prototypes of the Chevrolet HHR SS undergoing high-speed testing in Germany but it seems that the regular HHR will arrive in Europe. The retro cruiser has been on the U.S market since 2006.

The HHR will be well equipped with front fog-lamps, Glass deep-tinted 2nd row doors, quarter windows and rear, 4x electric windows, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift knob, leather seats with heated front seats, 8 way electrically adjustable drivers seat, cruise control and more. The only options will be metallic paint and electric sunroof. Accessories will be available at your local Chevrolet retailer. 3 trim-levels will be available; entry-level LS, LT and range-topping LTX.

Only 1 engine will be available at launch and this will be the 2.4 litre petrol engine. The engine is mated with both a manual gearbox and an automatic gearbox. Prices will start at £16,995 for LS, rising to £24,145 for the LTX.

Chevrolet HHR microsite

Chevrolet HHR specification

Chevrolet Cruze to be unveil in Paris (EU)

Chevrolet Europe will revealed their new C-Segment sedan at October's Paris motorshow. Prototypes of the new sedan have been spied in the U.S, Germany, UK and Northern Scandinavia.

According to Chevrolet, the Cruze will be sold alongside the current Lacetti hatchback and wagon. The newcomer will be available in Europe in early 2009 with global sales following after. A North American version of the Cruze is slated to go into production in mid-2010 at GM's Lordstown plant in Ohio and will replace the Cobalt.

At 4.6 metres or 181 inches, the Cruze will be larger than most small-family sedans like the VW Jetta and Ford Focus sedan. It will be the first product to use the revamped Delta 2 global compact platform that also will underpin replacements for the Vauxhall/Opel Zafira, Chevrolet HHR and related siblings. If you want more variants of the Cruze, you're out of luck, since the Cruze will only be offered as a 4 door sedan with a seating capacity of 5 people.

European customers will be offered the choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines developing around 120bhp -140bhp. For the U.S market, GM intends to fit a turbocharged 1.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine that will deliver up to 40 mpg in motorway driving.

GM previously used the Cruze nameplate on a re-badged version of the Suzuki Ignis that was sold in Japan as the Chevrolet Cruze and in Australia as the Holden Cruze.