Chevrolet Spark Woody Wagon

Chevrolet unveiled details about the Spark Woody Wagon art car to be featured at Paris Auto Show 2010. The car recalls the dawn of the surf movement in the USA, when, in the late Fifties and early Sixties, surfers bought ‘Woodies’. These were traditionally large estate cars based on mainstream models, but with timber framed bodywork, as they were both cheap and spacious enough to carry their boards and equipment.

* Chevrolet unveils Spark Woody Wagon art car
* One-off created to coincide with Boardmasters festival
* Continues European ‘Art Spark’ theme
* To feature at Paris Motor Show

Surf’s up dudes – and here’s the proof! Chevrolet, the manufacturer behind the market-leading 5-Year Promise aftercare package, has pulled the wraps off a one-off special version of its top-selling Spark supermini, created to celebrate the brand’s American heritage and connection to youth culture.

Spotted driving around Newquay, Cornwall, at the start of the annual Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival, the Spark Woody will go on to star at the grand final of this year’s Young? Creative? Chevrolet! arts competition, which takes place in Paris on the eve of the International Motor Show next month.


The car recalls the dawn of the surf movement in the USA, when, in the late Fifties and early Sixties, surfers bought ‘Woodies’. These were traditionally large estate cars based on mainstream models, but with timber framed bodywork, as they were both cheap and spacious enough to carry their boards and equipment.

Woody Wagons were immortalised in song, chiefly in The Beach Boys’ Surfin Safari and Jan and Dean’s Surf City, both widely regarded as two of the most famous surfing tunes ever.


Yet even when car makers stopped using wooden frames, an expensive and difficult production process, the Woody had become so much a part of American culture that its essence continued, with Chevrolet one of many US manufacturers who used Di-Noc woodgrained vinyl panelling to maintain the woody effect.

The Spark Woody was created in the UK for Chevrolet using a three-quarter vinyl body wrap provided by Pyramid Visuals of Weybridge, whose speciality is normally in vans and shop frontages. Its roof is adorned with an Escape Mini-Mal surfboard, made in Cornwall, as its wood-effect panelling was in keeping with the car’s retro styling.

Chevrolet chose Newquay to show off the car for the first time, as the Cornish resort is famous across the world for its surfing culture – the Atlantic Ocean meets the British Isles at one of its narrowest peninsulas, which gives naturally excellent conditions for surfing.


The Spark Woody is one of a series of Art Sparks created by Chevrolet Europe in the past year. The first, a unique interpretation of the car by German fashion designer Smeilinener, made its debut at the final of the Young? Creative? Chevrolet Art Competition in Berlin last October, while other Art Sparks include a one-off WTCC leading car by Portuguese art student Jose Rocha, a YCC winner, and a Spark DJ Car – the world’s largest record turntable, created by Chevrolet UK this year.

Land Rover Freelander2 2011

The 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 model goes on sale in the UK in Fall of 2010. The Freelander 2 features the new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS, revised exterior with three new colors (Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White), interior tweaks with new instrument dials, Frugal eD4 model with efficiency of 47.2mpg. Pricing starts at £21,695 for the base TD4 S manual 4WD option.

New upgraded diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS
- Stronger performance and improved efficiency throughout the range
- Revised exterior with new front bumper assembly plus three new colour schemes and new alloy wheel options
- Interior tweaks with new instrument dials and Premium Pack option
- Customers offered more choice with addition of 2WD eD4 derivatives
- Frugal eD4 model capable of 47.2mpg and 158g/km CO2
- Improved intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard on manual transmission


The 2011 Freelander 2 model range, on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.

Land Rover’s new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).

This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid-range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165g/km and 185g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.


However, despite reductions in consumption and emissions, there has been no compromise in performance. The flagship 190PS Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph. The Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.

As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re-calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions. They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.

As an addition to the Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158g/km.

“The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market,” said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. “The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.

“A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles’ efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers. We will continue to make the ‘world’s finest all-terrain vehicles’ for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative.”


This groundbreaking Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS. It is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.

The exterior of the latest Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011. Marked out by a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lap bezels, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, new full width tailgate appliqué and new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel styles. There are three new colour schemes for 2011 Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.


Inside the cabin, Land Rover’s design team have revised the instrument dials, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.

The 4WD TD4 and SD4 models are on sale in the UK from the end of September.

Prices are as follows:

Derivative Drivetrain £OTR
150PS Manual
TD4 S manual* 4WD £21,695
TD4 GS manual* 4WD £24,995
TD4 XS manual* 4WD £28,495
TD4 HSE manual* 4WD £32,995
190PS Automatic
SD4 GS automatic 4WD £27,510
SD4 XS automatic 4WD £31,010
SD4 HSE automatic 4WD £35,510

*Automatic transmission available as £1,515 option

The 2WD eD4 model will be available in the UK from January 2011. Prices will be announced later this year.

