Mercedes has updated Viano and Vito

Before you the first photos of updated Mercedes-Benz Viano and cargo Vito. From the technical point of view serious changes of model will not undergo. They will be equipped with variety of four- and six cylinder petrol and diesel motors which will give out from 126 h.p. to 258 h.p. (for Vito from 95 h.p. to 258 h.p.).

Outwardly restyling cars will differ other headlights, a new radiator enclosure and bumpers. There will be an updating and in interior where you can see new finishing materials, multipurpose wheel and the modernised control package of climate.

Lexus recalls 270,000 models globally

In the latest kick in the teeth to Toyota's quality reputation, the Japanese car maker is set to recall 270,000 Lexus vehicles, (137,000 in U.S, 90,000 in Japan & 3,200 in the UK), after it was revealed that an engine problem could lead to stalling.

Lexus released a statement saying it has "discovered faulty valve springs in some V8 and V6 engines in certain Lexus models sold in the U.S. Due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated the valve springs, resulting in potential breakage."

Lexus U.K issued a statement that said: "Improperly functioning valve springs have been found in some Lexus engines and there is a small possibility that abnormal engine noise or unstable idling may occur. In very rare instances, there is a chance that the engine may stop."

The affected models include the GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460 and LS 600h models. The JDM Toyota Crown is also part of the recall. The faulty springs were found in some V8 and V6 engines. Lexus says it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Lexus advise that any anxious customers to contact their local Lexus centre or call the Lexus Customer Relations team on 01737 367601.

Earlier this week, Lexus said it is recalling 17,000 2010 Lexus HS 250h sedans because of a possible fire hazard due to fuel leakage. Lexus also issued a stop-sale order on the HS 250h on 25th June.

Toyota has recalled approximately 9m vehicles since November 2009 to fix problems with accelerators, brakes and other systems. The Japanese manufacture is still under inspection by U.S congressional investigators over claimed reports of unplanned acceleration and is also in the middle of a major court battle in California over product liability.

Ford to cut prices by 16% (UK)

Ford will cut the price of its Ka city-car, Fiesta supermini, Focus compact family car, and Kuga SUV from 5% to 16% (11% average) from 2nd August. The company says the cuts are to bring greater 'transparency' to its showroom prices, which have usually been heavily discounted when buyers haggle and follow an earlier round of reductions this year.

Ford says it now wants the list prices to be closer to what the customer actually pays. This move should make it easier for consumers to compare Ford's vehicles with those of other manufacturers. In April, Ford reduced list prices for its new S-Max, Galaxy and Mondeo models. Since then, it has increased sales on all three models. In the company car market alone, Mondeo sales increased by 18%, S-Max increased by 10% and Galaxy by 5%.

Ford also hopes that the revised prices will make its products more striking to company car drivers, who pay tax based on the car's list price.

Managing director of Ford GB, Nigel Sharp said: 'The traditional way that the car industry has operated in the UK – with high recommended list prices matched to high discounts – is causing confusion for consumers. Together with our dealer partners we are determined to change that formula and make the whole purchase process more transparent and the value of Ford cars more obvious.'

While this is good news for private and company car buyers, prices will shoot up by 3% from January 2011, thanks to the Governments VAT increase, from 17.5% to 20%. From 2nd August, the entry-level Ford Ka Studio will cost from £7,996, as oppose to the current price of £9,360, saving £1,364.
 

No more Government funding for motor industry (UK)

Business secretary Vince Cable has said that car makers can no longer expect financial support to make cars in the UK.

Speaking at a conference in Central London, he said: “I don’t see the future as large scale funding for particular companies. We can’t fight a subsidy war.”

Cable persisted that he saw future Government money going towards assisting the car business as a whole, vowed support for investment in research, technical education, more apprenticeships in the motor industry and appeal to inward investment through lowering corporation tax and creating a more stable economy.

The business secretary also denied that the £5,000 funding for anyone buying an electric car was going to be scrapped, admitting that it was still “actively under consideration”. He also promised support for Britain’s luxury car business arguing, “We’re not trying to turn every car into a Nissan Leaf”. “There’s variety in the motor industry and it needs to be supported,’ he said.

