2008 Nissan Pathfinder

PRESS RELEASE
Nissan Announces Pricing on New 2008 Pathfinder
- Major Revision Includes Available V8 Engine for the First Time in 22-year History -
NASHVILLE – Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2008 Pathfinder, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. For the first time ever, Pathfinder is available with a 5.6-iter V8 engine, offering an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the standard 4.0-liter V6 for greater towing capacity. Other major enhancements for 2008 include a restyled exterior and interior, and a range of available technology features such as RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key and BluetoothÒ hands-free phone system.
The 2008 Pathfinder is offered in six trim levels, each equipped with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,700 for the Pathfinder 4x2 S V6 and $27,700 for the Pathfinder 4x4 S V6. Pricing for the new V8 models starts at $30,600 for the Pathfinder 4x2 SE V8 and $32,850 for the Pathfinder 4x4 SE V8. The Pathfinder SE Off Road model, available in 4-wheel drive V6 only, is $33,900.
"Pathfinder's new Endurance 5.6-liter engine, which it shares with Nissan's full-sized Titan pickup and Armada SUV, is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque – making it the most powerful V8 in its class* – and providing the towing capacity and rugged performance of a full-size SUV in a mid-size SUV package," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "V8s now account for 30 percent of mid-size SUV sales, so we expect the new Pathfinder V8 to find a highly receptive audience."
The 2008 Pathfinder's exterior features new front and rear fascias that maintain the rugged yet sophisticated look that has always distinguished Pathfinder, a restyled grille and hood (with changes to accommodate the V8 engine), new chrome appliqué for body side moldings (LE only), restyled 17-inch wheels (SE V6 and LE V6 models) and new 18-inch wheels for V8 models, a RearView camera (SE & LE only) and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.
Inside, Pathfinder receives a host of newly available amenities and technologies, including a new meter cluster appearance, new instrument panel-mounted 7-inch color monitor with RearView Monitor (standard on all grades except S), an available Nissan Navigation System with a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive for mp3 storage, new cup holder area design and revised upper door trim.
The volume-leading SE trim also adds the previous model year's Comfort Package option equipment as standard, making the SE a highly equipped trim level and a better value. Intelligent Key with twist start is now available, as is a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.
"Pathfinder's always strong price value has increased substantially for 2008 with the new exterior design, the new refined interior and the long list of standard and available features and technology," said Bosley. "Pathfinder continues to offer a unique balance of rugged performance and passenger comfort – authentic yet just a little bit indulgent."
Other available interior features include an available DVD entertainment system, an upgraded Bose® audio system, power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats with driver memory package, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, first aid kit and wood grain trim.
All 2008 Pathfinders utilize the rugged "F-Alpha" platform used on the Titan and Armada. Standard on the 2008 Pathfinder S-V6, SE-V6, SE-V6 Off Road and LE-V6 models is an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque.
This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan\'s 13-time Ward's "Ten Best Engines" award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest.The new 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine produces 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, giving Pathfinder a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, versus V6-equipped Pathfinders' 6,000-pound rating.
The V8 engine package is offered in two new Pathfinder models, SE-V8 and LE-V8, both available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.
Complete 2008 Nissan Pathfinder pricing is available on the attached sheet.
In North America, Nissan operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com.# # #
*Import Models as Defined by Ward's Middle Sport/Utility Segmentation
source: Nissan

Related Posts
• Nissan Micra & Nissan Micra C+C CHIC Edition (UK)
• 2007 Shanghai Auto Show
• 2007 Nissan 350Z at £26,795
• 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z at the NY Auto Show
• 2007 New York Auto Show
• 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z
• Nissan X-Trail

Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

The Audi TT clubsport quattro
The TT in its most purist form
Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the clubsport quattro study.
The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro.
The goal that the development engineers set themselves for this vehicle study was to achieve purism at a premium level. No hood, no A-post – instead, a wraparound windscreen kept extremely low which deliberately evokes images of a speedster. The flat, slightly tinted window strip surrounds the cockpit. The panoramic windscreen and the two humps located behind the interior in place of the hood compartment are reminiscent of a racing car. The rollover bars familiar from the TT Roadster are kept flatter and are the same height as the sports bucket seats.
The front end is dominated by the single-frame grille which has aluminium inserts to give its design a horizontal emphasis. This makes the TT clubsport quattro appear even flatter than it already is. The four rings of the logo are not located in the grille as on most Audi models, but on the bonnet. The large air inlets in the front end supply additional air to the more potent TFSI engine. LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching highlight at all times of day. The visible stainless steel rear silencer is the striking feature in the rear bumper, while the blade under the rear silencer visibly underscores the vehicle's sports character. The dual-branch exhaust system with its oval tailpipes calls to mind the sporty Audi production models such as the RS 4.
There is a deliberate lack of visual interruptions in the side line and you will look in vain for door handles. The TT clubsport quattro is opened by remote control: the doors spring open at the press of a button. The size of the two exterior mirrors has also been minimised. 20-inch wheels with tyres of size 265/30 R20 emphasise the car's muscular appearance, as does its track width which has been increased by a total of 80 millimetres compared with a production TT. Not only that, but the wheel arches have also been enlarged additionally.
The car is painted Daytona Grey, a colour that Audi used for the first time on the RS 4 and the S8. The exterior design features dark shades of grey. This forms a contrast with the metallic elements, with the grille and side grille in Gun Metal, a steely colour which imbues the TT clubsport quattro with a look which is both sporty and pure. The brake callipers, the orange colour of which links the exterior design to the interior, provide a visual contrast. These bright colour highlights also provide attractive visual touches in the interior, on elements such as the instrument cowl, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The black leather seat itself also boasts a special feature in the shape of a laser pattern worked into the seat. This was specially designed for the TT clubsport quattro and plays on the TT logo.
The sports character demonstrated by the exterior design is continued inside the car, where purism was also the driving element. Racing bucket seats are provided for both occupants. Together with four-point belts that are three inches wide, these offer both driver and passenger excellent support, even in extreme driving situations – on the racetrack, for example. The generous use of aluminium is characteristic of Audi. This starts with the steering wheel which is adorned with a twin spoke crafted from this lightweight metal. The pedals are also made of aluminium and exhibit a grooved structure. They consequently not only afford a better grip, but also help to save weight. Foot rests are provided for both driver and passenger in the TT clubsport quattro.
The gear lever gate adopted from the new mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8, and the aluminium gear knob are a joy to behold. This lightweight metal is also used for the door pull and the door opener, both of which are cut-out, a feature which further underlines the interior's purist character.
The sill area has also been restyled compared with the production model. Rather than being interrupted by a sill strip, it now emphasises the width of the car. A new door sill trim located further inside the car, along with floor mats sporting the TT logo as an aluminium inlay provide further visual highlights. The surrounding strip on the top shoulder is also made of this lightweight metal.
The Audi designers came up with a special idea in the field of entertainment. Instead of the middle of the three round air vents in the upper part of the dashboard, they integrated an interface here, designed among other things for the B&O MP3 player BeoSound 2. The round player built by Audi's premium partner fits exactly into the circular opening and is a sheer delight for the senses, both visually and acoustically.
The instrument cluster is very different from the one in a production model. The vertical needles and colour graphics are the eye-catching features. The clock and odometer have been omitted in keeping with the car's underlying purist philosophy.
The racing character of the Audi TT clubsport quattro is underscored by its technology. The Audi engineers have packed the 2.0 TFSI engine with even more power than the 260 bhp familiar from the Audi S3. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit with petrol direct injection breaks the magic 300 bhp barrier. Thanks to a modified intake manifold, it has been possible to get even more power out of this highly efficient engine (which was "Engine of the Year" in its class in 2005 and 2006). Power is transferred to all four wheels, making the TT clubsport quattro the first new-generation TT with four-cylinder engine and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
The transmission is also new in this performance category. Thanks to its dual clutch, the S tronic direct-shift gearbox changes gear virtually without interrupting the flow of power, a process that goes unnoticed by the driver. The six gears can, however, also be changed manually, with gearshifts taking just fractions of a second.
Anyone opening the bonnet will be met by a fascinating sight. Thanks to a lack of cables and auxiliaries, the engine compartment looks extremely clean. The engine has deliberately not been hidden under a cover. The cross brace running above the engine is a technical stroke of genius. It not only makes the car more rigid, but also contains the coolant expansion tank. The ABS system has been moved from the engine compartment to the interior. The air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are not to be found in the engine compartment either. A racing air filter ensures that the engine takes in a sufficient amount of air. The exhaust system has been adapted to suit the car's sporty performance: the specially tuned exhaust emits the genuine sound of motor racing.
Ceramic brakes are fitted in the TT for the first time. These are absolutely non-fading and enable countless sharp braking manoeuvres without any loss of stopping power. Once again, Audi has taken advantage of its superior wealth of experience: ceramic brakes are already offered for the RS 4, the A8 and S8, for example, and are enjoying increasing popularity with customers.
The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. The possible small-series production of this model is being considered.

