Hyundai Avante/Elantra exceeds 5,000 orders (SK)

Hyundai Motor Company has announced that it has received over 5,000 pre-orders for the all-new, Avante/Elantra compact sedan in South Korea.

Hyundai began taking orders on the 21st June and has since gained remarkable popularity for the newest addition to its line-up. The new Avante made its public debut at the Busan International Motor Show in April.

For the South Korean market, the Avante is available with a single engine; a 1.6 litre GDI (gasoline direct-injection) Gamma 4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 138bhp/140PS and 167Nm (133 lb.ft) of torque. It is linked to either a standard 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic.

The new Avante is feature packed with numerous standard features such as 6 airbags, rear parking sensors heated front seats, ambient lighting, colour TFT LCD information display. Optional items include HID headlamps w/ LED tail-lamps, heated rear seats and a 10 way electrcially adjustable driver seat.

Since its launch back in 1990, the Avante/Elantra sold in excess of 6m units worldwide. Expect to see the redesigned Avante to make its North American debut early next year.

ESC to get cheaper (UK)

Bosch has designed and developed a new steering-wheel sensor that should make fitting stability control cheaper and more widely available in small cars. The system uses technology to establish the angle of the steering wheel, something that is increasingly used in stability control systems.

It's cheaper than previous systems, which, Bosh says, makes it particularly suitable for small cars where standard fitment of stability control is less common.

It is estimated that it costs £200 for car manufacturers to fit stability control and that if it were standard on every car it would reduce road deaths by 30%. According to motor industry research centre Thatcham, which monitors fitment rates and tests effectiveness, only 63% of new cars in the UK have stability control fitted as standard – one of the lowest figures in Europe.

The 2008 Fiat 500 has ESP as standard, while the 2009 Citroen C1 has ESP as an option.

Two Princes fight over a Bentley Brooklands (MY)

Two Malaysian princes have finally achieved an out-of-court settlement, finishing a row over who had the right to use the Bentley owned by their father.

The dispute between the sons of Sultan Tengku Ismail Petra has humiliated the royal household of Malaysia's eastern Kelantan state and wound up a recent power struggle among palace figures while the sultan was stricken by a heart-related illness.

Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, the sultan's third son, took his eldest brother, Tengku Muhammad Faris, to court last September to seek an order that he had the right to use the Bentley Brooklands uber-coupe worth £330,000.

Fakhry assumed he had paid for the car in 2008 for his father's and own use, even though the sultan was registered as the official owner. In July, representatives of Faris took away the car while Fakhry was abroad and refused to give it back to him.

Fakhry's lawyer, Haaziq Pillay, told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that Fakhry was withdrawing his action on the wishes of his father, who will determine who gets to use the car. Mr Haaziq said Fakhry managed to use the car recently and has no objections if his brother also wants to drive it.

Faris did not explain why he apprehended the car, but insisted in a court statement earlier this year that Fakhry's lawsuit was "frivolous".

Sultan Ismail's illness over the past year has resulted in a scuffle between his sons and their allies for influence over palace decisions and, potentially, succession to the throne. The feud dribbled into the public eye, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of royal households that generally enjoy immense privacy and privilege.

Renault offers electric driving lessons

Renault is preparing to set up unique training courses to help buyers of its electric vehicles get the most from them.

While the all electric cars will produce no tail-pipe emissions, Renault believes it is important to teach eco-driving methods to owners so that they can cover as many miles as possible on a single charge.

Alleged range anxiety is one of the major barriers to overcome if people are to be persuaded to drive electric vehicles, Renault believes.

The economy driving schools will be an extension of those Renault already runs in France and the Benelux countries for business users of its petrol and diesel models. They will soon be extended to Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Spain, with the UK and Portugal probable in 2011.

Renault's first electric cars will come to the UK next year. There will be a battery powered version of the Kangoo light delivery van and a four-wheeled covered scooter-cum-city-car vehicle called the Twizy.

The real electric breakthrough will come in 2012, when Renault launches a mid-sized saloon called the Fluence and its first designed-from-scratch EV, a supermini to be badged Zoe.

