2008 Subaru Impreza CGI’s

What -don’t tell us you thought that Scooby fans would sit with their hands in their lap waiting for Subaru’s next move? We discovered these CGI’s (computer-generated images) at nasioc forums and despite the disproportional sized wheels, the new grille along with the bodykit manage to make the 2008 Impreza’s appearance, well let us put it this way; more tolerable. Don't you agree? -More images after the jump

Via: nasioc , Source: Jamesmcintoshjr

Technorati: Subaru+Impreza, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Russian Hara-Kiri: Land Rover Discovery Disembowelled

Those Russian folks sure know how to build some tenacious railings as you can see for yourself in these pictures. What a freaky accident; the metal railings literally impaled the Discovery / LR3! There’s no word on whether the driver managed to get out of this accident in one piece, but if he did, he’d better start believing in divine forces... -More pictures after the jump

Via: fishiki

Technorati: Accidents, Land+Rover+Discovery, LR3, Russia, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

ebay: Lamborghini Countach Limousine Replica

Once this project car is completed, if anything, you’ll never go around your neighborhood unnoticed. Unlike most of the Limos we’ve featured here at Carscoop, this is a replica, based on Pontiac Fiero platform and mechanics; thus meaning no actual live Countach was hurt during the transformation. Just in the extremely rare case that you’re interested, we added a couple of images after the jump featuring a finished 4door Countach Limo so you can get a better idea of what you're getting into -literally & metaphorically .







Via: ebay

Technorati: Ebay, Lamborghini+Countach, Replica, Limousine, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Update: 2008 Opel Agila Press Release

Earlier today we presented the first official pictures of the Suzuki Splash based, Opel Agila. We just received the official English press release which enlightens us with many details on Opel’s newest mini which will be available next spring in Europe with two petrol engines (1.0 & 1.2-liter producing 65 & 86 Hp respectively) and one 75Hp strong 1.3-liter common-rail turbodiesel. Check it out along with a high-res image gallery after the jump

Flex in the City: The New Opel Agila Generation

Urban mini-monocab balances versatility with stylish design

Rüsselsheim. When it comes to the lifestyle of active women today, the watchword is balance. Job, fitness, shopping, meeting friends and getting around – a car makes everything easier to manage, and preferably one that is as versatile as its owner. This is precisely what designers and engineers had in mind when developing the latest generation Opel Agila. The result is a stylish urban car which is compact and maneuverable for tight parking spaces, yet boasts an interior that is spacious enough even for bulky sport and hobby gear. It also has enough seats to ensure comfort for family and friends.

Even with its compact length of 3.74 meters, the new Agila offers room for five occupants and provides them with easy entry through the four doors. The quality of the materials, a fresh interior and exterior color collection, versatile storage compartments and ample headroom project a feel-good ambience right from the word go. The enjoyable driving experience is enhanced by details such as the separate rev counter on the instrument panel, high placed gear stick and remote controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The high seating position makes getting into and out of the Agila easier and ensures good visibility even in heavy urban traffic. The rear seat backs can be folded down at a flick of the wrist to create a completely flat load floor, with a compartment beneath providing additional storage space. In total, the Agila has a luggage capacity of more than 1100 liters accessible through its large trunk lid – the top figure in this segment. The new Agila also comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and head curtain airbags.

New engines with up to 86 hp (two lively gasoline engines and a top-of-the-line common-rail diesel for high pulling power) combine performance with low emissions. As an alternative to the standard manual transmission, an automatic gearbox is also available – a distinctive feature in this class. The second-generation Opel Agila makes its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and will be available at dealerships as of next spring.

Opinions on new Agila

· Hans Demant, Opel Managing Director: “The new Agila cuts a fine figure in all situations. Its agile chassis and lively engines make it fun to drive - with low consumption and CO₂ levels.”

