What's New: May 2004

Porsche 911

Porsche has announced its new 997, the latest evolution of the iconic 911 sports coupe, now in its 41st year. While this may seem a minor facelift at first glance, there are changes to every exterior panel except the roof. There's a wider track and more emphasis on the wheelarch forms. Other features of the evolutionary design are the return of circular headlamps replacing the 'fried-egg' theme, separate turn indicators in the more prominent bumpers, new rear lamp design that integrates with the bumper cutlines, revised side-window graphic, dual-arm exterior mirrors and a more aerodynamic rear spoiler. The enlarged wheelarches house 19in wheels on the S model, while the Carrera has 18in wheels.

The interior is all-new, with influences from the 993 in the upper dashboard, which has an optional leather covering. The Cayenne-like center console features a large monitor. An optional Sport Chrono for lap timing sits prominently on top of the dashboard.

Two new 911 models will be launched: the 911 Carrera with a 239 kW (325 bhp), 3.6 litre six cylinder 'boxer' engine, and the 911 Carrera S, powered by a newly-developed 3.8 litre engine, which delivers 261 kW (355 bhp). Both 911 models have a new six-speed manual gearbox and revised chassis dynamics, with 'Porsche Active Suspension Management'.

The new 911 will be launched across continental Europe in July, and make its world motor show debut at the Paris Salon in September.

Renault Modus

Previewed at the Geneva Motor Show, Renault has announced the Modus as a production model, to be launched in the supermini segment in autumn 2004 as a higher-range alternative to the Clio. The Modus aims to combine best-in-class living space with exceptional exterior compactness. As Clio majors on being a sporty design, Renault did not want to compromise the next new Clio in 2006 by making it taller, hence Clio and the five-door only Modus will sit side-by-side complementing each other and both targeting supermini buyers. The Kangoo continues to offer a low cost MPV alternative, whilst Modus will offer the cheeky style of Twingo only on a larger scale.

"Inside the cabin, Modus confirms the spaciousness suggested by its external design. The cab-forward position of the windscreen and the large sunroof enhance the feeling of space and light. Its glazed area is comparable with its sister model from a higher segment." says Patrick le Quement, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.

The driving position combines the advantages of a hatch with those of an MPV, and centrally positioned controls can be viewed by all its occupants. The electric sunroof is inspired by Megane II with two flush-fitting glass panels. Modus features a sliding two- or three-way split-folding rear bench, unique 'boot chute' rear tailgate and a specially designed bike rack.

Petrol engines include three 16-valve units: 75hp1.2, 98hp 1.4, and 113hp 1.6. At launch the diesel engine range will include the 65hp and 80hp1.5 dCi. The first Renault to be produced from the Alliance platform B, jointly developed by Renault-Nissan, the Modus will be produced at Renault's Spanish plant at Valladolid.

Opel Astra Estate

A few months after the launch of the five-door model, the new Astra station wagon will have its premiere at the Madrid Motor Show this week. In keeping with the more dynamic character of the new Astra range, the side windows taper strongly towards the rear, and compact three-dimensional taillights joined by a chrome strip give a more upmarket feel than its predecessor.

With a 2700mm wheelbase, around 90mm longer than the five-door and station wagon predecessor models, the Astra station wagon offers a load volume of 530 liters, and up to 1570 liters with seats folded. Overall dimensions are: length 4510mm, width 1750mm, height 1500mm.

An optional sliding rear bench can be adjusted to increase legroom, with an adjustment range of 105mm. With an optional foldable front passenger seat, maximum load length extends to 2750mm. The load area features Opel's FlexOrganizer system, straight side walls with side storage, and a storage area beneath the floor.

Thunderbirds FAB 1

'A new interpretation of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward's FAB1 limousine'. The original FAB1 was a Roll-Royce, but this time around Ford assisted in the development of a stunning pink, 27-foot, six-wheel/bubble canopy vehicle, which can transform between car, jet plane and hydrofoil.

Ford Design Europe led the design of the FAB1 vehicle and also delivered a number of 'virtual' concept vehicles for the movie. "For our design team, it was essential that the new FAB 1 captured the essence of the original - its size, power and sheer presence," explained Chris Bird, Director of Design for Ford of Europe. "The people that have worked on this car were already fans, so we hope the end result will please Thunderbirds purists as well as the new generations of movie goers who will see it in action on-screen."

As with all International Rescue machines, technical details and the impressive list of equipment fitted to FAB 1 must remain secret. A hint of what is to come can be seen in the movie trailer at: www.thunderbirdsmovie.com

Calty opens Ann Arbor Design Studio

Calty Design Research have opened their new satellite design studio located adjacent to the headquarters of Toyota Technical Center, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With headquarters in Newport Beach, California, Calty develops Toyota vehicle concepts for the North American market. The new Calty satellite design facility has a large studio with full-size clay modeling capability, advanced computer design equipment and a viewing courtyard for evaluating styling concepts.

"The addition of our new Ann Arbor design studio will enable Calty to provide complete North American production design from initial styling concept to final design production," said Kevin Hunter, Calty Vice President of Operations. "The result will be a highly unified national design effort that will help us create Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles that appeal even more to American tastes and needs."

Calty's designers will work jointly with design engineers from TTC, as well as production engineers from Toyota's North American manufacturing operations, and suppliers. Calty's first project at the Ann Arbor satellite design studio will be Toyota's next-generation Tundra pick-up truck.

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