Range Rover Evoque 2011

The new Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model the company has ever offered, and will be sold in 160 markets around the world. The 2011 Range Rover Evoque will be available for sale in summer of 2011.

ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE PROTOTYPES GO UNDERCOVER

- All-new Range Rover Evoque enters final-phase testing.

- Global test programme will cover millions of miles in extreme endurance conditions.

- It’s no secret: funky ‘camouflage’ wraps designed to introduce the new Range Rover Evoque to the world.

- Over 17,000 individual tests to be completed on all components and systems.


The all-new Range Rover Evoque has entered its final phase of testing, with hundreds of prototype models dispatched around the globe for trial in the toughest climates and conditions.

Land Rover is making no secret of the operation - its design team has fitted ten prototypes with funky camouflage wraps, to introduce the new car in ten key cities worldwide.

Ordinarily prototypes are disguised for discretion, but these ten are intended to be seen. The funky camouflage imagery is actually a GPS mapping trail of ten key cities for Evoque, with each vehicle saying ‘Hello’ to its city. It signals the eagerly awaited global launch of the new Evoque.

These unmissable vehicles represent London, New York, Sao Paulo, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Berlin, Sydney, Shanghai and Moscow and will all be spotted testing around the globe. They are just a small proportion of the hundreds of pre-production cars that will be rigorously evaluated over millions of miles to ensure the new Range Rover Evoque surpasses the highest standards of quality and reliability when it goes on sale in summer 2011.

Teams of engineers will travel to 20 countries to pit the Range Rover Evoque against the most extreme conditions on earth, ranging from the Arctic to the desert, from German Autobahns to Tokyo city traffic. Alongside the engineers, Land Rover is working with 120 unique component suppliers and carrying out in excess of 17,000 individual tests to examine every separate part and system.

Like all Range Rovers, the new Evoque will have been proven against all the elements when it goes on sale next summer.


“The development stage is crucial in the year leading up to launching the car,” said Murray Dietsch, director of Land Rover programmes. “No stone is left unturned; we have a team of experienced and skilled engineers who will work to a tight schedule to ensure we have a top quality vehicle to offer our customers.”

The new Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model the company has ever offered, and will be sold in 160 markets around the world.

Mercedes-Benz Rear Engine Classic Cars

Classic center in Irvine California showcases a rare collection of rear-engine vehicles build between 1950 and 1980's. The center has successfully restored a 1934 150 Sport Roadster, a rare mid-rear engine two seater. The 130 and the 170 H are also on display at the Center.

Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Celebrates 75th Anniversary of The Rear Engine

Drive by Restoring Rare Museum Car
Supporting customers and dealers the Irvine based facility expands its focus from vehicles built between 1950 through 1980’s, to all cars more than 20 years out of production.


A business built on heritage, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California celebrates its fourth year in business by displaying a rare collection of rear-engine vehicles and successfully restoring its first museum car: a 1934 150 Sport Roadster, a rare mid-rear engine two seater that’s regarded as the only 150 known to exist. Two other rear-engine vehicles, the 130 and the 170 H, are also on display at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.


Drawing on the expertise of their highly specialized technicians and facility’s capabilities, the MB Classic Center provided a full mechanical restoration. With the preservation of the original parts and vehicle a priority, they re-built transmission, brakes, steering and suspension systems, engineered a new wiring harness to for safety and reliability and fabricated missing components in order to make the 150 Sport Roadster street capable after not running for approximately 60 years. One of the most technologically innovative vehicles of its day, the three headlight 150 roadster features a swept split front windscreen, two free-standing spare wheels mounted in front of the rear wings, and a highly distinctive pointed boat tail featuring two translucent illuminated licence plates. Purchased second-hand in the late 1940s with a mileage of 44,500 kilometres, the150 Sport Roadster has not been roadworthy since that time.


Visually different than the 150 Sport Roadster, the 130 and 170H rear-engine vehicles appear strangely familiar to most people who see them. Featuring a rounded body, expressive wheel arches and bug-eyes lights, the 130 and subsequent 170 H offered passengers an extremely efficient vehicle package. For vehicles with a relatively short wheelbase, the engine mounted in the rear afforded passengers more leg room and improved comfort by creating optimum springing between the axles. The 1934 130 was the first fully-developed mass-produced rear-engine car both in brand history and indeed in the entire history of the automobile. While Mercedes-Benz has the honor of bringing the rear-engine concept to a new level and making it more widely known, the run was short and the 1936 170 H was the last rear-engine mounted model that wore the star logo. In 1946, 10 years after Mercedes-Benz finished production, the “VW Beetle” went on sale and the profile became recognizable.

