Car And Truck Problems Answered Now by QwikTalk/ Auto Repair Savings Blog

Car and truck problems now can be answered by this new company called QwikTalk!I browsed their site and was amazed how much time and energy QwikTalk has spent in order to get everything just right!Their professional skilled people has been hand picked to make this automotive answering site the best on the internet. Whether it be your cars and trucks, engines, brakes, fuel injection problems, carburetors, tires, your road trips you have planned for your family, QwikTalk Professionals will route your questons to the most qualified auto technician preferably in your own area.

 Autodude was so impressed that he has put his own reputation at stake which I have never have done before on this new company QwikTalk! Before you try the rest give the best a chance when you have time and you will see how quick your problems will be taken care of useing QwikTalk. Feel safe out there on the road today!You will see how fast your car and truck problems now can be answered by one of the QwikTalk Professionals. I have sent links out to family, sisters brothers,aunts and uncles who spend a lot of time out there on the highways and byways. Now I can feel safe and secure they will be taken care of very fast by calling QwikTalk!

Feel free to click on any of the links in this post and it will take you straight to their call head quarters. Josh Brelinger is the owner operator and promises if at anytime you are not satisfied with your call he will give your money back with no questions. He wants to make sure you are happy and will send your friends and family his way for help with their vehicles as well. My whole time on this blog was to try and help the average customer get more for their money by visiting honest auto mechanics. QwikTalk is a quick and efficent way of getting straight forward answers to you when you really need them the most without any over selling hassles you have to put up with everyday in your very fast paced life.

Keep in mind Josh and QwikTalk has also other professionals in other areas of what people need. I have a whole lot more to share with you in my next post on QwikTalk. Please stay tuned! You wont be disappointed I promise you!

Keywords: QwikTalk, Cars and Trucks, Answers, Questions, Money Back, Satisfied, Engines, Transmissions, Brakes, Tires, Road Trips, Auto Repair Savings, Proffesionals, -The Autodude-,

What is the Tire Pressure Monitor System

Government regulations require all cars now to have tire pressure monitoring systems as original equipment. The question is what do these systems do…or better one is how do they work? Unlike a starter or an alternator the TPMS is a unit that is battery powered and has a 100% failure rate over a period of 10 years.

The system uses a sensor in each tire that contains an internal battery and sends a signal to a receiver in the vehicle. When one of these sensors detects a low tire pressure it signals the ECM and the check tire light will flash.

Every year it is estimated that there are over 40,000 accidents and 33,000 injuries due to tire issues. Not to mention more than 650 deaths are attributed to under inflation related issues so having a system that will relay potential issues is an amazing advantage. Aside from the safety issues the potential money savings is a big factor too. Not just for the driver but for everyone since a tire that is under inflated by 10% will cause a 1% drop in efficiency in performance. It is estimated that over 2 billion gallons of gas are wasted each year due to under inflation. This system has been standard equipment in normal passenger cars since 2007 and will be federally required after 2012 in all new vehicles.

Aston Martin Named The UK's Coolest Brand

For the fifth time in six years, Aston Martin has been named the UK's coolest brand.

A poll comprising a variety of leading international contemporary design-driven brands such as Apple and Bang & Olufsen alongside leading automotive brands. Aston Martin was also voted the top automotive brand ahead of other luxury and specialist manufacturers.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chief Executive, The Centre for Brand Analysis and Chairman of the CoolBrands Council commented: "Smooth, sexy and sophisticated; British built, high quality and hand finished, let's be honest, young or old, male or female, opinion former or British public, who wouldn't aspire to own what is truly the coolest car on the road. Number one in five of the last six years, this British icon is truly the coolest of the cool."

The CoolBrands initiative was established in 2001, and has been canvassing experts and consumer's opinions in order to find the coolest brand in the UK. Factors include style, innovation, authenticity, originality and desirability.

This year's council includes music artist Jessie J, DJ and Bestival founder Rob da Bank and actress and fashion designer, Sadie Frost. An initial 10,000 brands are identified, which are then shortlisted to 1500 brands. Consumers then vote to create a top 500 of the most highly rated brands.

A Superchips ECU Remap For The Citroen DS3 Racing

Citroen DS3 Racing

The 204hp Citroen DS3 Racing has received the Superchips treatment, to further enhance the car's performance.

Superchips has unveiled an ECU remap for the Citroen DS3 Racing that produces a maximum power gain of 26bhp at 6312rpm. The performance gains are available from the Citroen DS3's 1.6 litre, direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharged engine, from 2000rpm to the 6750rpm limiter.

Superchips' engineers have analysed the Bosch MED 17 ECU in conjunction with in depth dyno and real world road testing, the Superchips remap safely delivers enhanced performance with no compromise to reliability.

Superchips has focused on improving low speed and mid-range performance of the Citroen DS3 Racing. Throttle response has been improved alongside torque gains resulting in a peak gain of 46Nm at 3130 rpm.

The Superchips performance ECU upgrade for the Citroen DS3 Racing results in a more eager, crisper and livelier experience with enhanced in gear acceleration.

The Superchips upgrade will not reduce the Citroen DS3 racing's 42mpg combined fuel economy when driven in a 'like for like' manner.

The Superchips Citroen DS3 Racing upgrade needs to be installed at one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres and will be covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and a 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

Suitable for all Citroen DS3 Racing models produced from January 2011 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £455.00, including VAT.

The New Skoda Citigo

New Skoda Citigo

The Skoda Citigo is Skoda's new city car, which will debut in the Czech Republic before the end of 2011, and in the UK and other European countries at the beginning of summer 2012. The Skoda Citigo will be available in three- and five-door versions.

The Skoda Citigo features a finned grille set in a chrome-plated framed with headlamps that instantly communicate Skoda. The Skoda Citigo is 3.56 metres long, 1.65 metres wide and 1.48 metres high with a wheel base of 2.42 metres. Boot space is 251 litres, extendable to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The three door version of the Skoda Citigo features the 'Easy Entry' system to provide easy access to the rear seats. The front seats can be moved and folded forward to allow easy access to the rear seats. For the first time in a Skoda, a portable navigation system is available, which fits into the dashboard and removed when required. The system is integrated into the Skoda Citigo's onboard electronics to offer navigation, hands-free calling with Bluetooth and onboard infotainment.

For the first time in a Skoda, designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger. Active safety in the Skoda Citigo is enhanced by the 'City Safe Drive', a new brake assistance system based on a laser sensor that is activated automatically at speeds below 30 km/h when there is danger of a collision. This automatic braking solution may also completely prevent a collision, depending on the situation and speed, or reduce the severity.

The Skoda Citigo is available with two new, three cylinder 1.0 litre petrol engines - 44kW/60PS and 55kW/57PS. Both the engines and transmission have been designed to deliver optimum economy for driving in cities and surroundings. Two highly economical engines will offer fuel consumption is 67.3mpg and 65.7mpg respectively, with CO2 emissions of 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emissions for the standard engines are 62.8mpg and 105g CO2/km with the 60PS engine and 60.1mpg and 108g CO2/km for the 75PS engine.

Saab Winter Tyres and Snow Socks

Saab 9-3X

With winter approaching fast, now is the time that motorists should be thinking about winter tyres. As such, Saab is offering alloy wheels and winter tyre packages priced from £559.

David Leighton, Business Development Manager for Aftersales at Saab GB, comments: "The average temperature across the country between November and March is less than 7 degrees celsius.

"At such a low temperature, winter tyres are more effective at providing higher levels of safety than standard tyres and offer increased traction on the road. As a result, they reduce braking distances and suffer less wear and tear, thus offering not only peace of mind, but a cost-saving benefit too."

Specially designed tread patterns on winter tyres mean they are able to cope not only with snow, but the cold, rain, ice and slush as well, due to the compounding heating up at a lower temperature which provides more grip than 'summer' tyres when harden in cold conditions.