· Belinda Müller, Designer: “The boring days are over. Who says a nimble urban car can’t also look cool? A wide selection of fresh colors and bold styles create an ambience that’s enhanced even more by the spacious headroom.”

· Sara Nicholson, Opel European Marketing Manager: “The Agila, the new Baby-Opel, is a clever package of fun and versatility for the girl about town."

Characteristics of new Agila:

Design: Modern five-door urban mini-monocab with flowing lines, dynamic roofline, typical friendly Opel face and design, balanced proportions (length/width/height: 3.74/1.68/1.59 m) despite compact dimensions

Interior: Versatile five-seater, high seating position provides good visibility, high placed gear stick in center console, large distinctive round instrument, rev counter in separate housing, fresh colors including orange and blue for fabrics, center console and instrument panel edging, height-adjustable steering wheel with remote controls, height-adjustable front seats, numerous compartments, 60:40 split fold-down rear bench seat, flat load floor with additional storage compartment beneath

Chassis: Newly developed chassis for agile handling, front axle mounted to subframe, semi-independent rear suspension, large wheels up to 15-inch

Engines: Two new lively gasoline units (1.0 l/65 hp with five-speed manual transmission, 1.2 l/86 hp also available with automatic gearbox), one economical and powerful common-rail direct-injection diesel unit (1.3 l/75 hp, 190 Nm), available with diesel particulate filter

Safety: Front and side airbags, driver safety belt warning signal and front passenger airbag can be deactivated as standard, also available: head curtain airbags and ESP

Technorati: Opel+Agila, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Facelift: Officially Official – Press Release Included

We saw every single version uncamouflaged, we saw official renderings, we even saw press pictures; about time for Saab to come out with the “officially” official images and press release, don’t you think? Better keep your pants on though cause like the pictures, the press release is nothing more than a teaser, revealing what we already know or can see for ourselves: redesigned front end inspired from the Aero X concept, sales start this August. No word on the interior or the 290 Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo AWD version that’ll go on sale next spring but we suspect that Saab will give more info and pictures on the 2008 9-3 in the upcoming weeks. -Click “Read More…” to check out the press release

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling, inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car, backed by cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal. .

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design. This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

The new 9-3 range comprises Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible models, each offering a unique ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85). Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August.

Technorati: Saab+9-3, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Suzuki Splash: Official Images Released

Following the revelation of Opel’s 2008 Agila earlier today, Suzuki released the first pictures of the Splash mini that will debut along with the Agila at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Theoretically, the Suzuki’s new mini which is based on the Swift platform is closely related to last year’s Splash Concept, however, design-wise we see very little in common between the two. Since the Agila is based on the Splash with very few optical differences like the redesigned front-end and rear light-clusters, there’s no difference in dimensions (3.740 mm in length, 1.680 mm in width and 1.590 mm in height). Likewise, the engine range will consist of three engines, two petrol 1.0 & 1.2-liter delivering 65 and 86 Hp respectively and one 1.3-liter common-rail turbodiesel with 75 Hp. The Splash is expected to go on sale in Europe next spring. -Press Release & high-res pictures below

World Premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt / Available with three engines with CO2 emissions below 140 g/km

With the Splash, a new fresh and exciting small passenger car, Suzuki Motor Corporation intends to gain a significant market share in this growing market segment in Europe. The new flexible compact car combines the sportiness of Suzuki’s successful model Swift with the technologies and immense know-how of the Japanese world market leader in the mini car segment. The Splash is not the successor of any specific former Suzuki model, but a brand-new concept to satisfy the needs of demanding European customers in terms of roominess, compactness, modern design, aerodynamics, quality, driveability, performance and environmental friendliness. The safety equipment encompasses state-of-the-art features such as six airbags and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP®*). It looks fresh, energetic, juvenile and emotional and thereby underlines the aspiration of its name Splash. Within the global growth strategy of Suzuki, the Splash is already the fourth entirely new model within three years after the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4 which all embody Suzuki’s unique ‘Way of Life!’-philosophy.

