Frankfurt Show: 2008 Mitsubishi Colt

Along with the all new, Lancer and Lancer EVO X, Mitsubishi will also reveal the 2008 model-year Colt at the Frankfurt Show in September. There’s nothing worth to get excited about though as Mitsubishi simply enhanced the Colt range with new metallic colour offerings, revised interior trim, new 15 and 16-inch alloy wheel designs and improved standard equipment.

Simultaneously, Mitsubishi will add a new pan-European special edition version to the Colt range featuring among others, black headlamps, blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars, black dashboard and door trim panels and 16-inch alloy wheels. Apparently, the special edition variant will carry a different name in every country since Mitsubishi did not refer to it in the press release. -Full press release and high-res image gallery after the jump

Mitsubishi Motors Europe @ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

- 2008 Colt: fine-tuning -

Confirming its best-seller status for Mitsubishi Motors in the region, Colt has started its fourth year in the European market with some fine-tuning to be announced at the forthcoming 62^nd Frankfurt Motor Show.

Success

With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years – New Colt has successfully re-established the “Colt” nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe’s largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt’s performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

Mid-point

Representing nearly 30% of Mitsubishi Motors Europe sales, this CO² friendly range remains an essential pillar for the dealer network to attract newcomers to the Brand (over 70% conquest rate – 2006 data) and also to retain existing multi-motorized Mitsubishi customers looking for a smaller vehicle to second their Pajero, their L200 or their Grandis.

Action

Capitalizing on this success, Mitsubishi Motors has committed investment for short- and mid-term actions to enhance Colt’s appeal with (further) potential customers:

Short-term:

• The Colt family now benefits from several trim, equipment and color changes:
• New 15” and 16” alloy wheels*
• New metallic colors (Sparkling Black, Cranberry Red, Glamour Grey)
• New seat fabrics (black/red -3-door only-, grey -5-door only- or black*)
• New translucent elements colour (grey instead of blue)
• New shift boot colour (black instead of blue)
• Auto light and rain sensor available for high grades

At the same time, Colt will welcome a new pan-European special action model available with both the 3 door and 5 door bodystyle*. Sporty in spirit, as it suits Mitsubishi Motors products, these latest limited editions will feature:

• Black headlamps
• Darkened rear combination lamp reflectors
• Blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars
• Privacy glass (5-door only)
• Black side sills and lower section of bumpers (5-door only)
• Rear roof spoiler (3-door only)
• New 16” alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• Rain sensor
• Auto headlamps
• MP3 functionality
• Unique seat fabric
• Black dashboard and door trim panels
• Black perforated leather for steering wheel and M/T shift knob

Available in the two new colors (metallic Cranberry Red and metallic Glamour Grey) as well as metallic Lunar Silver and solid Porcelaine White, these new variants will be offered with all Colt powertrains (1.1 / 75 ps, 1.3 / 95 ps, 1.5/109 ps, 1.5 DiD / 95 ps), except the 1.5 Turbo, and in both manual and AllshiftÔ automated manual** gearboxes.

As a reminder, such limited editions have been used pro-actively by all Mitsubishi distributors and dealers throughout Europe to create local special action models, accounting for over 20% of the Colt volume in average.

Mid-term lastly, a significant booster will be unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Stay tuned…

Chinese Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Clones Coming To Frankfurt

“Frankfurtians” beware, here come the attack of the clones leaded by CEO and UFO RV… Just to clarify, these are not fictional but the actual names of the two Chinese SUV’s. According to German magazine Automobile Industrie, both cars will be shown by Munich-based China Automobile Deutschland at the Frankfurt Show in September.

We’ve previewed both models in the past but to refresh your memory, the Shuanghuan CEO (or SCEO) borrows several styling elements from the BMW X5 and Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs while the Zhejiang Jonway UFO RV which made its first Euro appearance at last year’s Bolonga Show as the DR, kinda reminds us of the previous generation Toyota RAV4, we’re not exactly sure why, but it does… Oh, don’t you lust to be a fly in the air when Toyota execs take a look at the UFO in Frankfurt? -Continued after the jump

The magazine reports that both SUV’s will go on sale in Germany this October. Notably, the SCEO or CEO, is already available in Italy with France, Holland and Belgium following shortly as distributors have already been appointed. Additionally, Automobile Industrie notes that China Automobile Deutschland will also preview an ultra-low priced Chinese mini hatch that will sell in Germany for less than €7.000 or $10.000. ADAC, ADAC are you listening...

