Automotive
smart roadster hits Australia
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The smart roadster two-seater convertible will launch in Australia next month promising purists the chance to sample an "intensive open-air motoring experience". The diminutive roadster has an engine output of 60 kW, weighs only 790 kilograms and can accelerate from 0 - 100 kmh in 10.9 seconds. Read More
Porsche convertible wins automotive beauty award
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The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S convertible has been voted the "world's most beautiful open sports car" by an international jury in Italy. The 235 kW (320 hp), all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4S convertible took the award in the "Convertible, roadster and convertible coupe" category. Read More
Citro'n C-Airlounge Concept takes European Award
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The Citro'n C-Airlounge has been named 'Concept Car of the Year' by European motoring and motor industry magazine Autocar. The aerodynamically advanced C-Airlounge features a unique interior lighting system that utilises fibre optics and projectors concealed in the armrest-covers and carpet to enable a choice of "interior graphics". Read More
Monstrous V10 powered pick-up
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When the V-10 Viper powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 was announced in 2002 it was billed as the "boldest, baddest and fastest pick-up in the world" and that's still very much the case for the just released 2004 model. Read More
Automotive accolades for Bentley, Mazda And Fiat
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Examples of automotive excellence from Bentley, Fiat and Mazda have earned the respective manufacturers accolades in separate awards around the globe... Read More
HUMMER H2 sports utility to enter production in 2004
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Wednesday November 12, 2003: Set to enter production in late 2004, the new HUMMER H2 SUT (sport utility truck) can carry four passengers with the bulkhead at the rear of the passenger compartment upright, or transform into a 4-foot by 6-foot pickup tray at the push of a button. Read More
In-car audio system offers digital streaming
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Sunday November 9, 2003: CD stackers and removable HDD car audio systems are already looking old fashioned beside the Omnifi mobile audio wireless digital transfer system - a 20GB hard-drive that not only stores approximately 275 hours of digital audio content, but can wirelessly stream music, audio news and information updates from PC or Internet directly to your car. Read More
Toyota Personal Mobility (PM) Concept
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Tuesday November 4, 2003: Toyota revealed its radical vision for the future of single-person transport at the Tokyo Motor Show. Drive-by-wire navigation, interactive communications via a holographic display and the ability to change shape according to speed or autonomously follow other vehicles are among the innovations showcased in the PM concept.(short for Personal Mobility and visual communications system). The PM is part of an emerging class of vehicle that takes single-person transport - dominated by the motorcycle throughout the 20th century - in a radically new direction. The other notable vehicle in this category is the Hermes concept featured in Gizmo 4, which shares the PM's ability to shift posture during transit to best suit the function. Read More
Chevrolet SSR convertible utility Concept
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Monday November 3, 2003: A mix of custom roadster, open-air sports car and hot-rod pickup, the unique Chevrolet SSR is entering limited production with 25 "Signature Series" vehicles. Read More
World record falls in Solar Challenge
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Friday October 24, 2003: The Dutch Nuon Solar Team has broken its World Solar Challenge record by driving a solar powered car from Darwin to Adelaide at an average speed of 97 kmh. Read More
Limited Edition BMW 645Ci sells out in less than 7 minutes
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Friday October 24, 2003: The 2004 BMW 645Ci featured in this year's Neiman Marcus Christmas Book went on sale recently via a phone hotline - six minutes and 57 seconds later, all 50 of the limited-edition models were sold. Read More
Lexus introduces Bluetooth technology
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Sunday October 26, 2003: Luxury car-maker Lexus has introduced Bluetooth technology on the latest Lexus LS430 flagship sedan and the marque's luxury four wheel drive LX470. The system shown at the 2003 Sydney Motor Show enables drivers to make and receive calls via a button on the steering wheel or through the dashboard-mounted satellite navigation screen... Read More
Revamped Orochi prototype heads for Tokyo
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Thursday October 23, 2003: A revamped version of the prototype shown in 2001, the new Orochi V-6 sports car from Mitsuoka will appear at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show when it begins on Friday. Read More
Daihatsu UFE-II concept achieves 60km per litre economy
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Wednesday October 22, 2003: Part of Daihatsu's line-up of ten prototype cars at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show, the UFE-II (Ultra Fuel Economy) is a drive-by-wire, four-seat hybrid minivehicle that achieves a formidable 60 km/l by utilising a 660cc direct fuel injection petrol engine engine and a twin-electric motor system. Read More
Mazda to debut Sports Concept, Hydrogen Rotary Engine
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Tuesday October 21, 2003: Mazda will debut two new concepts at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show including the two-seat Ibuki concept - an open-top, lightweight sports car that hints at a possible design direction of a future Mazda Roadster - and a hydrogen version of the RENESIS rotary engine. Read More
Hyundai NEOS-II Crossover Concept
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Monday October 20, 2003: Another eye-catching preview of what's on offer at this week's 2003 Tokyo Motor Show is this NEOS-II Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) from Hyundai. The futuristic compact utility vehicle is fitted an Adaptive Forward Lighting System and an innovative multi-link rear sliding door for easier entry and egress... Read More
The future face of Jeep revealed
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Saturday October 18, 2003: The Treo concept is a radical design approach from Jeep that utilises an all-new platform combining drive-by-wire technology, a zero-emission fuel cell and twin electric motors. Read More
New style, more power for classic Alfa Sports
