Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 165Hp by Loder1899

Bavarian tuner Loder1899 has developed a new sport package for the recently facelifted European Ford Focus. The bodykit, which is available on all three and five-door variants expect for the ST, consists of a front spoiler, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and side skirts combined with 5-spoke alloy wheels (17 to 20-inch) and a 35mm lowering kit. In addition, the Bavarian tuner offers an engine upgrade kit for the 2.0 diesel version that gains an extra 30 Hp thanks to the new ECU and sport exhaust system.

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Mitsubishi Fits Outlander with EVO X’s Twin-Clutch SST Transmission

Mitsubishi has revealed that the Outlander SUV will be offered in Europe with the Lancer Evolution X’s Twin Clutch SST. The new 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox offers faster gear shifts along with lower fuel consumption and emissions versus manual transmissions. Further specification details are still to be announced, but the European Outlander Twin-Clutch SST models will come complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (Normal/Sport) and Hill Start Assist functions. The Outlander Twin Clutch SST will first be displayed at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, before a retail launch during the first quarter of 2009. No word yet on when Mitsubishi will start offering the US Spec Outlander with the dual-clutch transmission.

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New Audi TT with 160Hp 1.8 TFSI Engine

Along with the TTS (2.0-liter, 272 Hp) and the TT 2.0 TDi (2.0-liter turbo diesel, 170Hp) that were presented earlier this year, yet another newcomer has been added to Audi’s sports car family: the TT 1.8 TFSI that is equipped with the VW Group’s 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that has an output of 160 hp and reaches 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Available in both coupe and roadster forms, the TT Coupe 1.8 TFSi sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds while according to Audi, it features an average fuel consumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg). The new basic version of the TT family will make its official debut at the Leipzig Auto Show in Germany in April, with sales in Europe following shortly after.

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Mazda’s Domestic Production Surpasses 1 Million Units in Fiscal Year 2007

Today, Mazda announced that production in Japan during fiscal year 2007 has exceeded one million units, marking the Japanese carmaker’s highest domestic production volume in 15 years since 1992. Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics, said:
“We want to thank all of our valued customers across the globe who have supported Mazda and helped us break the previous 15 year-old production record. Producing over one million vehicles in Japan during the first year of our new mid-term plan, the Mazda Advancement Plan, is extremely significant. This achievement shows we are on track to reach the targets set out in the plan. We will strive to maintain this momentum and drive Mazda’s growth forward.”

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2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Facelift

After yesterday’s internet leak, Mercedes-Benz went ahead and released all the official data on its subtlety revised 2009 A-Class hatch prior to the car’s public debut which is set for the April 5 at the Leipzig Auto Show in Germany. In a nutshell, the A-Class has received minor aesthetic changes in the front and rear end while inside, it features larger stowage compartments and new fabrics.

While the A-Class maintains the same engine range as before, thanks to further detailed enhancements, fuel consumption of diesel units has been reduced by over 8 percent or 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the outgoing models. Additionally, the ECO start/stop function is available for the first time for the high-volume A 150 and A 170 models, which further reduces fuel consumption.

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