Holden Releases Captiva SUV 60th Anniversary Edition

General Motor’s Australian subsidiary Holden is continuing its 60th anniversary celebrations with the introduction of a special edition version Captiva SUV (rebadged version of the European Chevrolet Captiva). Based on the Captiva LX trim, the 60th Anniversary Special Edition gets a series of standard features.

These include 18-inch alloys, a 7-inch driver information display & in-dash DVD player, silver painted skid plate, fog lamp inserts, roof rails & door handles, new black bezel headlamps, new tail lamps, a new front fascia and special ‘60th anniversary’ rear badge. The Captiva 60th Anniversary Special Edition is on sale 1 May and is priced from $43,990 AUD for the petrol variant and $44,990 AUD for the diesel variant. –Image gallery after the jump






http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/holden-releases-captiva-suv-60th.html

Ford To Reopen Canadian Engine Plant in Windsor

According the official website of the Government of Ontario, Ford Motor Company will reopen its Essex engine plant in Windsor, thanks to a partnership between the Ontario government and the American automaker. Ontario is providing $17 million CAD to support Ford’s $170-million CAD investment for the new engine program in Windsor, thus paving the way for the return of about half of the 600 workers that where laid of last November.

“Thanks to Ford, workers can return to the jobs they take pride in. This is great news for Windsor families,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty. “Today marks a big win for Ford, for Ontario and, most importantly, for the hardworking people of Windsor,” said Economic Development and Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/ford-to-reopen-canadian-engine-plant-in.html

Kids Play: Pedal Trucks for Toddlers

Ferbedo, a German based toy manufacture has released a whole range of miniature replica trucks that are just right for toddlers between the ages of 3 and 6. Priced at 149 GBP or about 288 USD, Ferbedo’s pedal trucks are significantly cheaper to buy and run that the actual models – that was intended to be a smart-arse type comment… The pedal trucks come in various makes including a Mercedes-Benz Actros and a Volvo FH. –More images after the jump





Via: Le Blog Auto

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/kids-play-pedal-trucks-for-toddlers.html

Gigantic 65,000 Sq.Ft. BMW “M” Billboard in Russia with Full Size Cars

Located somewhere in the center of Moscow City in Russia, this humongous billboard that advertises BMW’s sporty “M” models, covers an area of approximately 65,000 square feet or about 6,000 square meters. The billboard is so big that BMW has actually placed life-size versions of its “M” car range on it! –More pics after the jump














Via: Englishrussia
http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/gigantic-65000-sqft-bmw-m-billboard-in.html

Mazda’s Domestic Production Surpasses 1 Million Units in Fiscal Year 2007

Today, Mazda announced that production in Japan during fiscal year 2007 has exceeded one million units, marking the Japanese carmaker’s highest domestic production volume in 15 years since 1992. Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics, said:

“We want to thank all of our valued customers across the globe who have supported Mazda and helped us break the previous 15 year-old production record. Producing over one million vehicles in Japan during the first year of our new mid-term plan, the Mazda Advancement Plan, is extremely significant. This achievement shows we are on track to reach the targets set out in the plan. We will strive to maintain this momentum and drive Mazda’s growth forward.”

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/mazdas-domestic-production-surpasses-1.html

New Audi TT with 160Hp 1.8 TFSI Engine

Along with the TTS (2.0-liter, 272 Hp) and the TT 2.0 TDi (2.0-liter turbo diesel, 170Hp) that were presented earlier this year, yet another newcomer has been added to Audi’s sports car family: the TT 1.8 TFSI that is equipped with the VW Group’s 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that has an output of 160 hp and reaches 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

Available in both coupe and roadster forms, the TT Coupe 1.8 TFSi sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds while according to Audi, it features an average fuel consumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg). The new basic version of the TT family will make its official debut at the Leipzig Auto Show in Germany in April, with sales in Europe following shortly after.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-audi-tt-with-160hp-18-tfsi-engine.html

Mitsubishi Fits Outlander with EVO X’s Twin-Clutch SST Transmission

Mitsubishi has revealed that the Outlander SUV will be offered in Europe with the Lancer Evolution X’s Twin Clutch SST. The new 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox offers faster gear shifts along with lower fuel consumption and emissions versus manual transmissions.

