Alfa Romeo News

ALFA ROMEO 8C COMPETIZIONE WINS BEST DESIGN OF THE YEAR

Alfa Romeo’s awesome Alfa 8C Competizione supercar has scooped the award for Best Design of the Year in Auto Express’s 2008 New Car Honours, presented by the UK’s most popular motoring title.

The announcement came after more than 4000 Auto Express readers voted in the category, putting the Italian 4.7 V8 powerhouse head and shoulders above its rivals.  The Auto Express judging panel agreed with their verdict.

 “Choosing the best designed car of the year is never easy, so we turned to the experts for help – Auto Express readers,” said Editor of Auto Express, David Johns.  “Only one car was ever going to win – Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione simply blew the opposition away.”

Significantly, many of the design cues from the Alfa 8C Competizione have been projected on Alfa Romeo’s eagerly awaited Alfa MiTo. Dubbed the sportiest small car in the world, the Alfa MiTo is destined for Australian roads in mid-2009. 

 

ALFA ROMEO "MONZA" SPECIAL EDITIONS!

For most car makers the choice of a name for an exclusive edition is nothing more than a term to separate it from lesser versions in its range, but when Alfa Romeo uses the Monza name as it has on newly launched versions of the Alfa Romeo 147 and Alfa Romeo GT models, it is a clear reference to the unique history of Alfa Romeo that makes it impossible to separate from motorsport and the history of the car.
 
Of course Monza, the home of Italian motorsport, has seen many classic Alfa Romeo victories since it opened in 1922, including Ascari’s Grand Prix win in 1924, Brilli-Peri in 1925, Campari and Nuvolari in 1931, Nuvolari in 1932, Fagioli in 1933, Wimille in 1948, Farina in 1950 and Lauda in Brabham-Alfa Romeo in 1978. Wins at Monza also contributed to Alfa Romeo winning the first Formula One Championship and the first post-war Formula One Championship. And this is just Formula One; Monza has seen countless other race wins across all classes and types for Alfa Romeo.
 
So it is no surprise that Alfa Romeo has applied the Monza name to special versions of its key models. Perhaps, more of a surprise is that to find the first Alfa Romeo with Monza name, automotive historians have to go all the way back to 1933 and the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, the performance version of Alfa Romeo classic sports car and which the legendary Tazio Nuvolari drove in many races in the 1930s. Thus the Monza name spread beyond its namesake race track to wins in classic races across Europe including three consecutive wins at Le Mans, wins at Spa, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and the Monaco Grand Prix and it introduced another legend to the world – a yet to become famous team cut its teeth on the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza: Scuderia Ferrari.
 
Coming up to date, the Monza name is applied in 2008 to the Alfa Romeo 147 and the Alfa Romeo GT, providing them with yet another link to Alfa Romeo’s illustrious history and defining them as the most sort-after versions of their respective models.
 
The Alfa Romeo GT, the Italian car makers glamorous coupe, is immediately recognizable in its Monza form with its unique 18 inch alloy wheels, which reveal its red painted calipers, while the external chrome, including the historic Alfa Romeo ‘shield’ is fitted with satin effect chrome which, in this variant, is also used on the door mirrors. Chrome is also used on the exhaust pipe and – on manual versions – the gear knob, while rear parking sensors add convenience to the excitement of driving the GT. Inside there is unique red-effect instrumentation, high-backed sports leather racing seats in hand crafted soft Italian leather with red stitching that extends to the Alfa Romeo logo stitched on the headrests.
 
Fitted with the Alfa Romeo 2.0 litre JTS engine, the Alfa Romeo GT Monza has a recommend retail price of $53,990 in manual form and $55,990 with direct from Formula One Selespeed gearbox.
 
With added value of up to $6,000, the Alfa Romeo 147 Monza is, if anything, an even more remarkable proposition and it is also available right across the 147 range. Like the Alfa GT Monza it has a unique style of 18 inch alloy wheels, sports leather racing seats, chrome-tipped exhaust, a chrome gear knob on manual versions, red brake calipers, satin chrome on the door mirrors and sports pedals, but it also adds a rear spoiler.
 
The 147 Monza range opens with the three door Twin Spark at $36,990 in manual form and $38,990 with the Selespeed gearbox, the five door is $38,990 and $40,990 for manual and Selespeed respectively, while at the top of the range is the high performance Turbo Diesel, the Alfa Romeo 147 JTD Monza at $41,990.

If you would like more information on the 147 Or GT Monza editions, please call us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us: alfa@lancedixon.com.au

 

ALFA ROMEO ADDS AUTOMATICS AND A NEW DIESEL TO THE 159 SEDAN RANGE

Alfa Romeo has added self shifting gearboxes right across its 159 range and introduced a new entry-level diesel model to meet the rapidly growing demand for diesel-powered cars in Australia.

The all-new six speed Q-Tronic electronic automatic gearbox is available as an option with the 2.4 JTD turbo diesel engine and the 3.2 litre V6 JTS engine, while the new 159 JTD 1.9 Turbo Diesel is fitted with the Q-Tronic automatic range as standard.  The Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS is now available with an option Selespeed sequential manual gearbox, providing drivers with the choice of letting the gearbox change the gears or doing it manual via steering wheel-mounted paddles or with the gearshift leaver. Over the first generation Selespeed, which was most popular variant of the Alfa 156, the new-generation Selespeed allows the driver to select ‘Sport’ mode in both manual shifting and automatic operating, as well as using new soft and hardware for quicker, smoother and more responsive operation. For the first time this software is also adaptive to the driver’s style behind the wheel.

“Although the sales of the Alfa Romeo 159 have more than met our expectations since its launch in Australia in June last year, we have always known that, given the Australian market’s skew to automatics, it would not achieve its full potential until the Q-Tronic and Selespeed versions arrived,” says David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “The Q-Tronic new gearbox marks a significant market shift for Alfa Romeo. Not only do we now have a state-of-the-art gearbox, with six gears, fuzzy-logic operation and Tiptronic-style gear selection, it is also available across most of the range and to further enhance this position we have added an extra diesel model to the range, with the acclaimed 1.9 litre JTD power unit.  The Selespeed version was the most popular 156 variant and we expect the 159 Selespeed to account for the majority of 2.2 JTS sales.”

“We ended 2006 on a high note, lifting Alfa Romeo sales in a shrinking market and we fully expect the arrival of the Q-Tronic equipped versions of the 159 to maintain this growth through 2007,” says Mr Stone.

The efficiency and effectiveness of the Q-Tronic gearbox in the Alfa Romeo 159 is show by the remarkable economy of the 159 1.9 litre JTD and the near zero reduction in performance compared to manual versions of the 2.4 litre and 3.2 litre engines. With the 1.9 litre power unit, the 159 has an official open road fuel consumption figure of just 5.5 litres per 100 km, yet combines this with a sprightly performance of zero to 100 km in just 9.6 seconds. Perhaps more remarkably, the 2.4 JTD diesel has exactly the same 0-100 km time in manual and automatic forms of 8.6 seconds, while loosing just 4 kmh off the top speed. The V6 version has exactly the same top speed of 240 kmh in manual and automatic forms and there is a very modest increase in the 0-100 kmh time from 7.0 seconds for the manual to 7.2 seconds for the Q-Tronic.

Supplied by Aisin, but thoroughly adapted to its application in the Alfa Romeo 159, the Q-Tronic gearbox is an all-new design and is available on 1.9 litre and 2.4 litre JTD Turbo Diesel engines and the range-topping 3.2 litre JTS V6 engine. It enables the 159 to be driven in automatic mode with all the functions typical of an automatic transmission (parking, reverse, neutral and drive) or in sequential mode by simply moving the gear selector in a Tiptronic-style mode. The ‘Q-Tronic’ name continues the Alfa Romeo tradition of using the letter ‘Q‘ to indicate the most sophisticated technology developed by the company: from the famous Quadrifoglio to the ‘Q4’ of the permanent four wheel drive. The term Tronic, on the other hand, tells us that the system is controlled by a smart electronic control unit that governs optimum gear shifts.

The automatic transmission ensures more effective use of engine performance and greater comfort, particularly around town. The Q-Tronic backs these advantages with very comfortable gear shifts. The innovative system also allows those who do not wish to renounce the pleasure of a sporty drive to use the system in sequential manner in the same way as a gearbox with fixed ratios controlled in sequence: when the gearbox is pushed up (‘+’ sign), the gearbox shifts to the next gear up while when it is pushed down (‘-’ sign), the gearbox shifts down a gear. In this mode too, the system ensures the driver is able to maintain a sporty drive because, unlike sequential gearboxes offered by rival cars, the Q-Tronic does not force gear shifts at high engine speeds until the rev-limit is reached and the gearchange may be made when the driver wishes.

