Earlier in the year, a motorist was behind two motorcyclists has reached the Swiss police on the highway. It was traveling at over 250 km / h in his Ferrari while machinery agents forces “leveled” to 240 km / h. The drunk driver had slowed to approach a fixed speed camera, allowing police to arrest him. At its first conviction in April this speeder was fined approximately € 4,000 (5 000 CHF). The man decided to appeal and the judgment has been rendered. The Tribune de Geneve reports that will € 3,300 in legal fees to the Federal Court and its fine undergoes a sharp increase, reaching € 20,000! The court reviewed the notes into account the profession of driver, a professional poker player who wins almost € 22,000 per month.

Comme promis, la rejouissante Jaguar F-Type sera bien declinee en une version fermee, dont les premiers schemas ont fait leur apparition sur la toile. Pas de surprise en perspective, mais la confirmation qu’on aura bien affaire a un veritable top model.

Alors que nous revenons tout juste de notre essai du tres addictif roadster F-Type, Jaguar a laiss3e filer quelques images confirmant que le coupe est sur les rails. On s’interessera bien sur tout particulierement a la poupe, le reste ne changeant pour ainsi dire pas.

Impossible au premier regard de distinguer cette auto du concept CX-16 originel. On retrouve cette silhouette de sylphide et cette croupe hautement sensuelle, sans doute encore magnifiee par la greffe d’un pavillon en dur. La chute de reins evoque plus que jamais l’icone Type E sous le meme angle, mais le dessin n’est pas assez detaille pour que l’on distingue si la voiture conserve le couvercle de malle a ouverture laterale du concept.

Cote technique, tout laisse a penser que le coupe fera moteurs communs avec le roadster ; a moins que Jaguar ne souhaite lui conferer un avantage symbolique comme Porsche le fait avec le Cayman par rapport au Boxster, mais cela n’a jamais ete le cas sur les XK8 et R. Si la rumeur d’une version ultime de plus de 550 ch se confirme, la F-Type Coupe y aura evidemment droit.

Rendez-vous sans doute d’ici quelques mois (a Francfort ?) pour decouvrir la version de production de la F-Type Coupe. En attendant, on pourra toujours se rincer l’oeil sur les photos du concept CX-16.

Well-known fans of the video game Gran Turismo, Nissan Motorsport, aka Nismo is launching its offensive in the world. Europe has been right this spring Juke Nismo, an “GTisee” version of the small crossover. However, the Nismo catalog contains significantly more serious cars, such as the 370Z. Already marketed in the United States since last year, it will arrive in Europe this spring in an appropriate requirements definition of the Old Continent.

328 hp and 363 Nm on the standard version, the 3.7 V6 in the Japanese going to 344 hp and 371 Nm, for a 0 to 100 km / h in a small progress tenth (5.2 s). He sees further enhanced by its sound a revised exhaust. Pure and simple sport, the 370Z Nismo is only available with the manual transmission (automatic heel and point, disabled). The chassis is of course optimized for this additional cavalry, either in suspension, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars or brakes.

Visually, the 370Z Nismo is more aggressive. The reworked front fascia and the imposing rear spoiler even slightly lengthen the car. Placed on 19-inch wheels ultralight “gun metallic”, she is entitled to a charcoal gray fittings. The interior is adorned on her leather trim and exclusive alcantara, and receives a numbered plate.

The Nissan 370Z Nismo begin his career on this side of the Atlantic in June 2013 at a price yet unknown. We should also find out more over the coming months on the monstrous GT-R Nismo , which should soon give everyone agreed on the Nurburgring.

Nissan 370 Z

If Skoda has put on the market in recent years as the formidable GTI Octavia and Fabia RS , the recent Rapid characterized not by temperament, even with the 1.4 TSI 122 hp who officiates at the top of the range. Never mind, Skoda will enjoy meeting the Worthersee, dedicated to production of the Volkswagen group, for slumming image of this small, quiet family.

