GMC Yukon Hybrid to be featured in Super Bowl

General Motors has announced that the GMC Yukon Hybrid will be presented in a 60-second commercial during the second quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl telecast.

The commercial uses images from Sisyphus, a 1976 Oscar-nominated short film by Hungarian animator Marcell Jankovics. In the animated commercial, a person is shown pushing a ball up a hill. The narrator asks: "Why push? Why change? Why grow? Why dream?"

GMC calls the Yukon Hybrid the first full-sized hybrid SUV. Leo Burnett Worldwide, GMC’s new ad agency, created the spot.

Super Bowl XLII airs on Fox on Sunday, Feb. 3. The network is charging advertisers about $2.7 million for 30 seconds of airtime.

Cadillac will air a 30-second commercial during the pre-game show and two spots during the post-game show, Cadillac spokesman Kevin Smith said today. The commercials are for the Escalade SUV and CTS sedan, he said. The Modernista ad agency created those spots.

2008 Mazda Atenza

Mazda launched today the all-new Atenza (Mazda6) in Japan. It will come in three body styles - Sedan, Sport (5-door hatchback), and Sport Wagon. Developed in line with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom evolution concept, the all-new Mazda Atenza’s design theme is "Bold & Exquisite."

The new Atenza is powered by a newly developed MZR 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions which are newly combined with Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control.


One of the safety features found in the new Atenza is Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. When driving at speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver.

The new Mazda Atenza price starts at 2,070,000 yen for the entry level Mazda Atenza Sedan and goes up to 2,670,000 yen for the Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon.

Press release

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of the fully remodeled Mazda Atenza (known as the all-new Mazda6 overseas) in Japan. Available in three body styles - Sedan, Sport (5-door hatchback), and Sport Wagon - Mazda’s globally acclaimed mid-size car goes on sale from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Developed in line with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom evolution concept, the all-new Mazda Atenza’s design theme is “Bold & Exquisite.” The exterior look expresses a combination of athleticism and delicate grace in all three body styles. Sporty and sophisticated interior design creates an environment in which drivers can experience real driving pleasure, comfort and a feeling of security.


Launched in Japan in May 2002, the first generation Atenza combined unique and attractive styling with exceptional driving performance. Now, the second generation model takes these characteristics one step further through substantially enhanced environmental and safety performance. With top class aerodynamics, it features improved high speed stability, ride quality and quietness, providing enhanced comfort levels worthy of the “ultimate high speed long-distance touring car.”

Mazda’s newly developed MZR 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions which are newly combined with Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control*1, further evolve the exceptional driving dynamics that were highly acclaimed on the first Atenza. The all-new Atenza is larger than its predecessor, but increased use of high tensile steel has helped reduce the overall vehicle weight. In combination with the top-class aerodynamics, this contributes to improved fuel economy. To lower running costs, the use of regular gasoline is now recommended for all model grades.




Safety features on the all-new Mazda Atenza include Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. When driving at speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver. Another new feature is CF-Net (Cross Functional Network) functionality, a combination of switches on the steering wheel with a centralized display at the top of the instrument panel, which provide simple control of all systems, including air conditioning and audio. This helps the driver focus on the road and reduces hand movement away from the steering wheel. Other safety attributes include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Traction Control System (TCS) as standard equipment on all the 2.5-liter model grades. Mazda’s enhanced safety equipment and functionality promote safe and comfortable driving.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range from 2,070,000 to 2,500,000 yen for the all-new Mazda Atenza Sedan, 2,280,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport version, and from 2,200,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport Wagon model (all prices include consumption tax)

Ferrari 360 in snow

in CT Ferrari stuck in the snow (more)

Jaguar E-Type coming back

The Jaguar E-type was a sports car produced by Jaguar between 1961 and 1974. But enough with "was". Jaguar is ready to bring back to life the legend!. The upcoming two-seater sports car will come to take on the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

The sale of the brand will happen in the next few weeks, and Tata, the future owner is giving the green light to the sports car. The company already announced intention to put into production the F-Type Concept, as a competition for the Porsche Boxster.

The future E-Type will be designed especially for real sports car enthusiasts, leaving the current XK Coupé and convertible to cater for owners wanting a more luxurious Grand Tourer.

More about the future E-Type after the jump.


Under the hood there will be a 4.2 liter V8 engine for the entry levels; while the top of the line will be powered by a 5.0 liters supercharged engine that will deliver 500 hp. All engines will be mated by Jaguar’s six-speed automatic gearbox, and come complete with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters, while the suspension will feature special Audi-style magnetic dampers.

Anyway, we can’t tell you the exact date when the E-Type will come back, as Jaguar’s first priority is the stunning new XJ saloon. Evolving the look of the XF, it will feature an even more rakish shape, and will be powered by a range of revised engines, including the company’s first hybrid.

F1 license plate bought for $740.000

When it comes about a car you love, you might understand why someone will pay almost $1 million for it, but when you pay this amount of money for a F1 license plate... well, you might have reasons not to agree with the guy! But who am I to tell people what to do with their money, right?

The man who did this is the businessman Afzal Kahn (Kahn Design owner) who paid this week-end £375,000 plus VAT (meaning £440,625 or $873,000) for a F1 license plate, Britain’s most expensive registration.

Previous record was £331,000 for M1, sold by auctioneers Bonhams in July 2006.


The license plate was put on a new Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR, which cost £200,000 less than the number.

It is a 104 years-old registration, and previously was on a £30,000 Volvo S80 used by the council chairman.

"I knew I just had to have it," said Mr Kahn. "I have spent years chasing it. I cannot believe I’ve finally got it. I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious plate. It’s every man’s dream to have his perfect car with a number plate like this."

The money will be used for charity which aims to raise the standards of young drivers.

Nissan 370Z to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

Nissan will unveil at the Paris Motor Show this autumn the revised Nissan 350Z. Instead of a regular 3.5 liter engine, the new model will be powered by the same 3.7 engine that is being used in the Infiniti G37. The new engine means a new name for the future sports car: 370Z.




Even if there is no info about how the power will increase, we are sure that there will be a big difference between the current 350Z and the future 370Z. The history tells it: starting with 130 hp for the first generation, up to 145 hp, 160hp, 222hp and 306 for the current 350Z.


The 370Z will have improved performances compared to the current 350Z, but Nissan will try to keep the price under the $30k range

Mercedes CLC

Mercedes unveiled today the CLC-Class, a model designed for young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality. The new Sports Coupe will go on sale in May 2008.

The CLC is offered in six different versions: four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 122 hp to 272 hp. The CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR develops 204 hp and has a fuel consumption of 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle - the equivalent of up to 0.7 litres less than before. All the engines are mated with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but you can also choose a five-speed automatic transmission for the four‑cylinder units, and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission for the V6 models.



The CLC 200 CDI is powered by a 2148 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 122 hp and a peak torque of 270 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm. It makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 11.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 206 km/h. The CLC 220 CDI is powered by a 2148 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 150 hp and a peak torque of 340 Nm at 2000 rpm. This version makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 224 km/h.

The CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR is powered by a 1796 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 143 hp and a peak torque of 230 Nm at 2500-4200 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 9.7 seconds and you will be able to hit a top speed of 220 km/h. The CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR is powered by a 1796 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 184 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm at 2800-5000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 8.6 seconds and the top speed is 235 km/h.

The CLC 230 is powered by a 2496 cc V6 engine that delivers 204 hp and a peak torque of 245 Nm at 2900-5500 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 8.4 seconds and you will be able to hit a top speed of 240 km/h. The top of the class, the CLC 350 is powered by a 3498 cc V6 engine that delivers 272 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm. You will be able to make the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).



The CLC features as standard 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and 225/40 R 18 (front) and 245/35 R 18 (rear) tyres. Optional extras available for this model variant include multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (18 inch) and AMG light-alloy wheels (18 inch).


Press release

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a stand-alone model series in the guise of the new CLC, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz coupé family. The Sports Coupé’s design, technology and equipment meet the discerning requirements of young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality. Compared with the previous Sports Coupé, the Mercedes engineers have newly developed or enhanced over 1100 components.


Engineering highlights of the CLC include a new direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring a colour display, Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation and media interface, as well as an uprated four-cylinder engine that now develops 135 kW/184 hp. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10.8 percent compared with the outgoing model.

