The Citroën DS4, the second model in the DS line and which will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2011, has been voted “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAR OF THE YEAR 2010″ by more than 60,000 web users in 62 countries.

The award was presented to Frederic Banzet, Managing Director of Citroën, at the official ceremony of the 26th International Automobile Festival on 27 January.

Alongside this recognition from the general public, a jury of personalities from the worlds of design, sports, culture and media, specially constituted for the Festival, awarded the DS4 the “Most Beautiful Interior” prize, distinguishing the quality and refinement of the Citroën DS4 and the DS line as a whole.

The Citroën DS4, revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 2010, is yet further proof of the brand’s “Creative Technologie”. It fully honours the philosophy of the DS line with its bold stance on styling, driving sensations, architecture and sophistication.

Source: http://www.citroen.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=1344

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DETROIT – The Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers on February 6 will receive a 2011 Camaro Convertible, Chevrolet announced.

A media panel and fan vote on Superbowl.com will determine the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl XLV Postgame Show on Fox, presented by Chevrolet.

“The new Camaro Convertible arrives in dealerships in February and will be a fitting reward for the MVP,” said Rick Scheidt, US vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s a great opportunity for Chevy to have Camaro play a role on one of the world’s biggest stages, the Super Bowl.”

The Camaro Convertible will appear on the field during the postgame celebration in North Texas. The convertible continues the momentum of Camaro, which has taken the lead in its segment in the United States. Available with an efficient 3.6-liter Direct Injection V6 engine, or as the V8-powered, 426-hp SS model, Camaro now features a power convertible top for the unequalled fun of open-air driving.

Source: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Jan/0125_superbowl

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DETROIT – U.S. News & World Report named the 2011 Buick Regal its annual “Best Car for the Money” awards in the Upscale Sedan category, beating competitors from BMW and Lexus. The ranking was based on the magazine’s analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Regal, as well as analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Regal, which starts at $26,245, was praised for “performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.” U.S. News & World Report noted that reviewers are impressed with the Regal’s “handsome exterior and comfortable interior” and encourage midsize sedan shoppers to put the Regal on their short list.

“This award confirms what many Buick Regal buyers have already found out,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size car segment. Just as importantly, this sleek, smart, top-safety-rated car is attracting new customers to the Buick brand.”

Source: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Jan/0125_regal

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New BMW 5 Series Touring: comfortable, dynamic and extremely versatile.

The new, fourth generation BMW 5 Series Touring has arrived in Australia. Combining the comfort, versatility and practicality of a premium SAV with the hallmark driving dynamics, performance and efficiency of BMW’s 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW 5 Series Touring offers an intelligent alternative for versatile, luxurious transportation.

The new 5 Series Touring is available in two engine variants: the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel 520d Touring and a high performance 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo straight six cylinder petrol engine in the top-of-the-range 535i Touring. Both models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. In the case of the 535i Touring, this takes the form of an eight-speed sports automatic transmission.

Design: sleek sporting exterior, spacious versatile interior.

With its short front overhang, long bonnet and gently sloping roofline topped by satin aluminium roof rails tapering to the rear tailgate, the 5 Series Touring delivers a sporting and elegant aesthetic. The trademark BMW styling cues including a wide kidney grille, dual round headlights, strong side contour lines and rear L-shaped taillights give the car an instantly recognisable appearance while its broad low stance provides a powerful presence on the road.

The interior design of the new BMW 5 Series Touring clearly brings out the active character of the car with its clever details and premium nature showcased through the use of high quality, luxurious materials.

Across the front, the elegant asymmetrical dash is inclined towards the driver at an angle of approximately 7 degrees to ensure all controls and functions are placed for quick and easy reference. A keyless start/stop button sits prominently on the dash enabling the driver to keep the remote key fob in the pocket or a handbag and the new multi-function steering wheel offers greater functionality incorporating both cruise control and audio/phone controls.

With the longest wheelbase in its class measuring 2968mm and an overall length of 4907mm, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers a vast amount of interior space with flexible seating for five occupants and a large carpeted rear luggage space.

In order to offer the greatest degree of versatility in its carrying capacity, the rear seat back splits and folds individually in three 40/20/40 sections providing a luggage capacity that ranges from 560 litres to 1670 litres.

