Video: Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive promo

Lexus debuts "Dark Ride," a high-definition interactive film that promotes its new luxury compact hybrid, the CT 200h.



Got wheels. Lexus has released a high-def interactive film, Dark Ride, to promo its new CT 200h model. Visitors to the LexusDarkRide website can slot themselves – well, a likeness – into the movie, and into the CT 200h seat right next to actor Norman Reedus, of the Boondock Saints film franchise.  From there they can record their own dialogue, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the movie narrative.









Press Release



Lexus Invites Consumers to Co-star in New 'Dark Ride' Interactive Film to Launch New CT 200h Hybrid



Torrance, Calif., May 14, 2010 -- "Get in, buckle up and start talking." Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled "Dark Ride." The film features Lexus' newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun...the consumer.



"With ‘Dark Ride' we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,' which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed."



The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside "Tony" (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.



Consumers will use an array of interactive features in the film-allowing them to insert their own likeness (via a Webcam or profile pic), record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the film so new situations arise each time.



The "Dark Ride" film is the next step in the launch of the Lexus CT 200h and demonstrates Lexus' marketing theme, "The Darker Side of Green." This theme, which shines a different light on this new breed of a fun-to-drive hybrid, debuted at a star-studded event prior to the CT 200h's North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. This initiative will continue through the launch period with in-market custom events and a VIP marketing program that will give tech-savvy influencers access to an edited "Dark Ride" list of restaurants, clubs, bars and lifestyle brands. Brand partners include Duncan Quinn bespoke suits, VeeV Açaí Spirit, The James Hotel and Grand Hospitality for The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels.



DIRECT FILM VIEWING LINK: www.lexusdarkride.com

CAMPAIGN LINK: www.darkersideofgreen.com



The all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. Expected to lead its class in fuel economy, the stylish, sporty five-door also delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience. The CT is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. The CT will be equipped with four drive-modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV.



With its reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 228 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for ten years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, now offering four hybrids, with a fifth on the way, that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When Lexus was established in 1989, it offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 11 vehicles, from the entry-level IS 250 to its first V10 supercar, the LFA.



Note: Lexus Dark Ride is viewable with Internet Explorer (Versions 6 and most optimally, 7), Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox. Your computer must be equipped with Adobe Flash Player Version 10, found here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

2010 Nissan Leaf European Pricing Announced

Nissan Europe have announced the pricing structure for the European rollout of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf car has received a huge number of  reservations in the U.S already and will be launched in Europe in three stages. Nissan plans to release just one model of the Leaf in Europe, as oppose to the two trim levels available in the U.S. from this Fall.

The cost of the Leaf in the UK will be £23,350 (€27,471) after a £5,000 government rebate. These first four countries were chosen because of the incentives that will keep the cost to consumers more manageable. Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf in Europe in July 2010.

Nissan Leaf customers will enjoy benefits such as zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years.

The automaker chose Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the U.K. as its launch markets because those nations already have tax reduction laws in place for purchasers of very low- or zero-emissions vehicles.  The car will be released on the rest of the European market before the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD'S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE

Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

• Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
• Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
• Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
• Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
• All prices include battery
• Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
• Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets - about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan International SA.

In the United Kingdom, the purchase price of the Nissan LEAF would be 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros)after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is 28,350 Pounds (33,353 Euros) before incentives. The UK government recently announced that it will refund 25 percent of the purchase price of a pure electric vehicle, up to a limit of 5,000 Pounds. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in the UK in February 2011.

An array of other incentives can further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning the Nissan LEAF. In the UK, EV customers benefit from advantages including zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years. This, combined with significant savings in fuel costs of about 600 Euros (513 Pounds) on average annually in Europe versus a traditional car, makes the Nissan LEAF an affordable and compelling proposition.

The purchase price in the Netherlands will be 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Here, subsidies will take the form of zero vehicle registration and road taxes, resulting in tax savings of 6,000 Euros for private car owners and 19,000 Euros for company car owners over five years. Sales in the Netherlands begin this December.

The price in the Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Buyers will be exempt from vehicle registration tax, which can amount to as much as 3,800 Euros on a C-segment car. Sales in Ireland begin in February next year.

The price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Portuguese customers owning the Nissan LEAF benefit from road tax exemption. Sales in Portugal begin this December.

Nissan has decided to launch in these countries first due to significant government incentives for electric cars, and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure for their successful adoption. By the end of next year, Nissan LEAF will be available in every major Western European country.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing over four billion Euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," said Simon Thomas. "This investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly plants, including Sunderland in the UK. This reflects the strong commitment the alliance has made to electric vehicles and our determination to lead the market."

To ensure a place in line when Nissan begins taking reservations in the four initial markets, customers in those countries should pre-register on their local Nissan consumer website.*

In addition to purchasing the car outright, customers will also be able to buy the car on a Nissan finance plan. Details of the all-inclusive acquisition method will also be released in July.