While, a car-buying scheme, such as the scrappage scheme is not the way to invigorate the car market, business secretary Vince Cable has said.

'It got us out of a sensitive stage in the economic crisis, but it was too expensive to run. We are emerging from a period of Government intervention. We are now in a different world. The Government can't fight and win a subsidy war.'

Cable said: 'The best way to back the car industry is to create a good business environment. The Government will continue to back industry in a cost effective way.''

2011 Steeda Sport Edition 5.0L Mustang [Video]

Steeda 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 entry-level tuning package announced

The program has delivered several significant benefits including significantly improved handling, driving dynamics and overall vehicle performance. Yet the entry level Steeda 5.0L Mustang is priced under $40,000.

The vehicle also comes with improved handling and driving dynamics, thanks to the addition of a new hood and rear wing, a new set of sport springs, as well as 9.5x20-inch Spyder wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05 performance tires. There are also Sidewinder Graphics included in the package for a more unique look.

Steeda retrofitted with the 5.0-liter 4V Ti-VCT V8 aluminum block via a specially engineered Cold Air Intake (CAI) unit. The CAI combines a state-of-the-art SCT X3 Flash Programmer, which further improves theperformance output of 44 horsepower and 52 ft.lbs. to the factory 412 horses at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm.






Press Release

2011 Steeda Sport Edition – Dare to be Different!

The 2011 Steeda Sport Edition 5.0L Mustang provides a distinctly different level of performance and at a price value that makes it an unbeatable deal in the performance vehicle market today. Priced at under $40,000, this performance machine takes a donor 2011 Mustang GT 5.0L and transforms it into a significantly improved handling stallion that provides improved driving dynamics and overall vehicle performance.Intended to be the entry level Steeda 5.0L Mustang, this Sport Performance Package provides the base key Steeda DNA elements with a dramatically improved power package that when combined together make it a true Steeda Mustang.

Special equipment on this entry level Steeda 5.0L Mustang includes the following performance parts:

• Steeda Sport Springs – for improved ride and handling
• Steeda Aerodynamic Hood – provides increased engine cooling
• Steeda Rear Aerodynamic Wing – increases rear downforce
• Steeda Sidewinder graphics – for that unique Steeda visual image
• Steeda Spyder Wheels 20x9.5 – lighter, stronger and more aggressive
• Nitto NT05 275/35/20 Performance Tires – for ultimate street/track grip

In addition, after retail delivery occurs, the retail customer will receive our unique Steeda Cold Air Intake and a SCT Xcal3 tuner loaded with our performance tune that will additionally increase the 5.0L output to 450 hp.

With dramatically increased power and dramatically improved handling and overall vehicle driving dynamics, the Steeda Sport edition builds on the 22 year heritage that Steeda Autosports has done upgrading the performance of America's original pony car – the Ford Mustang. Call the Steeda Autosports hotline on 954-960-0774 and talk to one of our highly experienced Performance Sales Associates for additional information on how you can make your 2011 5.0L Mustang into a Steeda Sport today!

Range Rover Evoque - Pictures and Videos

Pictures and videos of the new cool Range Rover Evoque. The brand announced that Victoria Beckham will be the new creative design executive, designing a portion of the Evoque interior.

This all-new coupé will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport line-up in the summer of 2011. It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced. It's also the coolest looking Range Rover ever, check it out! 

Sky-high fuel prices recommended (UK)

Prices of fuels should be kept permanently high as a way of forcing drivers into smaller and more economical cars, according to the Government’s climate change watchdog.

The Committee for Climate Change has warned that the Government should set a minimum price for petrol and diesel, to make sure Britain meets its targets for emissions reductions.

“We know that people buy more efficient cars if the petrol price remains consistently high,” said the committee’s chief executive David Kennedy.

In its report to parliament, the Committee said that fuel duty needed to be greater than before to balance out reductions in oil prices and there should be a greater gap between the cost of tax on the most and least polluting cars, with drivers of the most fuel efficient cars also qualifying for grants.

AA president Edmund King described the committee’s plans as “unrealistic”.

“People are already moving to more fuel efficient cars so there is no need to punish them by keeping the cost of fuel excessively high," he said.