An oldie but still a goodie

'The public wants what the public gets' seems to be the philosophy from Renault as it continues to punt the old Clio to unsuspecting buyers.

The French firm proudly tells us it has sold 14,500 old-shape Clios this year, despite there being the very good new Clio III in the same showrooms.

Things have gone so well flogging the old model that Renault has decided to keep it alive for even longer and plug away with it into 2007.

So, if you don't notice the shiny new and very good Clio III, you can still buy an old-model Clio Campus for £6,975.

© Source: original article on topgear

French polish

Renault may be losing its grip on the Formula One title race, but it's going for broke with a limited-edition version of the Renaultsport Megane.


The snappily named Megane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26 is based on the usual hot Mégane but with the 2.0-litre turbo engine pumped up to 230bhp, helped by a new exhaust.

Handily, the new engine also has lower carbon-dioxide emissions than the previous F1 Team model, so you can do your bit for the environment while hooning around.

The R26, as we prefer to call it, also comes with a limited slip differential to improve cornering traction, and new suspension settings to further sharpen the drive.

Identifying features include blacked-out 18in alloy wheels and optional team decals, and the lovely lurid shade of yellow shown here.

The order book for the limited-edition R26 opens at the end of October, and every car comes with a numbered plaque on the dash. The cost to you: £19,570.

© Source: original article on topgear

Alonso whining his way to second place

You'd think Renault F1 would want to send Fernando Alonso off to Mclaren next year with a world title to drive home just how bone-headed a move it might be.

Not so, according to Alonso, who is quickly becoming the new Villeneuve of F1. One world title and years of whining afterwords.

Check the article on ITV's F1 site.

CASCAR TV: Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR from Kawartha Speedway

Watch the 90-minute broadcast of the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR CASCAR Super Series season finale from Kawartha Speedway on SPORTSNET on:

EAST
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM EST
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SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM EST
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WEST
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM MST
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SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 8:30AM PST
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2006 Peugeot 207 Epure

(from Peugeot Press Release) In 1998, the concept-car 20 was presented for the first time. The enthusiasm it aroused among the public fuelled the development of a new mass-produced car design: the Coupe / Cabriolet. Combining vision and realism, the 206 CC - the first vehicle in the “small car” segment to have a metal electric folding roof - met with well-documented success and was then followed in the higher segment of the Peugeot range by the 307 CC.

With the launch of the 207 hatchback, Peugeot’s designers naturally considered including a “CC” version in the new range, and applying all their expertise in the field of “vehicles styled for pleasure”.

With the “207 Epure” concept car, the Marque for the one part lifts the veil on a tangible future product.
However, its personality is twofold: in addition to twin coupй / cabriolet adaptability, this styling blueprint also conceals an example of future fuel cell technology for a more distant future...

The experimental power train that equips the 207 Epure includes the latest advances of the PSA Peugeot Citroлn group in this area, without any adverse affect on the vehicle’s functional and stylistic features.

The spirit of freedom inherent in this design is therefore closely bound up with the car’s method of propulsion: the ensuing benefits - zero emissions, silent operation - which does much to enhance the pleasure of driving the car as a cabriolet.

Both driver and car are then truly at one with their environment. Pleasure and ecology are united.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Toyota Aims To Take Size and Weight out of Its Hybrid System

TOKYO — Toyota expects to cut the cost of its gas-electric hybrid technology by 50 percent in the next three years, according to a report in the Financial Times.

The Japanese automaker said its new target would trim the cost premium for hybrids to about $1,900. The new hybrid technology, which will be used in the next-generation Prius sedan, will be about half the size and weight of the current system.

The Japanese automakers are in a cost-cutting race when it comes to hybrid technology. In July, Honda said it expects to cut the cost premium of its hybrid system to about $1,700 per vehicle by 2009.

© Source: original article on insideline

Holden Commodore Coming to U.S. as Pontiac in 2007

MELBOURNE, Australia — According to an Australian automotive Web site, a Holden Commodore badged as a Pontiac will be unveiled at the 2007 Chicago auto show.

The new car is reportedly intended to go on sale in the United States later that same year.

The Web site quotes General Motors product chief Bob Lutz speaking at the Paris auto show.

"Come to the Chicago auto show and all will be revealed," he is reported to have said after praising Holden and the new Commodore for being one of "the best vehicles GM has produced."

Speculation has been rife in Australia about Commodores being built in other markets, but nothing has been confirmed to date. GM Holden refused to comment on the report, instead referring any queries to "Mr. Lutz at General Motors Corporation."

However, Lutz's comments appear to confirm rumors that the Commodore could be built in markets such as the U.S., adding a large, rear-wheel-drive car to help revive General Motors' aging vehicle lineup.

If a Pontiac "Commodore" does go on sale in the States next year, it will not be the first time a Pontiac has been spawned from a Holden. Three years ago, Holden exported Monaros to the States as Pontiac GTOs.

© Source: original article on insideline