###
AUDI makes its debut at the Wörthersee Tour
World premiere of the TT clubsport quattro
• 200,000 visitors and 50,000 vehicles anticipated
• brand meet for Audi and VW fans
The 26th Wörthersee Tour from 16 to 20 May 2007 will celebrate two firsts this year. AUDI AG will be represented for the first time as a manufacturer at the legendary meet in Reifnitz am Wörthersee. The car fans, who are expected to number more than 200,000, will also be able to enjoy a world premiere: The concept car Audi TT clubsport quattro.
The Ingolstadt company will be making its debut in southern Austria this year to satisfy the many Audi fans there. In recent years, the Wörthersee Tour, better known as the "GTI Meet", has become a magnet for high-performance enthusiasts and fans of the Audi and VW brands. In 2007 too, it is anticipated that more than 200,000 visitors and around 50,000 vehicles will converge on the Carinthian Lakes region to attend the event, which is being held under the slogan "The lake is calling".
A particular highlight will be the world premiere of the Audi TT clubsport quattro study, when Audi will be presenting a very special TT model. TT and A3 models in a wealth of sporty road versions and a number of dazzling special versions will also be on show. To further fire the enthusiasm of the car-mad international audience, Audi will also be displaying the A3 that will be on the grid at the next 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The mid-engined R8 sports car, the RS 4 Cabriolet and the brand-new S5 will round off the contingent of sporty Audi models.
To ensure that visits to the Wörthersee Tour are an unforgettable Audi experience, drivers of cars built by the brand with the four rings can have themselves and their vehicle photographed at the stand. There will be a choice of four different backdrops to set the right scene for the photographs.
Audi's debut in Carinthia reflects its support of the meet for car enthusiasts and comes in response to the ever-increasing passion for the brand. Besides a wealth of other stunning exhibits, for visitors to Reifnitz, the Ingolstadt company's world premiere of the TT clubsport quattro will be an undisputed highlight of the Wörthersee Tour 2007.

source: Audi

Related Posts
• Audi RS5
• Audi RS 4 Exclusive In Black and White
• Audi Cross Coupe Concept at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show
• 2007 Shanghai Auto Show: Audi Cross
• Audi Cross Coupe quattro concept
• Audi A5 New S Line Package
• Audi R8 by Abt
• 2007 New York Auto Show

Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe with 730 hp

The World's Fastest and Most Powerful Coupe
BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo Coupe with 730 hp and 340 km/h
At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.
In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.
Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.
The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 - 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.
The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.
The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.
The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.
The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.
The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.
BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.
The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be ordered as a complete car starting at 178,980 Euros or can be built based on an existing current CL 600 model.

source: Brabus

Related Posts
• New Brabus C-CLass
• Brabus Widestar Based on the Mercedes ML 63

Photos: Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept

source: autoblog.com

New Opel Agila & Vauxhall Agila

PRESS RELEASE (OPEL):
Flex in the City: The New Opel Agila Generation
Urban mini-monocab balances versatility with stylish design
Rüsselsheim. When it comes to the lifestyle of active women today, the watchword is balance. Job, fitness, shopping, meeting friends and getting around – a car makes everything easier to manage, and preferably one that is as versatile as its owner. This is precisely what designers and engineers had in mind when developing the latest generation Opel Agila. The result is a stylish urban car which is compact and maneuverable for tight parking spaces, yet boasts an interior that is spacious enough even for bulky sport and hobby gear. It also has enough seats to ensure comfort for family and friends.
Even with its compact length of 3.74 meters, the new Agila offers room for five occupants and provides them with easy entry through the four doors. The quality of the materials, a fresh interior and exterior color collection, versatile storage compartments and ample headroom project a feel-good ambience right from the word go. The enjoyable driving experience is enhanced by details such as the separate rev counter on the instrument panel, high placed gear stick and remote controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The high seating position makes getting into and out of the Agila easier and ensures good visibility even in heavy urban traffic. The rear seat backs can be folded down at a flick of the wrist to create a completely flat load floor, with a compartment beneath providing additional storage space. In total, the Agila has a luggage capacity of more than 1100 liters accessible through its large trunk lid – the top figure in this segment. The new Agila also comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and head curtain airbags.
New engines with up to 86 hp (two lively gasoline engines and a top-of-the-line common-rail diesel for high pulling power) combine performance with low emissions. As an alternative to the standard manual transmission, an automatic gearbox is also available – a distinctive feature in this class. The second-generation Opel Agila makes its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and will be available at dealerships as of next spring.
Opinions on new Agila
Hans Demant, Opel Managing Director: "The new Agila cuts a fine figure in all situations. Its agile chassis and lively engines make it fun to drive - with low consumption and CO2 levels."
Belinda Müller, Designer: "The boring days are over. Who says a nimble urban car can't also look cool? A wide selection of fresh colors and bold styles create an ambience that's enhanced even more by the spacious headroom."
Sara Nicholson, Opel European Marketing Manager: "The Agila, the new Baby-Opel, is a clever package of fun and versatility for the girl about town."
Characteristics of new Agila:
• Design: Modern five-door urban mini-monocab with flowing lines, dynamic roofline, typical friendly Opel face and design, balanced proportions (length/width/height: 3.74/1.68/1.59 m) despite compact dimensions
• Interior: Versatile five-seater, high seating position provides good visibility, high placed gear stick in center console, large distinctive round instrument, rev counter in separate housing, fresh colors including orange and blue for fabrics, center console and instrument panel edging, height-adjustable steering wheel with remote controls, height-adjustable front seats, numerous compartments, 60:40 split fold-down rear bench seat, flat load floor with additional storage compartment beneath
• Chassis: Newly developed chassis for agile handling, front axle mounted to subframe, semi-independent rear suspension, large wheels up to 15-inch
• Engines: Two new lively gasoline units (1.0 l/65 hp with five-speed manual transmission, 1.2 l/86 hp also available with automatic gearbox), one economical and powerful common-rail direct-injection diesel unit (1.3 l/75 hp, 190 Nm), available with diesel particulate filter
• Safety: Front and side airbags, driver safety belt warning signal and front passenger airbag can be deactivated as standard, also available: head curtain airbags and ESP