Within this market segment, the car convinces with a relatively tall body (1.6 metres) based on the chassis from the sporty Swift. With its overall length of 3.7 metres and width of 1.7 metres it offers an amply tall and comfortable roomy cabin with sufficient legroom for adults on all seats. Its modern design leads to excellent aerodynamic efficiency and consequently to low carbon-dioxide emissions.

The Splash will make its worldwide debut at the International Motor Show in September in Frankfurt am Main. Sales of the car with its excellent ride comfort will start as of spring 2008. It will be available with two different petrol engines: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, 12-valve unit with maximum power of 48kW (65hp) and a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve unit with maximum power of 63kW (86hp). With these engines, low friction and plentiful flat torque delivery at low and mid-range speeds help to ensure good driveability across the rev range while promoting fuel economy and limiting CO2 emissions. Customers preferring a diesel engine can choose a proven 1.3-litre, common rail, 16-valve unit with optional particulate filter and a maximum power of 55kW (75hp). In light of the growing need for environmental compatibility, emissions of all three engines with 5-speed manual gearbox are between only 120g/km and 140g/km. The petrol engines were both newly developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation as next-generation power engines. The diesel engine will be produced at Suzuki’s plant in India under licence from GM Powertrain Europe.

Suzuki aims to sell up to 60,000 units per year of the Splash in Europe. The brand-new model has been developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation and will be produced by its subsidiary company Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary.

Technorati: Suzuki+Splash, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Breaking News: Chrysler Group Sold To Cerberus For €5.5 Billion / $7.4 billion - Mercedes retains 19,9%

It wasn’t Renault, it wasn’t GM and it wasn’t of course Hyundai; as DaimlerChrysler announced this morning, one of the largest private investment firms in the world, Cerberus will take control of the Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep). Cerberus will acquire 80.1 percent of the Chrysler Group for €5.5 Billion / $7.4 billion while DaimlerChrysler will retain 19.9 percent of the company. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2007. Due to the new corporate structure, the name of DaimlerChrysler AG will be changed to Daimler AG.

According to the deal, obligations for pensions and health care costs are to be retained by Chrysler Group companies. As someone would assume, the two companies announced that they’ll continue to work together on some vehicle projects –whatever that means… Surprisingly enough, disproving rumors that the United Auto Workers (UAW) would oppose any deals due to fears for job cuts, UAW’s president, Ron Gettelfinger backed the sale saying “The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler”. -Follow the jump for DaimlerChrysler’s full press release

PRESS RELEASE

Cerberus Takes Over Majority Interest in Chrysler Group and Related Financial Services Business for EUR 5.5 Billion ($7.4 billion) from DaimlerChrysler

Stuttgart, May 14, 2007

• Affiliate of Cerberus to acquire 80.1% equity interest in new company Chrysler Holding LLC; DaimlerChrysler AG to retain 19.9%
• Obligations for pensions and healthcare costs to be retained by Chrysler companies
• Transaction expected to result in net cash outflow of EUR 0.5 billion for DaimlerChrysler
• DaimlerChrysler’s net profit according to IFRS in 2007 to be reduced in a range of EUR 3-4 billion
• Equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to be over 40% by the beginning of 2008
• Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to decide on change of name to Daimler AG
• DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche on the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide."
• UAW President Ron Gettelfinger: "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler."
• Cerberus Capital Management Chairman John Snow: "Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."

The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DCX) has today decided, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, on the future concept for the Chrysler Group and the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and Cerberus financing arrangements.

Details will be explained at a press conference in Stuttgart today at 2 p.m.