As an exclusive feature on the 2.4 JTD and 3.2 JTS V6, the Q-Tronic also offers a Sport – Winter function that allows the driver to choose between two operating modes (Sport and Winter) in addition to the default setting. In detail, the Comfort mode active when the car is started with the lever in position D facilitates smooth gear shifts and balanced management of fuel consumption because gears are engaged at relatively low engine speeds. When the button beside the lever is pressed, the system changes to Sport mode. This lays the stress on performance and ensures a lively, entertaining drive because the gear shifts are set at higher engine speeds for a more sporty performance. When the same button is held down for longer, the system switches to Winter mode. This ensures maximum grip when the road surface is particularly hazardous, for example when the roads are snow-covered.

The Selespeed gearbox in the 159 2.2 JTS can make gear shifts in sequential manual or automatic manner by means of a robotised hydraulic system and it uses as its basis the new six speed manual gearbox launched with the Alfa Romeo 159.  It is extremely easy and intuitive to use. The driver is free to decide the best way to drive: for example, the gear lever may be used to engage gears manually or use automatic mode may be selected, instructing the gearbox to automatically select the best ratio to engage, allowing for better road awareness, a safe and controlled drive as well as for comfort and convenience.

In sequential manual mode, gears are selected by pushing the gearlever in the direction opposite to the direction of motion, and vice-versa to change down. This emphasizes the fact that this operating mode is typical of sporty gear shifts where the inertia of car and driver intuitively indicate how the gears should be used. It is also possible to shift gears by means of a paddle on the steering wheel.

The Selespeed gearbox also features a Sport key that may be activated in both manual and automatic mode. In the former case, the Sport mode reduces the gear shift time by approximately 20 per cent by compressing the torque reduction and return stages. During automatic operation, engagement of Sport mode moves the gear shift points to higher engine speeds.

Given that the Selespeed uses the same gearbox and clutch as the normal manual and has little or no weight penalty, it is no surprise that the performance figures are exactly the same as the manual – top speed of 222 kmh and a 0-100 km time of 8.8 seconds – but more of a surprise is that the Selespeed is actually more economical than the manual. This is because the programming of the gearchange selection in the Selespeed computer optimizes the abilities to minimize fuel consumption in the JTS engine and the Selespeed unit does a perfect gearchange every time, ensuring that now fuel is wasted during the gearchange process. Each off the official fuel consumption figures are, therefore, better for the Selespeed, for example, the open road figure for the manual is 7.3 l/100 km for the manual and 7.1 for the Selespeed.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile at Arese, Milan, the new Alfa 159 combines superlative engineering with outstanding performance and handling characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world’s most famous sporting marques. In terms of safety, it has nothing to fear from the competition, and has recently been awarded the prestigious five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which puts it ahead of the field for its segment with regard to crash safety performance.

With specific power outputs of between 60 and 62 kW/litre, and almost 90% of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, all both new JTS units boast outstanding performance, yet offer significant fuel savings and readily comply with stringent Euro 4 exhaust emission regulations.

As with all Alfa Romeo models, driver orientated ergonomics, superior passenger comfort and lavish standard equipment levels are fundamental to the interior design of the new Italian sports saloon. The Alfa 159 boasts an extremely generous standard equipment specification offering, even on entry level vehicles, many features only available as expensive options on rival models, including seven airbags, automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, auto dimming rear view mirror, a multi-function display and trip computer, fog lights, 17 inch spoked alloy wheels (18 inch on the V6), and an RDS 8-speaker stereo radio with ten CD stacker and steering wheel mounted controls. Optional equipment includes a sunroof and metallic paint on all versions, plus 18" alloy wheels on the 1.9, 2.2 and 2.4 versions.

Six versions of the new Alfa 159 are now available, priced from $49,990 to $77,990, are on sale now with a choice of four powerplants. Two new direct injection petrol engines – 2.2 litre 136 kW 4-cylinder unit and a 3.2 litre 191 kW V6 – combine the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection technology of Alfa Romeo with continuously variable valve timing, (both inlet and exhaust), for the first time. If you would like more information on the 159 or would like to arrange a test drive please call us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us.

ALFA ROMEO BRERA: NOW AUTOMATICALLY BEAUTIFUL!

The Alfa Romeo Brera can now move with seductive smoothness to match its sexual flowing styling with the Alfa Romeo coupe now available with the all-new Alfa Romeo Q-Tronic automatic gearbox. “Alfa Romeo has traditionally believed that sports cars could only have a manual gearbox as this was the only way that they could fully deliver their sporting prowess,” explains David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “And, therefore, it has taken a self-shifting gearbox of exceptional ability to change minds in favour of an automatic. Thus the Q-Tronic gearbox minimizes performance loss, indeed, at 240 kmh; the automatic Brera V6 has the same top speed as its manual counterpart. The ‘Sport’ mode enables automatic shifting with real aggression and decisiveness and, when the driver calls for it, there is full manual override available with Tiptronic style gear selection.”
 
“This new gearbox really enables the driver of the Brera 3.2 V6 to have the maximum driving excitement, plus the convenience of a self-shifting gearbox,” says Mr Stone. Supplied by Asien, but thoroughly adapted to its application in the Alfa Romeo Brera, the Q-Tronic gearbox is an all-new design and is available the range-topping 3.2 litre JTS V6 engine. It enables the Brera to be driven in automatic mode with all the functions typical of an automatic transmission (parking, reverse, neutral and drive) or in sequential mode by simply moving the gear selector in a Tiptronic-style mode.

The ‘Q-Tronic’ name continues the Alfa Romeo tradition of using the letter ‘Q‘ to indicate the most sophisticated technology developed by the company: from the famous Quadrifoglio to the ‘Q4’ of the permanent four wheel drive. The term Tronic, on the other hand, adds that the system is controlled by a smart electronic control unit that governs optimum gear shifts.
 

The automatic transmission ensures more effective use of engine performance and greater comfort, particularly around town. The Q-Tronic backs these advantages with very comfortable gear shifts. The innovative system also allows those who do not wish to renounce the pleasure of a sporty drive to use the system in sequential manner in the same way as a gearbox with fixed ratios controlled in sequence: when the gearbox is pushed up (‘+’ sign), the gearbox shifts to the next gear up while when it is pushed down (‘-’ sign), the gearbox shifts down a gear. In this mode too, the system ensures the driver is able to maintain a sporty drive because, unlike sequential gearboxes offered by rival cars, the Q-Tronic does not force gear shifts at high engine speeds and the change may be made when the driver wishes.

The Q-Tronic also offers a Sport – Winter function that allows the driver to choose between two operating modes (Sport and Winter) in addition to the default setting. In detail, the Comfort mode active when the car is started with the lever in position D facilitates smooth gear shifts and balanced management of fuel consumption because gears are engaged at relatively low engine speeds. When the button beside the lever is pressed, the system changes to Sport mode. This lays the stress on performance and ensures a lively, entertaining drive because the gear shifts are set at higher engine speeds for a more sporty performance. When the same button is held down for longer, the system switches to Winter mode. This ensures maximum grip when the road surface is particularly hazardous, for example when the roads are snow-covered.

There are now three versions of the new Alfa Brera, starting with a recommended retail price of $62,990 for the a Brera 2.2 litre JTS 136 kW and the Brera 3.2 litre JTS 191 kW V6 is now $87,990 in manual form and $90,990 with the Q-Tronic gearbox. With specific power outputs of up to 62 kW/litre, and almost 90 per cent of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both petrol JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) units boast outstanding performance, yet offer significant fuel savings and readily comply with the stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits. Both these advanced direct injection engines feature continuously variable valve timing governing both inlet and exhaust camshafts.

Both Brera versions are fitted with 6-speed manual gearboxes, whilst the 3.2 V6 JTS is equipped with, as standard, with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system. Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking Torsen C unit at the centre of the system which in normal conditions divides drive torque by a ratio of 57 per cent to the rear wheels and 43 per cent to the front. Torque split between front and rear axles is constantly modulated by the central Torsen differential on the basis of available grip, with a bias towards the rear axle promoting handling characteristics appropriate to an Alfa Romeo coupe.

