Frank Eickholt, member of the Nissan 24 Hours Nürburgring race team and Nordschleife aficionado, skillfully steered the 1.3 million euro prototype through “The Green Hell” - as the course is often referred to - on standard street tires. And although the 20.8 kilometer-long course was consistently wet - making it difficult to drive aggressively - Eickholt was thoroughly impressed with the X-Trail FCV which clocked in at 11:58 minutes.

I was very surprised at just how comfortable it is to drive a fuel cell car. You get in, turn the key and off you go, just like with a normal car, said Eickholt.

Although some of the uphill sections were challenging, the speed was still very impressive. If the course hadn’t been so wet, I could have gotten more momentum out of the curves. Thirty to 40 seconds could have been shaved off for sure, he added.

The five-seater X-Trail FCV is a zero-emission electric vehicle that runs in near silence. It is powered by electricity produced on board the vehicle, in a hydrogen fuel cell stack. Electricity is generated following an electro-chemical reaction between hydrogen - which is stored at 700 bar in a purpose-designed high-pressure tank - and oxygen. The only by-product is water vapour.
This electric current is channelled through an inverter to drive a powerful motor in the front of the car. The X-Trail FCV, which has been undergoing real-world trials in Japan and California since 2006, has an official top speed of 150 km/h and a range of 500 km. Maximum power is 90kW (120PS) while maximum torque is 280Nm.

It also features the latest in battery technology: a Nissan-designed compact lithium-ion battery with thin laminated cells. The Li-Ion battery is used to start the vehicle and to boost power under acceleration. Kinetic energy created under deceleration is captured and stored in the battery for future use.

Still in the early stages of development, Nissan is currently working to improve durability of the FCV componentry; to find a breakthrough in hydrogen storage systems; and to reduce the cost of the technology. The company hopes to see fuel cell vehicles in series production by 2015.

The X-Trail FCV is part of the Nissan Green Program 2010, Nissan’s midterm environmental strategy which is aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from the company’s products and activities around the world, as well as reducing other exhaust emissions and increasing recycling

Nissan X-Trail FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle)

The all-new Mazda6 inherits and further evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market with handling and comfort being optimized for North American road conditions. Two spirited engines will be available: the newly developed 2.5-liter direct injection I-4 that drives the European and Japanese versions of the all-new Mazda6 and –for extra performance– the 3.7-liter V6 that powers the Mazda CX-9, the 2008 North American Truck of the Year.
Speaking at the ceremony, AutoAlliance International’s president and CEO, Gary A. Roe said, “The North American all-new Mazda6 has a special significance for us because it was developed exclusively to meet the needs of the North American market and is being built right here at AAI. Our dedication to build quality cars will ensure the Mazda6 succeeds amid a very challenging sales environment.”

James J. O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations added, “The midsize sedan segment is crowded with many of the best vehicles from Asia, Europe, and the US. Even under these circumstances, we are confident the North American all-new Mazda6 will be highly competitive.”

Mazda’s president and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, remarked, “It is an honor to be here at AutoAlliance International to celebrate the North American all-new Mazda6 production kickoff. AutoAlliance International symbolizes the strong cooperative relationship that has benefited both Mazda and Ford for many years. Going forward, we will continue to provide our customers with the highest quality products in order to further strengthen Mazda’s presence in North America. This will bring us closer to achieving the targets of our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan.”

Also attending the ceremony was Garry L. Sommerville, chairman of the UAW Local 3000, and approximately 900 AutoAlliance International employees.

Mazda began vehicle production in North America at Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation in 1987. The MMUC plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, became a joint venture between the Mazda Motor Corporation and the Ford Motor Company in 1992, when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International, Inc. Previous Mazda models produced at the facility include the Mazda MX-6 and Mazda 626. The first generation Mazda6 commenced production at AAI in 2002.

All-New 2009 Mazda6

Honda’s low-emission sportscar study model has been revealed at the British International Motor Show, at ExCeL, London.

The lightweight roadster design study displays one of Honda’s core engineering principles – to design stylish and exciting cars that are also environmentally responsible.

Named the OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show.

“We’re trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive,” says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. “There is no reason why a car that’s more environmentally friendly can’t look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive.”
The concept for the project was ‘Clean and Dynamic’ – and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent ‘language’ between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats.

The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body.

Inside, this uninterrupted, fluid approach is continued, with long sweeping curves extending from both door panels to form a frame for the instrument display. The concept for the dashboard was to avoid creating the traditional block of ‘heavy’ colour and material in front of the driver; in keeping with the clean and lightweight theme. For that reason, the dash is broken into sections, with the most important instruments in direct line-of-sight of the driver.

Key information is displayed in a rounded, enclosed central binnacle, with levels and figures in bright blue on a black background. This matches the trim inside the car, with the seats and door furniture trimmed in a new, gloss-effect blue leather, accompanied by white leather sections, in line with the exterior body colour, a one-off paint called Mystic Pearl.

The driver’s main controls and functions are distributed in an intuitive layout, close at hand on a panel that curves downwards to the right of the driver. A centrally-mounted semi-sequential gear-shift points towards a fun-to-drive transmission, along with paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel. Integrated into the gearshifter itself is a red ignition ‘start’ button, which reinforces the sporty direction of the car.

