HUMMER H3 goes black to the future

* all-black H3 introduced
* € 5,000,- customer saving
* Exclusive edition limited to just 50 vehicles throughout Europe

The iconic HUMMER offering for Europe will be enhanced with the introduction of a new, exclusive, all-black HUMMER H3 which combines stunning style and excellent value with extras worth € 5.000,- fitted as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year. As with all HUMMERs sold through the official European importer the vehicles come with a four-year, 100,000 km warranty and European Roadside Assistance programme.

The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a lustrous black exterior and plush black leather interior with a full collection of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels.

Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature the large electric sliding sunroof which has proved a popular option. Among the array of standard interior fittings is a fully integrated Kenwood HUMMER Navigation system.

The value to the customer of the extras fitted as standard is approximately € 6.150,- including VAT. Yet the H3 Black Edition will carry a price tag only € 1.250,- higher than a Adventure edition on which it is based - resulting in a customer saving of € 4.900,-. (Calculation based on German pricing. Consumer price may vary in case of different VAT rules).

The HUMMER H3 Black Edition is designed to do much more than make fifty lucky customers across Europe feel very happy. It is another example of the HUMMER spirit that promotes the iconic design, but also makes it clear that, with H3 prices starting at € 49.950,-, the HUMMER H3 is much greater value than many think.

The H3 Black Edition is one of a series of exciting initiatives created by Kroymans HUMMER Europe, the European importer of HUMMER vehicles. The organization, situated at Breukelen in the Netherlands, has been combined with a strong new European dealer network with more than 40 outlets, reflecting the rapid growth of the HUMMER brand in Europe as well as in America. The new central organisation provides yet more benefits for HUMMER customers.[Hummer via World Car Fans]

THE PEUGEOT BIPPER - FROM THE CITY CENTRE TO THE WORLD OF MOTOR SPORT

* Peugeot Bipper Van to be launched in May 2008
* Two engine options - 1.4 litre Petrol and 1.4 litre HDi Diesel
* HDi Diesel versions available with an electronically controlled manual gearbox
* Load volume 2.5 m3
* Payload 610 kg

The Bologna Motor Show will see the launch of the innovative Peugeot Bipper "Beep Beep" Concept Van. This is a vehicle which shares much of its character with Peugeot's LMS Championship winning Peugeot 908 HDi FAP race car.

Like the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, which was launched onto the world's motor sport stage in Italy, the Peugeot Bipper "Beep Beep" will also be first seen in Italy.

With the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, the Peugeot Sport team in its first year of participation in the Le Mans Series managed to win all six races of the 2007 programme and achieve a magnificent second place in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.

Competence, precision, efficiency, endurance and speed are therefore prized qualities within the Peugeot Sport team. They are also present in Peugeot's new Bipper van, which is just as ready to meet the expectations of the many users who will choose this new vehicle as their day to day team mate.

There are other points in common too between the 908, "winner of the 2007 Le Mans Series" and the Bipper "Beep Beep"... such as versatility and the ability to weave in and out of traffic... or indeed their diesel engines incorporating HDi diesel particle filter system (DPFS) technology, albeit delivering power of an entirely different order - plus or minus a nought in the middle - (more than 700 bhp for one and 70 bhp for the other!)

To strengthen further the links with Peugeot Sport, the "Beep Beep" shares the same colour scheme as the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP: matt black sides, red bonnet and roof and a white stripe running lengthways along the vehicle. Its sides display the stylised lion's head of Peugeot Sport, with the numbers 7 and 8 adjacent to the side windows in a reference to each of the competition 908 HDi FAP race cars. The vehicle's special gold tinted windows are designed to mimic the visors of the 908 driver's helmets.

In terms of wheels and suspension, the brakes are now 313 mm diameter discs at the front and black 18" alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45 R 18 tyres.

Equipped with a standard production power unit, the "Beep Beep" features a 5-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (the BMP5) and a 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine developing a power of 55 kW (≈70 bhp) and a torque of 160 Nm at 1750 rpm. It is also equipped with a diesel particle filter system (DPFS), also known as FAP.

With this efficient power train and, thanks to its optimised aerodynamics, its fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 62.7 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, the same as the production HDi model.

The Peugeot Bipper van will be on the UK streets in May 2008 and the "Beep Beep" will be watching closely the progress of the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP in the 2008 LMS championship.[Source: Peugeot]

COMPLETELY NEMO!

Nemo Concetto illustrates the astonishing closeness between the Citroën Nemo and its clown fish homonym.

Like the fish, Nemo Concetto can be considered as "small" among its peers. However, its size is an asset, since it is able to nip in and out of traffic easily.