Sharing an all-new platform and components with the Alfa 159, albeit on a 175 mm shorter wheelbase optimised for appropriate handling responses, the chassis of the new Alfa Brera combines a proven high double wishbone front suspension system with a new, sophisticated multilink rear configuration. The combination generates smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and controllability – even when close to adhesion limits, and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions. Sounds good? Call us on 9848 8888 or email us to arrange a test drive today!

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Bentley News

Bentley Brooklands – Driven in Tuscany "Surfer’s Paradise"

Courtesy of Steve Wakefield from www.classicdriver.com

‘Riding the wave’ is how Bentley’s engineering supremo Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn describes the Brooklands experience. It’s a reference to the new coupé’s world-beating 1050Nm of torque and he’s not exaggerating: the 2655kg full four-seater will cover the vital 50 to 70mph ‘overtaking dash’ in just 2.4 seconds.

Top speed is 184mph (296km/h), and Eichhorn has a meaningful glint in his eye when he makes the point that ‘road testers usually manage to reach, or exceed, our quoted maximum’. Okay, message received…

With production limited to just 550 cars, and built as it is during the final years of the Arnage/Azure platform, it could well be the most exclusive, decadent and bespoke luxury car ever. Oh, and if you’re thinking of purchasing one, you’d better get your hand-crafted skates on – they’ve already sold 500, and the best you can expect is a delivery sometime towards the end of next year.

The car had debuted at Geneva in 2007, but the world’s press had to wait nearly 12 months to actually get behind the wheel of Bentley’s flagship model. Powered by the most powerful V8 in the company’s history (a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre with 530bhp @ 4000rpm to accompany the aforementioned 1050Nm available at just 3200rpm), the big two-door promised much.

Sitting in late afternoon Tuscan sunshine, the Brooklands’ lines are clearly Azure-derived, with more than one hint of the 1950s/60s ‘notchback’ S2 Continental Coupé, as well as the late-1990s Continental R and S series. Two pairs of single headlamps flank the dark-tinted matrix grille (laser-cut, but assembled and brazed by hand), and the radiator is topped by an optional flying ‘B’ that will disappear into the radiator shell on impact.

The flawless paint finish is matched by all-stainless steel external brightware, and the bodywork – 130 hours of hand-construction that includes copper-brazed joints, 6000 hand spot welds and 15m of seam welding – personifies the coachbuilder’s craft. It’s big and, with the exception of just a slight excess in height towards the rear of the roof, works very well.

The upper side-profile is of course a function of the car’s interior packaging, it having the largest rear seat area of any production coupé in the world and, trust me, I’ve covered considerable distances behind a front passenger with the seat on max – it’s great.

 

Inside, no less than 16 hides trim the all-leather interior. The statistics are boggling: 484.5 metres of thread in 43,507 stitches, and 10m² of wood veneer. It takes eight man-hours to make a waist rail, with three days for the high-gloss lacquer to cure. And that’s before any Mulliner or bespoke enhancements, as the average purchaser is likely to add an additional £30,000 to the car’s UK price tag of £230,000 in this way.

Yes, yes, typical Bentley, and things I can have in my Azure or Arnage. But, styling apart, what’s behind the monstrous power figures and can you really use that sort of performance?

We were fortunate to have Dr. Eichhorn as our personal chauffeur and technical guide for the first part of the test route. He is very good behind the wheel, and someone whose engineering skills make him a fine test and development driver, too. Leaving the gates of the hotel way behind, we’re soon into the ‘twisties’. Under Eichhorn’s direction, all 5.4 metres of car skip from apex to apex with alacrity.

Time-travel apart, the Brooklands appears to defy the laws of physics. You never forget you have a big car around you but then you also have the benefit of superb suspension tuning, power, torque-converter automatic gearbox (with all six ratios locking further up in the rev-band, unique in the world and another benefit of the car's massive torque) and brakes that are an engineer’s triumph of the human mind over an awful lot of matter.

Oh yes, the brakes. The Brooklands carries – as an option – the largest in the world: 420mm, cross-drilled, carbon/silicon carbide fronts with 356mm rears. At the business end, unique eight-cylinder Bentley calipers embrace the CCM discs, thus allowing owners fully to exploit the car’s engine performance.

When I drive it, the first thing that exhibits itself is that low-down growling, rumbling get-up-and-go that Bentley Turbos are so well known for – except you need to multiply that by two. It’s a deeply impressive performer with enough aural and sensual feedback, yet proving almost whisper-silent on the Autostrada. They’ve even managed to bring in a pre-War Bentley ‘warble’ that joins in with the whistling of the dump valve, and the V8 burble. They’re a clever lot in Crewe.

You can switch into Sport, and that brings another three settings on the computer-controlled, electrohydraulic dampers, while turning off the ESP allows the car to be driven on the throttle, the Pirelli tyres – specially developed for the car – giving only a hint of protest every now and again. There’s a winter tyre option coming soon, so Klosters, St Moritz and Gstaad can be programmed in to the satellite navigation, too.

 

My favourite trick with the Brooklands is to slip the gearlever over to Tiptronic ‘manual’ and hold it in 6th. The astonishingly flexible engine will pull all the way up to the maximum from country village speeds. Motorway work in Tiptronic 6th is a breeze; there’s no changing down or hunting, and it’s the nearest thing you can get to linear power delivery. I complimented Eichhorn about the lack of dive or squat, with roll only in extremis. "Yes," he replied, "but we do allow the car a little rise in the nose so that owners can experience the typical feeling of a Bentley ‘taking-off’. That’s normal."

No review of this car will be complete without the mandatory comment on global warming and the acceptability of these cars in today’s ever 'greener' society. To any sane person, the environmental worldwide effect of just 550 cars will be infinitesimal, and the chance of similar machinery being developed in future years is slight.

It’s a statement, an opportunity for the world’s richest to say, “This is going to be my car. I’m going to enjoy every minute spent specifying it and driving it”.

And they will, I can assure them of that. Go on, treat yourself - surf’s up.

 

 

New 600bhp Continental GT Speed extends the worldwide appeal of Bentley’s iconic GT coupe

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE GT & GT SPEED VEHICLE PAGE

• The most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph.
• Inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed’ models of the1920s.
• A harder-edged, more sporting Bentley driving experience.

Builds on the success of Bentley’s iconic Continental GT coupe.

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the company’s highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed’s high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.


Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre ‘Speed Model’, complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).

The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also represented the first step in Bentley's renaissance, positioning the company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration. Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model offering:

“The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”

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Cadillac News

Cadillac is coming to Lance Dixon!

Synonymous with luxury and performance, General Motors’ flagship Cadillac brand will arrive at Lance Dixon in 2008.

The introduction of Cadillac will be spearheaded by the acclaimed new generation CTS sedan. The CTS will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2008, with other exciting models and powertrains confirmed subsequently for the Australasian model line-up. Named ‘2008 Car of the Year’ by Motor Trend magazine, one of the world’s premiere automotive authorities, the CTS would be perfectly at home in the performance-loving marketplace of Australia.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey has said “CTS has been designed and engineered to challenge the very best in the world, It's dramatic design, serious V6 performance and sports car handling will win over performance and luxury car lovers in both markets.” The rear-wheel drive CTS range will be powered by the 3.6-litre VVT direct injection Global V6 engine, generating 227kW* and 370Nm* of torque.

Direct injection fuel delivery enables efficient combustion, helps reduce emissions and allows higher compression ratio for better fuel economy. Unlike many of its competitors the 3.6-litre direct injection engine requires only regular unleaded fuel, resulting in additional savings for the owner. Buyers will have the choice of two performance tuned suspension packages in six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2008 CTS builds on Cadillac’s reputation for safety with an impressive range of standard features, including Stabilitrak® electronic chassis/stability control system and front, side and curtain airbags. “The CTS design is contemporary rather than traditional and the dramatic and sharply tailored exterior adds unique passion and attitude. Inside, Cadillac has combined advanced technologies and electronics with outstanding craftsmanship,” Mr Gubbey said. The Cadillac interior boasts hand-cut and sewn interior trim components, an innovative ambient interior lighting system, integrated iPod®/MP3 compatibility and an advanced audio system with an integrated 40 gigabyte hard drive will be available. The EasyKey system, which enables passive vehicle and boot entry and keyless ignition, will also be available on Australian CTS models.