The menu hemmed aggressive front bumper with a lip spoiler, a generously ventilated hood, a black grille, a two-tone gray and red livery, all set on huge rims 19 inch red diamond that take place under the wings bodybuildées. Skoda does not reveal, however, nothing is happening under the hood.

See you on May 8th to see this Skoda Sport Austria, on the banks of the Worthersee, the side of the Seat Leon Cup Racer and other brands offered by Galaxy Volkswagen preparations.

The Worthersee is an opportunity each year for the Volkswagen group to present fairly extravagant concepts. In 2013, after the Audi TT quattro ultra , the Seat Leon Cup Racer and Skoda Rapid Sport , it was the turn of Volkswagen to unveil its show car. Brand Wolfsburg us again on this occasion the scope of the Golf-fed hormones. Remember, for the 2007 edition, the Germans were amused to install the 6.0 W12 on the rear axle of the compact, somewhat enlarged for the occasion. As if that were not enough, two turbos were grafted to bring power to 650 hp and transform into a rocket engine (0 to 100 km / h in 3.7 s).

The new delirium introduced this year, it is closer in appearance to the famous Golf GTI W12 concept, however, is a bit more “sober” in technical terms. This time, the V6 3.0 TSI decorated with two turbos, which takes the place of the original four-cylinder 2.0 under the front hood. The 503 hp and 560 Nm dévellopés are distributed on all four wheels and controlled by a dual-clutch. The performance remains a very good, with a 0 to 100 km / h run in 3.9 seconds.

The design of this GTI Design Vision, although automatically recalling the Golf GTI series , however, is very aggressive and amazing, especially in the rear part. Inside, the change is radical, with a dashboard that would fit in a Lamborghini. The lines are as sharp and outside, while carbon and alcantara are dominant. This concept, like most of those presented in Worthersee, should probably never see the light in series. Despite all hope that the future Golf R is inspired to stand strong in the “small” GTI can.

Introduction
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV lineup, consisting of the 2013 Mercedes G550 and the utterly insane G63 AMG, has been dramatically refined, the company says.

Right. Kind of like Los Angeles iconic Hollywood sign was dramatically refined by its 2012 repainting.

Or like Italian big shot Silvio Berlusconi was dramatically refined by his recent experiments with cosmetic surgery.

Truth be told, the venerable G-Wagen made its name long ago as a Cold War-era German military vehicle that was converted for civilian use. Its first year of civilian production was 1979, to be precise.

Since then, the G-Wagen has earned a worldwide reputation for exceptional durability, toughness and class. It also has been stuffed full of the best engines Mercedes has to offer, including the glorious 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged 536-horsepower V8 that powers this year’s new G63 AMG.

But let’s be clear. If you buy a 2013 G-Class, you’ll be dropping six figures on a glorified German Jeep that debuted during the Carter Administration.

Here’s the real question, though: Is there anything wrong with that?

Not if you ask Hollywood celebrities, who gobble up G-Wagens the way reasonable folk buy Honda Civics. And not if you ask genuine G-Wagen fans, who will tell you that Mercedes got most of the details right back in the day — and that most of the shortcomings have been addressed by regular powertrain updates and this year’s interior overhaul.

As such, we’ll concede that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G550 and G63 AMG have solidified their spot at the top of the automotive heap. This boxy Benz may be a relic from a bygone era, but for buyers with the requisite means, it still doesn’t get much better than a G-Wagen.

Comfort & Utility
The 2-row, 5-passenger G-Class is offered in two trim levels based on engine choice: G550 (regular 5.5-liter V8) and G63 AMG (twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8).

The G550 comes fully loaded with niceties like 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, LED exterior accent lighting, leather upholstery, multi-contour power front seats with extensive adjust ability, heated front and rear (outboard only) seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, iPod/USB and Bluetooth compatibility, 12-speaker Harman audio and the COMAND multimedia interface with a 7-in touchscreen, navigation, comprehensive portable media connectivity and an 80-GB hard drive with 10 GB of digital music storage.

