Leaked: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupé

The Hyundai Genesis Coupé was leaked onto the Internet for a few days now and it will have a world debut at the New York motorshow. Marketed as a 2010 model, the Genesis Coupé is likely to reach UK shores.

Only 2 petrol engines will be available at launch; 2.0 litre 4 in line turbo and a 3.8 litre V6 which I think is borrowed of the U.S KIA Sedona. The V6 should produce around 300bhp. No word a the 4.6 litre V8 which could come from the Genesis sedan.

In other news, its rumoured Hyundai could bring two new coupes into the UK by 2009. First of all will be the Genesis Coupé which is set to rival the Nissan 350Z and secondly will be the Hyundai Coupé. The new, smaller coupe will be based of the Volester concept while prices are expected to start from £15,000. The prime rival is the Mazda MX-5 which sells massively in the UK.

Been thinking....

Although this post won't have a huge affect on the car industry, in the last few weeks I've been thinking about dropping the forum in favor for a homepage and this blog.

The reason for axing it will be on the link below.

So, the big quetion is Should the forum be axed?

Please vote for your choice.

Thank you

Mercedes BlueTEC added to SUV range

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel initiative in the USA with three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine. The new models R 320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC will initially be available exclusively in America. They are powered by an up-to-date V6 engine featuring the environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology, with whose help the diesel cars produced by the Stuttgart manufacturer already count as the world’s cleanest. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection, which has already been demonstrating its exemplary effectiveness and economy in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for a number of years. As a result the three new SUVs achieve even lower emissions, are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. All three of these new SUVs have also been significantly upgraded with much more extensive standard equipment, and now offer even more comfort together with unique safety features. With these diesel vehicles Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its status as the technological leader. The new models will be available in the USA from autumn 2008.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world’s first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future – and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output, the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USAin times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the high-ways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

Key technical data at a glance:

Cylinders V6 Valves per cylinder 4 Displacement cc 2987 Bore x stroke mm 83 x 93 Compression ratio 1:16.5 kW/hp at rpm 155/210 at 3400 Nm at rpm 540 at 1600 – 2400

Certain features of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models ML 320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston crowns were revised for an improved mixture formation, and the compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger and engine control unit were also improved and reconfigured. All three of the new SUVs are available only with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nitrogen oxides drastically reduced with BlueTEC As a modular concept for an effective reduction in the fuel consumption and emissions of diesel vehicles, the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz puts in place a number of coordinated measures which both minimise untreated emissions using in-engine features and ensure efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment. All relevant emissions components are successively and concertedly reduced to a minimum, in part by using an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter. The most important goal is to achieve a drastic reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, the only exhaust gas constituent which has inherently higher levels in diesel engines than in petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions to this end. In the E320 BlueTEC Saloon available in the USA and the E300 BlueTEC sold in Europe, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The second BlueTEC version is used for the new GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC models. In this case AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter.

R320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC: The cleanest solution: Mercedes-Benz to introduce the first diesel models with AdBlue injection in America

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel initiative in the USA with three new SUVs equipped with the world&rsquos latest and cleanest diesel engine. The new models R320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC will initially be available exclusively in America. They are powered by an up-to-date V6 engine featuring the environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology, with whose help the diesel cars produced by the Stuttgart manufacturer already count as the worlds cleanest. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection, which has already been demonstrating its exemplary effectiveness and economy in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for a number of years. As a result the three new SUVs achieve even lower emissions, are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. All three of these new SUVs have also been significantly upgraded with much more extensive standard equipment, and now offer even more comfort together with unique safety features. With these diesel vehicles Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its status as the technological leader. The new models will be available in the USA from autumn 2008.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world&rsquos first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future &ndash and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output, the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the high-ways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions:

The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the
GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

Key technical data at a glance:

Cylinders V6
Valves per cylinder 4
Displacement cc 2987
Bore x stroke mm 83 x 93
Compression ratio 1:16.5
kW/hp at rpm 155/210 at 3400
Nm at rpm 540 at 1600 &ndash 2400

