Upcoming Jaguar and Land Rover rumors

Jaguar is on a roll. After the successful launch of the XF mid-sized sedan, Jaguar and Land Rover will be introducing a series of new engines and models including a hybrid XJ. An upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide rival is in the pipeline for Jaguar and we're likely to see the new super-coupe in 2011 the earliest.

Longer-term JLR plans to develop green technologies have won government financial backing under the Low Carbon Vehicle programme. These are likely to result in production developments over the next five to 15 years and include the REHEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) for a plug-in hybrid, a new flywheel-based energy recovery system and a 120g/km luxury.

2008:

This year could see a new, smaller diesel engine finding its way underneaths the XF's bonnet. The current 2.7 litre V6 diesel engine pollutes 199g/km and new diesel unit is likely to be a 2.0 litre in-line 4-cylinder engine. This should offer much better fuel economy and even lower emissions.

2009:

A new 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine based upon the current 2.7 litre V6 and an all new direct injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine will find its way in some Land Rover's and Jaguar's. The 5.0 litre V8 could find its way under the upcoming XF-R hood.

Jaguar XE Coupe:

No information has been surfaced yet but a £40,000 price tag is expected. The new coupe maybe based upon the XK or XF platform. C-XE (registered on 18.04.2008) could hint at a cabriolet version of the upcoming XE coupe. This is likely to rival the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4.

2010:

A micro-hybrid using stop-start technology and based around the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will be the first to be launched in the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010. This system will improve economy and lower emissions by 10%.

Transmission wise, a new 8-speed ZF gearbox is key to the hybrid development. It features a completely new approach to the internal design of an auto, itself a fuel-saving feature, and a separate hydraulic reservoir that makes the 'box compatible with stop-start devices unlike today's six-speed ZF unit.

Jaguar XK:

The XK coupe and cabriolet first came into production in 2005/2006. Since then, a slight refresh has been offered for the 2008 model year. 2010 could see a complete facelift or a whole new model. The usual 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine will be standard and if demanded, a diesel engine could even find its way under the hood.

Jaguar XJ:

Testing is in full swing for the new large luxury sedan. The new XJ will take styling hints off the XF, interior and exterior wise including the new pop-up JaguarDrive gear selector. C-XJ (registered on 14.04.2008) could suggest a convertible version of the XJ sedan. The XJ will reach showrooms in 2010 with a possible sports version dubbed: XJ-R. This could rival the upcoming Lexus LS-F and the Mercedes S-Class AMG. The XJ-R could use a tuned version of the upcoming 5.0 litre V8.

Like the current XJ, the next generation will be available in both SWB and LWB version and is set to be lighter than the current model, thus saving fuel and giving better handling.

2011:

Land Rover Freelander, LRX and Discovery:

The Land Rover Freelander should receive a refresh or facelift in this year. In the same year, Land Rover's LRX coupe will reach showrooms. This uses a diesel engine mated with a hybrid system. The Discovery has received a refresh this year but in 2011, there should be a facelifted model arriving.

Jaguar XF:

As for Jaguar, the XF will receive a facelift to keep it looking fresh.

2012:

Jaguar is considering the system for a full-hybrid version of the next XJ and it could be on the market as soon as 2012. Land Rover is looking at a different hybrid solution using its rear-mounted 'Electric Rear Axle Drive' electric motor.

New Car: 2008 Peugeot 407 facelift

Its been 4 years since the Peugeot 407 was launch at the Geneva motorshow. 4 years later, it went under the knife receiving a slight nip and tuck at the rear and added chrome to the exterior.

Mechanically, the engines have been tweaked to make them cleaner. The 2.0-litre HDi engine now produces 140bhp requires 5.6 litres of diesel per 100 km, emits 150g/km of CO2 and meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

Peugeot also added a new engine to its range, the 2.0-litre Bioflex engine which runs on Ethanol fuel will be available where governments apply biofuel tax incentives.

Press Release:

Since its launch, the elegant, distinctive and dynamic 407 Saloon and SW have become a benchmark in their segment due to their high levels of road holding. They also introduced a touch of style into a segment based around traditional yet conventional saloon and estates, designed with just volume and practicality in mind. Peugeot based the design of the 407 around a number of core motoring values identified from its customers: appearance and technology, driving enjoyment in both the Saloon and SW models, with the SW particularly ideal, due to its versatile for leisure pursuits, for both families and individuals or for business activities.

The 407…a distinctive ‘stylish vehicle’…:

One of the main attractions of the 407 Saloon and SW is their feline appearance. The forward positioned and inclined front windscreen, bold rear design, large wheels, the 407 has all the personality that underlines the new design signature of Peugeot cars and has become an inspiration for the design of the front of all new models.