The G63 AMG steps up to the twin-turbocharged engine and offers specialties such as 20-in wheels, AMG suspension tuning, various AMG styling cues and a unique shift knob.

By the way, if there’s a feature you want that’s not listed either here or on the G-Class website, just tell Mercedes. They may accommodate special requests, within reason, from G-Class buyers.

In our interior evaluation, we had to give the 2013 G-Class props: This beast really does squeeze the best of modern Benz luxury and technology into its 34-year-old body. The standard multi-contour seats are fantastic, the Harman/Kardon stereo is sublime and the hard drive-based COMAND system is fully up to date.

Have you ever heard of resto-mods? In brief, they involve classic cars being reconditioned with (among other things) new interiors that have the latest technology. The 2013 G-Class strikes us as perhaps the ultimate factory-built resto-mod. It goes back a long way, for sure, but now it has Mercedes’ finest modern accoutrements inside to keep it fresh.

The G-Class model’s second row seats are relatively flat in terms of contours, but there’s plenty of adult-grade room back there, and the outboard seats are heated — a nice standard touch. For better or worse, the G-Wagen does not offer a third-row seat.

Should you ever wish to haul any stuff, the G will swallow almost 80 cu ft of it behind the second-row seats, which is satisfactory for a vehicle of this size.

Technology
What can we say? With its new interior for 2013, the G-Class has been thoroughly modernized. It comes standard with all the high-tech gadgets that a 6-figure vehicle should have. From the 7-in COMAND interface to the premium stereo with iPod/Bluetooth integration, it’s all included in the purchase price. This is more than enough tech for most tastes.

Pros: World-class engines; go-anywhere skill set; steeped in tradition; plenty of modern technology

Cons: Basic design is over 30 years old; possibly the worst vehicle on the market for going around corners

Performance & Fuel Economy

Every G-Class features a 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles, permanent all-wheel drive and selectable low-range gearing with three, count ‘em, three locking differentials: front, center and rear. There are also over eight inches of both ground clearance and wheel travel. In short, if you want to take your 6-figure SUV into the bushes, chances are it’ll conquer them without breaking a sweat.

Under the hood, the base G550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 rated at 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This is a lovely engine that’s immensely satisfying in both force and refinement; plus, it’s slowly being phased out in favor of smaller turbocharged V8s, so the G550 offers one of the last opportunities to experience it in a new vehicle. If we’re honest, this is more than enough motor for the G-Wagen.

But there’s nothing wrong with turbochargers — not when two of them team up to produce 536 hp, at least, as in the new 2013 G63 AMG. It’s also got 560 lb-ft of torque on tap. The result is that the G36 is downright fast: Mercedes estimates that the sprint to 60 miles per hour will require just 5.3 seconds. Not bad for a 5,622-lb utility vehicle.

Fuel economy? Oh, it’s bad. Both G models are rated at 13 miles per gallon overall by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you’re keeping score at home, the G550 noses out the G63 on the highway, 15 mpg to 14 mpg, but both return a dismal 12 mpg in urban driving.

On the bright side, maximum towing capacity is a handy 7,000 pounds.

Safety

The  Mercedes G550 and G63 AMG come with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and just four airbags: two in front, and two full-length side-curtain units.

The available electronic safety aids are numerous, including the new Mbrace safety/telematics system that connects with compatible smartphones and computers. Rather than go through each high-tech safety feature here, we’ll simply suggest visiting the Mercedes website for more information.

There have been zero crash tests of the G-Wagen on our shores thus far, and this trend is not likely to change.
Driving Impressions

The G-Class feels a lot more elevated than it looks, if you can believe that. This is obviously a tall and narrow vehicle, but these qualities are somehow magnified when you’re behind the wheel. So if there’s a tight corner ahead, take it slow. The G-Wagen is more like the Mercedes Sprinter cargo van than an ordinary Benz in this respect.

However, the G excels at highway cruising, limited only by its terrible aerodynamics and the significant wind noise that results. And it’s even more adept off-road, provided you haven’t gone and installed 22-in chrome rims with low-profile street tires (you wouldn’t do that, right?).