The Honda OSM was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007).

At present, the Honda OSM is a design study model, and there are no plans for it to enter production.

Toyota Aurion is the least expensive Australian-built large car to run, according a recent survey conducted by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV).

The RACV survey makes a variety of calculations to determine the vehicle running costs of a range of models. These include the cost of finance, depreciation, scheduled services, registration, insurance, fuel and tyres.

The survey found that the Toyota Aurion AT-X equipped with six-speed automatic transmission costs an average of $226.20 per week to run - $13.24 less per week than its main rival.

This equates to a difference of $688.47 per annum.

Aurion AT-X’s list price is also $1635 less than its main rival.

The weekly running costs of Aurion were even lower than an LPG-equipped large car included in the survey.
Aurion was not just the least expensive of all five large cars in the survey to run. It was found to have had the least depreciation, interest charges and total registration costs of any car in the survey.

The figures arrived at provide a guide to the cost of owning and operating a vehicle over a five-year period at an average of 15,000km per year.

“Motorists are looking at running costs more closely than ever, so the RACV study underlines another dimension to Aurion AT-X ’s overall affordability as the least expensive vehicle to run in its class,” said Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner.

Aurion AT-X also leads its class by delivering more power and using less fuel* than any other normally aspirated Australian-made six-cylinder car.

The 3.5-litre Quad-Cam V6 develops 200kW of power at 6200rpm and 336Nm of torque at 4700rpm on regular unleaded petrol. It uses just 9.9 litres of regular unleaded fuel for every 100km, based on the ADR 81/01 combined test.

“When you couple the superior performance and fuel efficiency of Aurion AT-X with its low running costs, the vehicle represents an increasingly powerful proposition for large car buyers,” said Mr Buttner.

Aurion AT-X was named the best car in its class for each of the past two years by experts at Australia’s motoring clubs and Fairfax’s Drive.

Toyota Aurion Presara was recently named the leading large car in Wheels’ magazine 2008 Gold Stars Cars survey.

The 2008 Gold Stars Cars survey was based on purchase price, insurance, fuel, warranty, service, safety and drive.

Toyota Aurion has been in the list of top-selling 10 cars in 2008, confirming critical acclaim for its performance, fuel efficiency, superior equipment levels and value for money.

* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/01 combined cycle.

A Sporty Appearance Integrated With A Highly Dynamic Character. Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit influences every aspect of the MAZDA6’s visual appearance, driving personality, and core disposition. Kajiyama explains, “We sought an exterior design capable of stirring any observer’s emotions and distinguishing the MAZDA6 from the competition. We also strived to achieve a dynamic character that encourages a strong level of interaction with the driver.”

A Unique Experience. The MAZDA6 inspires pride of ownership. Notes Kajiyama, “By elevating the quality level with exquisite craftsmanship, each MAZDA6 will form a strong bond and a powerful emotional connection with its owner. This relationship is reinforced by driving pleasure keyed to adult tastes, comfort that the driver and every passenger can feel and appreciate, and numerous special features that make every trip, long or short, a highly memorable and pleasurable experience.”

An Insightful Package. The MAZDA6 goes beyond existing mid-size sedan solutions to provide innovative packaging inside a larger envelope, highly flexible seating and storage space, and an unusually attractive appearance. Kajiyama adds, “By building on our strengths and accomplishments, we’re able to make the MAZDA6 the most versatile, comfortable, and enjoyable automobile this company has ever produced. This is what we mean by the evolution of Zoom-Zoom.”

TARGET MARKET

Over two million US buyers purchase a new mid-size automobile each year. Second only to full-size pickup trucks, the mid-size car segment is greater than that of SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and luxury models by a wide margin. Nearly one out of five American buyers believe that an affordable, mid-size sedan best fits their wide-ranging needs and lifestyles. With fuel costs rising, the mid-size segment is expected to experience strong growth.

Naturally, with such a large volume of cars sold, the competition is intense. There are more than a dozen worthy import and domestic brands and models striving to win the hearts and minds – and wallets – of mid-size customers.

While the original MAZDA6 won many faithful and passionate customers, a larger role is intended for its successor. The new 2009 MAZDA6 is aimed at a broader audience with the intention of offering the Zoom-Zoom experience to customers unaware of what they’ve been missing. The strategy is to move this vehicle to a distinctly different location on the premium versus sporty positioning map.

The strength of the 2003-2008 model was that its sporty design and demeanor exceeded the character of key competitors—Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry. In other words, the original MAZDA6 was steeped in Zoom-Zoom spirit. This sets the stage for the new MAZDA6 to make its move into uncharted territory. This is the mid-size sport sedan that excels in both premium and sporty directions thanks to its exceptional quality, roomy comfort, high-performance powertrains, aggressive dynamic character, and distinctive appearance. Add to that evolved Zoom-Zoom. The MAZDA6 represents an evolution in how enjoyable a mid-size sedan can be.

