Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions

Holden will hit the streets with two new special edition models delivering very different approaches to Australia's best-selling car range.

The SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will achieve immediate attention with styling treatments even more aggressive than Holden's established performance hero models.

For motorists seeking great value, International sedan and Sportwagon models will deliver $7,500 of extra features (based on recommended retail price of extra features) including leather seat trim and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the two offerings highlighted the different ways in which Holden special editions stimulated demand in Australia's best-selling range.

"These vehicles cater to motorists at both ends of the Commodore-buying spectrum - those looking for great value and those looking for striking performance looks," Brook said.

"SS V-Series has always been about sports performance and ultimate road presence. Now we've dialled it up even further.

"The International edition is even better value when you combine extra features with the advanced 3.0 litre direct injection engine and 6-speed automatic transmission."

SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute

The SS V-Series Special Edition will boast a new aggressive twin nostril front fascia with unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The sedan variant will feature a decklid spoiler and chrome highlights.

On sale from November, the SS V-Series Special Edition will be available in three colours – Phantom black, Red Hot and Voodoo blue.

The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), not including dealer delivery or Government charges, for the three SS V-Series Special Edition packs are carryover from the standard SS V-Series models and are as follows:

*
VE Ute SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $47,490 RRP
*
VE Commodore sedan SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $55,290 RRP
*
VE Sportwagon SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $57,290 RRP
*
Six-speed automatic transmission +$2,000 RRP


The SS V-Series Special Edition Ute will make its debut at this year's Deni Ute Muster which starts on Friday 2 October.

"Holden has sponsored the Deni Ute Muster for 11 consecutive years and its popularity continues to grow," Brook said.

"The event that attracts the country's most passionate Ute enthusiasts is the perfect place to launch this special edition Ute."

Special Edition International Sedan and Sportwagon

The new International offers an impressive level of standard features, five star safety and the performance and refinement of the all new 3.0 litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain offers fuel efficiency that is better than some major four cylinder competitors.

In addition to Omega, the Special Edition Commodore International includes:

*
18 inch alloy wheels (4)
*
Berlina front grille
*
Leather appointed seat trim
*
Leather wrapped steering wheel
*
Bluetooth for compatible mobile phones
*
International badge
*
Chrome decklid eyebrow moulding (sedan only)
*
Rear Park Assist (sedan only as already standard on all Sportwagon models)

On Sale from November, the driveaway pricing for the two International packs is as follows:

*
VE Commodore International Sedan (auto) $35,990 driveaway
*
VE Commodore International Sportwagon (auto) $37,990 driveaway
*
Metallic paint $500

A 3.6 litre dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission is available on Commodore International sedan only.

Source: Holden

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McLaren Automotive announces Regional Directors for North America and Europe

* McLaren Automotive global network takes shape with appointments of European and North American regional directors
* Anthony Joseph to head up McLaren Automotive North America
* Christian Marti to head up McLaren Automotive Europe
* Joseph and Marti join Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director Middle East and Africa, in McLaren Automotive global network

Following the recent unveiling of the new McLaren MP4-12C, the first in the company's range of high performance sports cars, McLaren Automotive can now confirm two senior appointments within its global operations.

Anthony Joseph joins the company as Regional Director of North America and Christian Marti as Regional Director of Europe. In preparation for the global launch of the 12C in 2011 they are joining the previously appointed Regional Director of Middle East and Africa, Ian Gorsuch, to begin building a global retail network, and sales and marketing teams for each region.

McLaren North America will be based in the New York tri-state area and McLaren Europe will be based within the McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, UK.

Joseph and Marti's teams will contribute to a global sales, marketing and aftersales network challenged with setting new standards for service in the performance car sector, whilst ensuring that McLaren Automotive's quality and performance goals are transferred throughout their regions.

Joseph will develop a team to support an initial network of up to 10 dedicated McLaren franchises in the USA and Canada. Marti's team will initially work with up to 15 retailers in Europe.

With vast experience in the performance car retail and wholesale business, Joseph said of his appointment: "This is such an amazing opportunity to be part of the launch of not just a brand new range of high-tech sports cars, but the launch of a new car company in a region which will be a major market for McLaren Automotive. Utilising our engineering expertise and racing heritage, we will build cars using nothing but McLaren components, in lower numbers, and higher quality than our competitors. This ensures exclusivity, which I'm sure will be a major factor in generating strong demand and ongoing high residual values from 2011.

"We are initially working to locate and establish a select group of retail partners to best serve our customer base and represent McLaren Automotive going forward. There has been significant enthusiasm from a number of existing luxury car retailers throughout North America, and our first challenge is finding those who really buy-in to our evolving business aspirations."

