Bigger Golf gets facelift

It seems like that the Golf/Rabbit isn't the only Golf-based model to receive a facelift. Spies have caught the new Golf Plus facelift undergoing mechanical and altitude testing in the Austrian Alps.

The revised Golf Plus will have its debut at the Bologna motorshow in late December, before UK sales start in early 2009. The front end gets the same styling treatment as the upcoming Golf Mk6 hatch but the rear is apparently going to be similar to the current Golf Plus model.

The Golf Plus, Jetta sedan and Golf Estate will receive technical improvements including direct-injection engines to cut down on fuel consumption and emissions without affecting performance. Expect an expansion of the 1.4 TSI petrol engines which are now available in 140, 150, 160 and 170bhp form.

Related links:

Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit spied

Volkswagen 300bhp Golf

Difficult is worth doing - By Honda

I was given a early preview for the all new Honda Accord advert. The advertisement is called Difficult is worth doing. The adverts are teaser ads of the making of the new Honda Accord.

Difficult is worth doing highlights how Honda are at the cutting edge of technology and the ad also brings to light the team behind the making of Honda and their teamwork.

Let me know what you think of it.

Part 1 - Introduction:

Part 2 - Rehearsals on the ground:

Part 3 - The wind tunnel:

Part 4 - Filming the stunt:

Chevrolet Europe set to expand its range by 2012

Chevrolet Europe will double its car range by 2012. Chevrolet wants to be competitive in 65% of the market within four years, an increase of a third from 2006.

“The whole Chevrolet portfolio will be renewed by 2012 and we are looking to expand into new segments,” said Wayne Brannon, chief executive of Chevrolet Europe. “We’re particularly interested in creating a new monocab MPV to compete with the Zafira and a small SUV that would sit beneath the Captiva.”

The new Epica mid-sized sedan is the first stage in the new strategy and will be followed by the all new Beat, Camaro and electric Volt.

New engines will also be a key part of this growth, said Brannon. “We’re looking to produce a new 1.0-litre diesel engine in the next two to three years, and we are also hoping to add a 1.3-litre diesel to the range.”

Progress is also being made on the company’s hydrogen fuel-cell car, which is also due to enter the Chevrolet range by 2012. The first working fuel-cell demonstrators, which will be based on the Equinox SUV, will be in action in Europe by the end of next year.

VW Tiguan customers receive free Golf (DE)

Buyers from Germany who have purchased a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV will receive a Volkswagen Golf as a courtesy car until their vehicle has arrived in January 2009.

Faced with high demand of its soft-roader and in an effort to stop Tiguan buyers from looking elsewhere, Volkswagen has taken the unusual move of getting its dealers to hand out Golf's to anyone who orders a Tiguan. To cover the costs of depreciation on the Golf, VW will pay the dealers €1000 (£800) for every Tiguan sold.

Squaring up the Cube

Nissan is working flat out on the new Cube. The first generation of the quirky vehicle was only sold in Japan where it enjoyed huge success thanks to its eye-catching design. Since it was only for Japan, the vehicle got imported by customers in their thousands. The Cube also had an older brother called Cubic which provided a 3rd row of seats.

The new model, caught here undergoing testing in France will be sold throughout the world, including Europe and the U.S.

Nissan showed a concept called Denki (electric in Japanese) Cube with high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries at the New York Motor Show. The hybrid will utilise cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology and will developed in the UK alongside with NEC. This previews an electric Cube scheduled for 2010, as well as a conventional petrol engined version. A 1.6VVT petrol engine is expected to be borrowed from the Renault Clio alongside the 1.5 dCi, which is expected to stay firmly in Europe.

Exterior changes should be minimal compared to the concept, although the current car’s low rear lights will be placed near the boot lid to meet European regulations. A smooth CVT automatic and manual gearbox will be offered along with a classier interior to suit UK tastes.

The first photo shows the car undisguised at a press conference. Other than testing in France, Nissan has been testing Cube mules in London, near their design centre. These prototypes include the Cube and the Cube Cubic. The latter may make it to the UK if demand is sufficient.

Its hard to distinguish what the Cube will be rivalling since the Note takes on supermini based MPV's like the Renault Modus, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Daihatsu Materia and Ford Fusion but it is safe to say, for those who don't want a European styled people carrier will have the option to choose the Cube. The Cube should reach dealerships by 2010 followed by the hybrid in 2011. Expect a world debut at the LA autoshow in November. Nissan Cube to be unveiled in LA

'09 Nissan Maxima production started (U.S)

Nissan's flagship sedan has officially gone into production today. The first '09 Maxima rolled off the assembly line at Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. manufacturing plant.

The new Maxima is built on Nissan's new D-Platform but is powered by an upgraded 3.5 litre VQ V6 engine producing 290bhp, a 35bhp increase than the current model but still less than the new 3.7 litre V6 with 330bhp (borrowed from the Infiniti EX37 and G37). The engine is mated to a new Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual and Ds (drive sport) mode for a more sporty drive.

"We set out to create one of the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive sedans in the world," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan division, Nissan North America. "The Maxima delivers on all levels offering the value, quality and exhilarating performance consumers have come to expect from Nissan."

The Nissan Maxima was first introduced in the U.S back in 1981 and today 4 of every 5 sold are still on the road today, not bad for a car that's in its 8th generation. The new 2009 model will come in two trim levels; Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV. Pricing will announced before sales start in summer 2008.

Upcoming Lexus rumors

Lexus is expanding their current range of cars. Recently introduced is the IS-F that rivals the BMW M3 sedan, Mercedes C-Class AMG and the upcoming Alfa Romeo 159 GTA. Although the schedule is 2 years out of date, it still gives a brief idea of what Lexus is getting upto.

2008:

'08 MY IS convertible:

According to Lexus insiders, Lexus has registered the following trademarks: IS 250C, IS 300C and IS350C. Presumably, the C stands for coupe or convertible. What's even more interesting is the trademark on IS 300C. Lexus doesn't sell an IS 300 anywhere so its likely the new model will fill the 100+ bhp gap between the IS 250 and IS 350.

Lexus didn't trademark a IS-FC or any other combination of those letters so a 2 door IS-F may not be in the Lexus future but the coupe could be marketed as the IS-F.

See spy photos here > Lexus IS coupe and cabriolet

'08 MY LX470:

Initially the LX470 SUV is due for a replacement in September judging by the schedule but the top 2 rows of black boxes have both got "06" typed on them, so its kinda confusing.

'08 MY LS900h:

Considering the name, LS900h is indicating a larger engine than the 5.0 litre V8 powered LS 600h which develops 435bhp. No information is currently available for the engine or model.

2009:

RX Series:

In 2009, we should see the all new Lexus RX SUV. Current engines are expected to be carried over and there will be a hybrid variant available.

"JX" Crossover:

Since the RX SUV is considered as a crossover to Lexus, does that mean Lexus is planning a proper crossover? Although its not known what the RX is named internally, could the Lexus "JX" crossover be real?

IS Series facelift:

In order to keep it looking nice and fresh for the small premium car market, the IS is readying for a minor facelift. There could even be a hybrid in the pipeline for the new IS.

"BS" small hatchback:

Although its been rumored for years and Lexus hasn't hinted at wanting a small premium hatchback, it seems that there will be no baby for Lexus so the "BS" could just be BS.