Fact is, people generally don’t buy a G for the way it drives. But we think that the fortunate few who take up the keys will be pleasantly surprised by how well this Benz handles the road.
Other Cars to Consider

Infiniti QX56: Based on the excellent overseas Nissan Patrol SUV, the QX is a legitimate off-roader and its styling rivals that of the G-Class model for sheer audacity. Plus, it costs tens of thousands less.

Land Rover Range Rover: Treated to a true redesign this year, the new Range Rover is much lighter than its predecessor, enabling it to run circles around the portly G-Wagen. But does it look as hardcore as the Benz? You be the judge.

Porsche Cayenne: If you like to take the occasional aggressive corner, the G-Class won’t get the job done, but Porsche’s athletic crossover just might. Definitely the driver’s choice in this class.
AutoTrader Recommends

We would really be just fine with the cheaper G550. That V8 is a thing of beauty, and it feels ultra-responsive, too. Plus, the AMG model’s styling cues can be a bit gaudy.

After the death of the Peugeot 607 and Renault Vel Satis, the last French limousine upscale bows in general indifference. Just before the Christmas holidays, Citroen indeed stop the production of C6 at its plant in Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine), where a mini-assembly line before him. Launched in 2005 and originally intended for speeds of 20,000 units annually, the long and original sedan, which was to symbolize the French luxury, has never reached these scores. It is also sold only 922 copies in 2011. At the same time, Mercedes has produced more than 200,000 E-Class .. In France alone, it has registered nearly 530 C6 only eleven months of 2012, against 4000 BMW 5, 3700 Audi A6, 3200 Mercedes!

Large deficit
4.90 meters long, hyper-comfortable and enjoyable to drive, but very expensive, especially the C6 has been a victim of shrinking French market for large sedans, but also the increasing monopolization by the German brand of high-end segment . A highly lucrative niche theory, provided there’s volumes … because the C6 has been her large deficit! This distant descendant of the DS19 1955, the Cx 1974 and Xm 1989, will … no down immediately. It must however be taken over the medium term by DS “Made in China”, which will be exported … to Europe. Trsite fate of French high range.

Partial unemployment
The management of PSA Peugeot Citroen also provides new days of partial unemployment in January for its production sites in France, including Rennes and Sochaux, said Friday union sources. In Rennes, six days of unemployment are expected in December on the production lines of the C5 and 508, then seven days in January, due to a sluggish automotive market, according to Michel Bourdon, representative of the CGT. Sochaux be idle to share three days, 19, 20 and 21 December and close in two weeks. Another day off is also scheduled for January 7.

From the OCU, consider these reviews multitudinous “are becoming too frequent.” While appreciating that manufacturers respond effectively when they detect a problem, the OCU believes that no vehicle could enter the market without having previously ascertained that its equipment safety functions as it should. I mean, that should improve quality controls that were needed so many revisions.

The recall by Toyota , Honda , Nissan and Mazda worldwide, affects 53,615 units in Spain. Of these, 17,000 units are from Toyota-November 2000 and March 2004 – and 1384, Honda-manufactured between 2001 and 2003 -. The problem: A defective tire passenger airbag, all brands manufactured by Takata. There have been cases of malfunction in North America, but are not aware of any incident in Europe.

Toyota had already called revision to 7.5 million vehicles worldwide in October last year, by a problem in the power windows, a month later, the revised 20,000 units mark in Spain by defects in the direction and the pump water. often is this that manufacturers require their users to go through the shop to check your vehicle what worries the OCU.

Nissan has Announced it will invest more than 10 billion euros in FY 2013 at its plant in casting and machining of Los Corrales de Buelna for the introduction of new parts and modernization of facilities.

The Managing Director of Nissan Motor Ibérica, Frank Torres, made the announcement During a Meeting with all employees and media work after the meeting I had With The president of Cantabria, Ignacio Diego, who has visited Cantabrian Also Factory.