UFO

SCEO - CEO

Via: Automobile Industrie

2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia - 510Hp & 1,250kg

Due to be unveiled by Michael Schumacher himself at the upcoming Frankfurt Show in September, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia is a no-compromise lightweight version of the F430 Coupe. Compared to the later the Scuderia has undergone a serious diet cutting off 100 kg – 220 lb thus reducing dry weight to 1,250 kg – 2,756 lb while the naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8 has been tuned to 510 Hp @ 8500 rpm – up from 490 Hp. These numbers give us a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.45 kg.

Ferrari engineers also equipped theF430 Scuderia with a revised F1 gearbox, called Superfast that reduces gear change times to 60 milliseconds, whereas for the first time a new traction control system combines the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system. Design-wise, the Scuderia has been "pimped" the Italian way with body stripes, carbon parts, delicious forked gold alloy wheels etc. Inside Ferrari added a pair of racing seats along with heaps of carbon-fibre. -High res image gallery and press release after the jump

Via: Eurocarblog

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Michael Schumacher will officially unveil the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Ferrari 430 Scuderia will join the road-going V8 line-up alongside the F430 coupe and the F430 Spider. The 430 Scuderia is a truly high-performance 2-seater berlinetta which demonstrates how Ferrari's Formula 1 know-how is carried across to its production cars.

The new model is a special series based on the F430 and is aimed specifically at Ferrari's most passionate and sports-driving oriented clients. Development focused on light weight, minimum trimmings and innovative technology. All this to exalt the car's extremely high-performance and ability to thrill the driver.

The new car can count on an extremely low weight-to-power ratio of just 2.45 kg per hp thanks to a low dry weight of just 1250 kg - 100 kg less than the standard F430, and to the naturally-aspirated 4308cc V8's 510 hp at 8500 rpm.

Superb performance both on and off the track is assured by a series of cutting-edge solutions. There is the latest F1 software - Superfast - which reduces gearchange times to just 60 milliseconds, and new traction control which, for the first time, combines the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system.

Vehicle dynamics, control and performance thus represent the zenith of Ferrari's achievements in terms of developing road-certified sports cars. The 430 Scuderia will be officially unveiled by Michael Schumacher on September 11 2007 at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Extra Features:

• Forked Gold Rims
• Carbon Fiber Mirrors
• Double Stripes
• Rear Challenge Grill
• Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel w/Shift Indicator Lights
• Carbon Fiber Binnacle, Shifter Paddles
• Carbon Fiber Engine Bay Vents
• Engine Bay Strut Supports
• Carbon Fiber Diffuser w/Central 'Challenge' Exhaust tips
• Racing Seats w/Mesh Inserts(EU Market Only)
• 430 Scuseria Script on rear
• Revised Front Wheel Well Scoops

Official: 2008 Ford Kuga Crossover To Premiere In Frankfurt Show

Continuing our “Frankfurt Show News Bulletin”, we managed to obtain the first official sketch along with the German press release on Ford’s highly anticipated mid-sized crossover model called Kuga. To put it simple, we’re talking about the production version of Ford’s Iosis X concept revealed at the Paris motor show last autumn. Evidently the Kuga’s styling is less dramatic than last year’s Iosis-X concept (see pics after the jump) but it still looks the part in our opinion. Of course we’re not overlooking the fact that this is a sketch and we all know that reality might be disappointing...

According to the press release the Kuga will be manufactured at Ford’s plant in Saarlouis, Germany which also produces the Focus and its MPV sibling, the C-MAX. Based on Ford’s mid-sized C1 platform (used on the Ford Focus / C-Max, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda3, Volvo S40 and V50), the Kuga will start its European career in early 2008 after appearing at the September Frankfurt Motor Show. The models that the Ford’s eyeing include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 even the Nissan Qashqai. -Continued: Click the article’s title or “Read More…” below

Sadly Ford avoided revealing any technical details in its teaser press release. However, we expect that the Kuga will be offered with 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT and 2.0-litre Duratec petrol units delivering 125 and 140 Hp respectively along with the 1.8 and 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel units with an output of 125 and 140 Hp respectively. Maybe if we’re lucky, Ford might even add the ST’s 225Hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 into the range.

German Press Release (Translated via Google so don’t expect any wonders…)

PS: If any bloggers need the original German or French Press Release e-mail us here

The model family of Ford OF Europe is extended at the beginning of of 2008 with Ford the Kuga by a new member. A Preview model of the series vehicle is already shown the press and the public on the Frankfurt motor show, which opens its gates on 13 September.

