Blog on 2040Parts

Skoda Joyster concept (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 29 September 2006 03:18 Skoda Joyster: the lowdown This is the Joyster, the hideously-named, beautifully-designed precursor to a Citroen C2 rival from Skoda. The Czechs are exploring a cheap city car aimed at young customers, which would sit in the range beneath the five-door Fabia. Skoda is hoping to lead development of this car, which could be paired with Volkswagen's Fox replacement and perhaps a new Seat.

Daihatsu's funky Cube rival on the way

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 29 September 2006 08:01 Daihatsu is on the verge of giving its boxy Materia supermini – which made its European debut in Paris - the green light for UK imports. If given the green light the spacious five-seater, which is already on sale in Japan, would arrive here next spring as a stand-alone topend model. The Materia is very similar to Nissan's does-it-exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin Cube, which has been super popular with Japanese kids.

Super-Mercs storm in

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 29 September 2006 08:18 Mercedes pulled the wraps off not one but two muscle-bound AMG monsters at the Paris show – the CL63 and S63. Powered by AMG’s formidable 6.3-litre V8 that pumps out 525bhp at a screaming 6800rpm and 465lb ft of twist action at 5200rpm, the uber Mercs will both hit 60mph in 4.6seconds and are electronically reined in at 155mph. Given their flagship position in the Mercedes thoroughbred stable, both cars are naturally fitted with every single acronym in Mercedes’ safety, braking, luxury and performance lexicon.

Toyota Auris concept (2006): first official pictures

By Ben Whitworth First Official Pictures 29 September 2006 08:24 Toyota Auris: the lowdown Toyota has killed off the Corolla name in Europe and replaced it with the all new Auris, in a move reminiscent of Ford's Escort to Focus switch. Although the Auris is billed as a concept, it's production ready bar a few minor details. What you see here is what you'll get when the three- and five-door hatches arrive in uk showrooms early next year.

Renault Koleos

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 28 September 2006 01:37 The lowdown Renault boss Carlos Ghosn today unveiled the latest fruits of the Renault/Nissan alliance at the Paris Motor Show: the Renault Koleos concept, the French firm’s first steps into soft-roader territory. Despite being a concept, the Koleos closely mirrors the production car. The Koleos is an incredibly important vehicle for Renault, taking it into the crossover 4x4 market, and being a key player in La Regie’s bid to release 26 cars by 2009 – ‘to rejuvenate, extend and revitalize our product range,’ according to Ghosn.

Audi R8

By Ben Oliver Motor Shows 28 September 2006 01:46 The lowdown Audi has unveiled its first mid-engined sports car, the R8. The 420bhp, 4.2-litre V8-powered 911 rival will hit 188mph (or 301kph) and gets to 62mph in 4.6secs. The Lamborghini Gallardo-based supercar will cost an estimated £75,000 when it arrives in the UK in May, with the Audi R Tronic sequential manual costing an extra £5000.

Kia Proceed

By Phil McNamara Motor Shows 28 September 2006 03:54 Kia Proceed: the lowdown Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia.

Kia Proceed (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 28 September 2006 03:54 Kia Proceed: the lowdown Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia.

Ford Iosis X concept car (2006): first official pictures

By Ben Barry First Official Pictures 28 September 2006 03:58 Iosis X: the lowdown Meet one of the Paris Motor Show’s most flamboyant stars: the Ford Iosis X. It’s billed as a crossover concept vehicle which builds on the genes laid down by last year’s Frankfurt star, the Iosis. The Iosis ultimately morphed into the new Mondeo, as featured in the November issue of CAR magazine (out 2 October).

Vauxhall Corsa SRi

By Phil McNamara Motor Shows 28 September 2006 06:16 Vauxhall Corsa SRi: the lowdown Here's a sneak preview of a junior Corsa VXR – disguised as a panel van. Vauxhall/Opel will unveil the Corsavan concept at the Paris motor show tomorrow (Thursday 28), but there's more to it than meets the eye. The show car previews the forthcoming Corsa SRi, which will go head-to-head with the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen's Polo GTi from spring 2007.