Electrification is just one arm of Renault's plan to be best-in-class for CO2 across its range. New petrol and diesel engines and transmissions will play an important role, as will greener factories and greater end-of-life recycling.

Cool Lamborghini Concept Car - Minotauro

Pictures of the super cool Lamborghini Minotauro concept design by Andrei Avarvarii. Minotauro (Italian for “minotaur”) was in the Greek mythology a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man. It was chosen as a name for the car after a brainstorming that identified one distinctive feature of the Lamborghini cars. That they are beasts you fight and let you live to tell the tale.

Lamborghini Gallardo milestone reached

Lamborghini has announced that the 10,000th Gallardo has rolled off the assembly line in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

The car, in Midas yellow LP 560-4, will be delivered to its Chinese owner.

Initially launched in 2003, the Gallardo rapidly became one of the most popular supercars in the world. Over the years, Lamborghini expanded the model range by introducing variants like the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, and the LP 570-4 Superleggera.

According to Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, "The Lamborghini brand is extreme, uncompromising and Italian, and the Lamborghini Gallardo has played an exemplary role in defining and delivering our brand reputation into our worldwide markets. Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of our brand."

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Honda CR-Z pricing announced (U.S)

Honda has announced prices and specification information for the 2011 CR-Z sport coupe.

The CR-Z goes on sale 24th August and the hybrid coupe will be priced from $19,200 (excluding destination and handling charge of $750). The entry-level model is equipped with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system, automatic climate control, electric front windows, remote central locking w/keyless entry, steering-wheel paddle shifters (CVT only) and cruise control.

The range-topping EX comes in at an extra $1,560, and adds a 360 watt premium sound system (with 7 speakers and a subwoofer), Bluetooth connectivity, and leather steering wheel. At $22,560, the CR-Z EX with Navigation features all the aforementioned equipment as well as a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. Amazingly, UK cars come with bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running lights, panoramic glass sunroof and electric folding door mirrors, which all seem to be absent from U.S bound cars.

Under the bonnet, all CR-Z's feature a 1.5 litre petrol engine with 122bhp (124PS) and 174Nm (128 lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which costs an extra $650.

Honda estimates the CR-Z manual will achieve an EPA rating of 31mpg city/37mpg hwy/34mpg combined, while the CR-Z CVT will likely return 35mpg city/39mpg hwy/37mpg combined.

All-new 2010 BMW 5 Series sold out

For individuals looking to purchase a 2010 BMW 5 Series will have to wait longer than expected. The 5 Series sedan has been a huge success for BMW, who now reports that the model is sold out.

Customers who are ordering the new mid-sized executive car will have to wait an additional three - four months for delivery. The car is expected to make up as much as 17% of BMW sales in the United States.

Although the car shares 70% of its parts and technology with the more costly 7 Series, the 5 Series costs $25,600 less than the flagship model. The new 5 Series has a starting trade price of $44,550 in the U.S. In the UK, the 5 Series saloon starts from £28,155 for the entry-level 520d SE, as appose to the starting price of a 7 Series at £55,385.

BMW dealerships and owners looking to sell their 2010 5 Series’ are likely to add an extra premium, on top of the OTR price.

The 2010 5 Series went on sale in Europe this March, with American sales beginning this week.

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Grey Coupe sold out in 12 minutes (U.S)

BMW has announced that the limited edition M3 Frozen Gray Coupe was sold out in 12 minutes.

The FGC (Frozen Gray Coupe) was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the M3. It features exclusive Frozen Gray matte paint, Competition Package (19” alloy wheels and lowered ride height), Electronic Damping Control, and an M Double Clutch Transmission, Fox Red/Black Novillo leather interior, "carbon leather" trim, heated front seats, premium sound system, satellite navigation, Comfort Access, and a one-day enrolment at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Priced at $77,600 – $19,200 more than a regular M3 coupe, the FGC is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 with 414bhp (420PS) with 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

According to Larry Koch, M Brand Manager for BMW North America, "I'm personally thrilled to see that our customers are as excited about it as we are. We filled the thirty reservation slots within twelve minutes and took the names of at least fifty alternates in the first hour. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe will be one of the most unique BMW vehicles ever imported to the U.S."