Certain features of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston crowns were revised for an improved mixture formation, and the compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger and engine control unit were also improved and reconfigured. All three of the new SUVs are available only with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nitrogen oxides drastically reduced with BlueTEC:

As a modular concept for an effective reduction in the fuel consumption and emissions of diesel vehicles, the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz puts in place a number of coordinated measures which both minimise untreated emissions using in-engine features and ensure efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment. All relevant emissions components are successively and concertedly reduced to a minimum, in part by using an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter. The most important goal is to achieve a drastic reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, the only exhaust gas constituent which has inherently higher levels in diesel engines than in petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions to this end. In the E320 BlueTEC Saloon available in the USA and the E300 BlueTEC sold in Europe, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter.

The second BlueTEC version is used for the new GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC models. In this case AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter.

So, if you are itching to get your hands of one of these, you're gonna have to wait because an insider from Mercedes said its being tweaked even more so its cleaner. Expect the SUV's to arrive in Europe in 2009.

New Car: 2008 Mercedes B-Class facelift

The revised Mercedes B-Class will make a world debut at the Leipzig motor show on 4 April. The only visible changes are the restyled front bumper, bolder grille and a more heavily creased bonnet.

Although the B-Class wasn't a hit with British customers, it still managed to sell around 325,000 units since its launch in 2005. The next generation B-Class is due in 2011. The B200 and B200 Turbo will be axed from the UK line-up in July since it hasn't met initial sales targets.

Press Release:

Not all the changes have been made to the exterior. Customers will have a choice of a newly developed B170 NGT BlueEfficiency. The new natural gas powered B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) BlueEfficiency is capable of running on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while still delivering 85 kW / 116 hp of power, equal to that of the petrol powered version. A fully fueled B170 NGT can cover over 1,000 km.

The Mercedes B-Class range consists of the B150 (95 hp), B180 CDI (109 hp), B200 CDI (140 hp), B170 (116 hp), B170 NGT (116 hp), B200 (136 hp) and the range topping B200 Turbo (193 hp).

Engine tweaks result in a 7% fuel economy increase while emissions are well below current EU regulations.

Design:

Front end: restyled bonnet, radiator grille and bumper

Side profile: new-look exterior mirrors and new light-alloy wheels

Rear: tail lights in new high-brilliance look and remodeled bumper

Interior: new seat fabrics and diagonally brushed aluminum trim

Equipment:

Body-coloured exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panelsHeadlamp Assist as standard

ESP® with automatic hill-start assist as standard

Steering column manually adjustable for reach

Safety:

Flashing brake lights as standard

Crash-responsive emergency interior lighting as standard

Drive system

Advanced engines with fuel savings of up to seven percentECO start/stop function as an option for B 150 and B 170New B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY with bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive system

Technology:

Active parking assist as an option

New infotainment systems including many extra functions

Surround sound system as an option

COMAND APS with standard features including voice control

Interactive media interface for linking up external audio devices

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Commander recall (U.S)

Jeep has issued a recall for 1,338 MY 2008 Grand Cherokee and Commander SUV's because of an incorrectly manufactured front control module that could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windscreen wipers to become disabled. Jeep dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary at no cost.

Related link:

New Car: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Honda Stream coming to the U.S

Do you want a stylish minivan that won't break the bank when it comes to purchasing and re-fuelling it, thats compact on the outside but spacious on the inside? Then listen up!

Insiders at Honda, report that they will import the Stream minivan in 2009. It will go head to head with the KIA Rondo and Mazda5. Engines are unknown but reports suggest that the Japanese Stream engines could be used; 1.8 & 2.0 litre petrol engines. An AWD Stream is under review. No 3rd row seats are set to be available for the U.S model but why is it coming 9 years later? Apparently, Honda sees a niché for a smaller vehicle.

Underneath, it shares the same platform as the CR-V and Civic. The Stream launched back in Japan in 2000, where it sold in its thousands, however, when it arrived in Europe, it failed completely.