“With the introduction Ford of the Kuga we hold our automobile salon Paris on that 2006 given promise to develop in less than two years a new, stylistic fastidious new model basis much of the considered Ford Iosis X Concept Cars”, explain John Fleming, president and CEO von Ford OF Europe. Of Ford European Design team has its trailblazing “Kinetic Design” - stylistic idiom to a compact and unmistakable 4x4-Crossover-Modell transfer, which will supplement the model offer of Ford in the coming year.

“We recognized that image-conscious customers in this segment expect a very individual vehicle, which convinces by perfect road qualities likewise as by impressing Offroad abilities” describe Ford OF Europe Executive Design Director Martin Smith the concept. “The Kuga is in this segment a Solitär, because the optically responding “Kinetic Design” finds its correspondence in a handling on the road, like it our customers of models like Ford the focus, which S-MAX and the new Mondeo already know and expect”, adds Smith.

Ford Design team publishes likewise the first official styling design of the new model. “The Kuga is a vehicle with strong signal effect, and which we wanted to communicate to Smith also in our first official picture”, commentate. “We are the conviction that the time for an athletic and charismatisches vehicle is ripe. The Kuga goes in the same way new ways like price-crowned Ford S-MAX, to that the MPV segment new terrain opened.”

New Ford Kuga at the beginning of of 2008 will go in the Ford work into Saarlouis into production and starting from spring 2008 with the European Ford dealers will be available. “I am pleased about the fact that we can extend our constantly growing model offer in Europe with Ford the Kuga”, explain Fleming. “The Kuga corresponds to our goal of lending to our models by independent Design of more Emotionalität and the status from desire objects to. In this way we want to win new customers for the vehicles with the oval blue Logo. With Ford the Kuga we order over a product, an important contribution for the lasting success of the mark Ford will carry out.”

Insiders: 2008 Audi A4 To Be Unveiled In Frankfurt

Ok, we might not have any scoop pictures or fancy CGI’s of the next A4, but we guess this piece of information maybe worth a bit more for all you Audi fans. You’ve probably heard the rumours but we’re in a position to validate them as we just received confirmation from our Audi insider that the third generation A4 Sedan will definitely make its appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Interestingly, our insider also told us that Audi might unveil the new A4 to selected journalists one day before the show opens up its gates to the media. (Pic: Audi A5)

Update: Kia’s 2007 Frankfurt Show Line-Up

As promised, we made a few calls here and there to try to learn a bit more about Kia’s 2+2 Coupe Concept that we revealed earlier today. Unfortunately, our Kia source told us that although Korean execs informed him about the Coupe last night, they were as vague about it as the press release. However our source confirmed that apart from the Coupe, Kia will unveil the production version of the pro cee’d concept (3door Cee’d) along with a new Hybrid car. And yes you guessed it; once again, Kia officials anally avoided giving out specific details about the Hybrid car so all we can do for the time being is speculate.

Kia Sports Coupe Concept To Be Revealed In Frankfurt Show

Now this certainly wasn’t something that we were expecting; an all-new coupe concept by Kia that will premiere at the Frankfurt Show in September. The Korean company is being quite secretive for the moment but they did reveal that the new concept car, whose name remains hidden at present, is a 2+2 coupe manufactured in Europe and conceived by Kia’s design team in Europe under the guidance of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. We’ll do our best to dig out more info on the sports coupe concept and update you later on the day.

Skoda Fabia Combi Official Teaser Image

“After the conception of the new Fabia hatch in March, Škoda will present the second generation of the Fabia Combi at the IAA Show that runs from September 11 to 23 in Frankfurt”. Now that’s what we call a detailed press release…

Not that we’re going to be depressed or anything, but we really don’t understand why Skoda is unwilling to release any information on the Fabia “hearse” before the Frankfurt Show opening. You don’t think that they believe we’re going to get all mushy and wet with the teaser image, do you?

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Skoda

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 Brochure Leaked - 530Hp & 328km/h!

Looks like the Frankfurt Show leaks are off to an early start this year as some "Mata Hari" managed to disrespectfully... scan a copy of the official 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 (997) brochure and upload it to the net for the world to see.. You can eat your heart out with the whole 35-page long brochure after the jump so we’ll be concise and pinpoint the most important FAQ’s.

Equipped with a 3.6 litre six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine with biturbo turbocharging and Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) that delivers 530 hp at 6500 rpm (997 Turbo: 480Hp) and 505 lb-ft of torque at 2,200-4,500 rpm, the uber alles 997 GT2 weighs in at just 3,175 lbs – 1.440kg. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Finally, according to Porsche, the 911 GT2 manages to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3,5 sec and to 100mph (160 km/h) in 7,4 sec while it reaches a top speed of 204mph which translates to 328 km/h. -Click “Read More…” below for the full brochure

Via: Jalopnik , Source: porscheguys