Features on the FGC are as follow:

BMW Individual Frozen Gray metallic paint, BMW Individual bi-colour (black with red) Novillo leather interior, M DCT transmission, competition package (Electronic Damping Control, 19” light-alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sport mapping for EDC and DSC), premium package (electric folding mirrors, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/compass, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Novillo leather, Carbon Leather trim), Technology Package (M Drive system, comfort access system, satellite navigation system w/voice command system, Real Time Traffic Information system), heated front seats, rear parking sensors, premium sound system, satellite radio with 1 year subscription and iPod and USB adaptor.

Ex Mazda worker storms plant (JP)

A previous Mazda employee supposedly murdered one and injured ten others after crashing his car into a group of people at Mazda's Hiroshima factory yesterday, according to reports. The 42 year old suspect, Toshiaki Hikiji, fled the scene, but was arrested an hour after the offence.

A 39 year old man, Hiroshi Hamada was pronounced dead at the scene. Another male employee is still in critical condition. The crash took place at the Mazda-owned Ujina plant near the Hiroshima port in south-western Japan.

"I pray for the spirit of the man who was killed, and pray for the recovery of the ten who were injured," said Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi in a statement.

Mazda said that Hikiji left the firm for personal reasons, although, media in Japan report that Hikiji was sacked from the plant in April after working at the Ujina location for eight days, according to the wire service. Reporters also said Hikiji brought a knife with him, and planned to kill people at the plant.

The event sent chills down the spines of many in Tokyo, just two years after a fuming Toyota worker crashed his truck into a crowd in a busy Tokyo neighbourhood before continually stabbing bystanders.

Around 7,000 people work at Mazda's Ujina facility, which continued normal operations after the incident. The plant is responsible for the Mazda2/Demio, and the Mazda MX-5/Miata roadster.

Speed camera funding scrapped (UK)

Fixed speed cameras will no longer be funded by the Government.

Junior transport minister, Mike Penning announced that councils will have to use their own cash to install new cameras from now on. He added that local authorities will be encouraged to consider alternative safety measures before investing in new cameras.

"The public must be confident speed cameras are there for road safety – not as a cash cow. Under this Government it will not be so," said Penning.

"Central Government will not put any more money in."

Toyota strike over (CN)

Toyota Gosei's Tianjin plant in China has reopened after three days of strikes.

Unconfirmed sources suggest that the company - an official supplier to Toyota - has offered employees a pay rise if they meet performance targets.

However, it refused demands for an additional pay rise over a 20% increase previously offered.

Honda workers in southern Guangdong in China recently ended a strike after securing a pay rise.

Dacia Duster may be sold as a Nissan

The Dacia Duster might become a Nissan as well as a Renault - as long as the market conditions don't put the rebadged cars up against each other.

The Duster, a compact 4x4 may retail from £11,000 when it goes on sale in the UK in 2012 - has already been lined up to become a Renault in several markets. But a Renault-Nissan insider has confirmed that if the conditions were right, the Romanian-built SUV could also be badged as a Nissan.

"In a market where Nissan had a presence and Renault didn't, it would be a possibility," he said. "That's assuming we had the spare production capacity."

The most obvious region where Nissan is present and Renault is not is in the U.S - although the Duster could also be sold in some 'crossover' regions in Africa if individual Renault importers choose not to sell it.

Brilliance to re-enter Europe (EU)

Chinese manufacturer, Brilliance will return to Europe after setting up its own new distributor.

It was revealed that the firm would end exports of its BS4 and BS6 saloons to certain European markets after the cars were met with a tepid reception, while the firm also supposedly struggled to meet ever-changing European emissions regulations.

Brilliance has now created a new distributor, Shenhua Europe GmbH, who is responsible for operations, establishing dealerships, spare parts distribution and warranties of European Brilliance models. Its HQ will be in Ginsheim, Germany and the company will be led by ex- Hyundai Europe manager, Eberhard Niering.