Nissan/Infiniti recalls '09 Murano & '08 EX35

Nissan USA has announced that it is going to recall around 16,365 MY 2008 Infiniti EX35 and MY 2009 Nissan Murano crossovers due to incorrect software programming of the airbag control unit (ACU).

The faulty software, could result in the passenger airbag not inflating in a crash. Nissan and Infiniti dealers will re-program the ACU in affected vehicles at no extra cost.

Related link:

Nissan Murano pricing announced (U.S)

New Car: 2008 Dacia Sandero

Some brands like to look back on their heritages and try to recover some of the glamour of old times by readopting their first badges. Fiat has been a recent example. Anyway, this is not something that works for all of them. Take Dacia for instance, now the Romanian automaker has to prove it is able to produce modern, affordable and reliable vehicles. And there is nothing better to print a new image than a new badge. The car chosen to showcase the new brand’s identity is the Sandero.


This medium-sized hatchback has been the first vehicle Renault has introduced in any place other than Europe. The chosen country for the “avant première” has been Brazil, where the car has received the Renault badge. Dacia is not a known automaker in the South American country and Renault itself was struggling to be recognised as a local automaker and make huge volumes there.

The European version of the hatch keeps most of its characteristics, apart from the engines, the brand’s badges (obviously) and the front fascia. As for the engines, Dacia Sandero will also offer three options, just like the Renault Sandero, but they will be very different. Fist of all, the entry level European Sandero will have a 1.4-engine delivering 75 cv, while the Brazilian version counts on a 1-litre 16V engine that pumps out 76 cv with petrol and 77 cv with ethanol (all Brazilian engines for Sandero are flexible). Both the European and the Brazilian Sandero count on a 1.6-litre engine, but the South American version is also more powerful: 92 cv (petrol)/95 cv (ethanol), against 90 cv from Dacia’s sibling. Anyway, there is something most Brazilians would eager to drive, but that is still not allowed in the country: a diesel version. The Dacia version will get two, both powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but with two different outputs: 70 cv and 85 cv. The flagship in Brazil is the Sandero Privilège 1.6 16V, with a 107 cv/112 cv (petrol/ethanol) 1.6-litre engine. Dimensions of both cars are also the same: 4.02 m in length, 2.59 m in wheelbase, 2 m in width (including mirrors) and, surprisingly, the same height: 1,53 m. Brazilian roads and streets demand European projects to be a little higher than they are in the Old World. The boot holds 320 l.

Sandero sales in Europe, Turkey and Maghreb will start in June 2008 and, in 2009, it will also be offered in South Africa. Though prices have not been released so far, they will be close to Logan’s. In Brazil, the entry level Sandero costs R$ 29,900, something like € 11,700 although, a £6,500 price tag is likely in the UK, it could steal sales away from the Clio Campus.

If sensibly priced, well equipped and has low emissions, I wouldn't mind purchasing this. After all, it is built for people who don't have lots of money to spend on a car.

Related links:

Dacia Sandero testing in Southern Italy

Renault Sandero video

Renault Sandero launches in Brazil

New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero

Michelin tyres to cut 20m tonnes of CO2

Overlook hybrids and stop-start systems, new designed tyres could save up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 in the next five years, claims the world’s largest tyre maker.

Michelin reckons it will sell 100 million of its new Energy Saver tyre by 2012. A set four tyres cuts a car’s CO2 output by 4g/km. The figure could be even higher if buyers of replacement tyres choose low-rolling resistance rubber.

Tyres account for up to 20 per cent of the energy consumption of a vehicle, through heat losses as the tyre deforms under load, commonly called rolling resistance.

The Energy Saver, which was developed with Peugeot for the new 308, uses a new material that combines low rolling resistance qualities with what Michelin claims are grip and wear qualities comparable to regular tyres.

The design is also lighter than the tyre it replaces, cutting mass and consequently reducing heat build up. Michelin claims that it will be able to cut rolling resistance of its tyres by 50 per cent by 2030.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé sold out!