Marti, who complements Joseph with his experience of launching premium brand automotive organisations in new markets, said of his appointment: "It is a wonderful chance to be a part of a new organisation launching such an exciting and ground-breaking car. With McLaren's racing pedigree well known and appreciated across Europe, coupled with the passion amongst automotive aficionados for the McLaren F1, I feel that this will ensure a growing demand for the McLaren range in the region.

"Starting a business from scratch is such a unique opportunity, and to have the flexibility to focus our attentions on what is best for the business gives us an immediate competitive advantage. By working to recruit a relatively small retail network I am looking to uphold the McLaren philosophy - 'everything for a reason', by ensuring that our customers get the best service possible, and that they get nothing but pure McLaren."

Both Joseph and Marti will report into Antony Sheriff, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive, based at the company's global headquarters, the McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, UK.

Sheriff said of the appointments: "I am really pleased that Tony and Christian have joined us. Not only are we driven to launch the best sports cars in the world, but we are passionate about doing that in a new way that focuses attention on the customer. Tony and Christian immediately bought into that ethos and will push forward this attitude through their sales and marketing networks. Their respective skills will add to our global operation and this is a fundamental aspect of how we work - we are a team and want our regional people and our customers to be part of that team."

Notes to editors

* Anthony Joseph biography: Bachelor Degree in Business from Western Michigan University. Began in the automotive industry with Subaru of America in the mid 90's as a District Sales Manager. In 1998 he joined Porsche North America as a Regional Manager. In early 2002 Anthony left Porsche to manage a Porsche Dealership in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania providing him with retail experience. In Mid-2003 he moved to New York to join Ferrari - Maserati North America focused on Maserati's re-establishment in North America. Anthony moved to Ferrari North America and became North America Sales Director when Ferrari and Maserati separated. In June 2009 he joined McLaren and became the North America Regional Director of McLaren Automotive.

* Christian Marti biography: Studied Management Engineering and gained an MBA in International Business Management. Christian began his career in the automotive industry as a Product Manager at BMW in 1993, moving to Renault to become Product Director in 1999. In 2002, Christian left Renault to deliver the merger of Jaguar & Land Rover Austria. Over the next six years Christian held a number of Managing Director positions at Jaguar Land Rover, including recruiting and establishing a team and office in China. In 2008, he became the first CEO of Porsche Cars Canada before joining McLaren Automotive as Head of Europe in 2009.

* The McLaren MP4-12C was launched on Sept 9, 2009. It is the first in a range of high performance sports cars that McLaren Automotive will design, build and sell from spring 2011. The 12C uses revolutionary technology and Formula 1-inspired processes that introduce new levels of performance to the 'core' market segment of sports cars between £125,000 and £175,000.
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Mitsubishi PX-MiEV and i-MiEV CARGO Concepts to Debut in Tokyo

MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT THE 41ST TOKYO MOTOR SHOW



Tokyo, 30th September 2009 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will be showing a
total of 16 cars at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in October. Among cars on display
at the Mitsubishi Motor stand include two concept cars developed to a "The EV*:
Its dawn and future" theme: the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV and the i-MiEV CARGO,
the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle for which the company is currently
accepting pre-orders for the start of sales to individual customers in April
2010; and 10 current production vehicles that qualify for eco-car tax incentives
in Japan. The 41st Tokyo Motor Show will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba
Prefecture just outside metropolitan Tokyo, open to the public from October 24
through November 4, with press and media days October 21 and 22.



*electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle

WORLD PREMIERE: MITSUBISHI CONCEPT PX-MiEV

Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends
the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept-PX*
MiEV† returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/litre. The Mitsubishi Concept
PX-MiEV is a new-generation concept car that balances high environmental
performance with running performance by utilizing differential motors and
Mitsubishi's all-new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), that utilises E-AYC
(Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which transfers torque to the rear left
and right wheels. Other features include Mitsubishi's cocochi-interior**, which
provides occupants with a comfortable cabin environment, as well as many of the
latest safety technologies.



* PX: Plug-in hybrid crossover. † MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle

** "cocochi" is a pun on the Japanese word for "cosy"

WORLD PREMIERE: i-MiEV CARGO

Derived from the production i-MiEV, this concept maximises the outstanding
environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define
the EV and at the same time adds a generous amount of rear free space to extend
the range of uses to which it can be put by corporate users and self-employed
operators in particular. The rear space features space-efficient cubic
dimensions to allow the user to exercise their imagination fully in adapting it
for whatever use he/she chooses. The result is a concept for an EV that meets
user needs for a variety of situations: from business use, where maximum payload
space is required, to leisure and other individual owner uses.

