Mercedes-Benz boost its SLK range

Following earlier introduction of SLK 200 and 350 BlueEfficiency Mercedes-Benz has released the pricing on the remainder of its SLK range currently available in Australia with the introduction of SLK 250 BlueEfficiency, SLK 55 AMG roadster variant. Fuel-efficient 150kW/310Nm 1.8L four-cylinder petrol SLK 250 BlueEfficiency with manufacturer recommended price tag of $91,900 will add Internet connectivity through COMAND online, new 17″ alloys, steering mounted paddle shifters and memory package for seats and steering wheel over SLK 200 BlueEfficiency. Next in line SLK 55 AMG features revised 310kW/540Nm 5.5L V8 petrol engine with AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation function that Mercedes-Benz claims delivers up to 30% improvement in fuel consumption rated at 8.5L/100km. Astonishingly (most probably due to strong Aussie Dollar), the SLK 55 AMG recommended price tag of $155,000 is approximately 14% down on its predecessor. See your participating Mercedes-Benz dealer for more information on SLK range pricing and full specification.

Source: Euro DB Automotive

Nissan to build new plant in Mexico

Nissan ongoing commitment towards this region has been given substantial boost with reports of new production facility that Nissan is going to build in Mexico over the next two years. Nissan claims its new facility will reach full production status by 2013 and will be capable of producing in access of 170,000 cars annually pushing Nissan Mexicana combined annual output close to 500,000 cars. Nissan claims almost 15,000 of direct and indirect new jobs will be created as result of its decision to invest over 2 Billion dollars into its Nissan Mexicana operations.

Source: Euro DB Automotive

Porsche shows us its Identity

Porsche is trying to tell us what most already knew through recently uploaded U-Tube video: Its sport car identity with simple yet very clear message “911 – Our Identity” followed by “what drove us was to be the first” that introduced us to one of the most recognised if not the best sports car of 20th century thanks to proven and effective Porsche formula through continuously evolving yet very distinctive exterior design matched by superior performance and handling characteristics that 911 is famous for. So here it is, sit back and enjoy this cleverly orchestrated video clip to sums up Porsche 911 Identity.

Source: Euro DB Automotive


Video link: Click on the image to view the U-Tube 911-Our Identity video

Fusion Sprint Cup Car from Ford

Ford has added yet another factory racer to its motorsport bloodline with the recent unveils of 2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup Car for NASCAR motorsport series with very strong exterior resemblance to its donor production car the Ford Fusion. This is the second time Ford has decided to get involved following previous 1996 Fusion Sprint Cup Car example. “We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return stock-car to NASCAR.” said Ford Racing Director Jamie Allison, further adding, Fusion Sprint Cup Car “is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveway.”
Source: Euro DB Automotive

Toyota’s Le Mans racer TS030 now Hybrid

Unlike some of the other European leading racing teams that introduced Diesel powered race cars to this popular European motorsport, Le Mans is set to experience Hybrid evolution following recent unveil of Toyota TS030 Hybrid that Toyota Motorsport GmbH will introduce to LMP1 class from 2012. To date very little is known about the Toyota TS030 Hybrid except that it will be powered by petrol/electric combo that consists of 3.4L high output V8 engine and electric motor with onboard capacitor recharged by TS030 regenerative braking system. To increase its winning chances Toyota Le Mans Hybrid entry will consist of two teams with three drivers each with Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima already confirmed by Toyota Motorsport.

Source: Euro DB Automotive

Rocketman faces bleak production reality

Previously introduced Mini Rocketman Concept will according to recent Car Magazine report not make it to full production as BMW failed to justify the investment needed to produce the Mini Rocketman after the cost of compliance with specific safety regulation have been factored in. Mini Rocketman was according to previous reports scheduled to reach production level by 2016 and with that introducing the smallest Mini to the existing range that is set to grow even further with reports of yet another 3 new models to reach Mini showrooms by the end of this decade. Stay tuned for more information on Mini Rocketman.

Source: Euro DB Automotive

Peel P50 making a comeback

After 45 years of absence world smallest car Peel P50 is making a comeback, this time under newly formed Peel Engineering Company in UK. Except for its 10K price tag, not much has changed from the original design. However, it’s the drivetrain that received extensive overhaul that almost replaced the original conventional engine approach with electric power but sadly (you will never guess it) still without reversing gear. But as the report stated, Peel P50 will also be offered with two-stroke small capacity petrol (just like tuk-tuks or motorised rickshaws in other parts of the world). Hopefully we will not be seeing Peel P50 in hurry right here in Australia, especially after much talked about Warne’s vs. cyclist controversy.

Source: Euro DB Automotive