CTS pricing, full technical and feature specification and certification details will be available closer to launch. If you would like more information please visit our Cadillac page, call us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us: cadillac@lancedixon.com.au to register your interest.

*US SAE certified, Australian certification figures not yet available.

Citroen News

C4 1.6L HDi EGS 85TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION - $4,000 EXTRA VALUE!

Eighty Five (85) years ago in the year 1923 a number of milestones took place around the world and in Australia.  Here are a few of them:
 

• TIME MAGAZINE IS INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD
  
• VEGEMITE GOES ON THE SHELVES AROUND AUSTRALIA
  
• THE FIRST RADIO BROADCAST OF A MUSIC CONCERT IN AUSTRALIA
  
• THE VIOLET CRUMBLE BAR GOES ON SALE IN AUSTRALIA
  
• WORK COMMENCES ON THE THEN-NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE
  
• CITROEN COMMENCES SALES OF MOTOR CARS IN AUSTRALIA

 
Citroen started out in Australia in 1923 when the first Citroen cars were sold here - making Citroen the longest continuous imported automotive brand in Australia!!  The same year, after 18 days and 3000 miles, a baby Citroen became the first light car to cross Australia with “no mechanical troubles of any kind, nor a single puncture”. 
 
Not long afterward a Citroen was the first vehicle to circumnavigate Australia starting in Perth and driving up to Darwin, down through Qld, NSW,Vic and back to Perth.
 
Over the past 85 years, Citroen has delivered a unique driving experience of quality and comfort to Australian drivers.  Industry defining innovation, advanced safety & environment technology, combined with a unique design has made Citroen the wise & stylish choice for thousands of Australians.
 
85 years on, with our most popular model, and one of Europe’s most awarded cars, the C4 is now available for a limited time with bonus features at no extra cost. 
 
To celebrate 85 continuous years of Citroen sales in Australia Lance Dixon is excited to announce the new C4 1.6LT HDI EGS 85TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION. This model has been packed with a host of extra features that usually cost thousands of dollars. As with the previous limited edition C4 1.6LT HDI EGS models these vehicles will be in hot demand and will be on allocation only in the short term. This vehicle will come with the following features over and above the regular standard features of the C4 1.6LT HDI EGS

• 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS
  
• DUAL ZONE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL AIR CONDITIONING
  
• FULLY INTERGRATED FACTORY BLUETOOTH SYSTEM(CONTROLS ON CENTRE HUB)
  
• 5 STACK CD CHANGER
   
  The retail value of these added value extras is $4000 as follows
   
  Alloys:            $1500
  Dual Zone Air: $1000
  Bluetooth:       $  700
  CD Stacker:    $  800

This offer is only available while stocks last. Offer excludes dealer delivery of $1,590. If you would like more information on this offer please call us on (03)9848 8888 or email us: citroen@lancedixon.com.au

 

THE NEW CITROEN DISPATCH
 

The new Citroen Dispatch Combi comes with more technology, style, load-space and helpful features than ever before – all to make your journeys easier and more enjoyable. It will be available at Lance Dixon in early May and we welcome any expressions of interest - please email us or call 9848 8888 for more information or to place an order.

You get ABS and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA), electric front windows, a fully adjustable padded steering wheel with radio controls at your fingertips and driver’s airbag all as standard – the Dispatch really is Above Standard Issue. All come with sliding side windows for second row seats and for further versatility, SX models come with front passenger airbags and front fog lights.

Just like Citroen passenger cars, you also have a wealth of options to create your perfect Dispatch Combi. You can opt for additional features like cruise control, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control, additional airbags, air conditioning and Bluetooth software – just some of the handy optional extras available that enhance the Dispatch’s safety features and driving experience.

The fully adjustable driver’s seat ensures comfort mile after mile, so your journey is more enjoyable and smoother thanks to the availability of pneumatic rear suspension. The RDS stereo and CD player (with optional 5-CD multi-changer) means there is a great soundtrack to your Dispatch experience, too. Its car like feel and driving dynamics make it a pleasure to spend time behind the wheel and it looks impressive, too. Its aerodynamic styling complements its tough, durable character.

The Citroën Dispatch Combi – redefining the standards of the large MPV market.

To date, the Citroen Dispatch has a number of distinguished awards for 2008 including the UK’s What Van Magazine “Small Van of the Year” title but the most significant is the award from the European Road Transport Show who awarded Dispatch:
 
 International Van of the Year 2008
 
Here are a few excepts from what the judges had to say:
 

• The Dispatch was praised for its practical design, comfort, safety, drivability and efforts to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint.
  
• The Dispatch leads its class in fuel economy and can also run on 30% biodiesel. 
  
• Andy Salter, jury member and editor of Commercial Motor, commented: “In addition to developing a commercial vehicle with the comfort, handling, chassis stiffness and safety standards of a passenger car, the engineers have also ensured the braking system is superb. "This van is also the only vehicle in its class to meet the European safety standard for cars ECE 12-03.  A worthy winner of International Van of the Year 2008.”

Please click here to read a recent article in the Citroen Dispatch in the Newcastle Herald

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please click here to read a recent article on the Citroen Dispatch from the Herald Sun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSA CITROËN HAS THE CLEANEST CAR FLEET

 
The European Federation for Transport and Environment, an independent organization working for lower emissions from all forms of transport, has revealed that PSA Citroën is the car maker with the lowest average emissions across its whole range with the French car maker also gaining praise for reducing the average weight of its range of cars by the largest amount, which also reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
 
In stark contrast to the environmental achievement of PSA Citroën, other leading car makers have both increased their emissions and the average weight of their cars during the 2005/2006 period under examination by The European Federation for Transport and Environment, which as 49 member organizations in 21 countries.
 
PSA Citroën achieved a fleet average of 142 g/km of carbon dioxide, a figure that is already very close to the European Union proposal of 120 g/km for 2015. In second place is the Fiat Group, with a fleet average of 144 g/km. Between them the French and Italian car industry cut their fleet averages by 1.6 per cent, compared to the German car industry which increased its average emissions by 0.6 per cent and the average weight of their cars rose by 1.4 per cent.
 
PSA Citroën has achieved this benchmark performance with the availability of advanced turbo diesel engines across its range, matched to advanced gearboxes including the SensoDrive and EGS robotized manual gearboxes, which are designed to provide fuel economy and emissions better than manual gearboxes, let alone conventional automatics. These gearboxes also cut emissions when matched to petrol engines.
 
With its largest models, the Citroën C6 and C5 sedan and wagon, matching full-size and large luxury cars in dimensions, it is proof that the result has not been achieved with a fleet of small cars. Again, diesel engines are the key to the result; with the C6 using an advanced 2.7 litre V6 Turbo Diesel and the C5 offered with a 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel and a cutting edge design 2.2 litre Twin Turbo Diesel. The use of particulate filters further enhances Citroën’s reputation with environmental effective power units.
 
“The fact that two of the most fuel efficient cars on sale in Australia are Citroens, the C3 HDI and the C4 EGS is further proof of Citroën’s environmental work,” explains Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia. “But what this achievement really shows it’s the depth of quality and ability in Citroën’s environmental concern. We don’t have one ‘green’ car in the range to carry the environmental banner. Every vehicle in the Citroën range is working hard to reduce emissions and set new cleanliness standards, as this result clearly demonstrates.”
 
“Nor is Citroën sitting on its laurels,” explains Mr Williams. “We have new fuel efficient turbo diesel models set to be launched, along with diesel hybrid models and, as shown with the Citroën C-Cactus concept car, Citroën is working hard to cut weight and reduce the cost of low emission cars and commercial vehicles, while maintaining comfort and equipment levels, to produce the perfect car for the 21st Century.

GREEN CITROËN TAKES DIESEL PEOPLE MOVER PRIZE – AGAIN!

Citroën has been named as the Green Car Maker of the Year and its award-winning people mover, the Citroën C4 Picasso, has been named for the second year running as the Diesel People Mover of the Year in the annual ‘What Diesel Car?’ awards.
 
Citroën’s commitment to low fuel consumption cars, people movers and vans with its advanced diesel engines and the SensoDrive and EGS robotized gearboxes that further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, as well as its advanced research into planet-saving technologies have enabled it to retain its position as the greenest car maker. Low fuel consumption and low emissions are feature of vehicles right across the Citroen range, not just in one banner-waving model, as is the case with some car makers.
 