Although the Phantom Coupé hasn't gone on sale yet, it received 200 orders and will be delivered to their respectful owners in spring 2009. RR Chairman and CEO, former BMW South Africa CEO Ian Robertson, says two out of three sales of the Phantom Coupe are by people who don’t currently own a Rolls-Royce.

“It means we’re beginning to appeal to a broader audience,” he said.

Rolls Royce has been on a serious comeback trail since the Phantom came into power. Last year they saw over 1,000 units shipped for the first time, signaling the proper return of the RR brand to the fore for the first time since the Germans took over. How unfortunate for the Mercedes Maybach....

Humming under the bonnet is the traditional 6.75-litre RR V12 that produces 453 hp/ 337kW and 720Nm of torque. Phantom Coupe is able to move from 0 – 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, topping off at 250km/h.

Vauxhall unveils new badge (UK)

This is Vauxhall's new badge. Due to be unveiled later this year, the sharp yet simple new logo will set a more upmarket feel for the company as it aims to pitch its forthcoming models against prestige rivals.

It now features a more subtle satin silver finish, although the trademark red background is retained. It’s much more dynamic and modern and updates a design that has been left largely untouched since 1903. The new badge will debut at July’s British Motor Show on the grille of the new Insignia, which replaces the current Vectra. The logo will then be rolled out across the rest of the firm’s range.

New badge on top and current badge below

Vauxhall goes dancing on ice

Ford unveiled their Focus facelift, we know Volkswagen is currently testing the Golf facelift but what is Vauxhall/Opel doing? Well, last weekend, spy photographers saw enginners undergoing cold-weather testing the new Astra in Northern Finland but the Astra is set to debut at the 2009 Geneva motorshow.

Despite the car’s disguise, the side profile, front fascia, rear bumper and tail lights overall shapes are visible. There is no insight into the 3-door model yet but it seems to be clear the five-door version will again get the current model’s sloping roof line plus the trapezoidal-shaped c-pillar.

Overall, the new car looks somewhat sleeker and yet more elegant. Besides the 5-door model pictured, Vauxhall/Opel will have a wagon, convertible and the 3-door in the pipeline, all following the 5-doors introduction, one by one.

The engine range will be similar to that used in today’s cars (75- to 240-bhp petrol units; 90- to 150-bhp diesels). Expect greener engines to arrive shortly after the car’s introduction.

Toyota Urban Cruiser at the '08 Geneva motorshow

Toyota will launch its long-awaited UC (Urban Cruiser) in early 2009. The UK is expected to be one of the first markets to recieve the SUV.

Sliding rear seats, keyless entry and start, front & rear electric windows, leather steering wheel and steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather gearstick are all expected to be standard equipment. Options will vary from door sills to a satillite navigation system to metallic or mica paint to leather seats.

Press Release:

Toyota has given its new Urban Cruiser small SUV its European debut at the Geneva motor show, the latest addition to its distinguished 4x4 vehicle heritage. The new model is aimed firmly at the urban all-road market, where European sales have almost doubled since 2002. Scheduled to go on sale in the UK during the first half of 2009, it responds to customer demand for stylish SUVs with lower fuel bills and CO2 emissions: Urban Cruiser is expected to come in below the 140g/km emissions benchmark. Urban Cruiser draws on Toyota’s rich history of SUVs, which began in 1951 with the launch of the legendary Land Cruiser and went on to feature the landmark RAV4 in 1994 – the model which created the European compact SUV market. The new Urban Cruiser is designed as an aspirational urban SUV that is very close in spirit to the discontinued three-door RAV4 with its compact dimensions, clever packaging, practicality and four-wheel drive transmission.

Muscular Styling:

Urban Cruiser has the rugged, muscular appearance expected of an SUV, but with five-door practicality and compact dimensions that make it suitable for driving around town. It measures 3,930mm long, 1,725mm wide and 1,540 tall, with spacious accommodation for five inside, plus ample luggage space. A high belt line, additional bumper protection, prominent lower door sills and pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a robust appearance. The headlamps flow back from the front grille, out towards the wings, further accentuating the car’s wide and tough road stance. Turn indicators are recessed into the door mirrors and the rear lamp units extend into the rear wings and tailgate. The show car is fitted with five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a special Ice Blue paint finish. Urban Cruiser will play a significant role in cutting the overall emissions of Toyota’s model range to an average 140g/km by 2009.

