Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new X-TRAIL sport utility vehicle (SUV), which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The new Nissan X-TRAIL, the first full redesign of the vehicle since its introduction in 2000, is engineered to be a tough, versatile SUV that stimulates a driver’s spirit of adventure. It will be marketed under the tagline “SHIFT challenging spirit.” The new model will also feature reliable safety systems such as an excellent braking system.

The original Nissan X-TRAIL was developed with the goal of providing customers with a versatile four-passenger, four-wheel drive vehicle at a two million yen price point. Since its launch, the popular X-TRAIL has been noted for its superior performance, functionality and authentic SUV experience. The all-new X-TRAIL promises to take the SUV experience to an even higher level, maintaining the original’s tough, rugged design while adding elements that maximize owners’ enjoyment of outdoor sports.
X-TRAIL’s “toughness” is highlighted by its enhanced all-weather capability, provided by Nissan’s latest electronically controlled four-wheel drive (4WD) system, the ALL MODE 4×4-i with yaw moment control. Also new for this generation Nissan X-TRAIL is Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). All three systems are designed to provide piece of mind for the driver through superior control and stability.

X-TRAIL also features a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric-assisted power steering system, with light steering effort at low speed and provides a reassuring steering feel at high speed, while using an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption. Braking is provided with a four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which adjusts braking force to the front and rear wheels depending on the number of passengers and cargo on board.

To be able to be in the top three of its segment for product and service quality, Renault returned to the luxury car segment with the New Laguna.

Manufactured in the Sandouville factory in France, New Renault Laguna was designed from the outset to give true driving pleasure. It has a dynamic, streamlined and elegant form, positioning it naturally in the realm of grand tourers, with an even more exclusive and distinctive profile for the Sport Tourer. Its class-leading dynamic performance is a benchmark.

Its chassis is responsive and its steering is particularly precise. Whilst being bigger and more spacious than its predecessor, New Renault Laguna is notably lighter by an average of 15 kg and is available with a wide range of powerful and economical engines from launch, all with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

New Renault Laguna provides a real sense of peace of mind for all its occupants. In terms of protection, it benefits from Renault’s acclaimed real-world accident knowledge and all of the latest technologies, in particular, side impact with an innovative thorax double airbag. The sophisticated air conditioning system offers class-leading thermal comfort.

Equally, much attention has been focused on New Renault Laguna’s acoustics which are again top-of-the-class. With an economical and ecological ‘Renault eco2’version, New Renault Laguna dCi 110 hp only consumes 5.1 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle, or 136 g of CO2 emissions per km. New Renault Laguna is respectful of the environment right from its production through to the end of its lifecycle. New Renault Laguna will be launched from 12 October 2007 as the future reference point for the family saloon segment in terms of usage, maintenance and repair costs.

New Renault Laguna has taken full advantage of Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the field of safety, both active and passive. Complementing the impressive dynamic performance of its chassis, New Renault Laguna can boast the best braking performance of its category, particularly in the endurance test while braking when hot (only 40 meters distance measured with 16 inch wheels performing 10 consecutive braking operations from 100 to 0 km/h). The brake discs and calipers are sized accordingly, with definitions of 57 280/24 to 296/26, ventilated at the front, and a 38 300/11 at the rear.

A new calculator / hydraulic block now integrates the electronic emergency brake assistance (EBA), which is more exact when operated since it does not react to mechanical variations. The chassis quality, combined with a numerical model more sensitive and auto-adaptive to the vehicle dynamics, enables the driver to react more swiftly and appropriately to emergency situations. The ABS and ESP systems, fitted as standard on the car, are more efficient, reacting at just the right moment without the driver having to anticipate and thus avoiding violent jerking when braking.

Getting the a new entry-level model for the Honda Accord sedan range will not only mean getting safe and powerful vehicle, it is also affordable.

The 2.0 i-VTEC derivative has a vital statistics of 114kW maximum power and 190Nm torque. Coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox this allows the Accord 2.0 to accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 9.3 sec, while top speed is 217km/h. The automatic version dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.3 sec, and boasts a maximum speed of 215km/h.

The cost of owning an Accord 2.0 is further reduced by the standard five-year/100 000km service plan, and three-year/100 000km warranty, while the purchase price also includes a one-year roadside assistance package.
The Accord 2.0’s chassis construction features Honda’s proprietary G-control design, which allows the front frame to absorb more impact energy because it is longer, stiffer and straighter. The arch-shaped front side frame absorbs impact energy, and then channels that energy back below the cabin area into the floor frame to minimize cabin intrusion. In addition, the cross members of the adjoining main frame surround the fuel tank, providing a protective perimeter frame. This arrangement assures high body rigidity, and improved crashworthiness.

The Accord 2.0 is equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags, side impact beams in the doors, front and rear inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioning, Isofix child seat indicators and childproof rear door locks.
Active safety systems include ABS anti-lock control for the all-disc braking system, operating in tandem with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and emergency braking assistance (EBA).

The Accord 2.0’s headlights activate automatically, and the car features an auto-dipping rear-view mirror. Other security measures include a transponder-equipped key linked to an immobilizer, and an alarm system.