Saab dealerships will also stock a range of products from AutoSock to help motorists cope with driving in the snow.

Scientists working with the Norwegian Ski team have developed AutoSock Snow Socks, durable textile socks which fit over the driving wheels of a car to wick away water found between the ground and the tyres to provide strong grip on the surface.

David adds: "At Saab, we understand how difficult it can be to drive in the snow, which is why our dealerships are also stocking snow socks as an alternative to snow chains or winter tyres."

The re useable Snow Socks will be available from October 2011 in Saab dealerships. They are easily stored in the car and can be simply fitted to the driving wheels. Prices for the Snow Socks start from £54.95.

Mercedes Benz Cold Weather Tyres and Wheels

With winter 2011 predicted to be as severe as the last few previous years, presenting drivers with a number of driving challenges, Mercedes Benz is offering a range of Cold Weather tyre solutions for passenger and commercial vehicles.

Winter tyres from Mercedes Benz are from premium brands such as Continental and Pirelli. A full fitting and tyre management service also forms part of the Cold Weather programme.

The Federation of Small Businesses estimates that each day of snow interruption costs the British economy between £600 million and £1 billion.

A number of safety tests conducted by Continental comparing Cold Weather and normal radial tyres demonstrate that when the temperature falls below 7°C, cold weather tyres can offer a 50 per cent improvement in traction.

Cold weather tyres also improve stopping distances, with Continental test data showing that it can take an extra three car lengths to come to a stand still with normal radial tyres travelling at 20mph. When braking with cold weather tyres, the distance can be reduced by 10% on cold, wet surfaces and up to 50 per cent on ice and snow. Cold weather tyres also offer a 20 per cent improvement in wear rate when compared to normal tyres.

Mercedes Benz is offering a complete Cold Weather tyre solution, including wheel fitting and storage across the range.

The Mercedes Benz Cold Weather tyres and alloy wheels for the E 220 CDI starts from £999 plus fitting.

What is a Crank Position Sensor

Modern engines run by using a number of specialized sensors such as Air Fuel Ratio Sensor or O2 Sensor units. While the air flow in an engine is extremely important there are other factors that need to be measured such as the position of all the parts of the motor at any given time.

The way this info is calculated is through sensors such as the crank angle sensor and the cam angle sensor. These units measure where the rotation angle of the crank and the cam shafts respectively. The cams and the crank must be kept in specific positions to each other since if they are not the valves will be smashed by the pistons.

The ECM controls the engine and if it detects that the cams and the crank are not in the specific location it will retard the timing or kill the engine all together. The ECM will do this to protect the motor from damage, if the timing gets too far off it can potentially damage the engine internally.

Timing also dictates how much horsepower the engine makes and how the fuel is burned. If these sensors fail the combustion of the engine can get all out of whack which is potentially dangerous. Besides the fact that the pistons can impact the valves there is the factor of detonation. This occurs when the fuel mixture is wrong and the explosion in the cylinder is not in the correct location and it takes place faster than it should. There are some instances where the combustion of the fuel takes place to quickly and in a specific location on the cylinder wall which will cause damage to the block itself. This detonation can even cause holes in the block or melting of the pistons. For all modern cars it is a good idea to check all these sensors when the car is in for service. They do play a pretty major factor in the life of a vehicles motor. 

The Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class On Display In UK Shopping Centres

Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class

The Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class will be on view for the first time in the UK as part of a new, interactive display.

Over the next month, the Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class will be shown across shopping centres in four major UK cities.

In each location, the car will initially be hidden from view in a mirrored box surrounded by interactive LED lights which react to sound, changing colour and patterns in response to the voices or movement of passers-by.

A deep note will play at regular intervals and the lights will pulsate around the box, highlighted by attention grabbing music building up to the full reveal of the Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class.

During the Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class will appear at the Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham (Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2011); Westfield London (Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October); Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October) and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow (Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October).

The Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class will also visit around 70 Mercedes Benz retailers throughout the country. It will be transported in full view in a transparent container on the back of The Clear Idea, a special Mercedes Benz Atego display truck.

"Both visually and technologically, Concept A-Class provides an exciting insight into the potential future of the Mercedes Benz compact car range, and a tantalising glimpse of some of the features that we’re confident would influence future customers in this highly-competitive sector," said Gary Savage, Managing Director, Mercedes Benz Cars.

"The Concept A-Class National Tour creates a unique experience for engaging with our potential customers ahead of some significant model launches next year, and it showcases the future direction of Mercedes Benz in a truly eye-catching and enthralling way."

Vauxhall's Whole Life Cost Calculator For Fleets

Vauxhall's Whole Life Cost Calculator

A new online tool from Vauxhall aims to allow fleet decision makers and company car drivers to make more informed decisions about their next fleet vehicle.

The Whole Life Cost Calculator is available on Vauxhall's website, and allows fleet decision makers to create a fleet of vehicles online and calculate whole life costs. It also provides a way for company car drivers to work out which model makes the most sense for them from a financial and personal point of view. It provides access to all information on Vauxhall vehicles as well as other manufacturer data to provide a comprehensive comparison.

"Understanding whole life costs, from taxation to residual values, can be incredibly complicated," said Steve Catlin, Fleet Marketing Manager at Vauxhall. "Our new Whole Life Cost Calculator helps fleet managers to work their way through complex data and make informed decisions that are best for them."

"The calculator is also handy for company car drivers in understanding their tax implications and fuel costs of any models that they may be looking at for their next company car, as well as any technical information about the model."

Dealers Collect SsangYong Korando Demonstration Vehicles

SsangYong Korando

The new SsangYong Korando will go on sale on 3rd October 2011, and ahead of its launch, dealers were invited to attend a conference and collect their demonstrator vehicles.

SsangYong Motor Company senior managers joined Paul Williams, CEO, and Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong Motor UK as they presented the final launch details.

Attending their first networking meeting were four new dealer directors: Unity Automotive, Peterborough; Hares of Rustington, Sussex; Mark Campbell Motors, Breaston, Derbyshire, and Graham P Chatham, Edinburgh.

Ford's New Door Edge Protector

Ford Door Edge Protector

A new feature has been introduced by Ford to debut in 2012 on the Ford Focus, which helps to prevent against dents and scratches.

The Door Edge Protector has been designed by Ford engineers in Cologne, Germany. When the door is opens, a protective flap concealed in the door automatically moves into position to provide a buffer in order to prevent paint and bodywork damage. The cost of repair for a dented car door can cost £250 and 85% of British drivers believe that perpetrators of the damage would not confess to the incident.

The Ford Door Edge Protector fully extends into its protective position at a door opening gap of less than 15cm. The feature protects against over 90% of variously positions obstructions to front doors and 85% for rear doors.

It takes 60 milliseconds to retract the Door Edge Protector to allow doors to be slammed shut and also includes a clutch mechanism that can prevent damage if the flap is obstructed when returning. A rubber compound that can withstand thousands of usage cycles and creates a minimum of noise as it springs into position is used. For heavy users, the protective flap can be quickly and easily replaced by clipping it into place.

"The Door Edge Protector will be one of those features that we think will make customers say 'Why didn't someone think of this sooner?'" said Matthias Tensing, product development system engineer. "It will help parents with children in the backseat or anyone who needs to park in a tight spot."

Research shows that car owners in the Midlands are the most likely to suffer a car park scratch or dent, with 57% of drivers reporting damage. 49% of drivers in the North of England and 54% in the South have reported damage. In Spain, 83% of drivers report scuffs, dents and scrapes.

"The small scuffs and scratches that result from car doors being opened into obstacles, or from having a car door opened into your own vehicle, can be frustrating for car owners – often too small to be covered by insurance but expensive to have repaired out of car owners’ own pockets," said Matthew Avery, crash and safety research manager at Thatcham, the UK Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre.