Motorshow: Geneva 2008

This is my first posting on a motorshow and it certainly won't be my last. I will certainly be at the upcoming British motorshow were the Vauxhall Insignia will have a world debut. The Geneva motorshow started today and will last for 4 more days. Without further a-due, I'm going to list some of the car firms that attended:

Mitsubishi uncloaked one of their most important cars to hit Europe; the Prototype S. Despite the car being 95% production ready, it will go on sale in the U.S in 2009. Mitsubishi UK is expecting anything upto 65% of the sales going towards this. The Lancer sedan is offered in a diesel variant but will a diesel be available in the hatchback?

Audi is there with 3 diesel cars including the R8 V12 TDI and the Q7 Coastline.

Toyota showed 2 new cars; IQ and Urban Cruiser. The 4WD Urban Cruiser pollutes 140g/km and will go on sale in the UK in 2009 alongside the Smart-rival IQ. Emissions on both cars are class-leading. Carbon dioxide emissions are claimed at 99g/km for the IQ so it should be excluding owners from paying any road tax. At 2985mm makes the IQ the worlds shortest 4 seater car. Toyota is predicting 100,000 sales by the end of 2009 for the IQ but no word on U.S sales. Expect 5 star EuroNCAP safety rating and a £10,000 price tag!

Bentley announced that their range of cars will pollute under 120g/km by using flex-fuel and petrol. Apparently, the flex-fuel should cut fuel consumption by 40%. Cars are expected to go on sale in 2012.

Volkswagen unveiled the new Scirocco coupé along with the Golf diesel-hybrid which can return upto 83mpg. The Golf Hybrid is likely to reach production within the next year or so.

Nissan announced at the Geneva show that the GT-R will go on sale in 2009 with a price tag of £52,900. Alongside the GT-R was the revised Murano crossover, which goes on sale in early 2009.

FIAT showed their ultra-clean 500 Aria which emits 98g/km. The engine has been tweaked. The show car has a diesel particulate filter, stop-start technology and FIAT's very own Dualogic manual transmission. Its believed the car will go on sale in the UK at the end of 2008.

The European GLK was shown. Thomas Weber, head of research and development for Mercedes-Benz called the new Mercedes-Benz GLK Bluetec Hybrid a “Sustainable Utility Vehicle”.

He was referring to this GLK's diesel electric drivetrain which combines a 2.2-litre diesel engine with what Mercedes described vaguely as a “hybrid module”. It delivers 38.8mpg according to Mercedes-Benz but more importantly, the hybrid module uses lithium ion batteries. Mercedes says a similar system will make its production debut in the S400 Blue Hybird next year. If that goes as planned, the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid would be the first production hybrid car to use lithium ion battery technology, but don't expect it to arrive in the UK anytime soon despite the HUGE demand for the £88,000 Lexus LS600h.

Ford revealed the European Fiesta today in both body variants; 3dr & 5dr. The car is based off the recently launched Mazda2 which exceeded 100,000 sales in 8 months. Power will come from a choice of 1.25 and 1.4-litre Duratec petrol engines alongside a new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT unit, while diesel fans will be offered 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi engines. Later in 2008, a new ECOnetic version, capable of producing less than 100g/km of CO2 will be announced.

The Meriva had a world debut today with suicide doors or as Vauxhall/Opel call them, Flex-doors. Unlike anything else in its class, it'll offer style and practicality. Sales start in early 2009.

Diesel powered Cayenne on the way...

Porsche is being put under enormous stress in order to produce lower CO2 emissions from their cars. The London congestion charge will affect sales of all Porsches in London.

A 3.2 litre V6 diesel twin-turbocharger producing over 300bhp will be used and Audi will be developing it but during this time, Porsche will be producing their second Cayenne due for the 2010 model year. Other more powerful engines (V8, V10, and V12) were also considered, but eventually called off due to their heaviness.