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Sunday October 19, 2003: The new Alfa Romeo Spider and GTV have arrived in Australia with more power from two new engines, including the 3.2 litre powerhouse from the 147 and 156 GTA - making the new Alfa GTV, at 255 kmh, the fastest-ever road-going Alfa - and more style from Italian styling house Pininfarina, along with additional equipment and features. Read More
Mercedes F500 concept explores night-vision
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Friday October 17, 2003: Mercedes-Benz will present its new F 500 research vehicle at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show showcasing more than a dozen ideas for enhancing safety, drive technology and comfort. A the night vision system with infrared laser headlamps, two-way doors, a programmable multivision display... Read More
Honda's next-generation Fuel Cell
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Thursday October 16, 2003: Honda's latest example of rapidly advancing fuel cell technology employs a newly developed stack structure to deliver high performance, increased range and power generation at temperatures ranging from -20'C to +95'C. Read More
Versatile in-car communications suite
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Wednesday October 15, 2003: The in-car Multimedia Centre MC 5400 from VDO Dayton unites navigation, mobile-office, Internet and entertainment functionality in one module that gives road-warriors the option of listening to MP3 tracks as well as downloading e-mails or sending faxes. Read More
Home Energy Station to expand fuel cell applications
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Tuesday October 7, 2003: Honda has established an experimental Home Energy Station (HES) that generates hydrogen from natural gas for use in fuel cell vehicles and can also supply electricity and hot water to the home. Read More
Citro'n C3 voted 2003 World Car
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Tuesday October 7, 2003: The Citro'n C3 has been voted 2003 World Car - a prize awarded to the vehicle judged as the best design for use around the world by a jury of prominent motoring journalists based on environmental, technological and safety criteria. Read More
Limited edition Morgan Aero 8 GT Coupe
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Friday September 26, 2003: Morgan Motor Company has announced plans for a special limited edition GT Coup' version of the Aero8 - the ambitious aluminium two-seater that became the first completely new Morgan for 60 years when it went into production in late 2002. Read More
Auto Seats for comfort and speed
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Saturday September 27, 2003: We've come along way since the back-breaking bench seats of the 1960's, but manufacturers are continuing to develop automotive seating systems designed to maximise comfort and safety for the large number of drivers who spend many hours at the wheel each week. Read More
Jetcar 2.5 to enter limited production next year
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Tuesday September 23, 2003: In development since 1998, a running prototype of the fascinating Jetcar design emerged at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. The name is a reference to the body shape and cockpit design rather than the means of propulsion - the two seats are positioned centrally in-line and expanded front and side shields communicate a sensation of flying... Read More
Henry Ford's Historic Race Car to Tour Australia
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Friday September 19, 2003: One of the most celebrated cars in automotive history is coming to Australia - the car which Henry Ford drove to victory in an important motor race in 1901 which reversed his flagging fortunes of the time and enabled him to go on and build Ford Motor Company. Read More
Peugeot 4002 looks to the Future of Automotive Design
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Sunday September 21, 2003: The award winning Peugeot 4002 by graphic designer Stefan Schulze made a return to its creator's country of origin at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Based on the Peugeot 402 with some components from the 204, the streamlined coupe provides a glimpse of the shape of things to come - and the future looks good! Read More
New turbocharged diesel C5 Estate arrives in Australia
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Saturday September 20, 2003: The Citro'n C5 Estate wagon has added a direct injection, common rail, turbocharged diesel HDI engine to its list of advanced features that include self-levelling suspension, the ability to "kneel" to aid loading or to lift its tail up to loading docks, plus automatic wipers, lights and emergency brakes. Read More
Twin Engine Hoggar on Show in Frankfurt
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Monday September 22, 2003: The twin engine Hoggar Dune Buggy concept from Peugeot was among the highlights at this month's Frankfurt International motor show. Recently featured in Gizmo 6, the low-slung, 2-seater unusual uses of two HDi engines - one at the front, and the other at the rear - to achieve the attributes of a four-wheel drive. Read More
Saab 'Sport-Hatch' crossover concept
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Tuesday September 16, 2003: Saab set-out to challenge the distinction between traditional hatchback and wagon bodystyles with its a new 'Sport-Hatch' concept unveiled on the eve of the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Read More
Opel reveal 344-hp Insignia
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Monday September 15, 2003: Designed to provide the architecture for a new global range of mid to full size sedans from parent company GM, the Opel Insignia includes an aluminium V8 engine producing 344hp and can achieve an electronically controlled top speed of 250 kmh with acceleration from zero to 100 kmh in under six seconds. Read More
Ford Visos concept transforms at 90kmh
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Saturday September 13, 2003: The Ford Visos Concept adds a futuristic element to previous European model designs with its blue oval shape and innovative use of technology such as door-mounted cameras that supplement rear-view mirrors, and "active surfacing" that hides the car's aerodynamic features until it reaches "sport" mode at 90 kmh. Read More
Kia Topless Concept in Germany
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Thursday September 11, 2003: Kia used the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 11 - 21) for the world launch of its latest concept car and first four seat coupe/convertible- the KCV-III. Showcasing new technologies and styling that will be part of Kia's future line-up including headlamps and windscreen wipers that switch-on automatically and an advanced cruise control system that incorporates radar... Read More
Jaguar's striking R-D6 Concept
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Sunday September 14, 2003: The Frankfurt International Motor Show is one very difficult show to steal, but the R-D6 concept from Jaguar, with its distinctive grille, rear-hinging doors, lightweight aluminium and composite structure and twin turbocharged 2.7-litre diesel V6 engine, must come very close. Read More