About the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center
Opened in October 2006, the 28,000 square foot Classic Center located at 9 Whatney in Irvine, California is a stand-alone, two story facility which includes a paint and restoration shop, service bays, a parts department, a showroom for vehicles available for purchase. The Classic Center also helps customers find vintage Mercedes-Benz for purchase, supports those who are looking to purchase, and for those who already own a classic Mercedes-Benz, the Center provides the history of their vehicles by utilizing both its domestically held records and those held by the Daimler Archives in Stuttgart, whose historical industrial archives are among the largest in Europe. Mercedes-Benz Classic Center enhanced its U.S. website (www.mbclassiccenter.com) to include an online inventory of vehicles available and their history, a vehicle search function and a virtual showroom of the new facility at Irvine. Customers can call the toll-free number, 1-866-MBCLASSIC (1-866-622-5277) and speak to classic car specialists. With the customer’s vehicle chassis number or VIN, their classic car specialists can help identify correct parts and part numbers and order them directly through the Classic Center in Irvine, CA.

Outlander Sport Options:

1) Premium Package adds: Panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting, roof rails, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with free 3-months subscription and 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® audio system with 9 speakers including 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch® control, In-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 compatible changer, digital signal processor, 3-band equalization and speed compensated volume.
Exterior Sport Package adds: Rear spoiler, front corner extensions, rear diffuser garnish, front chrome lower garnish and aluminum-alloy fuel door.

2)Interior Package adds: Piano black audio and shift panel overall, aluminum and leather combination shift knob.


3)Illumination LED Package adds: LED interior room lamps, LED headlamp wedge, LED floor and tailgate lamps.


4)Protection Package adds: Aluminum scuff plates, tailgate protector, rear bumper guard and mudguards.


5)Cargo Package adds: Reversible carpet/rubber cargo mat, cargo net, cargo shelf board.


6)Navigation w/Rearview Camera adds: 40GB HDD Navigation with Music server and Real-Time Traffic (RDS), rearview camera system and auxiliary video input jack.

2010 Opel Insignia OPC

The high performance version of the Car of the Year 2009 will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure.

2010 Opel Insignia OPC

• 239 kW/325 hp and 400 Nm; 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds
• Specially developed mechatronic chassis with all-wheel drive
• First deliveries this fall

The high performance version of the Car of the Year 2009 will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model ( Opel Performance Center ).

The heart of the Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.




The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver's preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4x4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

“I was personally involved in the development of the Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the “best of the best”,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions

The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia's design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.



“The Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic and refined”, says Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.

AC Schnitzer BMW K 1300 R

AC Schnitzer K 1300 R dominates every environment in which it appears. Its futuristic appearance and powerful presence draw the gaze of everyone, whatever their age or gender. A challenge for the AC Schnitzer engineers: to make the extreme more extreme, and harness all the senses of the rider and observer - because the AC Schnitzer K 1300 R stands out from the crowd.


The new K 1300 R dominates every environment in which it appears. Its futuristic appearance and powerful presence draw the gaze of everyone, whatever their age or gender. A challenge for the AC Schnitzer engineers: to make the extreme more extreme, and harness all the senses of the rider and observer - because the AC Schnitzer K 1300 R stands out from the crowd.

A real racing look and flowing transitions are achieved on the AC Schnitzer K 1300 R by the cockpit and lamp trim, the front spoiler and the pillion cover. In their design, priority was given to perfect fit and simple installation while retaining the powerful styling lines. The engine spoiler is totally new and guarantees adequate ground clearance for every setting of the ESA suspension.


Delicate spokes and optimum weight are combined in the ultralight ACS I forged wheels in sizes 3.5, 5.5 & 6.0 x 17“. A set weighs less than 8 kg. Fitted in conjunction with the Superbike handlebar conversion, the result is better machine control and optimum cornering behaviour. The aim in development of the superbike handlebar conversion was to ensure the complete control essential for top performance. This conversion is also available for the BMW K 1300 S.

The necessary deep note is provided by the high performance racing exhaust made fully from titanium or stainless steel, which supplies that powerful extra boost in racing. For road use, there is the new AC Schnitzer STEALTH silencer with EC approval and removable DB Killer, available with catalyst, to give the AC Schnitzer K 1300 R the final visual and acoustic touches on the road.


A new design of universal crashpad is also available, together with various designs of crashpads in aluminium or nylon/aluminium mix. Tested clutch and brake levers of highstrength aeronautical aluminium not only look sophisticated, but are also adjustable over a wide range. These are also available for the complete F 800 series and for many other BMW models. Good rearward visibility is ensured by the AC Schnitzer mirror extensions available for the entire BMW range