Structure of the transaction

• An affiliate of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, will make a capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion ($7.4 billion) in return for an 80.1% equity interest in the future new company, Chrysler Holding LLC. DaimlerChrysler will hold a 19.9% equity interest in the new company. Chrysler Holding LLC will hold 100% each of the future Chrysler Corporation LLC, which produces and sells Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep_® vehicles, and the future Chrysler Financial Services LLC, which provides financial services for these vehicles in the NAFTA region.
• Of the total capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion, EUR 3.7 billion will flow into the industrial business (Chrysler Corporation LLC) and EUR 0.8 billion will flow into the financial services business in order to strengthen the equity base of both businesses. DaimlerChrysler will receive the balance of EUR 1.0 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will grant a loan of EUR 0.3 billion to Chrysler Corporation LLC.
• According to the agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, DaimlerChrysler will transfer the industrial business of the Chrysler Group completely free of debt. Due to the Chrysler Group’s anticipated negative cash flow until closing in connection with its restructuring plan, the transaction will give rise to a cash outflow of EUR 1.2 billion for DaimlerChrysler. The overall net cash outflow resulting from the transaction will therefore be EUR 0.5 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will have to discharge long-term liabilities of the Chrysler Group in connection with the transaction. This will result in prepayment compensation of approximately EUR 650 million, to be borne by DaimlerChrysler. The usual transaction costs will also be incurred.
• The Chrysler Group’s financial obligations for pension and healthcare benefits towards its employees and the employees of the financial services business related to the Chrysler Group will be retained by the Chrysler companies. The pension plans are significantly over-funded at present.

Effects on key figures

The transaction will have the following effects on DaimlerChrysler AG:

• In total, current estimates indicate that net profit according to IFRS in 2007 will be reduced by EUR 3-4 billion.
• Due to the deconsolidation of the Chrysler companies and the resulting reduction in the balance-sheet total, the equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to increase to more than 40% by the beginning of 2008.
• There will be no changes relating to the bonds issued and guaranteed by DaimlerChrysler AG. In the financial services business for the Chrysler, Jeep_®and Dodge brands, Cerberus will take over the financing previously provided by DaimlerChrysler AG.
• The 19.9% equity interest held by DaimlerChrysler AG in the new company Chrysler Holding LLC will be included after closing at equity in the Van, Bus, Others segment.
• The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2007.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group: "We’re confident that we’ve found the solution that will create the greatest overall value – both for Daimler and Chrysler . With this transaction, we have created the right conditions for a new start for Chrysler and Daimler."

Ron Gettelfinger, President of the United Autoworkers (UAW): "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler. We are pleased that this decision has been made. Because our members and the management can now focus entirely on the development and manufacture of quality products for the future of the Chrysler Group."

John W. Snow, Chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.: "We welcome Chrysler into the Cerberus family of companies and believe Cerberus will be a good home for Chrysler. Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."

Snow continued: "We would like to thank DaimlerChrysler for their good stewardship of this American icon over the last decade. We are aware that Chrysler faces significant challenges, but we are confident that they can and will be overcome. A private investment firm like Cerberus will provide management with the opportunity to focus on their long-term plans rather than the pressures of short-term earnings expectations."

Business progress

In nearly ten years as DaimlerChrysler, a lot has been done to move the businesses forward. The synergies possible between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler have been fully utilized. Additional potential for collaboration is limited between two businesses operating in such different market segments. The strong volatility and pressure on margins in the Chrysler Group’s North American core market have an increasingly negative impact on DaimlerChrysler’s overall profitability and share-price development.

The Chrysler Group has made substantial progress in recent years. For example, production hours per vehicle have fallen from 48 hours in 2001 to just over 30 at present. Quality has improved by more than 40% over the past six years. Since 2002, more than EUR 7.4 billion ($10 billion) has been invested in new production facilities and technologies. And with 34 new models since 2001, Chrysler has one of the youngest product lines in the industry.

Zetsche: "As a result, Chrysler today is structurally more sound than its North American based competitors. And with Cerberus as a partner, Chrysler will have the best chances of utilizing its full potential."