Characterised by an ever more distinctive design at the front, with an air intake that fits perfectly both in terms of technical performance and its bold design, it provides the 407 with its overall dynamic image. Its dynamic characteristics including exceptional road holding, is the result of a number of technical solutions and Peugeot’s expert fine tuning of the suspension, benefiting both ride and handling.

In 2008 … The new 407:

Since its launch, the 407 has enjoyed a strong position within its segment due to its distinctive appearance that sets it apart from the other vehicles in the segment and is still contemporary with the 207 and 308 models. It continues to excel in terms of road holding and offers a combination of active safety, driving enjoyment and comfort of the highest level.

In anticipation of the changing expectations of its customers, Peugeot will strengthen the appeal of the 407 even further this summer. The new 407 enhances the core aspects that are the key sources of enjoyment experienced by its users.

Subtle visual improvements updating a design that is just as dynamic and bold as before but now offers more in terms of elegance, robustness and high quality, both externally and internally. New enhanced comfort equipment increases the appeal of the different versions by offering even greater well being to its occupants, in particular onboard temperature control and new telematics systems.

New equipment like front parking assistance enhances the car’s world-wide reputation for ease of driving and dynamic performance.It is available with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines featuring cutting edge technology, particularly on the HDi Diesel versions, the most popular engine option in the 407.

These include an updated 2.0-litre HDi engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox which develops a power of 103 kW (140 bhp), an increase of 3 kW. It also benefits from a fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100km and CO2 emissions reduced to 150 g/km. This engine, which complies with future Euro 5 emission standards, has been approved in accordance with this regulation.

This new specification testifies Peugeot’s ongoing commitment to achieve the best possible environmental performance on the new 407.

For example, after the standard fitment of an additive-enhanced diesel particulate filter system (FAP) on all HDi Diesel powered 407s and following the introduction of the 1.6-litre HDi FAP engine (110 bhp), particularly well suited as a fleet vehicle thanks to its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (only 140 g/km for the Saloon and SW), a new 2.0-litre Bioflex engine operating on E85 fuel will be available for destinations where road tax incentives favours biofuels, with their environmental benefits.

To summarise, Peugeot has seized a great opportunity during the summer of 2008, to strengthen the appeal among motoring enthusiasts with the attractive new 407 in both Saloon and SW versions.

Hyundai "BHL" spied again

Following my previous article on Hyundai i70/VI, spy photographers have caught the new sedan testing in South Korea and Germany again.

New rumors suggest that the new sedan will be called i90 and not as previously reported, i70, although the official name hasn't been finalised. Known internally as "BHL", the newcomer will measure in excess of 4.9 metres or 4900mm and will rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS and the Cadillac DTS.

Hyundai promises that the new vehicle will be fully equipped with technology usually found in premium brands listed above. This includes an iDrive-style cabin control interface, as well as a collision mitigation brake system (CMS), which detects an imminent accident and warns the driver to take corrective action. Power will come from a petrol fuelled 4.6 litre V8 developing around 375bhp and possibly a V6 developing 233bhp or 300bhp. Both engines are borrowed from the recently launched Genesis sedan.

Since testing is under full swing, 2009/2010 sound about right to see the new car. The sedan's prime markets are China, Middle-East, USA and parts of Asia so don't expect it to come to Europe since Hyundai has a reputation for "value for money". When it comes to pricing, the sedan is expected to undercut its rivals significantly.

Related link:

Hyundai i70/VI

Hyundai sales increase in India (IN)

Despite dismal sales from Japan with only 22 units sold last month, Hyundai India has sold over 40,000 cars in India compared to 27,069 units in the same month in 2007. Sales were up by 47.8%. The domestic car sales last month was 21,501 units and 18,500 of those units were exported.

“HMIL sales for April had been robust with a very healthy growth and we feel that the budget has been a contributory factor. The i10 too has done exceedingly well to establish itself as a major player in this segment with domestic sales alone accounting for over 50,000 units in just six months which is the fastest ever for any model and with the highest growth rate in this segment things are looking good for HMIL,” commented Arvind Saxena, Senior VP for Marketing and Sales.

Hyundai marks its strong presence in the small car market with the i10, Santro and Getz.

Related link:

New Car: 2008 Hyundai i10

New Car: 2009 Renault Laguna Coupe

The long-awaited Renault Laguna Coupe will be launched Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes film festival this weekend.

To reduce rear visibility, the bootlid sit up high like the Laguna hatch and it will receive LED rear lights, borrowed from the concept. The new car is closely based on the Laguna hatch so the coupe is built on the same platform as the 5dr with the same suspension layout. The Laguna Coupe is shorter, lower and wider, measuring at 4.64m long, 1.4m high and 1.83m wide. Higher-trim levels will be available with Renault’s new Active Drive four-wheel steering system as used on the Laguna GT.