MITSUBISHI CONCEPT PX-MiEV (SHOW MODEL)



1. Design

Solid, Safe, and Simple were the keywords which drove the development of an
exterior design suitable for a next-generation crossover that creates simple
appearance from which all extraneous elements have been pared and that is free
of the "rugged" elements typical in conventional SUVs. The headlamps and rear
combination lamps use LED emitters that give the car an innovative and modern
appearance as well as delivering better environmental performance with their
reduced power consumption. The body uses a newly-developed metal colour that
gives the car a metal shell-like appearance. Combining elements of both spoke
and dish styling, the road wheel design highlights an unprecedented new look to
the body as well improving brake cooling and aerodynamic performance.



The interior was designed to give an image of an airplane cockpit to improve the
driver's concentration, with an instrument panel that envelops the passengers
and utilises seats that keep the passengers firmly in place. In addition, the
entire instrument panel and door trim utilise soft LED lighting that express the
vehicle's innovation and refinement.



2. Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV's front and rear wheels are powered by two
permanent magnet synchronous motors and is also fitted with a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC
gasoline engine which can power the front wheels as well as work as a generator.
In addition, the vehicle comes with the newly-developed Mitsubishi Plug-in
Hybrid System in which electronic circuitry automatically switches to the
optimum drive mode for different driving conditions and remaining energy in the
drive battery to extract maximum efficiency from the electric motors and from
the gasoline engine. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also utilises the MiEV OS (MiEV
Operating System) which selects the optimum drive mode through integrated
control of the EV components and the gasoline engine as well as controls optimum
electrical charge and output in response to remaining battery energy through
constant monitoring of the drive battery. With these, a pleasing, safe, and
comfortable ride is achieved while conserving energy. In addition, to maximise
effective use of the drive battery, the vehicle is equipped with a power supply
mode that allows the use of some battery power to supply domestic appliances or
as an emergency power source in the event of a natural disaster.



* EV mode



At low to middle vehicle speeds the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV's drive battery
powers the front motor using front-wheel drive. When driving on snow, in the
rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum vehicle stability
is required, the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by
feeding power to the rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any front
wheel slip.



* Series hybrid mode



When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls to a predetermined level
the system starts the gasoline engine to generate electricity and automatically
switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity generated to power the
motors. In this mode as well, the system switches to four-wheel drive by driving
the rear motor depending on driving conditions.



* Parallel hybrid mode



At higher vehicle speeds the car is supported by the gasoline engine which
operates more efficiently than the electric motors at high revolutions. In this
mode, the gasoline engine also helps drive the wheels. When the driver makes
sudden lane changes or other manoeuvres requiring greater vehicle stability the
system switches to four-wheel drive by bringing in the rear motor to drive the
rear wheels, improving stability. In addition when overtaking at higher speeds
or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system switches in both
front and rear motors to provide additional power and assist the gasoline
engine, providing high acceleration.



* Regenerative mode



When the vehicle is slowing or coasting down a long descending slope the system
switches to regenerative mode in which kinetic energy reclaimed from the wheels
is stored in the drive battery.



* Charging mode



As with the production i-MiEV, Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV features a 3-way
battery charging system using either a 100-volt or a 200-volt domestic supply or
a high-power quick-charging station. The system also incorporates a Wireless
Charging Program feature that allows the owner to start charging the battery or
start the air conditioner at a preset time even when away from the vehicle.



* Power supply mode



As a way to maximise the usefulness of the power stored in the drive battery
based on the "Smart Grid Framework," which garners attention as a link in
tackling global warming, when not on the road the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
allows the owner to store electricity at night and then use that electricity via
the normal charging connector to power home appliances during the daytime when
domestic electricity consumption is highest. This allows the drive battery to be
used as a power source in the event of a natural disaster. Should the
electricity left in the battery fall below a predetermined level, the gasoline
engine starts up and works as generator to maintain the power supply at a fixed
level.



A 100-volt AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment also allows the
electricity stored in the drive battery to be used to power cooking or lighting
equipment and other appliances when camping or engaged in other leisure
activities.



3. Drive system

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses Mitsubishi's S-AWC integrated vehicle handling
control system which is configured around an E-4WD (Electronically-powered
four-wheel drive) system that controls front and rear motor output to deliver
the optimum front/rear drive torque split. Under the integrated control of the
S-AWC system are E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control), which controls
left/right torque split at the rear wheels and the degree of deceleration energy
recovery, ASC (Active Stability Control) and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
components.



Unlike the AYC system on the Lancer Evolution X which uses a wet multi-plate
clutch arrangement, E-AYC uses a differential motor to control rear wheel torque
split. The use of the differential motor makes for a high-efficiency system with
outstanding response and contributes to the on-demand handling and outstanding
vehicle stability that characterises the S-AWC system.