Source: http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/insights/newsandevents/latest-news/the-new-bmw-5-series-touring.html

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“Automobile and Motion” sponsored “2011 Fun car drive selection” and “driving interest in the year 2011, the tire selection,” announced, the new Subaru WRX STI sedan eventually won the “2010 Fun car ride “title.

“Automobile and Sports” magazine will be starting from the founding interest in promotion and dissemination of culture as a driving purpose of the magazine, has long been engaged on driving pleasure and vehicle testing research and work in the creation of a unique combination of subjective and objective model selection methods and rules, to judge the car fun to drive.

“2011 Fun car ride was named” through “movement index, controlling the degree of value,” selection of the three core indicators, on the domestic sale of all models in a critical examination, from which selected the most fun to drive to the majority of the 12 models consumer recommendation. As the only car driving pleasure for the selection of activities undertaken, the selection by the consumer, automotive manufacturers and the media, recognized and loved, but also for consumers to buy cars played a positive role in guiding.

September 2010 release of the new sedan Subaru WRX STI represents the pinnacle of automotive performance. It uses a four-door sedan body design, the overall vehicle shape and smooth lines and good aerodynamic effect. The new WRX STI sedan equipped with a 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, xenon sharp style (HID) headlamps, and sport exhaust pipe 4, and a large rear spoiler, and other unique appearance configuration, showing the movement of unparalleled temperament.

Source: http://www.subaru-china.com.cn/news/display.php?id=484

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Mercedes-Benz Japan Co., Ltd. (President: Nicholas Speeks; Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo) launches new upgraded models of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, offering substantial improvements in the exterior/interior design and suspension technology. Beginning the new multipurpose vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is available through the nationwide network of authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The delivery of the new V-Class will start in late March.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has found favor with many customers as a premium multipurpose vehicle offering a unique combination: generous interior space for seven available in the unique square-shaped body, great power reserves ensured by the 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the high safety standards of a Mercedes.

The newly designed headlamps, front bumper, and rear combination lamps, as well as a completely new seat design concept, substantially increase perceived value. In addition, the significantly improved suspension technology ensures even greater comfort in both terms of ride and noise. The upgraded standard equipment of the new Mercedes multipurpose vehicle now includes an ETC (toll tag) and bi-xenon headlamps (optional in the TREND line).

Source: http://www.mercedes-benz.co.jp/e/news/news/2011/20110121.pdf

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Rüsselsheim. The Opel Corsa’s makeover continues: following the overhaul of everything under its skin in 2010, Opel’s successful small car is getting a new wardrobe in 2011. A redesigned face lends it a sportier, expressive look, making it instantly recognizable as a member of the new Opel family. New exterior colors and interior looks as well as a great offer of individualized, sporty versions make it more attractive than ever. The Corsa now also comes with a new, multimedia infotainment system called “Touch & Connect” that features a five-inch color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 European countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections at a very competitive price.

While all engines have been reworked in 2010 to offer more power with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, a new 70 kW/ 95 hp ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI version now equipped with Start/Stop technology further increases the Corsa’s overall efficiency: The three-door version only requires 3.5 liters diesel per 100 km and emits just 94 g/km CO2. Start/Stop technology especially enables a reduction in fuel consumption in urban traffic – at 4.2 liter/100 km versus 4.6 l/100 km previously for the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX emitting 98 g/km CO.

A complete family on constant move
A major player in the European market since 1982, the Opel Corsa offers one of the widest product ranges in the small car segment. It comes in two distinct body styles: the coupé-like three-door, the family friendly five-door, and a commercial variant called Corsavan. Inside the cabin, it continuously seduces with one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class. The Corsa also offers many innovative features not offered by its peers – like a heated steering wheel or the integrated bicycle carrier FlexFix – as well as many that are rarely available in the segment like halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Hill Start Assist and a panorama sunroof.

The powertrain line-up of the Opel Corsa ranges from 48 kW/65 hp to 141 kW/192 hp. This engine family was updated in 2010 with many new engines meeting Euro 5 emission standards that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 13 percent while increasing engine power in most applications. To help drivers lower their fuel consumption even while driving a powerful car, a ‘shift up’ indicator light was added to the main instrument display.

Source: http://media.opel.com/content/media/intl/en/news.detail.brand_opel.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2011/OPEL/01_25_opel_corsa_mce

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SEAT´s Alhambra has won the accolade of Germany’s 2011 “Best MPV” in the import category according to readers of the renowned German motoring magazine auto motor und sport at its annual “Best Cars” ceremony in Stuttgart.