"Ford's new Door Edge Protector is an excellent innovation for preventing these annoying dents and scratches. Any system that can reduce the risk of damage to your own or someone else's vehicle is worthy of recognition, but one that operates so effectively without affecting the looks or performance is particularly noteworthy."

The Ford Fiesta Zetec and Titanium ECOnetic Models

Ford Fiesta

Ford's low emission ECOnetic engine is now available in the Ford Fiesta Zetec and Titanium models, emitting 95g/km.

The Zetec and Titanium models now means a three model line up of green models that customers can choose from. All three Ford Fiesta ECOnetic models feature the 1.6 litre, 95PS Duratorq TDCi engine with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) offering a combined fuel consumption of 78.5mpg and zero road tax.

Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain marketing director, said: "Many drivers want to drive a car with lower emissions but still want comfort, performance and an affordable price. Expanding ECOnetic across the series answers that demand, with style."

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic model range starts with Edge ECOnetic, with a price starting from £13,895, includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), air-conditioning, lowered suspension, aerodynamic improvements and low rolling resistance tyres.

The Ford Fiesta Zetec ECOnetic includes 14" 6-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear wheel air deflectors, chrome surrounds on headlights, lower front grille, tailgate handle and belt line finisher, three-spoke leather steering wheel and ambient lighting and has a starting price of £14,445.

The Ford Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic is priced from £15,645, and adds Sony DAB Radio, Bluetooth voice control and USB connectivity, cruise control, front upper grille chrome strip, power-operated folding door mirrors, privacy glass, electronic automatic temperature control (EATC). automatic headlamps, automatic wipers, two rear speakers and a perimeter alarm.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic models feature aerodynamic body styling, lowered suspension, low resistance tyres and low friction oil helping the car to achieve low CO2 emissions. A green shift indicator features in the instrument cluster highlights the optimal point to change gear for maximum fuel economy.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic Features

• Aerodynamic rear air deflectors
• Lowered suspension
• Optimised rolling resistance tyres (175/65R14) and low friction oil
• Green shift indicator light
• Modified engine calibration
• Transmission final drive ratio changed from 3.37 to 3.05

Automotive Styling Do’s and Don’ts

Automotive styling is a tricky beast to tame, the fact of the matter is cars have to be designed to lure the masses and not the specific style of its builder. While parts like the tail light or headlight assembly dictate the “face” of the vehicle there are many other aspects to consider that make a car attractive.

There are some great examples of how headlights can look great but still the car design is a failure. The Pontiac Aztec is a great example of this, the headlamps look like they would be right at home on a sports car but they have been placed on what would turn out to be probably the ugliest car that has ever been released to the public. On the other hand there are cars that have terrible headlamps but for some reason they look great anyway. A great example of this is the new SLS by Mercedes if you look at the parts they don’t look good but once they are all put together it just works and you cant really explain why.

Car design is a major factor in what car people will buy, a few years ago Honda released the civic hatchback SI. It was met with weak sales and Honda took that as the public did not want a sporty version of the Civic. They missed the major factor ….it was really ugly and it doesn’t matter how good a car is if it’s not nice to look at. The fact of the matter a car must look the way people want it to. If you are building a mid-size sedan the car can look kinda bland cause to most “it’s just a car” but if you are building a sports car it must have curves and angles that give the car an aggressive look. They say cars represent their owners and their owners don’t want to drive a car that makes them feel ugly or boring.  

The Amazing Auto Auction that is Barrett-Jackson

Every few months the automotive sales goliath that is Barrett-Jackson rears its head. This even is not like a mechanics special auction where all the cars need a new diesel injector or diesel fuel pumps, no these are classics. Well not all of them are classics, some are future classics.

Barrett-Jackson is a traveling auction that specializes in high end cars that private collectors and dealerships are looking to sell but would never reach their full potential if sold on a lot. Over the years this auction has seen cars from complete concepts to extreme race cars to the complete body off numbers matching restorations that fetch millions. Barrett-Jackson is basically every little boys dream car buffet we all had a car poster on the wall, for me it was the Countach.

The money that people are willing to throw down to get some of these rides is almost as impressive as the cars themselves. Some cars have cleared the 3 million mark and others don’t even hit the reserve, it all comes down to the buzz around a specific car. Unlike police auctions or estate sales this auction widely advertises the cars that are for sale and lets potential buys get all the info about the cars as well as documentation that proves numbers matching. Some cars sold have unique background such as movie cars or even classic James Dean driven cars. People will pay good money for cars that have a history and Barrett-Jackson is where these cars are sold. In other words if you have a classic car with a good history and you are looking to sell then this auction is the place for you to sell that car. 

The New Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept

New Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept

A collaboration between Wolfrace and Perodua has resulted in the Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept.

The new design is scheduled for production in October 2011, and combines the styling of Wolfrace with Perodua's specification. The Perodua Myvi Design Concept retains the value for money expected of Perodua whilst offering a package of on-trend modifications from Wolfrace.

The Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept features a leather/alcantara interior, black polished 16" Wolfrace Shark Alutec 5-spoke alloy wheels, low profile Falken tyres, lowered suspension using Eibach springs, Wolfrace graphics pack in signature colours, contrasting red tailgate spoiler and mirrors, privacy glass to rear windows, twin chrome exhaust and high end Vibe audio upgrade including bass enclosure.

The new model benefits from the standard Perodua Myvi specification, including air conditioning, power steering, four electric windows, electric door mirrors and integrated radio/CD player.

SEAT Announces Britain's Top 50 Music Tracks

Katy Perry

SEAT has released a list of music fans' 50 favourite songs, a result of research covering music forums and websites which saw a compiled list of 600 songs considered 'must have' favourites.

The top 50 includes the likes of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, Katy Perry, The Verve and Blondie. The list contains tracks recorded from 1968 to last year.

The catalogue of tracks was split into 25 separate questions and respondents were asked to select all the songs they had on their iPod.

The study also shows that the car is the most popular place to enjoy digital music, with 38% of respondents choosing the car as their top listening spot. The research from SEAT also shows that the average Brit will listen to two hours of music a day.

The Beatles feature a number of times in SEAT's top 50 list, with tracks such as All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude, A Hard Day’s Night and Let It Be.

Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You as well as Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance and Poker Face also feature.

Popular artists include The Killers with Mr Brightside and All The Things That I’ve Done and Coldplay with Yellow, Clocks and Viva la Vida.

The 1968 hit (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) can be found on millions of iPods, joined by Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit and Rehab by Amy Winehouse.

Use Somebody by Kings of Leon, Hotel California by The Eagles and Dancing Queen by Abba also can be found.

The study shows that of all the 4000 music fans, an average of 15 of the top tunes can be found on their iPods and MP3 players.

Eddy Lawrence, music editor of Time Out magazine, said: "It's a funny thought that Bohemian Rhapsody, a track that Freddie Mercury almost scrapped in its early stages of development, has topped the poll.

"So many of these songs have successfully made the transition from vinyl classics to MP3 classics.

"It's also interesting to see how varied the genres on the list are, going from classic rock to retro soul to grunge, which reveals how diverse listeners' tastes are in the MP3 era.

"It also goes to show that a good tune, however old or loud the original recording, will always find a new audience."

34% of respondents agree that the best music was produced in the 1980s. Rock is the favourite genre, with 32% selecting it, followed by Pop with 28%..

SEAT's research has been carried out ahead of the return to Channel 4 of the Spanish brand’s On Track With music shows. The second series of the compelling music specials airs on Channel 4 from next week (Wednesday 28th September 2011).

Each week, artists - such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Friendly Fires, Manic Street Preachers, James Morrison and Katy B - will have one chance to record their tracks direct to vinyl at the Metropolis Studios in London.

Every showcase will see the artists record a unique cover version as part of their set.