The Citroën C4 Picasso’s combination of being a supremely good people mover and its advanced diesel engine proved to be, for the second year running, an unbeatable combination.
 
“Although we have seen a dramatic growth in diesel sales in Australia, they still pale in comparison to the UK, where they account for more than half the market,” says Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia. “This means that to win an award for diesel achievement from a UK magazine is of particular achievement and relevance because to win both a car and a car maker must have beaten the full selection of cars and companies available in the market place. Thus the Citroën’s green credentials are, once again, shown to be unbeatable, while the Picasso protects the families it carries, thanks to its five star EuroNCAP rating, and the planet, with its low emission diesel engine, which accounts for the majority of Australian sales.”

Please click here to email us for more information or call Jason on (03) 9848 8888

 

C4 1.6L HDI Wins UK Economy Test - click here to read article

 

BACK TO TOP

Fiat News

FIAT 500 NAMED THE GREENEST CAR IN AUSTRALIA

The Fiat 500 has been named the ‘Greenest Car for Women’ in Australia in the Women’s Car of the Awards, presented jointly by AutoChic, the web site dedicated to women car buyers, and BP Renewables, the division of the energy giant dedicated new energy solutions.
 
The award was based on all areas of environmental concern, as well as emissions and fuel economy.
 
“Winning this award is a clear recognition that the Fiat 500 is much more than a cute face and a great car to drive,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “Under the 500’s skin is a car committed to the environment, with the best fuel economy of any car sold in Australia, a car that is 95 per cent recyclable, which is made from as few PVC and thermo-setting plastics as possible and it is part of range of cars that have been independently shown to have the lowest range wide CO2 emissions. This unique combination of style and driving pleasure, along with benchmark environmental performance and a price that is up to 50 per cent less than some other environmental cars, means that the Fiat 500 truly is a car that you can buy with your heart and your brain!”

Click here for more information on the Fiat 500 or call us on (03) 9848 8888.

FIAT’S ENTIRE RANGE IN THE TOP FIVE GREENEST CARS IN AUSTRALIA!

 Fiat has become the first car maker in Australia to have its entire range represented in the top five greenest cars available in Australia, with the Fiat 500 offering Australia’s best fuel economy in one version and the second highest green rating in another version, the Fiat Punto in third spot and the Fiat Ritmo rounding out the top five ‘Top Performers’ in the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide with its newly launched Fiat Ritmo Dynamic 1.4.
 
Fiat’s performance in the Australian Green Vehicle Guide is a reflection of its performance in Europe, where for the second year running Fiat has in the number one performer in having the lowest range average for carbon dioxide emissions across its range based on total sales.
 
“Fiat’s belief is that to make a real impact on Carbon Dioxide emissions, every model in the range has to be pulling its weight and making a real contribution,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “It is simply not good enough to have one model in the range that has good emissions and fuel economy covering for other poorly performing models. This is why at Fiat we have choice of the benchmark JTD-Multijet diesels and the remarkable, compact Fire and T-Jet petrol engines in all our cars, so which ever Fiat a customer chooses, whether its petrol or diesel, they will be driving a car that makes the best possible contribution to cutting carbon dioxide emissions.”

Top Performers, Australian Green Vehicle Guide

1 .  Toyota Prius   
2 .  Fiat 500   
3 .  Fiat Punto   
4 .  Citroen C3   
5 .  Fiat Ritmo   
6 .  Honda Civic   
7 .  Peugeot 207   
8 .  Toyota Corolla   
9 .  Mercedes-Benz A200   
10 .  Mercedes-Benz B200 

 

FIAT 500: NUMBER ONE FOR FUEL ECONOMY

As fuel prices rise and fears about global warming increase, all sorts of claims have been made for the abilities of different cars to save fuel or reduce emissions, but there is one, undisputed fact: When it comes to fuel economy, the Fiat 500 1.3 JTD has the lowest fuel consumption of any car sold in Australia.
 
Taking the legal benchmark figure, the combined average fuel consumption, the Fiat 500 1.3 JTD achieves a remarkable figure of 4.2 litres per 100 km. This places the Fiat ahead of every other car sold in Australia, bar none, and including a host of cars that place fuel economy as the primary purchase motive.
 
“Taken in isolation, the fuel consumption of the Fiat 500 is a outstanding achievement,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “But the Fiat 500 is not a stripped basic car built only for fuel economy, nor is there a massive price penalty up front to own Australia’s most economical car. Not only is it a four seat car, with a reasonable boot, Fiat designed the 500 to be stylish, fun to drive, extremely safe with an outstanding five star EuroNCAP rating and then threw in market leading economy as a bonus feature. The Fiat 500 is a car you want to own for every reason, not just because it achieves great fuel economy, it’s a car you can feel happy and virtuous to own, a car that enables you to do the right thing by the planet and your budget, while having fun doing it!”
 
The Fiat 500 has proven an outstanding success for Fiat. Despite boosting production by more then 20 per cent, there is still a 100,000 strong waiting list to own a Fiat 500, another feature that none of its rivals can match. Fiat’s environmental impact is further enhanced by the fact that the 500 is just one of a range of highly economical cars that provide Fiat with lowest range average fuel consumption across all the cars it builds. Fiat’s advanced diesel engines even contribute to other car maker’s low consumption vehicles, with Fiat providing its technology and engines to a car makers.
 
“Its often been said that the most difficult job in the car industry is not building the greenest possible car, its building the greenest possible car that people want to buy,” says Mr Zaitzev. “If a car maker builds a super economy car any only die-hard environmentalists and fuel savers – a tiny proportion of the total market – buy it, then it will have little impact and the exercise has been largely futile. What Fiat has done is produce a car that everyone loves and wants to own and provided it with a supreme level of fuel economy with, thereby, low emissions. This means that thousands of people who don’t place fuel economy and low emissions at the top of their priorities are, nevertheless, making a contribution to the planet and that has to be good for everyone!”

Click here for more information on the Fiat Punto or call us on (03) 9848 8888.

FIAT COLLECTS YET ANOTHER PRIZE FOR THE 500!

Fiat is celebrating again, having scooped yet another highly important industry award for its iconic 500.
 
The hugely successful 500, which was launched by Fiat earlier this year, has just been crowned ‘Best City Car’ in the 2008 Auto Express New Car Honours by the UK’s most popular motor magazine. In doing so, the 500 brings to an end an incredible run for the Fiat Panda, which took the magazine’s City Car title for four consecutive years.
 
The award-winning Fiat 500 is currently European Car of the Year 2008 and has won a host of other accolades including CAR Magazine Car of the Year, Fifth Gear Small Car of the Year, EuroCarBody 2007 and Auto Europa 2008.
 
“Reinventing a legend is never easy – but that is exactly what Fiat has achieved with its new 500,” said the Auto Express judges. “In a class that’s now bigger than ever, the Italian star has proved itself a real winner.  We define a city car as any model that has the compact dimensions and tempting price to make it perfect for urban living.  Cars that have been designed with tight high street parking spaces and city centres in mind were in with a shout, so the 500 had to beat everything from smart’s fortwo to Renault’s Twingo.”
 
“So what makes the Fiat so special? In a similar vein to the MINI, the 500 manages to capture the spirit of a legend without coming across as forced or tacky.  Its specification goes hand in hand with the great looking exterior and interior styling to create an irresistible package.”
 
“And the worst news for rivals is that this is only the beginning for the 500.  There are technical innovations such as an ultra-efficient two-cylinder engine waiting in the wings, while the Abarth sporting brand will bring hot hatch performance to the Fiat at the end of the year.  Looking further ahead, the Italian firm will also launch an estate version to rival the MINI Clubman as well as a 500 convertible.  By keeping the style and spirit of the original, but adding refinement, versatility and luxury, Fiat has built a car that we will be talking about for decades to come… just like its predecessor!”

FIAT PUNTO T-JET SPORT $25,990 DRIVEAWAY!

The Punto Sport, a three door Punto with a generous equipment level honed to performance perfection, is now offered in a choice of two variants. Freshly arrived in Australia is the Punto Sport T-Jet, equipped with the new Turbocharged version of Fiat’s Starjet range of compact, light and highly efficient engines. In this incarnation, it boasts 88 kW, enough to endow it with 0-100 kmh time of just 8.9 seconds; yet, at the same time the highly efficient new engine also provides the Punto Sport T-Jet with a combined fuel figure of a modest 6.6 litres per 100 kmh. Or, to look at it another way, 2.0 litre performance with 1.4 litre fuel consumption and emissions.

