What's New: August 2004
Sun, 01 Aug 2004
The F430 is the first of a new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari?s achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a new level, and offers a series of innovations derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters. Two of these are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel-mounted switch, which manages the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.
The F430 is powered by a light, compact 4300cc 90? V8 engine, which punches out 490 hp, providing a weight-to-power ratio of 2.8 kg/hp (dry weight); a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs for optimal efficiency under extreme use; a Formula 1-derived gearbox that cuts gear shifting times to 150 milliseconds allowing the driver to make the very most of this truly high performance car (0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds, a top speed in excess of 196 mph) and an aerodynamic design that embodies the latest competition technologies, specifically the flat underbody and large rear diffuser to increase downforce. The car will be officially presented during the Paris Motor show in September.Mazda 5 Space Wagon
Mazda will reveal its all-new Mazda5 mid-sized MPV at next month?s Paris Motor Show. Previewsed as the MX-Flexa concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mazda5 will deliver flexible interior design coupled with car-like driving enjoyment into the mid-sized MPV (C-MAV) segment.
'Designed from the inside out', the Mazda5 provides mid-sized MPV comfort and a unique '6 + One' packaging concept that provides flexible space, with seating for seven passengers or as a six-seater with additional storage capacity.Opel Astra GTC
Twelve months after the release of the 5-door Astra, Opel have released photos of the new 3-door version. Dubbed GTC, the new 3-door closely follows the styling of the GTC concept unveiled at Geneva in 2003 and keeps the distinctive panorama windscreen/sunroof extending to the B-pillars as an option. Compared to the five door, the more sporty profile is 32mm lower and includes deeper sculpting of the lower bodyside and rear bumper skirt, a revised front bumper and 'jewel look' taillamps.
Friedhelm Engler, Astra Chief Designer and Director, Design Integration, GM Europe, adds: ?We intensified the emotion of the three-door's looks compared to the other Astra models. It has a sleek design and represents the most dynamic expression of the new Astra range.?
The Astra GTC will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.Citroen New Look C5
Citro?n has released first details of the New Look C5, which will also be revealed at the Paris Motor Show. The facelifted C5 features new styling as well as revised technical, comfort and safety enhancements.
Incorporating the Company's new front end design, with its distinctive double chevron grille, the New Look C5 features a 'boomerang' shape for both front and rear lights, similar to the new C4. The interior of the car has also been updated, increasing the feeling of refinement.
The New Look C5 features a wide array of innovative equipment, including Citroen's new lane departure warning system, Xenon directional headlamps which turn as the car corners and laminated side glass, whilst front and rear parking sensors provide audible as well as visual warnings on a multifunctional screen.Kia Sportage
Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photographs of its all-new small SUV, which will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The previous generation Sportage quietly disappeared from the market two years ago but the new model will offer customers much of the technical sophistication and stylish looks of the popular Sorento, albeit in a smaller package. The Sportage will be available with a choice of 2-litre or 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines or a 2-litre diesel, and both two-wheel or four-wheel drive powertrains will be offered.
Mini XXL
It's got six of everything - 6 seats, 6 wheels, 6 door pillars and 6 metres long. Making its world debut in Athens during the Olympics, this stretched Mini was built by a specialist firm in Los Angeles and is based on a standard Cooper 'S' with a huge increase in wheelbase, a set of rear doors and a second rear axle. The car comes equipped with most of the features you'd expect in a stretch limo, including a retractable flat screen TV, DVD player and intercom telephone between the rear passengers and the driver. Plus?the detachable rear roof reveals a 2-person whirlpool behind the rear seats which, according to BMW Group, can easily be emptied by pulling the plug.
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