Further specification details are still to be announced, but the European Outlander Twin-Clutch SST models will come complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (Normal/Sport) and Hill Start Assist functions. The Outlander Twin Clutch SST will first be displayed at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, before a retail launch during the first quarter of 2009. No word yet on when Mitsubishi will start offering the US Spec Outlander with the dual-clutch transmission.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/mitsubishi-fits-outlander-with-evo-xs.html

Face-Off: The Mazda GT-R R35, the Pontiac 135i Coupe and More

Last night as we were watching the movie Face Off with John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, we had an epiphany; what if we could do the same thing with cars? Sort of like how Conan O’Brian merges photographs of stars to see what their children would look like. But for our purposes, let’s say that someone took a BMW 135i Coupe and swapped its face with a Pontiac G8; how would this Bavarian-American tranny look like –probably more attractive than a cross between Martha Stewart and Michael Jackson, but that’s totally irrelevant. See what we came up by following the jump. -Continued

BMW 135i Coupe - Pontiac G8



Lotus Elise - Lamborghini Murcielago



Acura TSX - BMW 3-Series Sedan



Toyota Auris - Dodge Nitro



Dodge Avenger - Cadillac CTS



Mazda6 - Audi A6



Mercedes-Benz SL - Holden Coupe 60 Concept


Nissan GT-R R35 - Mazda6



Pontiac G8 - Cadillac CTS


Honda Accord Coupe - Dodge Avenger

Pictures: Carscoop

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/face-off-mazda-gt-r-r35-pontiac-135i.html

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 165Hp by Loder1899

Bavarian tuner Loder1899 has developed a new sport package for the recently facelifted European Ford Focus. The bodykit, which is available on all three and five-door variants expect for the ST, consists of a front spoiler, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and side skirts combined with 5-spoke alloy wheels (17 to 20-inch) and a 35mm lowering kit. In addition, the Bavarian tuner offers an engine upgrade kit for the 2.0 diesel version that gains an extra 30 Hp thanks to the new ECU and sport exhaust system. –More pics after the jump


http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/ford-focus-20-tdci-165hp-by-loder1899.html

Nissan to Unveil Production Version of Intima Sports Sedan in Beijing

Remember the Nissan Intima Sports Sedan concept that premiered at the 2007 Tokyo Show last October? Well, in addition to Nissan China’s official press release that states that the Japanese carmaker will perform the global debut of a flagship model at the Beijing Auto Show in mid-April, our friends at Autoblog China discovered a set of images featuring what looks to be the production version of the 2007 Intima Concept. Compared to the prototype, the production model has ditched the suicide doors for a set of conventional doors while the overall styling seems to be toned down. –Continued after the jump







Nissan China Press Release - Translated

Attack all models, models mysterious appearance
Nissan moving gorgeous lineup Xuan 2008 Beijing International Auto Show
Of the 10th Beijing International Auto Show will be on April 20, 2008 in Beijing China International Exhibition Center, the new museum started, competing in the world's super car arena, Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng partnership Nissan cars will be sent to its elite team to appearance of this magnificent show.

Star models gather in the Concept car appearance

It is learnt that the museum is located on the 2nd in the Nissan, booth area will reach 1,967 square meters. Apart from the Rhythm of time, the Cup Noodle, Xuan Yi, Yi Jun, Li Wei, Xiao passengers, Paladin, 350 Z, we are familiar with the classic hot-selling models will be full model appearance, will have a world premiere of the Nissan China's flagship model in the mysterious appearance show scene, its appearance, will become the focal point of attention. At the same time, the concept of famous models PIVO 2 will be the first time to meet with the Chinese audience.

Nissan brought PIVO famous concept car, I believe that the people also can be seen rotating lovely memories of this year's favorite PIVO PIVO people can glimpse the elegant demeanor of the two. The exhibition PIVO 2, added more humane function, along with advanced technology, people and cars and created a live way.

It is learnt that Nissan will bring to you as a professional business to design a new generation of intelligent commercial NV200, and the car will be a Nissan in science, technology, design and functional aspects of the embodiment of perfect integration.
Undoubtedly, the star of Nissan vehicles gathered booth will be the most shining Beijing auto show booth.

Technology, environmental protection, design interpretation of "human cars • • Nature"
Advanced and practical technology, the design group Zhuo without the vision and concept of environmental protection is Nissan has been proud of the advantages. At the current Beijing Auto Show, Nissan will also demonstrate to everyone the most sophisticated scientific and technological achievements as well as in the design and production of environmental protection in the area of achievement.

Nissan brought the world premiere models, classic cars and so on the whole concept of team appearance gorgeous 2008 Beijing International Auto Show, filling the technology, production, design, production, environmental protection Nissan charm, and perfect interpretation of the Nissan "car people natural and harmonious coexistence "brand concept.



Via: Autoblog China
http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2008/03/nissan-to-unveil-production-version-of.html