Under the bonnet, the Laguna Coupe will use a series of petrol and diesel engines borrowed from the current Laguna. The 3.0-litre diesel will produce 235hp and 332b ft of torque, while the 3.5-litre petrol unit offers 240bhp and 244lb ft and both come with an automatic transmission. The petrol V6 will be the range-topping model and should hit 60mph in under seven seconds.

The coupe will be aimed and priced in between the Peugeot 407 Coupe and the BMW 3-Series Coupe which means that prices will start around £22,000 and rising to £27,000 for the flagship V6 models.

Despite the low sales of upmarket French cars such as the 407 Coupe, Renault Vel Satis and Avantime, Renault claims that the UK is one of the important four markets for the new Coupe.

Due to be launched at the Paris Motorshow in October, sales of the new Renault Laguna Coupe will start this November in the UK.

Related link:

Renault Laguna Concept Coupe

Press Release:

RENAULT LAGUNA COUPÉ:

FOR SHEER MOTORING ENJOYMENT:

Renault has chosen the glamorous weekend which sees the Cannes Film Festival coincide with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix to take the wraps off Laguna Coupe.

The flowing lines of the newcomer’s elegant, uncluttered design express timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment. Its performance provides unprecedented pleasure behind the wheel thanks to the combination of its Active Drive chassis equipped with four-wheel steering – which has been acclaimed by the media across Europe on the GT version of Renault Laguna – and the two new V6 powerplants which have been introduced at the same time as this image-forging vehicle. The brand new V6 dCi, which is poised to become a benchmark in terms of performance and pleasure, delivers 235hp (173kW), while the new 3.5-litre petrol powered V6 offers 240hp (175kW). Laguna Coupe stands out as an inspiring, four seater with genuine sensual appeal and will be shown in further detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show in October.

Saturday May 24 saw Renault President Carlos Ghosn arrive at the foot of the illustrious steps of the 61st Festival International du Film de Cannes at the wheel of Renault Laguna Coupe. The occasion marked the first public showing of the new model’s definitive, distinctive lines and was a fitting way for the carmaker to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its exclusive partnership with the famous film festival. Renault Laguna Coupe also profited from the weekend to make a guest appearance around the track of the 66th Monaco Grand Prix to showcase its sporting credentials. Two Laguna Coupes completed several laps of Monaco’s legendary circuit in the hands of ING Renault F1 Team test drivers Lucas di Grassi and Romain Grosjean, providing the many thousands of spectators with a unique and unexpected show.

Renault Laguna Coupe bears a close resemblance to the racy concept car revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, while its elegant styling and proportions boast all the hallmarks associated with truly exceptional coupes. Its distinctive front end suggests the presence under the bonnet of the finest Renault-Nissan Alliance engines which have been designed and developed to ensure supreme driving enjoyment. Indeed, Renault Laguna Coupe is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100kph in less than seven seconds, and this upper-range performance combines with the Active Drive chassis and four-wheel steering to deliver optimum pleasure at the wheel.

Head-turning, racy styling:

The flowing lines of Renault Laguna Coupe’s elegant, uncluttered design express a blend of timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment. There is no mistaking the legacy it has inherited from the show car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 and from the Renault Laguna range at the top of which it is destined to preside. With a length of 4.64 metres and a width of 1.83 metres, its proportions are nicely balanced, while the character line which stems from the grille rises forcefully along its flanks, like a wave of air, gracefully underpinning the design of its front wings before extending rearwards to highlight its muscular haunches. The glazed area of its windows is shown off to its best advantage by a pure, flowing arc. Sitting on its 17- or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Laguna Coupe’s stance exudes a sense of dynamism and power thanks to a wheelbase dimension of 2.69m and a height of 1.40m. This sensation is echoed by the pronounced crease-lines of its long bonnet and by its new variant headlamps. The rear, meanwhile, features a very short overhang and broad, slim lights which give Laguna Coupe a bright, distinctive lighting signature which suggests refinement and power, especially at night when the indicators form a halo that picks out the contours of the thin red LEDs.

