Aston attack

More documents

Recommendations

Info

John Mellor's GoAutonews THE New York International Auto Show opens this week and will showcase a number of new production vehicles destined for Australia – and, of course, a range of fascinating concepts and overseas cars. Some have escaped before their offi cial debut, others have been let out for a breather before the covers come off… CHEVROLET TRAX GENERAL Motors will unveil three GM Daewoo-derived compact car concept vehicles under its Chevrolet brand at this week’s New York International Auto Show, including the Trax shown here. All three concepts were designed at GM’s design studio in Incheon, South Korea, and are certain to refl ect the work of former Holden senior designer (and now GM Daewoo’s deputy director of advanced design) Max Wolff. Built on GM’s “global mini architecture”, the concepts are designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets. The orange four-door Trax is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and points to the next-generation Matiz light car – and the Scion-oriented direction in which GM is now taking Daewoo. Other GM cars on show in NY include the upgraded 2008 Cadillac STS – a car bound for Australia in 2009 – which now has a 222kW direct-injection V6 in its arsenal, along with a new lane-departure warning system and side blind-zone alerts. Buick will have highperformance “Super” versions of its LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans, while Hummer will debut a safer and more fuel-effi cient H2 and a 220kW V8 “Alpha” version of its Hummer H3. TM www.mellor.net A PRIL 4, 2007 Page 4 CAREER OPPORTUNITY WITH PEUGEOT AUTOMOBILES Peugeot is a well known and respected European brand that has significantly grown sales and market penetration in Australia during the last few years. We are currently seeking a key individual responsible for the development and management of Peugeot’s corporate fleet sales program based in our Sydney Head Office. Corporate Sales Manager SUBARU IMPREZA LEAKED photos of the all-new Subaru Impreza had been plastered over the internet ahead of its offi cial unveiling at the New York auto show on April 5 - but offi cial shots emerged of the WRX and cooking model variants late last night as GoAutoNews went to press. The photos show a controversial departure from previous Impreza styling, with obvious hints of the BMW 1 series and the Mazda3 in the hatchback design. Despite widespread speculation to the contrary, Subaru will retain both the Impreza and WRX names for the new generation. Built on the same basic Subaru family four-wheel drive platform that supports the Liberty, Forester and Tribeca, the new Impreza WRX will continue to be powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged fl at-four engine producing more power than the current car’s 169kW. However, the focus for enthusiasts on internet chatrooms has not been on performance, but looks, with most being highly critical of the styling. It must seem like a case of deja vu for Subaru, which endured a general public and media mauling when the previous ‘bug-eye’ model was launched in 2000. The thirdgeneration WRX is slated for Australian release in September. Watch out for full details on www.goauto.com.au this afternoon. DH The primary focus of this role is to drive Peugeot corporate fleet sales through the creation and implementation of clearly defined corporate sales strategies. This role will also be responsible for the management of corporate partnerships, corporate fleet sales through the Peugeot Dealer network and our finance business relationships. The successful applicant will have the enthusiasm, drive and commitment ready to play an important part in meeting the company’s overall corporate sales objectives. You will have demonstrated sales ability to manage client and industry relationships and the effective communication of sales strategies through a franchised dealer or similar sales network. A minimum of five years sales management experience in a wholesale automotive or vehicle leasing environment is essential; experience in corporate fleet sales or a prestige brand is highly advantageous. Tertiary qualifications preferred. To enquire or apply for this position contact Peugeot’s Human Resources Consultant, Deborah Cartwright @ Astute HR, GPO Box 2498 SYDNEY NSW 2001, telephone 0409 363 367, email dc@astutehrconsulting.com.au Applications close Monday 16th April 2007.
John Mellor's GoAutonews INFINITI EX CONCEPT, G37 COUPE NISSAN’S luxury brand Infi niti will unveil the EX Concept at the New York show this week, a near-production version of its forthcoming 2008 EX crossover SUV. With no near-term prospect of Infi niti coming to Australia, most interest in the EX – and the G37 Coupe, which also debuts in New York – surrounds the bits that could come here in Nissan vehicles, including the forthcoming GT-R. The fi ve-seat EX includes a lane-departure warning system and an “Around View Monitor” designed to eliminate blind spots when parking via a series of cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle. It rests on Nissan’s Platform FM (Front Mid-ship) and uses “the latest production hardware” for Nissan/Infi niti including a double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension. Power comes from a V6 of undisclosed capacity, driving all four wheels via a fi ve-speed automatic transmission. Speaking of powertrain, the G37 Coupe has the fi rst-ever application of Nissan’s new 3.7-litre V6 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). A version of the 3.5-litre VQ engine used in the current 350Z, Maxima www.mellor.net A PRIL 4, 2007 Page 5 and Murano, the “VQ37VHR” is expected to feature – in turbocharged form – in the forthcoming GT-R sportscar which will be unveiled in full production trim at the Tokyo motor show in October. In the G37, the naturally aspirated 3.7 produces at least 330hp (246kW) and 366Nm – and is claimed to offer increased mileage and reduced emissions over the 3.5. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or an upgraded fi ve-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, sports mode and adaptive shift control that allows for quicker shifts. VVEL combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. It also has a new dual exhaust system with equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffl er exhaust backpressure to help improve engine breathing. Other features of note on the G37 include Nissan’s latest four-wheel active steering G37 FORD SHELBY GT500KR FORD will unveil at least three new vehicles at the New York auto show this week, including the Shelby GT500KR – the most powerful Mustang ever from Ford. The limited-edition (1000 units) all-American coupe features a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 with a Ford Racing power upgrade pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540hp (403kW). Exterior features include unique striping, a carbon composite bonnet with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, and a lower front airdam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts. The latter complements the 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has also been modifi ed for “race-inspired handling”. Other limited-edition models from Ford at NY include an F150 Foose Edition (developed with hot-rodder Chip Foose) and a Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition (created with hip-hop guru Funkmaster Flex). TM system, adaptive front lighting, and intelligent cruise control with “preview braking” which calculates the distance to the vehicle ahead. TM EX
Page 1 and 2: John Mellor's April 4, 2007 Aston a
Page 3: John Mellor's GoAutonews Aston SUV
Page 7 and 8: John Mellor's GoAutonews NITRO-GLYC
Page 9 and 10: John Mellor's GoAutonews The artful
Page 11 and 12: John Mellor's GoAutonews Why ADP? T
Page 13 and 14: John Mellor's GoAutonews Shift work
Page 15 and 16: John Mellor's GoAutonews Australia

Aston attack

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?