4. cocochi-interior

Some Mitsubishi Motors production cars already feature the cocochi-interior
which embraces occupants in a pleasantly comfortable cabin environment developed
to a "Clean, Stress-free and Safe & Reassuring" theme. For Mitsubishi Concept
PX-MiEV the cocochi-interior brings a number of new features including: seat
upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down VOC's (volatile organic
compounds) and offensive odour molecules as well as killing bacteria; glass that
shuts out UV-A radiation to protect skin from darkening and aging; and a
negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher that improve comfort and
reduce fatigue. The original and the new cocochi-interior features provide a
cabin atmosphere that enhances occupant comfort as well as contributing to safer
operation of the vehicle.



5. Cabin heat load reducing technologies

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses a windshield that uses heat-reflecting glass
to reduce the amount of heat energy passing through and uses IR- (infrared ray)
blocking glass in the door windows. The body paint also incorporates
heat-reflective and insulation technology. Inside the vehicle the four seats are
individually air conditioned and cabin humidity is regulated. The adoption of
these heat load reducing technologies allows efficient climate control while
reducing power consumption to the absolute minimum in making for a very
comfortable occupant space.



6. Latest active safety technologies

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV showcases several new active safety technologies.



* The "New Multi-around Monitor" system uses cameras located at strategic points
on the body to provide the driver with a combined image of the full perimeter of
the vehicle. The combined image is displayed for the driver on a monitor from an
overhead view for improved safety around the perimeter of the vehicle.

* The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is equipped for the Driving Safety Support
System (DSSS (Level II)) currently being promoted by the Japanese National
Police Agency. In this advanced vehicle-infrastructure safety support system, an
on-board receiver picks up signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons and
the system urges the driver to take extra care when other vehicles or
pedestrians have been detected by roadside sensors and cameras at intersections
and pedestrian crossings.

* Employing a system that uses wireless technology to ascertain the position of
other vehicles and warn the driver when their proximity so requires, the
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also supports the Advanced Safety Vehicle 4 (ASV4)
project being promoted by the Road Transport Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

* The vehicle is also fitted with a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC*1)
system, employing the road-to-vehicle communications capabilities used in
Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to determine the position of the vehicle and
whether it is parked or not.



*1 5.8 GHz band two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed
for automotive use.



7. Other features

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is fitted with electronically-controlled air
suspension that gives the driver the choice of three ride height modes - Auto,
High, Low - for improved stability over poor surfaces or at high speeds and for
easier access to and from the vehicle.



The concept also uses a new-generation steering wheel switch and control layout
that offers outstanding usability and switch visibility for safer and less
stressful driving. Some of the audio, navigation, and climate control switches
are located on the steering wheel so that the driver can operate them without
having to take a hand off the wheel. Switch operation indicators located in the
instrument panel make it quicker and easier for the driver to visually check and
control the switch positions.



In the Driving Monitor System a camera mounted facing the driver monitors eye
movements to determine their level of alertness. If the system detects a
decrease in their concentration it issues not only audible but visual and
vibrational warnings and also emits a distinctive fragrance to alert him/her to
the situation.

MITSUBISHI CONCEPT PX-MiEV SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length	4510 mm
Overall width	1830 mm
Overall height	1655 mm
Wheelbase	2630 mm
Track F/R	1570 mm / 1570 mm
Occupants	4
Motors (front and rear)	Permanent magnet synchronous
Max. output	60 kW (front and rear)
Max. torque	200 Nm (front and rear)
10-15 mode EV cruising range	Over 50km
Engine	1.6L DOHC MIVEC (gasoline)
Max. output	85 kW
Max. torque	125 Nm
Generating capacity	70 kW
10-15 mode fuel consumption	Over 50 km/L
Drive train	E-4WD
Tire size	245/45R20

　

i-MiEV CARGO (SHOW MODEL)



1. Design

The i-MiEV CARGO's unique styling was developed around a "joint" design concept
as it links the i-MiEV's curvaceous front section with a square rear end to give
the vehicle a distinctive road presence in a wide variety of situations. Inside,
the clean and simple styling eliminates extraneous elements and details to
improve usability and create an interior space characterised by its
free-thinking design and originality.



2. Luggage compartment

Measuring 1350 mm wide by 1180 mm deep and 1100 mm high and having a flat floor,
the cube-shaped luggage compartment at the rear of the vehicle allows every inch
of available space to be utilised. The height of the compartment floor has been
designed to facilitate loading and unloading of luggage and make it more
user-friendly.

i-MiEV CARGO SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length	3395 mm
Overall width	1475 mm
Overall height	1860 mm
Wheelbase	2550 mm
Track F/R	1310 mm / 1270 mm
Occupants	2
Motor	Permanent magnet synchronous
Max. output	47 kW
Max. torque	180 Nm
Max. cruising range	160 km
Drive train	Rear wheel drive
Tire size	Front: 145/65R15; Rear: 175/55R15

 

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