THE NEW MAZDA6 CUSTOMERS

While the fresh, attractive design and advanced features of the MAZDA6 are sure to attract a broad audience, this vehicle was designed and engineered with a sharp focus on specific types of customers. The following five profiles don’t necessarily define the length and breadth of that constituent base but they do aid in understanding how the MAZDA6 differs from mainstream mid-size models:

Style-conscious individuals anxious to enjoy the Next New Thing. The new MAZDA6 is a trend-setter in several respects, not the least of which is its exterior design. This car is a striking standout at the leading edge of styling trends. The sleek and elegant curvature of the roof, for example, sets the MAZDA6 apart in the mid-size category.

Sophisticated consumers who treasure top-quality possessions. Mid-size car customers have high standards for creature comforts and attention to detail. Mazda is targeting those with highly cultivated tastes because they are less concerned about bargain-basement prices than they are interested in obtaining a carefully made, thoughtfully designed car capable of fulfilling their expectations.

Mature individuals with youthful tastes and attitudes. Age is no longer a trustworthy indicator of buying habits. The MAZDA6 will definitely appeal to customers belonging to all age groups with this common interest: owing a comfortable, attractive sport sedan that’s uniquely entertaining to drive.

Hard-core drivers. Mazda’s reputation for spreading its Zoom-Zoom sports-car spirit into every vehicle is well known. Driving enthusiasts who shop here are always well satisfied by Mazda’s dedication to responsive handling, sharp acceleration, and all-around nimble behavior.

The confident and uncompromising. The new MAZDA6 is distinctive in appearance and unique in fit, finish and dynamics. For many, the larger and more powerful MAZDA6 represents exactly the car they’ve waited patiently to own.

2009 Mazda6

Tokyo July 17 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport*1 SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions*2 such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.
*1 The model will carry a different name in different markets: Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
*2 The new Pajero Sport will neither be sold in Central & Western Europe nor in North America, where other types of SUVs are favored.

The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.
Mitsubishi’s latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit*3.

In terms of architecture, the body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.

Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, informs all of the company’s 4WD systems. The new model will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero*4 SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.

The choice of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil the new Pajero Sport is a clear indication of Russia’s eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors. In fiscal 2007 Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market, boosted by the ever successful Lancer line-up and a popular range of SUVs.

MMC is confident that the new Pajero Sport SUV will make a strong addition to its SUV range, which also includes the Pajero and Outlander. Coming on the heels of the introduction of the Lancer*5 sports sedan last year, this will allow MMC to expand SUV sales and hit a total sales volume of 140,000 units on the Russian market in fiscal 2008.
*3 Russian-spec vehicle will only be available with the 3.2-liter diesel engine and 2-row, 5-passenger capacity seating arrangement.
*4 “Montero” in Spanish-speaking countries and “Shogun’ in the UK.
*5 Galant Fortis in Japan.

MMC will hold its Press Briefing at the Mitsubishi Motors stand at 17:20 on Tuesday August 26.

Thanks to the generosity of the MLR members and Mitsubishi Motors UK, the event raised £7,459.27 for the Richard Burns Foundation.

The event was also supported by: SJS Design, Xtreme Sports Photography and RC Developments.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new Mazda-designed and developed MZR 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6). I-4 models equipped with the Sport AT are certified at the ultra-clean SULEV level, and PZEV in California-emission states. All V6 models meet ULEV standards for all 50 states.

As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.

Tokyo, July 16, 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year’s Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America. For Mitsubishi Motors, not only does the Dakar serve as a platform for the sales and marketing of the Pajero/Montero but it also provides a unique proving ground for powertrains and 4WD transmission systems. In light of the corporate decision to focus the firm’s cross-country rallying activities on the development of a new diesel engine, Mitsubishi Motors sees it as a natural step for the Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis), a commercially and globally important model powered by the diesel powerplant, to take over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution. The technological expertise accumulated thanks to the firm’s cross-country rally program - which includes the Dakar - will be applied to its diesel engine development, including the new-generation clean diesel that will power the future production cars. Meanwhile, as was previously the case, the 4WD systems technology will also be carried over to the production versions after their configuration has been optimized as a function of their end-use.
Under its new corporate communication tagline ‘Drive@earth’, Mitsubishi Motors has a commitment to providing the joy of mobility for customers worldwide while at the same time taking a responsible stance on the environment. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart will also play an important role as an integral part of the automobile research and development program.

The Racing Lancer is a Super Production Cross-Country Rally car, which has been developed in compliance with the FIA’s Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars). It also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010. Needless to say, the new rally car has profited from the technical expertise and experience gained with the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution which secured 12 outright Dakar wins during its uninterrupted 25-year participation on the celebrated African event, a sequence which began with the fifth edition of the rally in 1983. The MRX09 features a new, multi-tubular steel frame which has benefited from advanced CAE analysis with a view to optimizing the layout and dimensioning of the tubing. The car will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine which the company is currently developing on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. The carbon-fibre bodywork of the MRX09 is redolent of the Lancer Sportback, a new sporty hatchback due to be released on the European market this summer. The new car will be equipped with the same 4WD system, drive train, suspension and brakes following their modification in accordance with the new technical regulations and as a function of the characteristics of the diesel turbo powerplant.