A New MG Sales Centre Opens At MG Motor UK's Birmingham Plant

MG Sales Centre

A new sales centre will open at MG Motor UK's Birmingham plant, the event will be marked with a Macmillan Coffee Morning and a weekend of celebrations.

The MG Sales Centre will open on 30th September 2011, coinciding with the final stages of 'The Great British Charity Test Drive', which has seen fleets of the latest MG cars tour the country to raise cash and support Macmillan cancer Support and Help for Heroes.

The opening of the MG Sales Centre will see one of the biggest Macmillan coffee mornings ever held, with a number of VIPs and the press invited.

MG employees and their families will be taking part in an afternoon of activities such as face painting, children's entertainment, bouncy castles and a miniature farm will be available for children to pet a number of small animals.

Employees will have the opportunity to try cake baking with the cakes being sold to raise more money for the Macmillan charity.

The weekend will see the new MG Sales Centre open to the public, with opportunities to test drive the new MG6 GT fastback and MG6 Magnette sports saloon.

Clint Cordle, MG Motor UK’s Marketing Manager, said: "We're planning a fun, family event to mark what is an important development in the new MG story.

"The brand is about fun and this will be a great way to celebrate. But we're also hoping the celebrations will be well supported so that we can give even more support to Macmillan, which is such a worthy charity.

"We've ordered in plenty of coffee in what could be the biggest coffee morning ever held in Birmingham."

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Kia Will Introduce A Third Shift At The Zilina Production Facility

Kia Sportage

A third production shift will be introduced at Kia's European production facility in Slovakia, recruiting 1000 new employees in order to keep up with rising demand. Recruitment will be completed by December 2011, allowing three-shift operations at Zilina in the first quarter of 2012.

"The creation of the third shift at Zilina is the latest step in Kia’s long-term process of building cars locally to best meet local consumers' needs and tastes," commented Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe. "Strong demand for all our models and especially our new Sportage compact SUV, made here in Europe, means we need to significantly increase production at our Slovakia facility."

The Zilina plant represents an investment of over 1 billion Euro and is designed for maximum flexibility in order to accommodate new models and respond to market trend fluctuations. The Kia Sportage, Venga MPV and cee'd family can be manufactured simultaneously on each of the final assembly lines.

Kia manufactured over 729,000 vehicles outside Korea last year, with production in Europe, China and the USA accounting for 2.1 million units, 34.2 per cent of the global total. Sales have risen 18.7 per cent in Europe this year, 24.4 per cent in China and 36.9 per cent in the USA. The increased US demand prompted a third shift at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant, building the Kia Sorento and Optima.

In Zilina, the 1000 jobs will cover all stages of the manufacturing process, mainly requiring skilled candidates with a technical background. It is expected that several thousand new jobs will be created at component suppliers across the Slovak Republic as a result.

Tim Zimmerman Appointed As Managing Director For Peugeot UK

Tim Zimmerman - Managing Director, Peugeot UK

Tim Zimmerman has been appointed as Peugeot's new Managing Director, and will be moving back to the UK, leaving his current role as General Manager of Peugeot's operations in China.

Tim was born in Reading and was raised in North Devon. His career started with Peugeot in September 1986 in Coventry, and since, has held a number of roles in the UK and Europe such as Fleet, Leasing and Used Vehicle Director for Peugeot France, Marketing and Commercial Director of Banque PSA Finance and Managing Director of Peugeot Netherlands before moving to China.

Tim returns to the UK as Peugeot prepares to launch the 3008 HYbrid4, the latest model in the award winning Peugeot 3008 range, marking the first diesel-electric model available from Peugeot offering 95g/km CO2 and up to 74mpg fuel economy whilst delivering 200bhp.

Zimmerman said, "I am delighted to be returning to Britain and I relish the opportunity my new role gives me. I have long-standing acquaintances in Peugeot UK and its Dealer network so I look forward to working with them again. I also return at a time of fantastic product rejuvenation within Peugeot with the stunning RCZ, 3008, 508 and 5008 all attracting new customers to the brand."

The Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept

The Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept

As the climax of its centenary celebration ceremonies, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with the Bugatti 16 C Galibier concept, intended to be the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world last weekend in Molsheim. At the historic site where Ettore Bugatti once laid the cornerstone of his company, Bugatti's current president, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the Bugatti 16 C Galibier is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.

Art - Forme - Technique: those are the brand values to which Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean oriented themselves in order to develop even more powerful engines and even more noble body designs for each new model, which were without equal in quality, handling, speed and elegance. In the process, they experimented again and again without compromise with new materials; thus was Bugatti one of the first manufacturers to use aluminium parts for bodies, engine blocks and wheels.

Art - Forme - Technique are also the brand values to which the design and engineering team of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Bugatti 16 C Galibier. With this new four-door concept car, Bugatti assumes anew a leading role in the use of new material combinations. Thus the body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. Carbon fibre not only possesses unusually great rigidity but is also especially light. The wings and doors are out of polished aluminium.

The Bugatti 16 C Galibier's design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the comfort and elegance of a modern four-door saloon. The basic architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Bugatti Veyron, and reinterprets it. With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world. Beneath the bonnet, which folds back from both sides, there resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with two stage supercharging. What makes this engine special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can optional be run on ethanol. Four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.

The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance. Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a cleverly designed leather strap.

'Galibier' is not just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour de France but, in its time, was a version of the four door Type 57 unequalled in sportiness and elegance.

Bugatti Veyron for Sale at Auction

Bugatti Veyron

Just 300 Bugatti Veyrons were made – and one is coming up for sale at leading car auction company, British Car Auctions (BCA) on 5th June 2010 at its Blackbushe Auction Centre.

Selling new for more than £1 million, just who would be in the market for this 250+ mph super car? Registered in 2006 it’s only got 7,400 km on the clock – and is in almost ‘as new’ condition.

The car has been entered for sale by Lex Autolease and Black Horse and will be one of 350 fast and furious cars for sale in one of the most valuable sales of contemporary vehicles ever staged in the UK. Lex Autolease and Black Horse have worked closely in partnership with BCA to bring together a truly exceptional selection of vehicles for this event.

Robert Sturley, Lex Autolease Area Auction Manager (South) said “We have worked very closely with BCA to bring together a truly exceptional collection of vehicles to feature in the ‘Fast and Furious’ sale. The Veyron may be the star of the show, but there are many other superb high performance cars on offer to tempt bidders.

Alan Gupwell Account Manager BCA said “We have already taken many enquiries about the Bugatti Veyron as they rarely come onto the market. The Lex Autolease and Black Horse brand names have a strong following at BCA and this spectacular event is sure to generate a lot of interest.”

The sale is open to everyone and commences at 10.30 am on Saturday, 5 June. The Supercar section will be at approximately 1:30pm.

BCA Blackbushe is on the A30 between Camberley and Basingstoke, with easy access via J4A of the M3.

A Bugatti Veyron To Feature In Fast and Furious Sale At BCA Blackbushe

Bugatti Veyron

A Bugatti Veyron, one of the world's most desirable supercars, will feature in a massive 'Fast and Furious' sale of 350 sports cars, coupes, performance vehicles, motorcycles and convertibles at BCA Blackbushe near Camberley in Surrey on Saturday 5th June 2010.

The cars have been entered for sale by Lex Autolease and Black Horse and represent one of the most valuable sales of contemporary vehicles ever staged in the UK. Lex Autolease and Black Horse have worked closely in partnership with BCA to bring together a truly exceptional selection of vehicles for this event.

The undoubted star of the Fast & Furious sale is the 2006 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 - just 300 Bugatti Veyrons were produced by the famed French manufacturer.

The Bugatti Veyron is powered by an eight-litre petrol engine that can reach an alleged 253.5 mph and is the quickest accelerating and decelerating road car in the world. It has a computer-controlled automatic dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox with seven gears and magnesium paddles behind the steering wheel with a shift time of less than 150 milliseconds. This example is finished in dark blue metallic over silver metallic and has covered just 7,341 kms from when it was registered on 4th July 2006.