Aston gets ultra-quick paddleshift

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 28 September 2006 06:35 Aston Martin today unveils a new, Ferrari-style paddleshift transmission for the V8 Vantage. Dubbed Sportshift, the automated manual promises gearchanges in less than 200millisec, faster than you can swap cogs with the six-speed manual. Developed over the past 18 months with Magneti Marelli, the electro hydraulic six-speed box has numerous modes.

Chevrolet WTCC Ultra (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 28 September 2006 09:48 Chevrolet Ultra: the lowdown Hidden beneath the WTCC Ultra's wild touring car looks is Chevrolet's 2008 Ford Focus rival. GM's headline concept car at today’s Paris motor show (Thursday 28), the Ultra previews Chevrolet's future design direction, as well as the Lacetti replacement. Although the muscular bodykit, ultra-wide track, funky graphics and slitty rear window will all be toned down for production, 'you won’t miss the connection when the production car arrives,' a GM insider told CAR Online.

Chevrolet WTCC Ultra

By Phil McNamara Motor Shows 28 September 2006 09:48 Chevrolet Ultra: the lowdown Hidden beneath the WTCC Ultra's wild touring car looks is Chevrolet's 2008 Ford Focus rival. GM's headline concept car at today’s Paris motor show (Thursday 28), the Ultra previews Chevrolet's future design direction, as well as the Lacetti replacement. Although the muscular bodykit, ultra-wide track, funky graphics and slitty rear window will all be toned down for production, 'you won’t miss the connection when the production car arrives,' a GM insider told CAR Online.

Renault Twingo

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 28 September 2006 12:53 Renault Twingo: the lowdown This is Renault’s all-new Twingo city car, due in the UK in September 2007. We never got the Mk1, but Renault has this time engineered the Twingo for right-hand drive. And that’s a good job too, with a Renaultsport version – packing as much as 150bhp – in the pipeline.

Starting Out: How to become a car designer

It's a common predicament. You're 16 years old and desperate to become a car designer but have little idea about how to achieve that burning ambition. Well, discovering Car Design News is a good start, but if you're serious about training as a designer to work in a major car studio then you need to do a course in Transportation Design, a branch of Industrial Design (sometimes known as Product Design).

College Exhibition: Pforzheim University Summer Degree Show 2006

Transportation Design students at Germany's Pforzheim University displayed their work in the school's summer degree show held in July, one of two graduation shows per year. The show was held in conjunction with the International Transportation Design Forum 2006, alongside work from six other international design schools. The exhibition included work from graduating Diploma and Masters students, exterior and interior projects by the 5th and 7th semester students, as well as work from students in the earlier stages of the Diploma and Masters courses.

Ford Mondeo teaser concept

By Chris Chilton First Official Pictures 22 September 2006 08:02 The lowdown This is another one of those ‘concept’ cars that isn’t a concept car at all. According to Ford the Paris motor show star gives a glimpse of what we might expect from the next Mondeo, but they’re not fooling anyone: the sheetmetal is pure production new Mondeo. Premium: that’s the look and feel Ford wanted.

College Exhibition: CCS - American Iron and Steel Institute project 2006

Students from Detroit's College for Creative Studies and University of Michigan have unveiled the results of the 18th annual American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) summer automotive design internship. Three engineering students joined three transportation design students to produce concept vehicles that targeted either Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Millennial generation. The concept vehicles embody leading-edge steel technology utilizing a flexible platform.

New Freelander prices revealed

By Nathan Millward Motor Industry 20 September 2006 01:55 Land Rover's new Freelander is more powerful, refined, spacious – and pricier. The range will kick off at £20,935, and first deliveries are due in November. The new Freelander range is five-door only, and Land Rover is launching with the most potent engine versions: a 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel and a 229bhp 3.2-litre straight six petrol.

New Touareg shows its face

By Nathan Millward Motor Industry 20 September 2006 02:29 Here are the first official photos of Volkswagen's facelifted Touareg, already uncovered during hot weather testing by CAR Online. A chrome effect grille surround and Eos-inspired headlights bring the luxury 4x4 in line with VW's latest models, while at the rear, revised lights, bumper and exhaust pipes spruce up the Touareg. New safety gadgets are introduced.