During his speech, Torres has Stated that: “The good results after the signing Achieved of the new collective agreement and government support have enabled us to Attract new workloads. “

Also Explained That in fiscal 2012, Nissan has Invested 11 million euros, que added to the investments Announced today, Allows the company to meet its Commitments and Achieve a level of investment of over 21 million euros in two years.

In this regard, stressed that: “This announcement not only confirms That Nissan delivers on its promises of investment and growth, But Also Strengthens Industrial Cantabria operations and Allows us to look forward with optimism. “

“Today, the plant in Los Corrales de Buelna is a global benchmark for other casting and machining centers, que Qualify opens the door to new products and Maintain our sustainable growth trend, “said.

In Addition to the aforementioned investments in 2012 Nissan hired 34 new employees, successfully Launched new parts for the European version of the vehicle 100% electric Nissan LEAF has recently hit the market, and continued With its plan to Improve productivity, safety and environmental protection.
During Fiscal year 2013, Nissan will introduce new pieces , tanto para the electric version of the eNV200 to be built in Barcelona and for the new truck That Will Occur in Avila, as for the new Note and the new version of Qashqai to be produced in Sunderland (United Kingdom).
According To Frank Torres , This growth project “will not end here.” “If the improved Competitiveness of the continuous Cantabria in 2014 and 2015 continue to introduce new pieces,: such as Those mounted on tourism to be built at the Barcelona plant,” I Explained.
Towers has Emphasized That All the good news shows That the strategy of Nissan to focus the plant in Los Corrales de Buelna in the production of higher value-added parts: such as steering spindles and brake discs, is still a success.

“Nissan’s strategy for this center not passes only through new investments or make new products, But Also includes Further support to the automotive industry in the region “, I said. However, Stated that: “We must not relax and Become complacent. We must keep working hard and focusing on continuous improvement of our Competitiveness. “

All this strategy AIMS to Ensure sustainable growth of the industry operations of Nissan in Spain Committed to innovation, talent and Competitiveness, “I Concluded.

Nissan in Spain

Nissan has three production centers in Spain: Barcelona, ​​Avila and Cantabria, where it produces SUVs, vans and trucks. The models include off-road vehicles Pathfinder and Navara and the Cabstar light truck and Atleon and vans Primastar and NV200 . In Addition , Nissan Spain has an R & D engine and development of light commercial vehicles and spare parts distribution centers and units. Sales Spain and Portugal headquarters is located in Barcelona. In all, 4,700 people work at Nissan in Spain and in 2012 there were 142,000 vehicles .

Thus, the European car market accumulates 18 consecutive months of declines. In the first quarter of 2013, sales of passenger cars and SUVs were down 9.7%, with a total of 3.09 million units sold.

Car deliveries fell in March in all major European markets, except the UK, which grew by 5.9% and reached 394 806 units. Thus, UK overtook Germany as Europe’s largest market.

Sharp fall in Germany
Precisely, Germany in March recorded the biggest decline among the major markets, with a fall of 17.1% to 281,184 units registered. In France, car sales fell 16.2% to 165,829 units in Spain fell by 13.9% (72,677 units) and Italy fell by 4.9% (132,000 units). By brand, Volkswagen held in March the European market leadership to market 156,487 cars, up 15%, ahead of Ford with 110,243 units (-15.9%), Opel with 99.595 units (-10.1%), Renault with 78,085 units (-16.1%) and Peugeot with 76,697 units (-13.7%).
Rise of the brands ‘premium’

The next three places in the rankings are brands ‘premium’. So, Audi ranked sixth with 76 401 units, 8.6% less, followed by BMW with 70,592 units (-4.5%) and Mercedes-Benz with 66.352 units (+0.8%).

In contrast to the market downturn, the growth of brands like Jaguar (+23%), Dacia (+20.2%), Honda (+18.8%), Land Rover (+10%) and Fiat (+ 7.7%). Seat, the Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen, grew 1% with 31,156 registrations.

]]> http://modelcarinfo.com/2013/04/17/car-sales-in-europe-accumulate-18-months-down/feed/ 0