Robert Sturley, Lex Autolease Area Auction Manager (South) said "We have worked very closely with BCA to bring together a truly exceptional collection of vehicles to feature in the 'Fast and Furious' sale. The Veyron may be the star of the show, but there are many other superb high performance cars on offer to tempt bidders. We are confident that BCA will pull out all the stops to generate buying power for this event and we are looking forward to a very successful sale."

BCA is marketing the car world-wide via its Live Online internet bidding system and is expecting potential buyers from Europe, the USA, Japan and the Middle-East to be interested as well as UK-based bidders.

While the Veyron is the undisputed star of the Fast & Furious sale, there are plenty of other exotic and performance vehicles to tempt bidders. The sale also features a 2005 Ferrari F430 F1 Coupe, a 2007-registered Aston Martin DB9 V12 Coupe and a 2004 Maserati 4200 Cambiocorsa Coupe, as well as six Harley-Davidson Motorcycles amongst an entry of 350 vehicles direct from Lex Autolease and Black Horse.

Alan Gupwell Account Manager BCA added "We have already taken many enquiries about the Bugatti Veyron as they rarely come onto the market. The Lex Autolease and Black Horse brand names have a strong following at BCA and this spectacular event is sure to generate a lot of interest."

The sale is open to everyone and commences at 10.30 am on Saturday 5th June 2010. The Supercar section will be at approximately 2.00 pm.

BCA Blackbushe is on the A30 between Camberley and Basingstoke, with easy access via J4A of the M3.

The World's Fastest Production Car

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport takes production sports cars to a whole new dimension.

On the 5th July 2010, on a beautiful sunny day at 25 degrees the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport achieved a new landspeed world record for production cars, on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records the Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 km/h.

On Saturday at 2 pm - Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel puts his helmet and gloves on, pulls the safety belts tight whilst the engineers check the car a very last time: tyre pressure, temperature, all systems green. Then the orange black Super Sport crosses the light barrier, from now on the time will be taken, within one hour the car has to drive from South to North and then in the opposite direction. No one but the driver is allowed to touch the car during this time. The tension rises. A few minutes later we can hear from the left side the sound of a starting jumbo jet coming closer towards us. First we perceive the headlights of the Veyron, then we can recognize the shape of the car, a loud wooosh…. and Raphanel dashes in top speed past us. The GPS-tachometer stops at 427, 933 km/h. Now the same procedure from the opposite direction. This time the car reaches 434, 211 km/h. As average top speed the representatives of the “TÜV”and Guinness generate a value of 431, 072 km/h (268 mph). This hit even Bugatti’s engineering team by surprise.

“We took it that we would reach an average value of 425 km/h,” explains Bugatti’s chief engineer Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, “but the conditions today were perfect and allowed even more.

The climax of the Veyron series: the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Had a model been especially popular or highly successful in races, Ettore Bugatti’s customers often pushed the master to tease out of the engine a few horsepower more for their future car. Bugatti Automobiles SAS had been in a similar situation when their existing customers asked the company to not only design their second model optically differently but to also create a version with a sportier and more extreme driving experience. The result is a car with a uniquely high performance of 1,200-hp (882 kW) offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement, with a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton metres and a limited top speed of 415 km/h (to protect the tyres), but the technique of the Super Sport is identical to the record car. The first five Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series of their own, with the same configuration as the landspeed record car.

The Super Sport is a consequent further development of the classic exclusive 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Continuous work in extreme performance ranges lead to constantly new conclusions, which enabled the engineers at Bugatti to develop the Veyron into a direction in which the driver can reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce an even more powerful car for an agile ride. Four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine, and the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speed - thanks to slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture originally developed for racing cars. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 Newton metres on corner exits.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety – at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clear-lacquered exposed carbon on request.

Dynamic exterior

Every detail of this car, and not just its use of advanced motorsport technology, harks back to the pioneering spirit of company founder Ettore Bugatti. This brilliant designer came from a family of artists, and his philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. This ethos remains alive and well at the company, and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is wholly unmistakeable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The Super Sport’s flat, elongated silhouette is immediately recognisable. The 16-cylinder engine gets its air from two NACA ducts set into the roof, rather than from scoops above the engine. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised back looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system.

Bugatti has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models, usually with racing chassis and supercharged engines. These cars were considered as true racing machines for diehard Bugatti devotees. The most successful were the type 55 and type 57S; only around forty of each were built.

Bugatti Automobiles has sold 260 Veyron and 35 Grand Sport by now, of which 249 Veyron and 22 Grand Sport had been delivered. The Super Sport will begin production this autumn at Molsheim along with the Veyron and the Grand Sport. The first five cars - known as the World Record Edition – are in a special black exposed carbon and orange finish and have already been sold.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport will appear for the first time in public in California at the Pebble Beach Concours week end in mid August and will feature at Quail Meadow, Laguna Seca and on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours.

Cadillac Designers To Get A New UK Facility

Cadillac LA Concept

Cadillac design owes a lot to a talented bunch of people working in the UK, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of global design for General Motors.

"Our UK studio continues to do terrific Cadillac work for us," he said at the Detroit motor show. "Pound for pound it has to be the best value studio in the business."

And now those designers, believed to be working out of one of GM's sites in the UK following the closure of their Coventry base, will get a new facility in the UK.

"It's going to be a great facility and I'm really looking forward to visiting it," said Welburn.

The whereabouts of the new facility are not being disclosed but work is "progressing in stages" as money permits, according to a GM UK insider.

Welburn said that the UK-based designers are "a key part of the Cadillac team - just about every Cadillac design involves them."

Although Cadillac has never really been able to succeed in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, Welburn promised that "we now have the right products in the pipeline to do it."

The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept, unveiled at the Los Angeles motor in November 2010, shows the sort of direction that a small Cadillac for Europe could take, said Welburn.

"I wanted to call it micro exotic because that's what it is," he said. "It's a design we will continue to play with."

Despite its scissor doors, Welburn said that technically the concept is "not beyond possibility" as a production car and a number of powertrains, including electric, could be used.

What Can Debris Do to Your Car

Each one of use knows that when it comes to cars we all know that debris on the road can be dangerous to our ride.  A shredded semi tire can hurt the body of a car as much as a collision with a pole and sometimes it can be worse. The other day a couch fell off the truck in front of me but these are all obstacles that can be avoided if the driver is paying attention. Making sure your steering rack and pinion or steering gearbox is in good shape is a great way to be sure you can maneuver out of the way of these road hazards.

Road debris is for sure a hazard but what about engine debris? The kind you cannot see, the kind that floats around the engine causing issues from spot to spot. Debris can be thought of as any particles in the motors systems that are not supposed to be there. In other words a metal flake in the ac system, dirt particles in the intake or even rust in the fuel tank. It is all debris that can cost a driver hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Debris in the AC system is a time bomb just waiting to go off, The reason being is the whole system is under a great deal of pressure and even the smallest metal shard can shred a seal and make the whole system leak. Not only could debris cause leaking but it can lodge at places in the compressor that will cause it to seize up. But debris in something like the fuel system can cut off the flow of fuel to the engine then the car cannot even run. Debris in the steering system can cause the steering pump to fail or lock in a single direction which can cause an accident.

While debris in the system may not be as immediate as hitting a couch in the middle of the road or running into a pole parking your car, it is an issue. A lot of these issues are unavoidable due to the nature of the issue debris usually enters these systems while work is being done. To be sure that this does not happen to your car make sure that the mechanic doing work on sensitive areas of your car knows what he is doing.

Awards For The BMW 5 Series

New BMW 5 Series Touring

The new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon has been awarded with the Next Greencar Executive Car award in the 2011 Next Greencar awards.