The seventh generation, four-door Accord is distinguishable by its aggressive-front-end treatment, dominated by the V-shaped grille and prominent ‘H’ of the Honda badge. It’s a look reinforced by the low airdam with integrated fog lamps, the powerful sweep of the bonnet line and the slim, multi-element headlights.
Inside, space, quality and ergonomics are valued. The sculpted front bucket seats and individually contoured rear bench seats are upholstered in genuine leather, complemented by soft-touch, textured plastics and glossy wood veneer finishes. Those front seats are electrically adjustable, including for height, while the driver’s seat also features adjustable lumbar support. The driver also gets a three-spoke steering wheel that’s fully adjustable for rake and reach, and features controls for the audio and cruise control systems.

One car magazine reports that BMW has modified its 3.0d and 3.0sd X5 large SUVs for the UK market, which was prompted by the proposed £25 London Congestion surcharge for VED band G vehicles. From December, the 232bhp 3.0d will now achieve CO2 emissions of 214g/km, down from 231g/km, while the 282bhp 3.0sd will drop to 216g/km, hence dropping into VED band F.

The various improvements was achieved by fitting a regenerative braking system, an intelligent alternator and intelligent airflaps behind the radiator grille that improve the car’s aerodynamics at speed – features that have recently appeared on other BMWs as part of its Efficient Dynamics program.

The revisions will make these two models, and the hybrid Lexus RX400h and Volvo’s XC90 D5 the only large, premium-brand four-wheel drives that do not attract the proposed £25 charge. BMW is also working to improve its 318d 3-series, which currently emits 122g/km, to get it below the 120g/km threshold.

Other vehicles that would be improving their current technologies are Volvo, Nissan, Audi and Citroen.
Volvo C30 will have a low CO2 emission by 2008 and a new Powershift dual clutch transmission for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50.

Meanwhile Audi is launching an A3 1.9 TDI hatchback with engine, transmission and aerodynamics optimized to reduce CO2 output to 119g/km and increase fuel economy to 62.7mpg (combined). The car has five-speed manual transmission, develops 105PS @ 4,000rpm, 250Nm @ 1,900rpm, and reaches from 0 to 62mph in 11.4 seconds, with a top speed of 120mph.

Citroën’s C5 Airscape concept cabriolet just announced sports a folding carbon-fibre roof which resembles a canvas one. Fuel economy is managed by an ‘UrbanHybrid’ system that includes a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors. This system allows onboard equipment, such as the air conditioning or audio system, to be powered by energy recovered during braking and deceleration, while engine torque can be temporarily boosted when required.

The ‘UrbanHybrid’ system, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 24g/km on the combined cycle, incorporates the stop-start system deployed already in certain other Citroen models, with a bio-diesel compliant 208bhp 2.7HDi V6 engine equipped with a particulate filter, further minimizing any impact on the environment.

Nissan has announced in Japan that all its future new models and refreshed current models will be equipped with a fuel efficiency gauge which provides the driver with both instant fuel-efficiency and average efficiency readings.
Based on Nissan’s trials, drivers have tended to improve their ‘eco-driving’ habits over time, prompted by the real-time fuel-efficiency readings. Driving improvements also included smoother acceleration and braking, which potentially could lead to an average 10% improvement in fuel-efficiency. In January this year Nissan introduced the eco-driving information service through its CARWINGS navigation system in Japan to promote more economical driving habits.

The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has much to offer motorists this year. The Touareg has ESP dry braking, which means that the brakes are capable of getting rid of water film that could cause problems in wet conditions. Also, the “ABSPlus” system gets rid of loose road surface material from inside the wheels.

Safety and performance all the way for one of the industry’s toughest little all-wheel-drive vehicles with three powerful engines. There is a3.6-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 that gets 14/19 mpg; a 4.2-liter, 350-horsepower V-8 (12/17) and a 5.0-liter, 310-horespower twin turbo V10 (15/20), depending on model selected.
Off-roading is no problem with the Touareg with a set of easy-to-use dials. Drivers would simply set the system up to match the terrain, and off they go. Thanks to features such as standard hill-descent control and hill-hold control, the Touareg is perfectly capable of creeping down a steep hill, for instance, with the foot off the brake. It can climb across rocks without a scratch, go through a considerably deep body of water, and perform any number of other feats with nary a whimper.

The look and appeal of the VW is not neglected. On the exterior, the front end has been redesigned, with V-6 models sharing a chrome grille and V-8 and V-10 models using a matte chrome design. The back features a new roof spoiler, and the brake light housings have been modified. Inside, the Touareg continues the tradition of Volkswagen being at the top in interior design. Highly polished wood, chrome and aluminum pieces abound, all tolerances are very tight, and everything operates with a sense of precision and smoothness.

With the growing number of road accidents today, car companies are continuously coming up with new safety features that will avoid car crashes. In fact, one automaker says it can help drivers put the brakes on crashes.

Nissan is once again creating a mark in the automotive industry by rolling out an automated emergency braking system.

The said system will be equipped with distance and speed sensors that will detect a potential crash. One it has detected such possibility, the system slightly lifts the gas pedal to warn the driver. If the driver then eases pressure on the gas, the system automatically applies the brakes.

