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Mercedes aims to phase out petrol and diesel models by 2015

Jul 4th, 2008 • 1 comment • Link to Article

Mercedes Benz are planning to eliminate all petrol and diesel-powered models within its model line up by 2015, replacing them all with a new range of alternative fuel cars.

The overall goal of Mercedes’s plan is to lower the costs involved in road transport, to reduce harmful emissions and to lessen our dependence on the rapidly diminishing resource that is crude oil. Mercedes will gradually wean their customers off oil over the next few years by first boosting the efficiency of existing petrol motors, then increasing the amount of hybrid, battery and clean-fuel vehicles on offer and then finally introducing a full range of hydrogen and battery electric cars by the target date of 2015.
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Australian New Car Sales Scale New Heights

Jul 3rd, 2008 • 1 comment • Link to Article

In spite of rising interest rates and fuel prices, the Australian motor vehicle market continues to power on setting new records.

Official VFACTS figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 542,695 new cars, trucks and buses were sold in the first six months of 2008 - up 18,319 or 3.5 per cent on the same period in the record year of 2007.

June sales were a new record with 106,541 new vehicles finding homes - an increase of 1,444 or 1.4 percent over the same month in 2007. The June result is an all-time record.

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Alfa looking to base 8C Competizione successor off California platform

Jul 3rd, 2008 • No comments • Link to Article

The stunningly gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione isn’t even a year old, yet it seems Alfa are already planning for a replacement.

According to Autocar, Alfa Romeo wants the new 8C to be ready in time for the marque’s 100th birthday in 2010 and that the top brass within the brand want it to be built around the Ferrari California’s aluminium platform and V8 powertrain. Two-year timeline aside, convincing Ferrari to play ball may be the most difficult hurdle for Alfa to overcome, with Ferrari executives perpetually suspicious of anything that may dilute the purity of the Prancing Horse badge.
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Tesla sedan confirmed, release date still unknown

Jul 2nd, 2008 • No comments • Link to Article

At a recent press conference presided over by Arnold “Der Governator” Schwarzenegger, Tesla motor co. announced that it would be bringing to market an all-electric “multi-use sport sedan” in the near future. That brings the number of announced Tesla models to two, however unlike its stablemate the Roadster the Model S still has far to go before hitting the showrooms.

Once it eventually launches the Model S will be able to travel 362km on a single charge and carry up to 5 passengers in comfort. Banking on the company’s experience with the super quick Lotus-tuned Roadster the Model S will apparently possess some sporting cred too, however Tesla have yet to make any performance claims for the car. Base price is said to start at USD $60,000, but with a release date that’s still up in the air and the money-sucking effect of ongoing litigation against Tesla drawing away funds from the Model S’s development, you may be in for a long wait if you want one of these electron-powered sedans. We’ll keep you posted.

Prince Charles goes Ultra-Bourgeois, converts Aston Martin to run on white wine

Jul 2nd, 2008 • 6 comments • Link to Article

Bah, those Royals. In a gesture that confirms Britain’s royal family is so massively out of touch with the common man, Prince Charles - the current heir to the throne should ol’ Liz decide to relinquish it sometime this century - has decided to convert his Aston Martin DB6 to run on white wine.
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Diesel Fuel Theft on the Rise as Prices Pass $1.80 a Litre

Jul 2nd, 2008 • 24 comments • Link to Article

As the price of oil continues to rise the pain at the pump continues to worsen. Diesel prices as a result have increased from around $1.20 per litre to $1.80 per litre in just the past year, on average between 20 and 30 cents per litre dearer than unleaded fuel. A ridiculous state of affairs but this is Australia and the ridiculous is becoming more commonplace on a daily basis.

The exorbitant price of diesel is having an expected knock-on affect with reports that ‘diesel rustling’ is becoming quite a popular pass time on country properties and forestry work sites.

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Kia Coupe Ready for U.S. Market in 2009

Jul 2nd, 2008 • 6 comments • Link to Article

According to Automotive News, Kia will be bringing a production version of their Koup Concept to market in 2009. The stunning concept was first revealed at last years New York Auto Show and it will lend its dynamic styling to a new production sedan and coupe, destined for the U.S. market.

First cab off the rank will be the sedan with the coupe version to follow a few months down the track. Making room for the new coupe and sedan in Kia’s U.S. lineup will be the current Spectra hatchback, which Kia are expected to drop entirely from their U.S. range.

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ROUSH’s newest vehicle packing just 1hp…

Jul 2nd, 2008 • 3 comments • Link to Article

…well technically that’s not true, as a single horse actually has around 15 horsepower (weird huh?). Still, that doesn’t make ROUSH’s latest creation any less bizarre for an automaker that’s more well known for pumping out 300+kW modified Mustangs.
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