Having beaten competition from the likes of Audi and Volvo, the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon received praise for its performance and delivering 62.8mpg and 119g/km CO2 emissions.

Next Greencar said: "As BMW's greenest 5-Series, the 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon continues to reign supreme in the executive class, combining low emissions with an impressive drive."

Meanwhile, at the Towcar Awards 2011, the BMW 520d Touring won the top award, where it was the quickest, most economical and cleanest car in its class, with 139g/km CO2 emissions and 53.3mpg of fuel consumption, where it earned a five star rating in the 1725 - 1899kg category.

Expert judges from What Car?, Practical Caravan magazine and the Camping and Caravanning Club said: "It didn't take long to decide the winner in this class. The BMW 5 Series does it all. Straight-line stability is beyond reproach. Hill starts are a doddle. It is fast, stable, spacious and practical, the 5 Series impresses in every department."

The New BMW X3 xDrive20i and xDrive35d Available From Autumn 2011

BMW X3

The BMW X3 will have two new models added to the range, the BMW X3 xDrive20i and xDrive35d, which will be available with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines from Autumn 2011, with an output range from 135kW/184hp to 230kW/313hp. BMW EfficientDynamic technology features include Auto Start-Stop, which can be combined with the six speed manual or eight speed automatic transmission.

BMW X3 Drive20i

The BMW X3 Drive20i will be available as the entry level petrol unit. It features a newly developed 2 litre four cylinder unit with BMWTwinPower Turbo technology which includes a turbocharging system which is based on the twin-scroll principle along with High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.

The engine produces a peak output of 184hp at 4800rom with maximum torque of 270 Nm at 1250rpm. As standard, the BMW X3 xDrive20i features a six speed manual gearbox with optional eight speed automatic transmission.

BMW X3 XDrive35d

From autumn 2011, the new BMW X3 xDrive35d will features the 3 litre six cylinder in-line unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, producing peak output of 230kW/313hp at 4400rpm and a maximum torque of 630Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. As standard, the BMW X3 xDrive35d features eight speed automatic transmission with Auto Start-Stop.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the new all-aluminium unit features advanced two-stage turbocharging (Variable Twin Turbo) and latest-generation common-rail direct injection. For low speeds, the small turbocharger is deployed. During heavier throttle application, an electronic controller of the bypass unit engages the larger turbocharger.

For autumn 2011, standard and optional equipment ranges have been boosted. The Auto Hold function will be augmented by the automatic release of the electromechanical parking brake, the BMW X3 is the only model in its class to offer the option of Head-Up Display and in-car internet access. Real-Time Traffic Information will also be made available for the BMW X3, providing accurate and up to the minute details on congestion and traffic situations for motorways, country roads and selected city routes. Trim elements on the instrument panel can now be specified in High gloss black.

BMW X5 Review

BMW X5 Review

The BMW X5 was first launched in 1999 and it quickly set the benchmark for four-wheel drive performance and handling. BMW even introduced the acronym of SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) rather than SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) as used by other manufacturers.

Since 1999 the BMW X5 has built up a loyal fan base of driver's who are looking for all the practicalities of a four-wheel drive combined with the handling of a 'sports car'.

The new BMW X5 went on sale in the UK in June 2010 and it incorporates an array of design and engine changes offering even greater performance and lower emissions, whilst also updating its look.

Prices start at £43,980 for the BMW X5 xDrive 30d SE and rise to £58,175 for the xDrive 50i M Sport model. We drove the BMW X5 xDrive 40d SE with an on the road price tag of £46,310.

The BMW X5 xDrive 50i SE and M Sport models are powered by a 4,395cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 408hp with a 0 to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. Official fuel consumption figures are urban 16.1 mpg, extra-urban 29.4 mpg and combined 22.6 mpg.

There are also two diesel engines available - the 30d is equipped with a 2,993cc turbocharged diesel engine that produces 245hp and is capable of 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The 40d features the same engine except there are two turbochargers and a higher output of 306hp which enables it to complete the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 6.6 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 147 mph.

We tested the BMW X5 xDrive 40d SE which was equipped with the new 40d engine which is the replacement of the twin-turbocharged xDrive 35d. With the introduction of the new xDrive 40d we see an improvement in emissions of 10 per cent, emitting only 198g/km C02 whilst delivering 37.7 mpg on the combined cycle. The performance has also increased.

Until the engine warms up you will notice some diesel chatter but it does quieten down. There can be a fractional delay when pulling off but the engine soon makes up for this when on the move and we found the flexible diesel engine quite potent and should the mood take you there is ample power for quick, clean overtaking.

You cannot specify a manual transmission and all BMW X5's are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector and Steptronic. You can shift gear manually should you wish via the tunnel mounted gear lever selector or via the two paddles on the back of the steering wheel. You simply knock the gear lever forwards to change down or back to change up - simple and quick. Personally the novelty does wear off and you tend to leave the transmission in the fully automatic mode but if you get the revs right and change down at the right moment you have a very powerful vehicle when overtaking (not that it is that bad in its auto mode).

In summary we liked the engine and this is the option we would choose.

Nissan Juke sees improved Fuel Consumption and lower CO2 Emissions

Nissan Juke

Buyers of the Nissan Juke are about to get even more than they bargained for. As part of Nissan’s constant drive to improve its products, both the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi diesel drivetrains have undergone an optimisation programme to further reduce emissions and boost fuel economy.

Thanks to revised gear ratios, 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel models fitted with manual transmissions are now cleaner and more fuel-efficient.

The 1.6-litre petrol variant now returns 47.1mpg on the combined cycle – an improvement of 2.3mpg – and emits just 139g/km of CO2, a reduction of 8g/km. As a result of these changes, the 1.6-litre petrol model now sits in VED Band E, meaning that owners will pay £15 less to tax their cars. With the fuel savings factored in, the optimisation changes will save the typical owner £232 over the course of three years*.

Customers opting for the revised 1.5-litre dCi diesel see fuel economy improve from 55.4mpg to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle, and emissions fall from 134g/km to just 129g/km. As with the petrol model, the revised diesel-powered Juke drops a VED band (from E to D), and now costs just £95 a year to tax. Over the course of three years, the savings add up to an estimated £171.92*.

The icing on the cake for all Juke buyers is that these revisions come at no additional cost. On-the-road prices have been held, meaning that buyers really can make a saving by choosing the Juke.

Over 22,000 Jukes have been sold in the UK since it was launched on 24th September 2010, replicating the success of the Nissan Qashqai by moving out of a niche and into the mainstream.

*Savings based on annual mileage of 10k per year and national average fuel prices: petrol 136.2p / diesel 140.3p.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The new Prius Plug-in will cost less than £31,000 when sales start in the first half of 2012. This headline figure does not take into account Government funding through the Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle grant scheme that could reduce the price to customer by up to £5,000: the Toyota has qualified for grant support by meeting the criteria for plug-in vehicles.

The pricing is competitive compared to the latest EV models on the market, but Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers more flexible performance, thanks to its powertrain which combines an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery and a petrol engine. This will allow drivers to cover more than 14 miles in EV mode, using power from its hybrid battery, after which the vehicle will seamlessly switch to power from its full hybrid system, including the 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine. This means the driver need suffer no “range anxiety” about the distance the car can cover.

The convenience and efficiency of Prius Plug-in Hybrid extends to the system for recharging the lithium-ion battery. Simple connection to workplace or domestic electricity supply, or a roadside charging point, can enable a full recharge in an hour and a half.

Prior to official homologation, Toyota predicts Prius Plug-in Hybrid will emit 49g/km of carbon dioxide and achieve 134.5mpg combined cycle fuel economy. This strengthens its position as a strong prospect for corporate fleet operators, as it will qualify for a Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rating of just five per cent for drivers, and consequently a monthly tax burden of less than £52 (for a 40 per cent tax payer, based on the guideline vehicle price). Furthermore, businesses will save on fleet costs thanks to a 100 per cent write-down allowance and lower National Insurance contributions.