Ongoing collaboration

Existing projects with the Mercedes Car Group will be continued, for example in the development of conventional and alternative drive systems, purchasing, and sales and financial services outside the NAFTA region. Furthermore, a Joint Automotive Council will be established in which representatives of both sides will assess and decide on the potential of new and current projects. The Council will be led by board-level members from each company.

Zetsche: "We very much look forward to our continued cooperation as business partners, as we want to continue to reap the mutual benefits of working together. That’s one of the reasons why we’re retaining a 19.9% equity position in Chrysler."

New Daimler AG

Due to the new corporate structure, the name of DaimlerChrysler AG is to be changed to Daimler AG. A decision on this is to be taken by the shareholders at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting probably in fall 2007.

The Board of Management of the new company will be reduced to six members. Tom LaSorda, Eric Ridenour and Tom Sidlik will leave the Board of Management with the Group’s sincere thanks.

There will no longer be a separate board position for procurement in the new Daimler AG. In the future, all procurement activities will be directly coordinated between the divisions. Within the Board of Management, Bodo Uebber will additionally assume overall responsibility for procurement.

The leadership teams of the Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group and Financial Services will remain unchanged, as will the teams in the vans and buses businesses.

Zetsche: "We’ve done our homework in our corporate functions and in all of our divisions. As a result of our strategic review, we have a well-defined roadmap to lead us into a good future."

The Mercedes Car Group will generate a return on sales of at least 7% this year, with higher rates to follow in the coming years.

The Truck Group will achieve an average return on sales of 7% over the cycle as of 2008. This represents a return on net assets of approximately 30%.

DaimlerChrysler is also a world leader and profitability benchmark for buses. And in the vans business, which is performing very well, the new Sprinter will continue the success story of its predecessor.

The Financial Services division aims to earn a return on equity of more than 14%.

Growth perspectives

Zetsche: "We have a strong starting position. We have an above-average financial power. And our future prospects are promising." The Group has defined the following main areas for continued growth:

• Further expansion in the core business, which means in the traditional segments that are the most profitable and have the highest growth rates, as well as exploiting new market opportunities on a regional basis.
• Continued development of innovative, customer-oriented and tailor-made services and activities, pursuing opportunities both up and down the value chain.
• Strengthening leadership in sustainable, responsible and environmentally friendly technologies.

By focusing on these three areas, Daimler’s full potential is to be exploited and enterprise value is to be increased further through profitable and sustainable growth. Daimler intends to do this on its own, while continuing to benefit from opportunities of scale with Chrysler.

Zetsche on Daimler’s goals: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium products and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide. And we will pursue our commitment to excellence based on a common culture, a great heritage of innovation and pioneering achievements and – with Mercedes-Benz – the strongest automotive brand in the world.

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, is one of the largest private investment firms in the world, with approximately $23.5 billion under management in funds and accounts. Founded in 1992, Cerberus currently has significant investments in more than 50 companies that, in aggregate, generate more than $60 billion in annual revenues worldwide.

Technorati : Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Opel Agila: Official Teaser Images Released

Several months prior to its Frankfurt Motor Show debut this September, Opel has released the first official teaser images of the next generation Agila mini. Based on a new platform the 2008 Agila has grown in dimensions measuring in at 3.740 mm in length, 1.680 mm in width and 1.590 mm in height (current Agila: 3.500 mm, 1.620 mm & 1.695 mm respectively). In contrast to the current Agila’s which looks nothing more than it really is; a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R+, the 2008 model’s exterior design blends Corsa and Meriva styling elements. The interior, despite its two-tone dashboard is quite frugal in design, especially when one compares it to the Agila’s most important adversary, the Fiat Panda.
Engine-wise Opel’s new mini will be available with three engine options, two petrol 1.0 & 1.2-liter delivering 56 & 86 Hp respectively and a 1.3 turbodiesel with 75 Hp. According to Opel, the new Agila will be on sale in Europe next spring.-Image Gallery after the jump

Technorati: Opel+Agila, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures