Mr Fukui made the announcement in his annual end of year address late last year.

Helping Honda to achieve its ambitious Hybrid target will be a new Sports Hybrid based on the CR-Z unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, and a new Global Hybrid to go on sale in 2009, with a focus on making hybrid technology more ‘affordable’ with a worldwide sales plan of 200,000 units.

    

Powerful concept: Unique and exclusive features from Volkswagen Individual

Wolfsburg / Sydney, October 2007. In a world premiere, Volkswagen is presenting the new Touareg R50 at the Australian International Motor Show. Serving up a powerful 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm), this new Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. It was developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH. After the legendary Golf R32 and the Passat R36 – recently shown in Frankfurt at the IAA 2007 – Volkswagen is now presenting its third model under the sporty “R” label, the Touareg R50. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive guaranteeing optimal traction.

The R50 Engine

The excellent driving dynamics of the Touareg R50 are less the result of pure top acceleration values than of torque levels that are nearly unattainable by the competition. At just 2,000 rpm the SUV’s ten-cylinder TDI develops a maximum torque of 850 Newton-meter. This means that every gear and speed range offers torque-laden power like no other SUV.

The bi-turbo diesel of the Touareg R50 was derived from the familiar V10 TDI with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its bi-turbo charging and modified engine management made it possible to boost engine power by 28 kW / 37 PS and increase torque by a considerable 100 Newton-meter. Under these new performance parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds (standard production SUV: 7.4 seconds). Its top speed is 235 km/h. Compared to similarly powered petrol engines, the fuel consumption of the ten-cylinder diesel engine is low: On the motorway consumption is 9.6 litres, and its combined fuel economy is 12,6 litres. Despite the big plus in performance and torque, the fuel consumption rates have remained constant.

Overview of R50 Features

Apart from an increase in performance, Volkswagen Indivi¬dual GmbH designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easily recognizable with its 21-inch Omanyt-type alloy wheels with 295 tyres, blue painted brake callipers, discrete wheel well flares and independent bumpers. Inside, the features include a sports seat system in anthracite coloured napa leather with integrated R50 logo in the headrests.

The dark interior design is a particularly harmonious complement to the Biscay Blue exterior colour that was specially developed for the Touareg R50. Blue hues of this type have been typical of power-boosted Volkswagen R models since the first Golf R32 in 2002. Optional car colours on the Touareg R50 are Campanella White, Reflex Silver, Black Magic and Atacama Grey.

R50 Exterior Features

As part of its standard worldwide features, the Touareg R50 will be delivered with a Sport design package in what is known as the R Look. It clearly highlights the dynamic character of the most powerful European diesel SUV. The design package for the front includes the radiator grille typical of the R models in matt chrome with dual chrome fins. The lower radiator air inlet sports a grille in a honeycomb look. This look is also applied to the screen in front of the two intercoolers (on the left and right under the headlamps) and the fog lamp surrounds. Distinctive: The crosspiece of the front spoiler in Reflex Silver. The front skirt also exhibits an independent design.

Part of the Sport design package are the colour coded wheel well and side skirt flares as well as flaps – aerodynamic components near the front and rear axles. The most powerful diesel Touareg is also clearly recognized as an R model at its rear end. Here it is the colour coded roof edge spoiler, the distinctive bumper with diffuser in Reflex Silver and oval tailpipes that round up the Sport design package. In addition, the R50 badge on the tailgate and the radiator grille draw attention to the Touareg TDI. Also as standard: Tinted rear windows (65 percent light-absorbing, starting at the pillars) and bi-xenon headlights.

The exclusive standard features also include an air-suspension sports chassis being introduced for the first time in 2007 on the new Touareg generation. The driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation and a chassis lowered by twenty millimetres complement the existing Sport mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension with a stiffer spring rate. Important: In the suspension’s comfort mode, driving comfort remains just as good as on versions without sports chassis.

R50 Interior Features

The interior of the Touareg – with its timeless clarity and high-end design from the factory – was further refined and tuned for the R50. Anthracite coloured napa leather distinguishes the standard sports seating system with R50 logo in the headrests. The logo is also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Working with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-coloured engine spin decor of the interior – a metallic ¬structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals.

An R logo decorates the gearshift lever for the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features of the Touareg R50 also include a Winter package (including heated seats at outer seating positions in the rear), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), a net partition behind the rear seats and a ski bag.

High-End R50 Safety Features

ABSplus: This is an innovative new system developed by Volkswagen. The technology shortens the braking distance of the Touareg R50 on loose surfaces – that is, especially in off-road operation – by up to 20 percent! A clear gain in safety!

Driving dynamics package with roll compensation: The R50 is equipped with an innovative sport chassis. The so-called Driving Dynamics Package with roll compensation supplements the already existing Sport mode of the manually and automatically controlled air suspension by adding a stiffer spring characteristic. The system counteracts body roll of the car when cornering by actuating the electronically controlled dampers.

Rear Assist rear-view camera: As an optional feature, Volks¬wagen is offering a rear-view camera. The wide-angle camera is located on the tailgate, to the upper right of the license plate. It transmits a real image to the navigation system display. Even small obstacles are easily recognized in the area below window visibility limits. To make manoeuvring easier, the display also shows the vehicle’s path in response to steering inputs.

Overview of the R Models

With the first R model in 2002, the R32 (177 kW / 241 PS) which is based on the fourth generation best¬selling Golf, Volkswagen already satisfied wishes for an exclusively equipped top-end Golf with a very impressive powerplant. 14,000 units were sold globally, far more than expected.

This success generated the vision of developing an entire series of R models for the future – a job well-suited to Volkswagen Individual GmbH. In 2005, the second version Golf R32 made its debut, equipped with a powerful 184 kW / 250 PS engine and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The Passat R36 captivates with its remarkable understatement. The most powerful Passat of all times is driven by a 3.6 litre displacement V6 direct-injection gasoline engine (3.6 FSI) with 220 kW / 300 PS.

 

Patumtani, October 11, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd. (MMTh) today announced the successful export of one million pickup trucks. In addition, the company announced the new competitive Triton Million Edition, a customized domestic model.

Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd. announced the completion of the million-pickup goal after hitting its million-unit milestone (all vehicle types) last June. Mr. Michiro Imai, President of MMTh, released this statement regarding the company’s success in exporting to over 140 countries worldwide:

“This success has not only proved the company’s capability and potential in exports but has also shown that Thai-built Mitsubishi vehicles are of top quality. Its acceptance by customers worldwide is a credit to the skills of Thai people, and to Mitsubishi’s advanced technology, which give the Triton* the attractive appearance, performance, and comfort it is known for. The Triton has become a symbol of MMTh’s drive to excel and take its place as a world-leading automaker. Today’s success is doubtless another step on that path, as well as a further step for Thailand toward becoming ‘the Detroit of Asia’.

As pleased as I am with our current achievements, none would have been possible without the support of the Thai people, especially the government sectors who support our infrastructure and automobile industry policy, suppliers who provide high quality and punctual delivery, and logistic companies who also support that punctual delivery.”

Mitsubishi has started business in Thailand since 1961. The company began manufacturing light-duty trucks and later expanded to sedans for domestic markets. Years later, because of the capability and potential of the company, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Japan made the Thailand operation a production base for worldwide exports. This marked the first time in the history of Japan’s automotive industry that pick up truck production was based outside Japan; it was also a first for Thailand.

The company’s first export model was the Mitsubishi Champ, which went to Canada in 1988. The company went on to export the Mitsubishi L 200 Cyclone pick up truck to Portugal in 1989. Since then, exports have expanded to more than 140 countries worldwide, covering Europe, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Over the years, all Mitsubishi pick up models (Cyclone, L200 Strada, and the Triton) have been manufactured at the production base (Leam Chabang Industrial Estate). Total pick up exports from Thailand in 2006 totaled 133,109 units; in 2007 the target is set higher at 140,000 units.

The new Triton, still just two years old, has already received more than 10 awards both domestically and internationally.

2006

• “Car of the Year” from Grand Prix Magazine, Thailand
• Best Pick-Up Double Cab 4WD
• Realistic Fuel Economy
• “Outstanding Initial Quality Satisfaction for 1-Ton Pickup 2 Door/2WD” from National Institute of Production Promotion of Thailand
• “Pick-Up of the Year” from Professional Van & Light Truck Magazine, England
• “Best Pick-Up” from Fleet World Magazine, England
• “Best Pick-Up” from What Van? Magazine, England
• “Automobile 4×4 2006″ for the Pick-Up from 4×4 Automagazin, Czechoslovakia
• “Best Pick-Up” at the Moscow International Motor Show 2006, Russia

2007

• “Car of the Year” from Grand Prix Magazine, Thailand
• Best Pick up 2WD under 2,500c.c.
• Best Design Pick Up

Mr. Imai went on to say:

“We have organized a variety of events that will enhance all services including sales, services, and spare parts so that our Mitsubishi customers in Thailand can take part in our celebration on this special occasion. These activities include the introduction of the commemorative ‘Million Edition’ Triton. Other sales promotion events and activities include numerous special campaigns such as the ‘Thank you One Million Units of Export’ event, which provides special advantages to the Mitsubishi customers and to those interested in owning a Mitsubishi car. There are also joint-offers with the insurance companies to issue special auto insurance policies to customers purchasing a Mitsubishi, plus more events and activities to come.”

 

Andersson, who has been the dominant driver in the JWRC all year, wrapped up Suzuki’s second JWRC title in three years by driving a carefully controlled race to finish fourth.

Andersson came into the event tied for the lead with fellow Suzuki Swift driver Urmo Aava.

Aava was leading the event early and looked like securing his first world title, but a crash on Special Stage 8 meant the popular Estonian had to be content with second position in the title.

Andersson had no mechanical issues in the final event of the year and finished in style by recording the fastest time on the penultimate stage.

It was Andersson’s second JWRC title, having driven a Suzuki Ignis to first place in the 2004 championship.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win this prestigious championship for the second time.

“There was obviously a lot of pressure on me coming into this event, but I just did my best to try and deal with it as I could. I was not particularly worried when Urmo was in front of me at the start of the rally, as I knew that I had some pace in reserve.

“But I was really surprised when I saw his car off the side of the road on SS8 and I had to force myself to concentrate. The rest of the rally was all about trying to get the car to the finish in one piece and drive safely. Thankfully we managed it, and the result is another great championship title.

“I’d like to thank my co-driver Jonas Andersson and the entire Suzuki team, which has done a great job all year. Now I need to think carefully about what I do next, but I very much hope to extend my relationship with the Suzuki family into the future,” said Andersson.

Team principal Nobuhiro “Monster’ Tajima congratulated both drivers on their contribution to another fantastic season for Suzuki.

“To finish first and second in the JWRC - after entering the series in 2002 - is a fantastic reward for all the years of passion, commitment and hard work by everyone involved,” Tajima said.

JWRC final standings

1. P-G Andersson (Suzuki Swift Super 1600) 43 points
2. Urmo Aava (Suzuki Swift Super 1600) 38 points
3. Martin Prokop (C2 Super 1600) 34 points
4. Josef Beres (Clio Super 1600) 26 points
5. Jaan Molder (Suzuki Swift Super 1600) 20 points

 

They completed more than 18,500km of trouble-free motoring in a Ford Territory, following where possible the same route taken by the 1932 adventurers and also taking pictures in the same location as the original travellers.

“We are very excited to have completed such a remarkable journey, it’s been the adventure of my lifetime,” said Mr Les Hewitt upon reaching the former Faram’s Brothers Hardware store in Port Melbourne, the start and end point of both the 1932 and 2007 expeditions.

“Completing the circumnavigation has great meaning personally and I believe it also has significance in Australian history. Both journeys captured unique aspects of the Australian way of life and thankfully both the slides and digital images will be preserved for future generations.”

The Hewitts were on the road for just over three months, the same amount of time the 1932 trip was away from home.

“The ease of operation offered by the Ford Territory and the more complete roading network compared with 75 years ago resulted in us completing the trip in far fewer days actual driving time than my uncle and his companions,” said Mr Hewitt.

“This allowed us a few days R&R during the journey, including stops at Margaret River, Broome, Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane. The frequent breaks provided an opportunity to thoroughly document our experience, so we have a complete journal to accompany the shots we’ve taken.

The Hewitts plan to catalogue the collection of images from both the 1932 and 2007 expeditions and have them available for display.

Stunt Driving Experience offers a new angle on motoring fun.

Calling all thrill-seekers, the exciting world of daredevil Hollywood stunt driving can now be performed by anyone with an eager spirit and sense of fun, or for those who just want to learn how it’s done.

Handbrake turns, jumps, spins and even two-wheeled driving doesn’t have to be the domain of just the movie screen with Driver Dynamics recently launching its Stunt Driving Experience.

Creator Kevin Flynn’s company Driver Dynamics has devised a packed half-day experience of fun and adrenaline. With elements taken from his course designed for professional stunt performers, anyone savvy enough to control a manual transmission can have one of the most unique experiences possible in a car, emulating stunts seen in Hollywood films such as The Dukes of Hazzard, The Bourne trilogy and The Italian Job.

With no experience necessary, after participants are given a brief outline of the course activities, they are put in the driver’s seat of the specially modified late-model stunt training cars. Based on easy-to-drive four-cylinder Toyotas, Flynn’s professional instructors - some Guinness World Records holders for driving tasks - will be in the passenger seat to calm nerves, provide motivation and offer advice and tips on how to master each of the stunts.

As a car-themed alternative to the clichéd bridge climbs and bungy jumps, the course includes teaching skills on how to perform a 180-degree handbrake turn and precision park and evolves into performing multiple 360 degree spins on Driver Dynamic’s unique Split Surface System.

The drawcards are the big stunts, starting with a ramp-to-ramp three-metre jump. After gaining speed up the 15 metres launch ramp, cars fly over a three-metre gap to a landing ramp for a thrilling sensation without damaging the car or back.

Once mastered, it’s onto the day’s biggest challenge of driving on two wheels, where the instructors take control to show how it’s done. Few places in the world offer this incredible experience.

Flynn says of the program: “We’ve designed the Stunt Driving Experience so anyone can come along and have some fun. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not specifically about driver training but if people are more aware of a car’s capabilities and drive safer as a result, then that’s a bonus.”

Featured on TV shows such as Channel 9’s The Car Show, and Channel 10’s Cybershack, Miss Australia 2006 Erin McNaught was a recent participant and was glowing with praise: “These guys give you a raw, adrenaline-fuelled experience,” said Ms McNaught. “There are no tedious safety lectures, no primary school tones. You can just hop in and do a three-metre ramp-to-ramp jump without breaking a sweat. This school has it all.”

All performed on the safety of a racetrack, with no experience necessary and ages ranging from 18 to 80, participants receive a certificate on completion.

Motorsport legend Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima has driven his Suzuki XL7 into the record books at the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States.

On July 21 the Japanese racing legend posted the fastest run ever recorded in the unlimited division at the annual ‘Race to the Clouds’.

Monster’s run of 10:01.04 seconds eclipsed the previous best time by more than three seconds.

“The car was fantastic,” said Monster. “I had a feeling throughout the race I would set the fastest time.”

He was mobbed by the large crowd after exiting the car, and celebrated when his record-breaking time was announced over the public address system.

“It’s fantastic and I’m very happy. But now I want to try again and beat the 10-minute barrier.”

The magical 10 minute mark is clearly within his reach. Each time he has raced at the event he has improved his time, and his specially prepared XL7 helped him secure his eighth ‘Race to the Sky’ championship in New Zealand in April.

The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the most famous in the motorsport world, and this year’s event was the 85th running, making it the second oldest auto race in the United States behind the Indianapolis 500.

The 20 kilometre track boasts 156 turns and an average uphill grade of seven per cent, with a maximum of 10.5 per cent.

The high elevation places unique strain and stress on driver and machine alike, starting 2900 metres above sea level and continues uphill the length of the track to the finish line, located 4300 metres above sea level or more than double the height of Mt Kosciuszko.

Drivers resort to oxygen bottles to maintain adequate levels of breathing, while the high altitudes strip around 30 per cent of the engine’s horsepower during the final few kilometers.

Monster’s Suzuki XL7 features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 that produces a stunning 750 kW (1007 horsepower) at 8500 rpm and 1000 Nm of torque at 6250 rpm.