Ewan Shepherd, General Manager Toyota/Lexus Fleet Services said: “Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be an exciting and valuable addition to what is already an industry-leading Toyota range that delivers significant financial benefits to companies and company car drivers with advanced and highly efficient models such as Prius and the British-built Auris Hybrid.”

The advantages of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid are being measured in real-world demonstration programmes with 200 prototype Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in Europe – 20 of them in London. Initial data are showing how the car can achieve significantly better urban driving performance than the best-in-class diesel and petrol models of comparable size. The London demonstration, in partnership with EDF Energy, is also monitoring battery recharging patterns and how motorists can time recharging periods to make best use of the power supply in terms of cost and emissions.

The Bristol Fighter

Bristol Fighter

As probably the fastest front engined road car ever made the Bristol Fighter has already carved out a special niche in the Supercar world. The fact that it avoids the current fashion for being too wide, too heavy, and too complicated is a source of delight to owners.

It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that we announce two new variants of the exclusive two seater that offer even greater performance and agility.

The 628/660* bhp ‘S’ variant (already announced last year) goes into production shortly.

The fact that the ‘S’ offers no major external clues as to its devastating extra performance will delight those who desire the ultimate in discretion.

For those who wish to take advantage of the Fighter’s inbuilt agility and balance we now offer the ‘R’ (road holding) package.

The ‘R’ is immediately recognisable by the new 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The ‘R’ has 285/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 305/35 R 19 at the rear to improve responsiveness, ultimate traction and road holding. Adjustable spring bases lower the ride height by 10 mm, and special lightweight competition type springs are stiffer in rate, firmer anti-roll bars and revalved Bilstein dampers snub excess body movement.

Changes to caster and camber sharpen steering feel and front tyre adhesion.

To provide room for wider rear wheels and tyres the dual 3" exhaust system is rerouted to emerge from the sills ahead of the rear wheels, providing an additional benefit in horsepower and reduced weight.

Customers who value ultimate performance with a small sacrifice in practicality may order the ‘C’ (competition) package, which can immediately be recognised by its lower stance (15 mm lower than standard) and its exposed competition style fuel fillers. Aerodynamic enhancements include fairings ahead of the front wheels and a vertical ‘fence’ at the rear of the car. Which further reduces the wake area behind the car and increases the rear down force. These changes lower the co-efficient of drag to 0.255 (the lowest of any production car), further improves acceleration and top speed, enhance handling balance and stability at very high speeds.

*Horsepower increases at high speed due to aerodynamic overpressure within the air intake system.

Bristol's Saloon Car Range For 2005

Bristol Blenheim

Celebrating 59 years of car manufacture in England under British ownership

At the outset let us define clearly what we haven’t changed. We remain committed to a strict engineering based design philosophy. Consequently our latest saloons remain refreshingly free of fashionable but worthless gadgets. For example we do not fit a separate starter button - we gave that up 46 years ago:

• No harsh run-flat 40 series tyres.
• No unfathomable computerised command and control system.
• No massaging seats with computer controlled side bolsters.
• No disobedient computerised transmission.

On the other hand; our car starts immediately with a simple twist of the key. It has comfortable and durable 60 series tyres that will last a long time and are inexpensive to replace. They also grip well in all weather conditions. Should you have a puncture, a full-sized spare wheel ensures that you can complete your travels in comfort whatever your intended speed and distance. Our traditional switches are labelled in English or the language of your choice. If they or the systems they operate should ever fail, they can be repaired cheaply and simply by any competent repair man. Our seats are likewise of traditional design, beautifully shaped, hand trimmed and amongst the most comfortable ever fitted to a motorcar. Our transmission has reliable mechanical controls. If you select first gear at 40 mph that is what you will get until you, not a computer decide otherwise.

60 Years Of Bristol Cars

Bristol Blenheim

We are celebrating our first 60 years of producing luxury performance cars, and we are happy to note that the last five years have been some of the most exciting in our history.

In that time we have gone from making one body style to three. To our legendary existing engines we have added a new 5.7 litre high tech V8 and an 8 litre V10. In addition to our peerlessly smooth 4 speed automatic gearbox we can now offer a sporting 5 speed automatic and 6 speed manual. In line with our proud aeronautical roots we now produce the most aerodynamic and aerodynamically sophisticated car ever sold. As a result it is arguably the fastest car anywhere in the world. These are exciting times for the company and its customers and there is more to come.

Bristol Cars was formed immediately after the Second World War as the Car Division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company and we delivered our first production cars in 1946. Indeed quite a number of our staff have enjoyed continuous employment since the company’s inception providing superior depth of cumulative knowledge and expertise. We are proud that the company remains in British ownership and still hand builds cars of the highest quality and performance for a discerning clientele.

There are many reasons for our ongoing success. We build uniquely characterful and charismatic cars that use precise engineering solutions to make the driving and ownership experience something to savour. We know our customers individually and hand tailor cars to their needs. As a result we enjoy extraordinary customer loyalty. We provide full parts and service support for all classic Bristol cars regardless of age and buyers of used Bristols are treated in the same manner as those commissioning new cars.

As for the future, the powerful yet understated Bristol Blenheim 3 four seater saloon is selling better than ever thanks to a comprehensive suite of revisions.

A limited edition of the 2 seater Blenheim Speedster with a new 5.7 litre Hemi V8 engine and five speed automatic gearbox to enhance the already vivid performance is available to special order. This year also sees the first deliveries of an enhanced range of 2 seater supercars. These even higher performance variants showcase Bristol’s unrivalled aerodynamic capabilities by achieving a drag factor of 0.2555, the lowest of any production car yet built. Thanks to buoyant sales we have had to defer the start of export production to satisfy the demand in right hand drive markets.

Much has been said in recent years about the demise of the British motor industry. By satisfying the needs and desires of discerning drivers we continue to go from strength to strength. We offer a range of desirable models that, thanks to the best of British engineering, design, and craftsmanship, are bought in preference to anything else in the world.

Our 2006 Models are:

Bristol Blenheim 3

• The world’s most exclusive luxury sports saloon
• Effortless high performance from torquey normally aspirated 5.9 litre V8 engine (410 lb/ft at 3500 rpm)
• Economical and silent - high speed cruising (2450 rpm at 100 mph)
• Light weight (1728 kg) aluminium bodywork
• Room for four six foot persons and their luggage
• Built by hand up to a high standard rather than down to a price

Bristol Blenheim Speedster

• Dramatic and beautiful styling inspired by a 1950’s Bristol prototype
• Dramatic too, is the performance from new 5.7 litre, 370 bhp, HEMI V8 and five speed automatic gearbox
• Luxurious, comfortable and roomy with large luggage boot
• Peerless hand built aluminium coachwork construction
• The perfect synthesis of classic style and contemporary function

Bristol Fighter

• Possibly the fastest practical supercar (up to 240 mph by ‘S’ model) in standard trim
• The most compact supercar (4420 x 1796 mm) (14 ft 6 ins x 5 ft 10 ins)
• The most roomy supercar accommodates two persons up to 6 ft 7 ins tall and three sets of golf clubs
• The most useable supercar - 450 mile range, 6 inches ground clearance
• Tight turning circle
• Perfect all round visibility
• The most aerodynamic car - 0.255 cd

Enhanced Standard Equipment For The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Standard specification for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has been upgraded across the range.

New standard equipment for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo includes BMW Professional Navigation System, BMW Assist, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, Voice control, Xenon headlights with headlight wash and remote tailgate operation.