The compact body dimensions and the muscular lines emphasise the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The Mercedes designers have completely redesigned the front and rear so that the Sports Coupé embodies the contemporary Mercedes design idiom with its distinctive coupé radiator grille featuring a large Mercedes star in the centre, and the new projection-beam headlamps. The S-Class, the luxury CL-Class Coupé and the C-Class provided the stylistic models. The redesigned large tailgate conceals a variable boot with up to 1100 litres of luggage capacity. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs which make up the third brake light unit and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is akin to a contemporary tailor-made suit - custom-fit and comfortable. Sports seats with better lateral support than ever, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim elements form part of the standard specification.


A choice of seat covers in black, alpaca grey and a particularly stylish combination of black and red are available to give the interior its individual colour scheme.

Sports package with new direct-steer system and 18-inch wheels
Mercedes-Benz has put together the sports package for drivers looking for sporting flair. It includes exclusive engineering innovations and equipment extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with black inner surrounds, sports suspension with lowered body, leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements. Another special feature which the CLC inherits from its racing car counterparts is the instrument cluster with red needles for the speedometer and rev counter. Once the engine is switched on, these needles spin once around the dial before returning to their start positions.

The standard specification for the sports package includes a new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile driving experience of the CLC while adding an important boost to safety. This new feature is based on the speed-sensitive power steering and also offers a variable rack ratio which changes as a function of the steering angle so that the driver only has to turn the wheel slightly when cornering; the Sports Coupé therefore responds far more spontaneously to steering commands and offers even sportier handling. As a result, the direct-steer system also improves handling safety in critical situations - for instance when taking sudden evasive action - as the field tests conducted by the Mercedes engineers demonstrate.

Engines: fuel consumption reduced by up to 10.8 percent
Mercedes-Benz offers four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW/272 hp for the new CLC. The 135 kW/184 hp powerplant in the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now develops an extra 15 kW/20 hp while consuming just 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle - the equivalent of up to 0.7 litres less than before. In consumption terms, with its advanced turbodiesel engines, the CLC falls into the five-litre category: the CLC 200 CDI returns a consumption of 5.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle, up to 10.8 percent less than the outgoing model. The CDI models boast operating ranges of over 1000 kilometres with a full tank (62 litres).

The six-speed manual transmission comes as standard with all engine variants. Mercedes-Benz can also supply a five-speed automatic transmission for the four‑cylinder units, and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission for the V6 models. In combination with the sports package, the driver can use gearshift paddles on the steering wheel to select the gears of the automatic transmission manually and make optimum use of the engines’ high power reserves when the driving situation calls for it.

Infotainment: state-of-the-art technology for navigation and musical enjoyment on wheels




The Mercedes engineers have developed a new generation of infotainment units for the CLC, bringing luxury-class cutting-edge technology to the Sports Coupé as of September 2008. Three units are available, offering a superb combination of colour display, twin tuner, speed-sensitive volume control and Bluetooth mobile phone interface. An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can now also be connected to the infotainment system. A new universal media interface (optional extra) links these devices to the on-board electronics and the Sports Coupé’s control system, allowing the iPod tracks to be displayed in the instrument cluster and on the colour screen in the centre console. Tracks can then be selected conveniently using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The new Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS units come with a Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation system. The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which Mercedes-Benz has upgraded with a new whole-word recognition capability, is fitted as standard if the integrated six-disc DVD changer is specified. LINGUATRONIC enables the driver to conveniently operate the telephone, audio and navigation system.

Success story: Sports Coupé with extensive conquest potential
The new CLC is the successor to a successful Mercedes model that boasts some 320,000 drivers around the world to its name since 2001. The majority of these were new Mercedes customers. Its high conquest rate of some 70 percent made the Sports Coupé one of the most successful models in the Mercedes strategic product initiative. With the help of a compelling two-door model, the Stuttgart-based car maker has managed to fire customers’ imagination over the long term. Over 40 percent of buyers opted for a larger Mercedes model after the Sports Coupé and are currently driving an E-Class, CLK or an SLK.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, high-quality equipment and appointments, and enhanced technology, the new Mercedes-Benz CLC offers even more conquest potential than its predecessor. The public will get the chance to take a close look at the Sports Coupé for the first time at the European Mercedes sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships in May 2008.