Niering told German media, “Brilliance would like to establish itself in Europe with its products over the long term."

Between 2007 and 2009 Brilliance sold just 502 BS4s and BS6s across Europe, according to industry analyst Jato Dynamics. Brilliance is also BMW's partner in China.

2011 Mercedes R-Class finally goes on sale (EU)

Mercedes has begun selling its revise R-Class crossover in Europe, with the first U.S deliveries schedule to begin in July. The new model goes into regular production this week in Alabama.

Revealed earlier this year at the 2010 New York motorshow, the updated R-Class gets a reworked fascia that heavily borrows from the company's recent sedans. For the U.S market, the 2011 model will offer a choice of two previous engine choices: a 268bhp 3.5 litre V6 and a 210bhp 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel engine.

In Europe, Mercedes will promote the R350 CDI 4Matic, powered by a more powerful version of the 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel, producing 262bhp and a muscular 620Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes less than 7.6 seconds, and tops out at 146mph.

The seating arrangements in the R-Class consist of; 2+2+0, 2+3+0, 2+2+2 & 2+3+2. In SWB form, the R-Class crossover has a cargo capacity of 1,950 litres, while the LWB can hold upto 2,385 litres of luggage. All R-Class models get the 7G-Tronic 7 speed automatic transmission.

Surprisingly, upto 50% of all R-Classes goto China, making it the largest market for the crossover.

Volkswagen Touareg pricing announced (UK)

Volkswagen's new Touareg 4x4 will cost from £38,255 to £56,530 when it goes on sale. The new Touareg is more than 200kg lighter than the outgoing model, despite an increase in length of 20mm. VW also claims the range is now 20% more efficient.

The entry-level SE model gets leather interior, 18” alloy wheels, touch-screen satellite-navigation w/ DAB digital radio, dual-zone climate control, burr walnut trim and 6 airbags as standard. It comes with a 237bhp 3.0 TDI V6 diesel, which has a combined fuel economy of 38.2mpg and emits 195g/km of CO2. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 135mph. The 237bhp 3.0 TDI has a commendable 550Nm of torque and is available at 2,000prm. All models in the range use an 8 speed automatic gearbox.

Mid-trim Escape trim is also fitted with the V6 diesel engine and is priced from £39,055. Alongside the equipment found on the SE, it has centre and rear differential locks, raised suspension, 100 litre fuel tank, 4XMotion four wheel drive system with a permanent 50:50 front to rear torque split. The 4Motion has been heavily revised for off-road use.

The flagship Altitude models are start from £41,705 for the V6 diesel and come with 19” alloy wheels, body kit, tinted windows, Bluetooth and lowered sports suspension.

A 335bhp 4.2 litre V8 Altitude is available from £56,530 and is also fitted with finer leather, 20” alloy wheels, electric front seats w/ memory, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate and keyless entry and start. The V8 goes from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 150mph. Average fuel economy is 31mpg and emissions are 239g/km. A whooping 800Nm of torque between 1,750rpm – 2,750rpm is on hand.

The new 3.0 FSI V6 petrol/electric hybrid costs from £54,995. With a total output of 375bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and top out at 149mph. Average fuel economy is 34.4mpg, while CO2 emissions are 193g/km. Equipment is virtually identical to that of the V8 Altitude, excluding the panoramic sunroof and 20” alloy wheels.

A host of optional extras like bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running lights, alloy wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, advanced sound systems, reversing camera, panoramic sunroof, metallic paint and interior trim inserts will be accessible. The car is now available to order in the UK and the first examples will be delivered to customers in October. The order books for the Hybrid open next month.

Volkswagen considering Passat CC wagon

Volkswagen's range expansion could include an estate version of its Passat CC, according to sources in Germany.

Since the next-generation Passat will not be sold in the U.S and its replacement, the New Midsize Sedan, will not offer a station wagon variant - a CC wagon would fill a useful niche in a region where it’s selling well.

VW's board is expected to vote in September on whether to build the car or not.