SEAT´s versatile and flexible people carrier secured 17.7 per cent of the votes, comfortably outscoring established rivals such as the Renault Espace (12 per cent) and the Skoda Roomster (11.7 per cent).

92,578 readers cast their vote for contenders in ten different categories, and the results were revealed at the “Best Cars of 2011” awards ceremony, which this year celebrated its 35th edition.

For the new SEAT Alhambra – launched in September 2010 – this is already the second reader´s award in Germany. The first was granted by Auto Zeitung in November last year, where the large SEAT MPV won in its category “Best Imported MPV” with over 48 per cent of the readers´ vote.

Source: http://media.seat.com/en/seat-news/741-el-seat-alhambra-mejor-monovolumen-importado-segun-los-lectores-alemanes.html

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The new Volkswagen XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) has been unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show. Pioneering construction techniques, an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain and innovative packaging all play a part in allowing the XL1 to return 313 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 24 g/km of CO2 to set a new benchmark for vehicle efficiency.

Powering the XL1 is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 48 PS. It’s linked to an electric motor producing 27 PS, resulting in a total of 75 PS – a modest output yet more than enough when the low kerb weight (795 kg) of the vehicle is taken into account.

The TDI engine is linked to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between each unit. The electric motor can either work independently of the TDI engine or in tandem when accelerating. In pure electric mode the XL1 can travel up to 35 km before the diesel engine cuts in. Accelerating from rest to 62 mph can be achieved in 11.9 seconds; the electronically limited top speed is 99 mph.

In both its styling and packaging the XL1 draws on lessons learned from the 1-Litre car (2002) and the L1 concept (2009). The XL1 has evolved to feature staggered seating with the driver and passenger placed next to each other in a body structure made from advanced new materials providing immense strength yet weighing just 230 kg.

To make such weight savings possible, and yet viable for series production, Volkswagen developed and patented a new system for the manufacture of the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts on the car called the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process.

In total the XL1 weighs 795 kg. In addition to the body structure, the weight is accounted for by the drivetrain (227 kg), the running gear (153 kg), the interior including a pair of bucket seats (80 kg) and the electrical system (105 kg). In total just 23.2 per cent of the car (184 kg) is made out of either steel or iron.

Source: http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/282/volkswagen-unveils-the-xl1-super-efficient-vehicle-in-qatar

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Stuttgart. In spring 2011, the world of the 911 will become even more attractive. Porsche is offering an extremely attractive special edition based on the 345 hp (254 kW) Carrera with a 3.6 litre engine. The 911 Black Edition features a particularly comprehensive equipment package, available as a Coupé or Cabriolet – and only in black of course. Exclusivity and price make this 911 Carrera all the more attractive. The 911 Black Edition is limited to 1,911 units and costs exactly as much as the Carrera basic models: In Germany that is 85,538 Euros for the Coupé and 96,843 Euros for the Cabriolet, including value-added tax in both cases. The market launch gets underway in April 2011.

The 911 Black Edition is painted in plain black as standard, with basalt black metallic also available as an option. The Cabrio hood is principally of black cloth. With the Black Edition, the colour highlights are provided by the 19 inch 911 Turbo II bi-colour wheels, their dichroic effect ideally complementing the discreet elegance of the exterior colour. In addition, the rims provide an unobstructed view of the brakes, naturally with black, four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed callipers. The grey top-tint in the windscreen is standard in the 911 Black Edition, rounding off the overall impression on a harmonious note.

The “Black Edition’s” black lettering on the stainless steel door entry guards provides a first hint of the high-quality interior design concentrating on purist sports car values.

The interior continues the exterior colour scheme. Already equipped as standard with high-quality partial leather seats, the 911 Black Edition can of course be upgraded with the option of an additional leather interior. Also included in the series version is a sports design steering wheel. The instrument cluster naturally remains in black. On the glove compartment lid, a badge testifies to the 911 Black Edition’s limited production run. Conversely, the decorative moulding on the dashboard, gear lever or selector and air vents provide a contrast with their aluminium look paint. The rear centre console is painted in the exterior colour.

Source: http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutporsche/pressreleases/pag/?pool=international-de&id=2011-01-25

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