In addition to the standard equipment package, the Punto Sport variants gain colour matched rear spoiler and sideskirts, chrome exhaust pipe trim, front foglights, Electronic Stability Control (including +ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder), 17" alloy wheels, Sports seats and interior trim, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, sport instrument panel.
 
The Fiat Punto T-Jet Sport is available in August for from just $25,990 DRIVEAWAY!*

Click here for more information on the Fiat Punto or call us on (03) 9848 8888 to arrange a test drive or check stock availabilty.

*Recommended driveaway prices include ALL on road costs and statutory changes. Metallic paint extra.

 

Fiat Ritmo T-Jet $29,990 Drive Away!

• Choice of 1.4L T-Jet petrol engine or 1.9L JTD Multi-Jet diesel
  
• 7.1 litres per 100km combined cycle^
  
• 110kW of power
  
• 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating
  
• Front, side and curtain airbags

Also available:

1.9 JTD Emotion Diesel from $33,490* Driveaway
1.4 T-Jet Sport petrol from $32,990* Driveaway
1.9 JTD Sport diesel from $36,490* Driveaway

*Recommended driveaway prices include ALL on road costs and statutory changes. Metallic paint extra. ^Fuel consumption figures according to ADR 81/01

FIAT 500 LOUNGE - LUXURY, ECONOMY & CHIC STYLE!

Just months after its Australian launch, Fiat is adding a new variant to the award-winning 500 range with arrival of the Fiat 500 1.3 JTD Lounge, matching market-leading fuel economy of just 4.2 litres per 100 km with the top trim and equipment package to produce a unique combination of luxury, economy and chic style.
 
“The launch of this car in Australia is a clear sign of marked change in the market’s attitude to diesel,” says Edward Butler, General Manager for Fiat cars in Australia. “Diesel is no longer associated just with basic, economy motoring. Australian customers increasingly want the economy and environmental ability of diesel matched to a chic, luxurious car and cars don’t come much more stylish and chic than the 500 or, with the top of the line Lounge equipment package, luxurious. This new model is a response to demands from Australian customers for a range-topping specification 500 with the advanced Turbo Diesel engine.”
 
In Australia, as in every market in which it has been launched, the Fiat 500 has been an outstanding success, with demand running well ahead of supply. Fiat provided customers with details of the new car months ahead of the first deliveries, so that customers eager to be the first owners of the new 500 could specify their new car to their personal requirements. Deliveries have just started and the Fiat 500 is sold out for the next four months.
 
“We are working with Fiat to get an extra allocation of cars for Australia for 2008,” explains Mr Butler. “But even with the boost in Australian supplies for which we have asked, there’s little doubt that demand will continue to run well ahead of supply.”
 
At launch the Fiat 500 equipped with Fiat’s advanced 1.3 Multijet Turbo Diesel came with the ‘Pop’ equipment package, which is, by no means, a basic package, including as it does air conditioning, trip computer, electric front windows, remote central locking, ABS brakes and six airbags to give it class leading EuroNCAP five star safety.
 
However, the lounge pack takes the luxury and style to a new level for the highly economical Fiat 500 JTD.
 
The air conditioning system becomes a climate control unit, a fixed glass roof with a sun blind is standard, as is the chrome exterior trim pack, alloy wheels, front fog lights, the Blue&Me voice-activated Bluetooth communications package with steering wheel mounted controls, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and luxury cloth interior with the option of a leather trimmed interior. The Lounge pack also adds electronic stability control (ESC), hill holder, HBA and traction control as part of its comprehensive equipment package.
 
With the 1.3 JTD engine, the Fiat 500 guarantees excellent performance: it has a top speed of 165 kmh and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is, quite simply, the best on the market: 5.3 l/100 km in the urban cycle, 3.6 l/100 km out of town and 4.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are among the lowest on the market at just 111 g/km.
 
The straight-4 engine with a capacity of 1248 cc, a bore of 69.6 mm and a ‘long’ stroke of 82 mm is fitted with a Borg-Warner fixed geometry turbo with a waste-gate and an intercooler and delivers a maximum of 55 kW at 4000 rpm and torque of 145 Nm at 1500 rpm. There are four valves per cylinder, governed directly by a twin overhead camshaft with maintenance-free hydraulic tappets and automatic play take-up.
 
That is not all. The 1.3 Multijet 16v is a miniature masterpiece: ‘dressed’ with all its accessories, it weighs just 130 kg, it is small, just 50 cm long and 65 cm tall, and the component layout was designed to take up as little space as possible. Designed by criteria of maximum rationality, efficiency and reliability, the engine guarantees excellent efficiency and is practically ‘for life’: it was designed to travel 250,000 km without needing any maintenance to the mechanical components.
 
The compact, sophisticated engine is also extremely eco-friendly, thanks to an emissions control system that envisages an EGR valve triggered electronically and managed directly by the engine control system, a heat exchanger to cool recirculating exhaust gas (EGR) and a ‘close coupled’ catalytic converter. A particulate trap (DPF), the ‘for life’ system that abates fine dust and does not need additives to be regenerated, is standard equipment.
 
The 55 kW 1.3 Multijet 16v therefore represents a technological leap forward which, for the customer, translates into lower consumption and emissions, without even taking into consideration the reduction in noise (due to the multiple injections), the increase in comfort (fewer alternating masses means less vibration), the smooth, responsive steering (due to the really smooth torque delivery, which is guaranteed by the improved combustion control), the torquiness and prompt response of a diesel that resembles a petrol engine with its wide engine speed range (for example, there is no longer a fuel ‘cut-out’ just above 4000 rpm), and the ecological elements that enhance the diesel’s main environmental credentials (low fuel consumption and particulate reduction)
 
The new Fiat 500 JTD Lounge has a recommended retail price of $28,990 and is available to order now at Lance Dixon. Please call us on (03) 9848 8888 or click here to email us if you would like more information or wish to place an order.

 

THE FIAT 500 IS “CAR OF THE YEAR 2008"

The international jury presiding over the "Car of the Year" award, made up of 58 specialist journalists from 22 European countries, has elected the Fiat 500 “Car of the Year 2008” with 385 votes, ahead of the Mazda 2 (325 votes) and the Ford Mondeo (202).
 
In addition to winning the “Car of the Year 2008” award outright, the super compact Fiat distinguished itself by obtaining votes from most members of the jury: 57 out of 58 in fact included it in their short-list and as many as 33 made it top in their personal rankings.
 
This is the second time – the first was the Fiat Panda in 2004 – that a segment A model has won the most prestigious award in the world car industry. This extraordinary record brings total Fiat Group Automobiles wins to twelve: the Fiat 124 (1967), Fiat 128 (1970), Fiat 127 (1972), Lancia Delta (1980), Fiat Uno (1984), Fiat Tipo (1989), Fiat Punto (1995), Fiat Bravo/Brava (1996), Alfa 156 (1998), Alfa 147 (2001), Fiat Panda (2004) and the Fiat 500 (2008).
 
Launched on 4 July last, the new Fiat 500 immediately aroused huge interest and very favourable comments from the more than 7,000 people from 63 countries (more than 1,000 journalists were accredited) who homed in on Turin for its début: institutional authorities, financial analysts, businessmen and people from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and sport.
 
Critical acclaim was immediately borne out by customers flocking to the showrooms. More than 105,000 orders were taken in just 4 months and in just two countries (Italy and France); while marketing is proceeding apace in the rest of Europe (for example 6,300 orders have already been booked in Germany where the car went on the market just a few weeks ago). As of today, in Europe, the Fiat 500 stands second in segment A with a share of 14.1% (behind only the Fiat Panda with almost 17,000 registrations and a share of 21.2%).
 
The Fiat 500 is the manifesto of “new Fiat”, a model that is in all respects the physical demonstration of the company’s new approach, the renewed strategies of the brand, a different way of interpreting the car. That is why the Fiat 500 has introduced a number of novelties and marked up some important records in its segment. For example, this is the first time that a car barely 3.55 metres long has been awarded 5 stars by EuroNCAP, and this is the first time that a car in this segment has fitted 7 airbags as standard (it is also the only compact to fit a knee-bag), with the advanced ESP available on all engines (standard on the 1.4 16v 100 bhp).
 
In addition, this is the first time that a model is presented with the whole range of power units (1.2 69 bhp, 1.3 Multijet 75 bhp with DPF and 1.4 16v 100 bhp), built to respect the emissions limits set by Euro 5, and all this more than two years in advance of the legislative deadline.
 