2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo

Suzuki has premiered the 2010 Kizashi Turbo Concept on the 30th of April.

The concept was born out of the designs of Suzuki tuner Road Race Motorsports working with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Road Race Motorsports added its own 16G turbocharger, high-flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow-off valve and a velocity air intake. All that takes the Kizashi up to a competitive 290 bhp (216 kW).

The power will be set to 216kW in a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine. The base power for the GTS is only 138kW, therefore the Road Race upgrade is quite hefty in the power department.

Other goodies include the custom fuel management, Road Race’s Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector as wel as a custom crafted turbo manifold and a 38 mm wastegate supplied by Tial. With all these installed, the car carries now an impressive 290 hp, more than enough we’d say to deliver impressive performances via 19-inch Dunlop tires. Also, for better stability, a new set of Road Race sport springs were installed as well as a rear-mounted spoiler delivered by Delta Tech Engineering
Source: Suzuki





Press Release

SUZUKI'S CONCEPT TURBO KIZASHI ‘BLOWS' DOORS OFF MIDSIZE COMPETITION

Blower heightens the excitement with lowered, tuned Kizashi

BREA, Calif. (April 30, 2010) - After an impressive performance preview of Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi at last fall's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the heightened fun (on closed course, with professional driver) continues with the debut of Kizashi's concept turbocharged variant. As seen - beginning this month - with racer Tommy Kendall and his Speed Channel program "Test Drive," this newest Kizashi concept morphs the intended definition of Kizashi from the Japanese - "something great is coming" - into "what might be coming next?"

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi's lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports' own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race's Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

The enhanced power bumps the Kizashi's already impressive engine to 290 hp and is connected to the track pavement via 19-inch Dunlops. Those are kept connected to the course by Road Race's own sport springs, working in combination with Kizashi's ultra-rigid unibody and all-independent suspension. High-speed stability is enhanced with the addition of a rear-mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech Engineering. The end result on the track - with either Road Race founder Rob Tallini, Tommy Kendall or the Suzuki enthusiast behind the wheel - is the need for speed suddenly and fully satisfied.

Air dates for the newest edition of Speed Channel's "Test Drive" begin on April 30, 2010. For a complete schedule, visit the Speed Channel website.

Fiat launches new Diesel edition 500C in Japan

The Fiat 500C by Diesel makes its formal debut in Japan on April 12.


All engine choices will have five or six-speed manual tranmissions while for the exterior customers are able to choose three body and top colour combinations for their Fiat 500 by Diesel.

The interior also gets denim-like upholstery with yellow top-stitching. Yellow brake calipers peer out from behind the 16" alloys finished in dark satin like the rest of the muted brightwork.

The Fiat 500 by Diesel price starts at 18,000 Euro and Italy will be the first to ge the limite-edition cabriolet starting from May. The automaker says they have allready sold 6,500 exemplars Fiat 500 by Diesel ans the car will be marketed worldwide.





Press Release:

Fiat 500C by Diesel debuts in Japan

Fiat 500C by Diesel, the new cabriolet version of the model jointly created in 2008 by Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing and lifestyle brand, will debut in Japan on 12 April. The Fiat Café in Aoyama (Tokyo) – an exclusive location, which has become a byword for sociability and Italian style – has been chosen for the prestigious event, which will be attended by representatives of the establishment, the world of culture and the press, in addition to Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and the top managers of Fiat Group Automobiles Japan. The car will then make its European debut on 15 April at the Milan Furniture Fair in front of the splendid Diesel flagship store in the renowned Piazza S. Babila.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel will be marketed worldwide - in Italy from May, with an on-road price starting from 18,000 euros. Nearly 6,500 units of the already available limited-edition saloon version have already been sold. The new cabriolet "by Diesel" confirms the extraordinary capacity of the "500 Project" to continuously evolve with the addition of new versions. This is precisely one of the secrets of the undisputed success of the Fiat 500, a genuine pop icon and expression of the concept of "massexclusivity" ("non-exclusive exclusiveness"), which a few days ago reached the target of 500,000 units produced in only 31 months after having been launched.

In detail, the 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16" alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin finish chrome painted details, including the mouldings which with their bosses evoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world. The interiors are also highly customised, sporting a dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, a fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome coloured dashboard.

Just like the saloon, theFiat 500C by Diesel also combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. In fact, they have some important concepts in common, such as talent, creativity, charm and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous worldwide.

Finally, according to markets, the Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions (1.2 69 HP, 1.4 16v 100 HP, 1.3 Multijet 75 HP with DPF and 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP); manual 5 or 6 speed gearboxes (petrol engines can be fitted with a Dualogic 5 speed robotised gearbox); and three body and top colour combinations: the distinctive green with black top, the elegant black with black or red top and the original "Midnight indigo" blue with ivory top. The latest two innovations of the Fiat 500 by Diesel stand out: a second-generation 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) turbo diesel with Start&Stop system as standard, with emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 and "Midnight indigo" blue, an intriguing metal-flake body colour which - with a finer paint texture and almost 3D effect - is reminiscent of the look of stone-washed fabrics.

