Automotive
Saturday September 20, 2003: The Citro'n C5 Estate wagon has added a direct injection, common rail, turbocharged diesel HDI engine to its list of advanced features that include self-levelling suspension, the ability to "kneel" to aid loading or to lift its tail up to loading docks, plus automatic wipers, lights and emergency brakes. Read More
Friday September 19, 2003: One of the most celebrated cars in automotive history is coming to Australia - the car which Henry Ford drove to victory in an important motor race in 1901 which reversed his flagging fortunes of the time and enabled him to go on and build Ford Motor Company. Read More
Wednesday September 17, 2003: Mercedes' Vision CLS concept - a unique synthesis between a coup' and a saloon that incorporates the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars - is making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the supercharged "gullwing" SLR McLaren high-performance sports car. Read More
Tuesday September 16, 2003: Saab set-out to challenge the distinction between traditional hatchback and wagon bodystyles with its a new 'Sport-Hatch' concept unveiled on the eve of the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Read More
Monday September 15, 2003: Designed to provide the architecture for a new global range of mid to full size sedans from parent company GM, the Opel Insignia includes an aluminium V8 engine producing 344hp and can achieve an electronically controlled top speed of 250 kmh with acceleration from zero to 100 kmh in under six seconds. Read More
Monday September 15, 2003: Hyundai's CCS Convertible study features a unique three-phase slide and fold glass roof that enables the driver to change from glass roof, to open roof to complete top-down convertible at the touch of a button. Read More
Sunday September 14, 2003: The Frankfurt International Motor Show is one very difficult show to steal, but the R-D6 concept from Jaguar, with its distinctive grille, rear-hinging doors, lightweight aluminium and composite structure and twin turbocharged 2.7-litre diesel V6 engine, must come very close. Read More
Sunday September 14, 2003: Alfa Romeo has revealed its plans for a new 300 kmh super car that will reach 100 kmh in just 4.5 seconds at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The carbon fibre, two-seater Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is powered by a 4.2litre V8 delivering over 400 bhp at 7000 rpm that together with a 6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed above 300 kmh. Read More
Saturday September 13, 2003: The Ford Visos Concept adds a futuristic element to previous European model designs with its blue oval shape and innovative use of technology such as door-mounted cameras that supplement rear-view mirrors, and "active surfacing" that hides the car's aerodynamic features until it reaches "sport" mode at 90 kmh. Read More
Friday September 12, 2003: Audi have unveiled the stunning Le Mans Quattro sports car concept study at the 60th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Described as having inherited the genes of the Audi R8 - three-times winner of the Le Mans 24-Hours race - the high-performance mid-engined two-seater is powered by a longitudinally installed V10 'biturbo' engine, developing 449 kW (610 bhp) at 6,800 rpm and making 0 to 100 kmh in 3.7 seconds. Read More