In a world where it would be tempting to think that bigger is better, Nemo Concetto combines intelligent design with compact exterior dimensions and interior space. It shows that intelligence is the most important asset, whatever the environment.

Nemo Concetto does not claim to be what it is not. It clearly states its identity with a new take on conventional automotive cues. Resembling a small truck with fun looks, bright colours and unrestrained humour, Nemo Concetto is a rich mix with overwhelming appeal.

Like the clown fish, Nemo Concetto has irresistible personality and looks.

Nemo Concetto reflects Citroën's constantly renewed capacity to design vehicles with character, vehicles that adapt to the lifestyles and world of their owners... like fish in water![Citroen via WorldCarFans]

Porsche is presenting a new version of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 5 - 16. In its distinctive design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder echoes the classic motorsport era of the 1960s, and in particular the success of Porsche sports cars during that period.

After countless class wins around the circuits of Europe and America, in 1960 the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder beat competitors with much larger engines to score its first overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, USA, one of the most prestigious long-distance sports car races, courtesy of Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien.

The new Boxster RS 60 Spyder reflects the sporting character and design purism of that successful mid-engined two-seater sports racing car. The RS 60 Spyder is based on the acclaimed Boxster S model, but differs significantly in terms of its performance and features.

Externally, the RS 60 Spyder is distinguished by a unique front spoiler and 19-inch diameter Porsche SportDesign alloy wheels, which spacer plates have moved outwards purposefully in the wheel arches. A modified sports exhaust system combined with dual tailpipes increases engine output to 303 bhp as well as adding further definition to the car's appearance. Completing the sporting orientation to the driving experience is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which adds further dynamism to the Boxster chassis.

Distinctive GT Silver Metallic paintwork is accentuated by the contrasting natural leather interior in Carrera Red. The roof is also finished in red. As an alternative, there is also the choice of Dark Grey natural leather in conjunction with a Black roof. The tail light clusters are also finished in red.

Inside, door trim strips made of stainless steel proudly bear the "RS 60 Spyder" model designation. The leather interior trim is further distinguished by a textured surface on the centre sections of the sports seats and the centre door linings, and this also extends to the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever. Completing the sporting ambience is a bespoke gear lever.

Complementing the exterior appearance, the faces of the instrument dials have a GT Silver Metallic finish and with this model not having the usual hood over the instrument cluster, the large central rev counter and the two circular dials on either side bring something of the flair of a racing car to the cockpit.

Further features include the windscreen surround finished in black, as well as the centre console, the seat backrests and the roll hoops all finished in GT Silver Metallic and thus harmonising with the seat belts also finished in Silver.

Reflecting its model designation, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to 1,960 examples, each one proudly bearing a silver-coloured plaque on the lid of the glove compartment.

Market launch of the new Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder is starting worldwide in March 2008. Including 19 per cent VAT and country-specific requirements, the retail price in Germany is Euro 63,873, the base price Euro 53,500. [Porsche via WorldCarFans]

The most alluring feature of Ford Europe's new C-Max MPV, debuting at the Bologna show this week, may be the Z-shaped handbrake lever (barring that, the boomerang-shaped door handles). But it's still a more precise and stylish entry than its sister ship, the Mazda5, which is the closest we'll get to the C-Max stateside. It's one of Euro Ford's new "kinetic" designs, which is like Ford America's "Dave" visual language with 2/3 less safety razor and 1/3 more nail clipper . – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

FORD PREVIEWS NEW C-MAX AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW

The new Ford C-MAX

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* Bologna preview model gives first glimpse of new Ford C-MAX
* C-MAX joins S-MAX to create new Ford MAX family
* Dynamic new front-end design creates MAX family face
* Significant upgrades to interior design and features
* New technology front and rear lighting
* New features available including panorama roof
* On sale Summer 2007

BRENTWOOD, Essex, December 5, 2006 : Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.

The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.

"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.

"The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but with a style that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximise driving pleasure," said Odell. "Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."

Fresh and Contemporary

The front of the car introduces distinctive air intakes while the lower grille features the large inverted trapezoid, a key element of kinetic design.

The new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet, these elements give the C-MAX a distinctly sporty feel, highlighting the "energy in motion" theme that kinetic design creates.

New and innovative lighting technology includes high intensity discharge (HID) front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes illuminated in light blue follow the form of the front lights and accentuate the sloping front profile.

At the rear, the C-MAX gets a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Both front and rear bumpers are lower and fuller than before, giving the car a strong and agile look from every angle. Also, new 'blue glass' adds extra classiness to the vehicle's style.

New interior design

The instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red.

The new centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.

New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang-shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.

Detailed information and technical data for Ford C-MAX will be available closer to launch in 2007.

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 4x4