And there is more.
 
This is the first time that a “small” car like the Fiat 500 has been able to boast such a broad range which is made possible by choosing from: 4 trim levels, 3 engines, 12 colours (among these the 6 vintage colours that hark back to the ‘50s and ‘60s and the three-layer white which is the result of a paint process that hitherto has only been adopted on super cars), 15 interiors including the prestigious Cordura and Frau Leather, 9 types of wheel, and 19 sticker models, for a total of more than 500,000 variations. In addition, 100 original accessories have been designed for the Fiat 500 – among which the most surprising are the electric aroma diffuser and the coloured shells for the keys – along with the most advanced infotelematic devices: for example a multifunctional portable navigator from the Blue&MeTM platform.
 
The “Car of the Year” award started up in 1964. To enter the competition, new cars must have been sold in at least five different European markets in the course of the year. Judgments are also expressed on the following parameters: design, comfort, safety, economic operation, driveability, performance, practicality, respect for the environment and, finally, price and value for money. A first selection is made from all the new models marketed in the course of the year (in the present edition 33 cars participated) and seven finalists are admitted to the election of the winner. Each member of the jury has 25 points that he can distribute among the 7 cars with a maximum of 10 points going to his first choice.
 
The award ceremony for the "Car of The Year 2008", which this time round is being organised by the German magazine “Stern”, will take place in Berlin on 28 January 2008. If you would lik more information on the new Fiat 500 please call us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us

ITS MORE THAN CUTE – THE FIAT 500 IS BEAUTIFUL!
 
Praised for its cute, and even sexy, good looks, the new Fiat 500 is now also officially beautiful, indeed, the most beautiful because it has not only won the small/city car award in the “Auto più Bella del Mondo 2008” search for the most beautiful cars in the world, it also scored the most points overall to give it the top award.
 
Confirming the skill of Fiat’s designers, the Grand Jury of the Auto più Bella del Mondo, which consists of artists (Pietro Consagra, Piero Dorazio, Heinz Mack and Joe Tilson), architects (Vico Magistretti and Massimo Vignelli), designers (Roberto Sambonet and Carlo Chiti) lead by author and designer, Bruno Alfieri, put the Fiat Ritmo in third place overall and winner of the medium hatchback category.
 
“Beauty is really going to be on the Fiat agenda in early 2008,” says David Stone, General Manager for Fiat Cars in Australia. “We will start with the arrival of the Ritmo in February, followed in March by the Fiat 500. But these new cars also have the brains to back up their beauty, with five star EuroNCAP safety, something some much larger cars cannot match, and advanced diesel and petrol engines to put them at the forefront of economy and low emissions. At Fiat, Beauty and Brains do come together!"

 

NEW FIAT SCUDO ARRIVES AUSTRALIA

 
Building on the success of the Fiat Ducato in the Australian large van sector, Fiat has launched the Scudo, a medium sized van that sets a new standard in the medium size van market with the same levels of intelligent design, comfort, space and value for money that have made the Ducato an Australian sales winner.
 
Like the Ducato, the Scudo is available in a myriad of versions and sizes, allowing Fiat Australia to pick a variant that is ideal for local conditions and market requirements. Powered by an advanced Turbo Diesel 2.0 litre 88 kW engine with a six speed gearbox, the Australian market Scudo has a standard roof and a long wheelbase body, to provide maximum space and accessibility to space-deficient loading areas. At the same time, with a six cubic metre load space and a 1200 kg payload accessible through rear barn doors and twin sliding side doors, the Fiat Scudo offers unrivalled accessibility.
 

Included its recommended retail price of $36,990 is a wide range of standard equipment, including essential safety features such as twin front airbags and ABS brakes with EBD; the convenience of electric front windows, twin mode central locking and electric mirrors and the comfort of powerful air conditioning, full size cloth-covered front seats and a spacious, comfortable cab that is designed as the ideal working environment.

In addition, the working capabilities of the new Scudo range may be further enhanced through pneumatic or self-levelling suspension, a fixed, full width steel bulkhead, a double front passenger seat, modular second and third row seating, and a unique.
 
“Through two generations, the Fiat Ducato has built a legion of fans in Australia thanks to its durability, reliability and design integrity, as well as its comprehensive equipment and value for money,” says Ric Hull, Managing Director for Fiat Commercial Vehicles in Australia. “The all-new Fiat Scudo, the latest in a long line of vehicles that have dominated CV sales in Europe, brings everything that has been learnt with the Ducato to the market in a van that is equally capable and well designed, offering excellent value for money and designed for a long, long cost service life. There is no doubt that it will join the Ducato as one of the most sort-after vans on the Australian market.”

 

Fiat Punto is the most economical car in Australia!

As fuel prices reach record heights in Australia, the official Government figures have revealed that the Fiat Punto is the most economical conventional car in Australia with the Punto 1.3 JTD five door offering an official fuel consumption figure of 4.6 litres per 100 km, or a remarkable 61 mpg.

This provides the new Fiat Punto with a level of fuel economy that is the same as the Honda Civic Hybrid and just two tenths of a litre behind the Toyota Prius, both which cost considerably more than the Fiat Punto.

“These figures reveal just how outstanding the technology is in the Fiat Punto,” says David Stone, General Manager for Fiat cars in Australia. “Unlike its fuel economy rivals, there is no penalty to be paid for achieving the Punto’s fuel economy.

“In the showroom, the Punto 1.3 JTD is line-ball at $22,990 with its normal rivals and significantly less costly than its hybrid competitors. On the standard equipment list, the Punto is no stripped economy car with no equipment. Luxury items as cruise control, CD player with remote steering wheel mounted controls, remote central locking, air conditioning and power windows and locks are all standard. In the area of safety it has everything, with a five star Euo-NCAP rating, six airbags and ABS brakes leading the safety equipment list. On the road its offers the driving experience that would be expected of any car coming from Italy and is styling shows it has the appeal of its performance cousins from Maserati.”

 “Combining the ultra low fuel economy, the significantly lower purchase price and the long standard equipment list, not to mention its high levels of safety, the Punto has to be the most economical car in Australia,” says Mr Stone.

Launched in Australia on 1 July, the Fiat Punto range includes three diesel engines in its line-up, all offering the latest Multijet diesel systems, a technology that was invented by Fiat and which has enabled its engines to leap in front of the pack with significant gains in fuel economy, emissions and performance. This advanced engine is mated to a six speed gearbox that allows it to maximize its economic potential. The remarkable fuel economy from what is an essentially conventional car provides a stark contrast to the Hybrid cars that, despite their technology, offer little or no advantage over the Punto while suffering cost and operational drawbacks.

“The Fiat Punto proves that search for fuel economy does not mean that style, driving enjoyment and comfort have to be abandoned,” says Mr Stone. “As fuel prices rocket, there could not be a better time to buy an exciting, sexy, fun to drive car – provided it’s a Fiat Punto, of course!”

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Land Rover News

Please contact us on (03) 9848 8888 for more information or email us: landrover@lancedixon.com.au

 

Range Rover & Defender - more awards!

More acclaim for a new hero, and an old favourite.

In 4 x 4 Australia's annual 2008 4 x 4 of the Year, one name shone above all others.

Land Rover came first, second and fourth in this year's awards, beating a strong field of eight others.

In first place, is the new turbo-diesel Range Rover Sport TDV8 with reviews that include..."scintillating on-road performance... sublimely smooth six-speed automatic... represents great value for money in the luxury 4X4 segment.... In summary: the Range Rover's Sport TDV8's combination of excellent on-road performance, strong off-road capability and extensive safety package makes it a deserved 4X4 Of The Year 2008 winner".

For more information on Range Rover Sport, click here.

Perhaps surprisingly, second place was won by the latest incarnation of a vehicle that was first launched in 1948, sixty years ago.

The Defender 110 Wagon features a new four cylinder turbo-diesel engine with grunt, a new interior with air-conditioning, and all the features that make it such an accomplished bush touring wagon. Judges praised Defender's one tonne payload capacity, long travel coil suspension, class leading approach angle and ground clearance and good outward vision. Maybe defender is not for everybody, but when the going gets tough...

For more information on Defender 110 Wagon, click here.