In September 2011, BMW will launch M Sport versions of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, which will also feature additional equipment, including 19-inch light alloy M V-spoke wheels, front Sports seats, door sill finishers with M designation, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome tailpipes and Anthracite headlining.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Prices

BMW 5 Series Model	OTR Price
BMW 535i SE	£46,205
BMW 535i M Sport	£49,505
BMW 550i SE	£56,680
BMW 550i M Sport	£59,490
530d SE	£45,580
530d M Sport	£48,880
535d SE	£48,500
535d M Sport	£51,800

The BMW 3 Series Receives 2011 Best Convertible and Best Compact Executive Car Awards

BMW 3 Series Convertible

The BMW 3 Series has been presented with the Best Convertible and Best Compact Executive Car awards for the third year in a row at the 2011 Auto Express New Car Honours.

The BMW 3 Series received praise for being the best all-rounder offering good fuel economy and lively performance.

Auto Express' Acting Editor, Graham Hope, said of the wins: "There’s simply no stopping the BMW 3 Series. It reigns supreme in the compact executive class, after claiming its third consecutive win,- no mean feat in such a closely fought sector of the market. Although rivals come thick and fast, the 3 Series has the measure of them all.

"Nothing has been able to dislodge the superb BMW 3 Series Convertible since it took over at the summit of the drop top sector back in 2009. With its slick folding metal hard-top, sharp handling and strong performance, the car mixes wind-in-the hair thrills with traditional 3 Series strengths of entertaining driving dynamics and peerless quality.2

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Drunk Driving is Never OK

Every day the evidence of what can happen if someone drives under the influence can be seen. The damage from this kind of action can be more than just spilling your drink on your car radio or car navigation system, it can be horrible. Alcohol impairs the ability of a person to control their motor skills and not to mention their reasoning “insert college movie scene here” but what does it do behind the wheel.

When a person gets behind the wheel it means that they have agreed to take responsibility of the 3000 lbs piece of metal and its actions. This is a fact that many people don’t realize, a car is basically the largest most dangerous device you will ever own. None of us would consider grabbing a gun and going out for some target practice while under the influence…or would they. There is no difference in drunk driving or waving a loaded gun at people, no matter what someone life is in the balance.

In 2006 17,941 people were killed in alcohol related accidents and over a million arrests are made each year for DUI. Many people will dismiss a few drinks as ok to drive but studies show that even after just one drink your reaction time is affected. In other words driving should be avoided if you have had any drinks and in times like these using a cab will spur the economy and a $30 cab ride is always cheaper than the average $15,000 a DUI costs the driver. In other words a person could take a cab home 500 times before they reach the cost of a DUI not to mention it may just save a life or 5. If more inspiration to avoid drunk driving is needed, just Google drunk driving accident and click images...it will take your breath away and make you think twice. 

New Bristol Fighter T To Be Added To Fighter And Fighter S Range

Bristol Fighter

• Twin turbocharged and intercooled 8 litre V10 engine
• 1012 bhp at 5600 rpm
• 1036 lb.ft of torque at 4500 rpm
• Bristol Cars have over a quarter of a century of turbocharging experience, for, in January 1980 they introduced UK's first turbocharged car - the Bristol Beaufighter
• Functional exterior styling changes and mechanical alterations to suit the extra performance
• Lightweight sports interior
• First deliveries of Fighter T expected September 2007
• During the short time the Bristol Fighter has been on the market we have noted that owners tend to use the cars as everyday transport instead of a conventional car. They also love to use them for recreational or track day purposes.
• In spite of the Fighter and Fighter S's very high performance, to our surprise we have sometimes been asked for more.
• The Fighter T (which will be an addition to the range) answers these requirements without losing one iota of street level credentials.
• At 3500 rpm the standard Fighter produces an impressive 525 lb.ft of torque. The Fighter T delivers more than 900 lb.ft at the same rpm, and continues to do so all the way up to the rev limit of 6000 rpm.
• Drag factor reduced to 0.27 by a new rear wake diffuser.
• A potential maximum speed of more than 270 mph has been electronically limited to a more than sufficient 225 mph at 4500 rpm.
• 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.
• Responding to the needs of some exacting customers we have created a very special Fighter variant which, as ever, remains a compact and enjoyable car to drive around town or as an exhilarating track car. Yet it takes two people and their luggage in great luxury and ease for trans continental travel.
• Bristol Cars believe that there is no other car with such a remarkable range of abilities.

New Hyundai i40 Tourer Download

Hyundai i40 Tourer

Hyundai brings to life the all-new i40 Tourer using innovative image recognition technology from Aurasma as part of the Company’s biggest-ever integrated advertising campaign to support the launch of the new product.

The industry-leading new Hyundai i40 application, available for free download now from the App Store and Android Market, provides consumers with the opportunity to experience the new i40 instantly through video content embedded in selected print and poster advertisements. Simply download the app, follow instructions and point at the all-new i40 Tourer advert to trigger video content where consumers can explore the features of the car, order a brochure or book a test drive.

The application features state-of-the art image recognition technology from Aurasma which showcases the future of how we use our mobile devices by bringing the physical and virtual worlds together for the first time. It is available for download for Apple iPhone 4 and Android 2.2 and above.

Andrew Cullis, Marketing Director, Hyundai Motor UK explains: “The i40 Tourer has already created a stir within the market place by providing a stylish, technologically advanced and value for money new alternative in the medium family estate car sector – dominated by more established manufacturers. We have created a campaign that really showcases our brand philosophy of ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’. Our fully integrated campaign ensures that every consumer touch point conveys the right message to the right people. And we’ve innovated by using cutting edge mobile technology to bring the print and poster campaign to life.”

The all-new Hyundai i40 Tourer – on sale now in Hyundai dealers across the country – is a sign of how far Hyundai has come in recent years, and truly embodies where the Brand is going. It offers customers exceptional value for money with a starting price of just £18,395 on-the-road and an insurance group rating of 12E. It offers CO2 emissions from 113 g/km and class-leading fuel economy from 65.7mpg, a spacious and high quality interior, and a high level of standard equipment, premium features and intuitive technology. Also, with the lowest ‘Benefit in Kind’(BIK) cost in class, the Hyundai i40 range is an attractive alternative for company car drivers.

The Volkswagen California Berghaus

Volkswagen California Berghaus Limited Edition

As the weather starts to take a turn for the worse and those long summer nights and festivals seem a distant memory, it needn’t be just hardcore campers who can still enjoy the great outdoors as Volkswagen adds the limited edition Berghaus to the versatile California range.

Created in collaboration with the outdoor clothing specialist, the California Berghaus has been specially developed to be the ultimate vehicle for exploring and enjoying the outdoors in comfort and style.

The limited edition Berghaus model boasts all of the creature comforts that standard California models offer, including seating and accommodation for four, thanks to an electrically-operated pop-up roof, a fully-functioning integrated kitchen in the rear living space including a fridge and gas-powered cooker, and fold-away table and chairs.

In addition to the extensive list of equipment fitted as standard, the newest addition to the California range also features a bike rack, side-mounted awning, 18-inch bi-colour ‘Dakar’ alloy wheels, metallic paint, Berghaus-branded carpet mats and waterproof seat covers and Berghaus badging.

Each vehicle also comes with an exclusive ‘Berghaus pack’ to prepare customers for exploring the outdoors in style. The pack includes a Berghaus ‘Freeflow 25’ rucksack, two ‘Flare’ sleeping bags, gloves, hats, insulated mugs, a travel water bottle, a flask and a map case. All that’s missing is the Kendal mint cake!

All Berghaus models are fitted with the familiar 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine and six-speed manual transmission, which returns 36.2 mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 205 g/km. Acceleration from standstill to 62 mph takes 12.4 seconds while the top speed is 117 mph.

As you would expect from Volkswagen, all California models are equipped with an extensive range of safety systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (TCS), engine braking control (EBC) and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).

Priced at £47,995 on the road (including VAT), the Berghaus model is the first ever special edition California, and exclusivity and desirability are guaranteed on the campsite with a total of only 80 being produced.