PRESS RELEASE (VAUXHALL)FLEX IN THE CITY: THE NEW AGILA
• All-new Agila with stylish looks inside and out
• Five door and five seats as standard
• Diesel and auto versions offered for first time
Small is beautiful; especially for drivers who live, work or play in the city. But while the ideal urban runaround needs to be compact in order to slot into the urban landscape, a tiny interior might put the squeeze on your social life.
Which is why the new Agila is set to be hot in the city. Set for a launch in spring 2008, Vauxhall's new baby is small enough to be manoeuvrable in tight parking spaces yet will offer the flexibility of five doors and five seats as standard. There's enough luggage space to embarrass cars in the class above too, providing plenty of room for the busiest of lifestyles.
It's not only the space which will rival bigger, more expensive models. Buyers no longer expect small cars to be budget cars, and the new Agila's styling and interior quality mean it could be considered a fashion accessory in the same way as a pair of trainers, a handbag or an iPod.
The clever design allows for plenty of storage spaces inside and the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious feel. It also allows a high seating position, making it easy to get in and out of the Agila and ensure good visibility even in heavy urban traffic.
For those occasions when owners need to carry furniture rather than friends, the rear seat backs can be folded down to create a completely flat load floor. In total the new Agila has a luggage capacity of 1150 litres - the best in this sector.
To complement the dynamic looks and all-new chassis, the Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox will be available for the first time. The two petrol units are expected to be the top sellers; a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 65PS and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder with 86PS. The larger unit is available with an automatic gearbox, an option which is expected to be popular with urban dwellers.
For anyone with an eye on economy and the environment though, the new diesel is expected to be the top choice. The 1.3-litre CDTi, as seen in the Corsa, offers 75PS and exceptional performance while sipping fuel.
To prove that small can also be safe, the new Agila comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as an optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
New Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and will arrive in the UK early next year. Prices and full specifications will be revealed nearer the launch.
source: GM

Nissan Micra & Nissan Micra C+C CHIC Edition (UK)

Nissan is following in the footsteps of Madonna and Kate Moss by launching its own limited edition fashion collection with Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Micra and Micra C+C – the CHIC. Nissan will donate £200 from the sale of every CHIC to the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign. Only 500 CHIC models will be made and 220 Micra CHICs will feature an exclusive body colour – Waterfall Green – to match this year’s Fashion Targets logo. 280 Micra C+C CHICs will also be available in either Nero black or silver metallic, except for a one-off Waterfall Green model which one lucky fashionista can win, simply by taking a test drive in any model in the Nissan range before 31 July.
The lucky first 600 people taking a test drive will also walk away with a bottle of designer perfume – a lot of fun behind the wheel and a little dab behind the ears, all for free.
The Micra CHIC is based on the Sport and comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, five doors and the distinctive Waterfall Green exterior body colour. The Micra C+C CHIC is also based on the Sport model and comes with the more agile 1.6-litre petrol engine. Both models come with manual air-conditioning, sporty styling inside and out, alloy-effect protective entry guards and 16-inch graphite coloured alloy wheels as standard. The Micra C+C CHIC also comes with a windstop, so no “Bridget Jones” hair-raising moments to worry about.
Prices for the CHIC start from £10,495 for five-door model rising to £13,250 for the C+C version, a saving of £1000 over the C+C Sport.
Source: Nissan

Related Posts
• 2007 Shanghai Auto Show
• 2007 Nissan 350Z at £26,795
• 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z at the NY Auto Show
• 2007 New York Auto Show
• 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z
• Nissan X-Trail