 

 

DOUBLE WIN FOR LAND ROVER IN THE AUTO EXPRESS NEW CAR HONOURS 2007

 Land Rover has won two prestigious awards in the Auto Express New Car Honours 2007, beating tough competition to win Best 4x4 Recreational and Best 4x4 Off Roader.

The all-new Land Rover Freelander 2 fought off competition from the new Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe in what is one of the most hotly contested sectors to win Best 4x4 Recreational, while the Discovery 3 beat the Mercedes M-Class and BMW X5 to the accolade of Best 4x4 Off Roader.

Auto Express road test editor, Ollie Marriage, said: “The off-road king is back. The Freelander 2 has returned to the top of its class with a neatly designed and beautifully executed second-generation car.”

Land Rover’s managing director, Phil Popham, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these awards from Auto Express for both the Freelander 2 and the Discovery 3, in a year where we will have a third successive sales record.

“Achieving the Best 4x4 Off Roader award for the Discovery 3 – a car that continues to be an outstanding success, consistently beating new entrants from other manufacturers – is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package.”

The Freelander 2 went on-sale in Australia at the beginning of July 2007, priced from $49,990 for the 3.2 litre petrol and $51,990 for the 2.2 litre turbo diesel. The Discovery 3 continues to collect critical accolades the world over, with nearly 100 international awards to date. If you would like any more information on the Discovery 3 or Freelander 2 please call us on 9848 8888 or email us: landrover@lancedixon.com.au

Discovery 3 wins Australia's Best Car Award (again!)

The Land Rover Discovery 3 TdV6 SE has taken out the prestigious NRMA/AAA Best Car Award - All Terrain 4WD for the second consecutive year.

In presenting the award Alan Evans, President of the Association of Australian Automobile Clubs (of which the NRMA is a member), emphasised the Discovery's long list of standard performance and safety features, as well as its all around off-road capability.

Accepting the award on behalf of the team at Land Rover, David Blackhall, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Australia, said it was an outstanding honour for the Discovery 3 to receive such a prestigious award in two consecutive years.

"The Land Rover Discovery 3 has received over 70 motoring awards around the globe, but this one is most highly prized. It comes from a panel of independent experts with unprecedented credibility and we know it has a tremendous impact on the automotive buying public. It really means a great deal to us to have the endorsement of the NRMA and the associated clubs", he said.

Sales of Land Rover brand vehicles in Australia are up 15% through the end of November, compared with the prior year. Lance Dixon Land Rover is the Number One dealer in Australia for Discovery sales (as at December 2006) - a true indication that we really are driven by customer satisfaction!

 

FREELANDER 2 AWARDED TOP MARKS FOR SAFETY

Land Rover's all new Freelander 2 has been awarded a top five star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) for adult passenger safety. It also achieved four stars in the child protection category. In both the adult and child ratings it achieved the highest points of any vehicle in its category, making the Freelander 2 best in class for occupant safety.

Jonathan Mabey, Land Rover¹s Vehicle Safety Manager, said, "Safety is of paramount importance for Land Rover and for Freelander 2 to be the only compact SUV to be awarded the maximum star rating is a fantastic achievement."

Other safety features on Freelander 2, voted Best Compact 4x4 by WhatCar? magazine, include advanced stability and traction aids, including Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control and new Gradient Release Control system which improve driver control on steep hills. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Corner Brake Control all help avoid accidents ­ as does the command driving position that provides improved visibility, giving the driver a better view of the road ahead.

Secondary safety starts with the strong monocoque body and its inner safety cell. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to help absorb as much energy as possible during an impact. Side-impact protection is further assisted by the ultra-high-strength steel door beams. Front seatbelts have dual pre-tensioners, and all Freelander 2 models feature seven airbags.

The all-new Freelander 2 is now available at Lance Dixon! Priced from $49,990 the Freelander 2 will be available in two specification levels, with a choice of 3.2 litre petrol or 2.2 litre turbo diesel engines.

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Saab News

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan earns IIHS 2007 Top Honours

The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan has earned the 2007 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize car category. This is the third consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan has driven away from this competition with top honours.

For 2006, the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick - Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash test rating for 2005. The 2007 Saab 9-3 Sedan was awarded the designation amid toughening criteria.

The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries. Winning vehicles must earn good ratings in all three of the previously described tests, and, new for 2007, vehicles must also offer electronic stability control. Adrian Lund, IIHS president admits that with the added criteria it is tougher to win, however it was added with the overall goal to encourage more vehicle safety improvements.

"This is the Saab 9-3's second year running to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick award," Lund said. "Considering the criteria are tougher this year than last, the 9-3's accomplishment is impressive."

IIHS is a non-profit research and communications organisation funded by auto insurers. The Institute's research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular and environmental) and on intervention that can occur before, during and after crashes to reduce losses.

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Hummer News

Vital stats for Australia’s new baby HUMMER - Now available at Lance Dixon Hummer!

The wait is over – Australian customers can now order the new HUMMER H3 with the model line-up, pricing, retail network and management team confirmed. The three new models, H3, H3 Adventure and H3 Luxury, are now on sale at Lance Dixon.

Available in either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic depending on the model, H3 will retail from $52,990, H3 Adventure from $58,990 and H3 Luxury from $60,990.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, says “HUMMER is a truly iconic automotive brand. Australian customers can’t wait to climb behind the wheel and our competitive pricing will really shake up the market. The mid-size H3 is an ideal vehicle to launch the brand into Australia. Comparable in size to other mid-size SUVs, H3 is still true to the brand’s extreme heritage, but is more economical and easier to drive in the city than the original H1 and H2. Affectionately known as the ‘baby HUMMER’, the H3 is able to achieve the perfect balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.”

Engine and performance

Powered by a 3.7 litre in-line five cylinder petrol engine, H3 develops peak power of 180kW at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 328Nm at 4,600rpm (figures as per ECE regulations on regular unleaded petrol). The Vortec 3700 engine has dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Official fuel consumption on regular unleaded petrol (ADR 81/01) for H3 for combined highway and urban driving is 13.7 litres per 100 km in manual form, which is comparable to similar mid-size SUVs. Depending on specification, H3 has a kerb weight of between 2198kg for the manual H3 and 2303kg for the automatic Adventure, which is also in line with other vehicles in its segment.

Off-road capabilities

“Make no mistake – the H3 has the full off-road capability to live up to the HUMMER name,” Mr Mooney said. “The H3 has been tested in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable, and most recently GM Holden engineers tested the vehicle locally and worked with GM South Africa to ensure the vehicle met the needs of our market.” Its compact size can improve the H3’s maneuverability and ground clearance in off-road situations. In its home market, it is the only vehicle in its segment that can climb a 16 inch vertical wall, scale a 60 per cent grade and traverse a 40 per cent slope. H3 can also ford 407mm of water at 32 km/hour and 610mm streams at 8 km/hour. It has a powertrain-integrated, two-speed, electronically controlled full-time four wheel drive system with a standard low range ratio of 2.64:1.

Safety

Standard active safety features on the H3 include StabiliTrak stability enhancementsystem, traction control, ABS and dynamic rear proportioning brakes. Passive safetyequipment including dual front airbags with passenger sensing system and roof rail mounted side curtain bags is also standard on all H3 vehicles.

Model range

HUMMER Australia will launch the H3 in three models: H3, H3 Luxury and H3 Adventure. In addition to the standard safety features, H3 offers cruise control, electro-chromatic rearview mirror with eight point compass, power windows, fog lights and halogen headlamps, five 16 by 7.5 inch alloy wheels, remote entry with panic alarm, single indash CD, cloth seats and 60/40 split rear seats.

In H3 Luxury specification, the vehicle gains the following features over the H3 model: automatic transmission as standard, leather-appointed interior, electric heated front seats with eight way power adjustment, leather wrapped steering wheel, exterior chrome package including door handles, roof cross bars and mirror caps, six-disc in-dash CD changer, Monsoon sound system and glass sunroof.

H3 Adventure is available in manual. It includes the features of the H3 Luxury (excluding sunroof) and takes the H3’s off-road capability to the next level, adding a fully locking electronic rear differential, off-road suspension package and a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio of 4.03:1.

Pricing

All H3 models are on sale now, the recommended retail pricing, excluding dealer delivery and government charges is as follows:

• H3 Manual $52,990 Automatic $54,990
  
• H3 Luxury Automatic $60,990
  
• H3 Adventure Manual $58,990 Automatic $60,990
  Metallic paint is a $1,200 option.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR HUMMER WEBSITE

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