Turin, 9 April 2010

Teaser: 2012 Nissan Quest Minivan

Nissan also released today the first 2012 Nissan Quest teaser image and announced the new version will go on sale early in 2011.

Based on the Japanese-market El Grand van, the Quest will likely be powered by a 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine with up to 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) according to InsideLine. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but there are rumors all-wheel drive may be offered as an option.

This will be the first time the Quest isn't built in America, as production has switched to Nissan's Shatai plant in Japan where the fourth-generation El Grand is already being produced. Power will come from the same 3.7-liter VQ V6 that powers nearly every other Nissan, with output in the 300 horsepower range. Front-wheel drive will be standard, and we are hearing rumors of an all-wheel-drive option.

The redesigned Quest will go on sale in the United States early next year.



Press Release

The next-generation Nissan Quest presents a new paradigm in family mobility.

Along with top levels of quality and reliability, the all-new design is a fusion of sophistication, security and thoughtful utility for both families and empty-nesters alike.

The new Quest, which will be available in early 2011, is the perfect vehicle for buyers needing the size, safety, functionality and comfort that a minivan has to offer, without sacrificing style or driving pleasure.

2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle Pricing Releases

Nissan announced that its upcoming Leaf electric vehicle will sell for $32,780, plus $800 destination. A $7,500 federal tax credit for electric cars will bring the total cost down to $25,280. A three-year lease will be available for $349 a month.

Available in two trim levels, standard SV and uplevel SL, all Leaf SVs will come with navigation, remote start and remote charging operated through a smart phone app or laptop computer, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, Intelligent Key, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, six airbags, XM Satellite Radio and 3 years roadside assistance.

Part of the product package includes personal charging docks which work with normal 220-volt sockets. A charging dock should cost about US$2,200 but both the equipment and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

Starting April 20, interested customers who have signed up at nissanusa.com can put down a refundable $99 reservation fee. Official ordering doesn't start until August with deliveries scheduled to start in December. The Leaf goes on sale nationwide by the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN DELIVERS AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR PURCHASE, LEASE OF
ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF

• As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax
  credit)
• Lease world's first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the
2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or
lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in
2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF
April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be
fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle will be
$25,280. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011
all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three
years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and
local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits
of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF - such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate
in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in
Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500
federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be
able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state
or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan
LEAF.

"Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again.
Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating
zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president,
Sales and Marketing, NNA. "Nissan leads the industry by offering the first
affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is
in a class by itself."

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of
standard features, including an advanced navigation system and
Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool
and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED
headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials,
such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper
fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity;
Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio
capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle
dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The
SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features
including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic
headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully
managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on
NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it
into a personal charging dock.

• Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people
  who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory
  period, to all interested consumers.

• Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is
  fully refundable.

• Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when
  Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to
  special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

• Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide
  availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging
docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation.
Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and
installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes
a home assessment.

• The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be
  $2,200.

• Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal
  tax credit up to $2,000.

• Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost
  less than $3 to "fill up."

• Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The
  EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division
  of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and
  installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design,
engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing,
distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the
environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are
reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at
www.NissanUsa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets
actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Cosworth announces Impreza STI CS400

Subaru has announced the result of its automotive collaboration with Cosworth to bring you the new Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400.

The Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 develops 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm. However, the torque figure has not yet been announced. The company says the Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 is able to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds which brings it extremely close to the supercar realm. The standard car needs 5.2 seconds to reach the same speed.

Engine-mods aside, Subaru reported that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front developed in partnership with AP Racing, an upgraded suspension and a new sport exhaust system.





Press Release

COSWORTH IMPREZA WILL HAVE SUPERCAR-HUMBLING PACE

The result of one of the most eagerly anticipated automotive collaborations in recent times is heading fast towards Subaru dealerships. The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 officially goes on sale in June, and is set to offer performance-car fans the thrill of a lifetime.

Subaru has confirmed the car will boast an impressive 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm, sufficient to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds (compared to 300PS / 296bhp at 6,000rpm,and 5.2 seconds for the standard Impreza WRX STI). This ensures the Cosworth-tuned car will be one of the most accelerative all-wheel-drive hatchbacks ever.

Subaru also reports that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package - with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front - developed in partnership with AP Racing, giving the car prodigious stopping power. Coventry-based AP Racing is a leading supplier of brake and clutch components to teams in the Formula One Championship and the World Rally Championship, as well as to leading supercar brands including Bugatti.

A wide range of further upgrades have been made to the suspension, exhaust and to the donor Impreza's exterior and interior styling. An exclusive, limited edition run of 75 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400s will be produced, and full details of pricing and technical specification will be announced closer to the on-sale date.