Four-wheel steering for an exceptional ride:

Developed jointly by Renault Engineering and specialists from Renault Sport Technologies, Laguna Coupe’s technologically-advanced chassis guarantees the ultimate in dynamic performance. Its outstanding agility and stability set new standards when it comes to safety and surefooted handling, while the new car corners with unrivalled directional precision as if it were on rails. Following its introduction on the GT version of Renault Laguna, this chassis has naturally been carried over to Laguna Coupe and is particularly suited to being powered by the new car’s V6 engines. At low speeds, the Active Drive chassis and four-wheel steering system enhance manoeuvrability and it takes drivers no time at all to familiarise themselves with their characteristics. In town, as well as on twisty roads, the car is easy to drive and offers outstanding handling precision. It makes choosing the optimal cornering line intuitive and further enhances the pleasure experienced behind Renault Laguna Coupe’s wheel, a feeling reinforced by the absence of transient dynamic phenomena through turns and by its directional precision at small low steering wheel angles. On the active safety front, the Active Drive chassis equipped with four-wheel steering excels not only under braking in difficult conditions (asymmetric grip, deployment of ESP), but also when taking avoidance action (the so-called ‘elk test’). Meanwhile, the high level of travelling comfort ensures peace of mind for all occupants who can sense Laguna Coupe’s unrivalled active safety.

Powertrains with pedigree:

Under the bonnet of Renault Laguna Coupe, the brand-new V6 dCi, which is destined to become a benchmark in terms of performance and driving pleasure, develops 235hp (173kW) and peak torque of 450Nm. The same figure for the petrol 3.5 V6 powerplant, which is mated for the first time with the AJ0 automatic six-speed transmission it shares with the diesel engine, is 330Nm, while maximum power is 240hp (175kW). In this configuration, Renault Laguna Coupe can accelerate to 100kph in less than seven seconds. Renault Laguna Coupe also naturally benefits from the best engines available for Laguna, in particular the top performing versions of the range’s two-liter petrol and diesel powerplants.

Immersive experience with Microsoft®’s Deep Zoom technology:

Friday May 23 saw the inauguration of a bespoke Renault Laguna Coupe website. Building on the success of the Renault Laguna launch in 2007 (inside new laguna), the experience has been carried over for customers who wish to find out more about Laguna Coupe. The www.laguna-coupe.com website has been developed in an exclusive European association with Microsoft®. Thanks to a landmark innovation known as Deep Zoom technology, it has been designed to evolve constantly depending on the latest news to offer an immersive experience at the very heart of this exceptional coupe.

Renault Laguna Coupe will be shown in greater detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and will be available for international media road tests immediately after that. As the spearhead of the Laguna range, it has been designed to offer sheer driving pleasure and plays a key role in the Renault’s brand’s expansion in the upper-range market. Renault Laguna Coupe epitomizes this savoir-faire when it comes to motoring enjoyment and quality which is built into its genes and which can be seen in the finish which matches even the most demanding standards. Laguna Coupe will be introduced progressively across the Renault sales network from mid-October featuring a long list of luxury equipment.

Honda Pilot pricing announced (U.S)

Honda USA has announced pricing for their 8 seaters, newly designed Pilot SUV. Prices start at MSRP $ 27,595 for the entry level Pilot LX and will rise to $38,395 for the flagship Pilot Touring.

"The timing is right for a vehicle like this as fuel prices drive families out of larger SUV's even though their lifestyles still require the type of functionality that Pilot delivers," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Honda USA.

The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5 litre, 250bhp i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which can switch between six-cylinders and 3-4 cylinders depending on circumstances so it achieves 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg for highway driving and 19 mpg on the combined cycle.

Staying with the Honda Pilot, the new SUV will also be sold in Russia. Russian-bound Pilots will still be produced at Honda's Alabama production facility but Honda doesn't expect Russia to be a large market for the Pilots with only 3,245 units are slated for the Russian market for this year but that number should climb to 4,650 by 2011. The first Pilots will be shipped to Russia this summer.

Honda engineers didn't have to tweak the Pilot much for Russian consumptions with the only changes being the addition of headlight washers, rear heated seats and reflectors on the rear bumper.

Russian-bound Pilots will also get different corrosion protection — to guard against chemicals used to melt snow but will still be powered by a 3.5 litre V6.

As with the previous-generation Pilot, the new SUV will also be sold in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and South America.

Chevrolet has a new beat

Updated: 29/05/2008:

Out of Chevrolet's trio (Trax, Groove and Beat) of city cars, the Beat won over 1.8 million votes which has force GM to produce it.

Prototypes have only been sighted and spied in China undergoing winter testing and mechanical testing. Despite the thick camouflage, the overall styling and size of the car remains true to the concept first shown at the New York motorshow.

GM hasn't set a launch date yet but we can expect to see the new car in late 2009/early 2010. The U.S market is not scheduled to get the Beat but GM hasn't ruled the idea out.

The new city car is set to replace the popular but dated Matiz/Spark in 2009. The Beat would rival the upcoming Nissan Cube, Suzuki Splash, Vauxhall/Opel Agila and Fiat Panda in Europe. Prices are likely to start from around £6,500.

Related links:

Chevrolet Beat heads for production

Chevrolet Trax heads to New York motorshow