Dodge Avenger (2006): first official pictures

By Dimitri Pesin First Official Pictures 20 September 2006 12:01 The lowdown Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.

Skoda reveals baby hot hatch

By Phil McNamara/Georg Kacher Motor Industry 19 September 2006 10:16 Skoda is making a bid to lead devlopment on the Volkswagen group's new small car, by unveiling this dynamic three-door design study, the Joyster. The sub-Fabia sized hatchback would take on cars like the Citroen C2 and 2008 Ford Ka replacement. Skoda says the Joyster has decent interior space, and an airy feel thanks to a full-length sunroof.

Subaru Legacy/Outback (2006): first official pictures

By Nathan Millward First Official Pictures 19 September 2006 11:00 The lowdown Subaru is making over its Legacy saloon and Outback wagon for the 2007 model year. A subtle facelift, upgraded cabin, retuned suspension and three-mode 3.0-litre flat six – with sport, economy and normal options – are the big changes. The 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre range will cost from £17,995, with the cars coming on stream in the next few weeks.

Paris Motor Show 2006 - Preview

The 2006 Paris Mondial de L'Automobile opens its doors with the media preview days starting September 28th and features a wealth of new concept and production cars. With around 1.4 million visitors expected, it remains the most popular automobile show in Europe and this year's major production releases will include the Nissan Qashqai, Volvo C30, new Mini, Mercedes CL and BMW X5. There's also a strong showing of concepts, especially from the French makers Peugeot, Citroen and Renault.

Audi reveals monster V12 diesel

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 18 September 2006 08:15 Audi has revealed details of a flagship diesel Q7, which runs a V12 TDI inspired by the company's Le Mans-winning diesel racer. Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm.

Noble saved by cash injection

By Ben Oliver Motor Industry 18 September 2006 09:30 British supercar maker Noble Cars has fought back from the brink, thanks to a cash injection from a new mystery backer. In an exclusive interview with CAR Online, boss Lee Noble vowed that the M15 – Noble's Ferrari fighter – would go on sale in early 2007. 'I have successfully teamed up with a dedicated owner who shares my commitment, passion and vision for the future of Noble cars,' said Noble.

Who's Where: Ken Okuyama parts company with Pininfarina

Pininfarina, the Turin, Italy-based automotive styling house, has announced that its design director, Ken Okuyama, has left the company. In a tersely-worded statement Pininfarina said, "The Company's decision comes as a result of the various external activities Ken Okuyama was carrying out beyond his responsibilities within Pininfarina." Ken Okuyama had been Design Director at Pininfarina since July 2005. During this time, Okuyama's most high-profile work was the Maserati Birdcage prototype, created to celebrate 75th anniversary of the Italian styling house.

Suzuki puts the boot into SX4

By Dimitri Pesin Motor Industry 15 September 2006 10:03 Suzuki is launching a saloon version of the SX4 in North America and Japan. The SX4 Sedan is finalising its hot weather testing programme, ahead of the car's US launch in October 2006. Running a 2.0-litre engine, the SX4 sedan will compete with cars like the Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Focus.

Honda Civic Type-R (2006): first official pictures

By Dimitri Pesin First Official Pictures 14 September 2006 07:12 The lowdown Honda's ultimate Civic – the Type-R – is unveiled today (Thursday 14). Set to go on UK sale in March 2007 for around £18,000, this Type-R attempts to mate the outgoing hot hatch's high-revving, wild child drivetrain with a more mellow driving experience – when the mood takes you. Indeed, Honda is billing the new car as a 'refined superhatch', a concept Ford and VW have nailed successfully with the Focus ST and Golf GTi.

Volkswagen Touran (2006): first official pictures

By Dimitri Pesin First Official Pictures 13 September 2006 00:01 The lowdown Volkswagen has given its Touran MPV a welcome facelift, and a sprinkling of new features. The headline news is the introduction of Twincharge engines which employ both a turbo and a supercharger, as well as a park assist function that enables the seven-seater to slip itself into a space within 15 seconds. The revised model hits UK showrooms in early 2007.