Motorists should not worry about controlling the vehicle for Nissan says drivers will still maintain control of their vehicles at all times.

Nissan’s new braking feature will be available in its U.S. models next year.

Nissan has always been looking out for their clients’ safety. They only use the finest materials and the latest technology to produce world-class vehicles.

Kia boasts its 2007 Kia Amanti or Opirus as it received a“Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of the U.S. in a side impact crash test for large luxury cars. A “Good” is the highest possible rating given by IIHS and the results show a range of performance in how well large cars are designed to protect people in serious side impact crashes, according to the institute.

The Amanti can thank its active safety equipments like the standard four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), which apportions braking force front and rear according to the vehicle’s load distribution. Other features are the electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist. These help control the vehicle in the event of a severe stop by applying the brakes to individual wheels while reducing engine power to help bring the vehicle safely back on its intended course.

Meanwhile the Amanti also lead the pack when it comes to standard safety features such as more standard airbags than any other vehicle in its segment, including dual front advanced airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features for the 2007 Amanti include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), four anti-pinch windows - which sense obstructions and automatically roll down - height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones.

“It comes as no surprise to learn how well Amanti did when compared to higher priced vehicles in this test,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. “We are pleased that the IIHS test of the 2007 Amanti validates Kia’s philosophy of providing high-value and safe vehicles for our customers.”

According to IIHS, a vehicle’s side impact crash evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier representing the front end of a pickup or SUV. Injury measures obtained from the test are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or rear passenger in a real-world crash would sustain serious injury to various body regions.

Among the lowest priced vehicle in the group IIHS recently tested, the Kia Amanti, was one of the best performers. “The Amanti shows that you don’t have to buy an expensive car to get good protection in crashes with SUVs and pickup trucks,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The standard head curtain airbags for front- and back-seat occupants kept the dummies’ heads from hitting any hard structures including the intruding crash test barrier.”

A new SSP function will really boost the Peugeot 207 Gti. The system applies more braking power to the wheels with good grip and anticipates any vehicle instability. It also applies torque to the steering to help the driver achieve optimal directional control. Unlike an ABS system which limits braking of the wheels with good grip to give priority to vehicle control, this system reduces braking distances by between 4% and 10% while still guaranteeing vehicle stability in a straight line.

The efficient braking system would be useless without a powerful engine. The 207 Gti assures motorists the right performance that will compliment the new braking system with the 1.6 liter THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine. It can produce a maximum power of 128kW and a torque of 240 Nm from only 1600 rpm. The torque output of the engine remains unchanged all the way up to 4500 rpm but can be increased to 260 Nm temporarily, thanks to the “over-boost” function. It is also fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios.

The 207 Gti is said to be the modern evolution of the eighties “hot hatchback”, that offers an interior space to carry both passengers and luggage. The vehicle has great seats that are ergonomically designed.

Other safety feature includes the 207’s strong and protective structure to protect the occupants in the event of a collision. Combined with six airbags as standard and two Isofix child safety seat mountings at the rear, the 207 was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP test for adult occupant protection.

The vehicle also comes with a rear parking aid, elliptical headlamps incorporating static directional lighting, a speed limiter coupled with a cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, tire under-inflation sensors, folding electric door mirrors and an electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror

The new 2007 Mini Cooper S will give great performance along with improved braking system. With its lighter steering and powerful engine, the new Cooper did not neglect its brakes. Now, the brakes of the Cooper S feature ventilated discs all around, equipped with ABS, brakeforce distribution and BMW’s DTC traction control. All of these added features make the vehicle safer in all weather condition.

Not much change was done on its exterior, but when one drives it, they will feel the change. One of the biggest changes for this year’s Mini Cooper and Cooper S were the engines and the manner of forced aspiration in the S. It can generate up to 172 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb-ft of maximum torque. If this is still not enough, the Cooper S can increase its turbocharger’s pressure via something called “overboost” to generate 192 lb-ft of torque.

But besides adding power, the new Cooper S engine is more efficient than the one it replaces. Without a supercharger to add engine drag, and with the addition of variable valve timing and direct injection, the Cooper S offers some truly thrifty thrills. Its remarkable fuel consumption rating of 29 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway is up from last year’s already good 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The capabilities of the engine will surely compliment the car’s excellent braking system, not to mention all that power it can generate. Power is one of the emphasis in the new 2007 Mini Cooper S.

The new Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 features considerable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. And also with a new name: Murcielago LP640, which refers to its engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power 640 bhp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that make the Murcielago LP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing it at the very top.

Optional Ceramic Carbon Brakes

The dual hydraulic circuit brake system equipped with a vacuum brake booster ensures considerable deceleration values. The self-ventilating front and rear brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm and 355 mm x 32 mm respectively. The control circuit of the four-channel anti-blocking system (ABS) with electronic brake control (DRP) and traction control (TCS) features a new characteristic curve. The system consists in an electro-hydraulic control unit and four speed sensors.

When particularly high braking performance is required, it is possible to equip the vehicle with 380 mm x 36 mm ceramic carbon brakes featuring six-piston brake calipers.