Automobile News

The French manufacturer is pushing the generational car model change way forward with the new coupe cabriolet Peugeot 308 CC: the Cabrio, with a metal convertible roof, will first be showcased at the Parisian Auto Show in October, and roll onto dealer lots in early 2009.

The convertible variant of the 308 series maintains much of the looks and appearance typical of the series. The shark mouth front appearance, with the headlights as the eyes and the grill as the teeth, as well as a higher back than front, both highlight two of the car’s distinctive features. The new LED taillights are also quite noticeable. The transformation from coupe to cabrio takes around 20 seconds, and the driver can follow this metamorphosis on the colour screen in the middle console.

The four seater’s interior is focused on providing comfort: the seats are equipped with devices that warm the driver’s and passenger’s necks. Seat heaters and air conditioning are also on board. With the top down the boot room is 226 litres, but with the roof closed the space expands to 403 litres.

A 2.0 litre diesel engine with a performance of 103 kW/ 140 HP will power the car when it is released early next year. A model will follow later with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, featuring a turbo charger and direct petrol input, and an engine performance of 110 kW/ 150 HP. Both engines come with a manual six gear transmission, although an automatic is optionally available. An electronic stability programme helps provide added security. Prices have yet to be released for the 308 CC, but we can expect the upcoming diesel model to be going for around £23,000.

The BMW 3 Series is getting updated with new engine combinations, as well as a slightly different interior and exterior design. The revamped limousine and estate car are starting in September, while the coupe and cabriolet remain unchanged.

The facelift is immediately recognisable with the larger ventilators on the front grill, new headlights, an expanded wheel alignment on the rear axle, and two new indents on the front engine bonnet. The interior gets remade with new colours and materials, while the iDrive interface has received additional buttons and its menu has also been restructured.

The six cylinder diesel motor from the BMW 330d has been redeveloped. Compared to its predecessor, the engine offers 14 additional horse power with a total of 180 kW/ 245 HP, while the fuel consumption has dropped by 0.4 litres to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Nine other engines are also available: five petrol engines with a performance range of 105 kW/ 143 HP to 225 kW/306 HP, as well as four additional diesels with 105 kW/ 143 HP to 180 kW/ 245 HP.

There are more available transmission options than before. The entry level petrol model is also available with a six gear automatic starting September. The otherwise unchanged coupe and cabriolet variants can be ordered with a seven gear double-clutch transmission. Furthermore, the BMW 320d four cylinder diesel engine can now be combined with all wheel drive for the first time. Prices have yet to be released, but will probably start at around £21,700.

Ferrari has shown us the first pictures of the California, which is not available until autumn this year, with the roof closed. The three seater – yes, there is third seat behind the driver and front seat passenger – manages 460 HP and is 4.56 metres long.

The California is the first Coupe-Cabriolet from Ferrari. The electric fold-away hardtop closes in 14 seconds. This is the first time the Italian sports car manufacturer is including a seven gear double clutch transmission in a street legal vehicle. Ferrari puts the consumption at 8.1 litres per mile.

The XKR-S coupe is coming onto the market in August for a price of £70,995. The rear-wheel drive coupe is propelled by the 306 kW/416 HP V8 compressor motor from the previous top XKR model. However, the XKR-S manages a top speed of 173 mph that is 18 mph faster than its predecessor. The newer model also possesses a lower bodywork, reworked steering, and stronger brakes. The light modifications to the front and rear of the car, as well as the 20 inch wheels, distinguish this extra fast model from the regular edition visually.

The revamped Citroen C4 is coming to car dealers this autumn with new motors and a lightly retuned design. The immediately apparent changes include more chrome on the front, an enlarged company logo on the newly formed cooler grill, and an engine hood with more arch and convexity. The inside has also gotten a makeover as the instrument and armrest design have both been refreshed.

Two petrol engines, developed with cooperation from BMW, are located under the hood. The 88 kW/ 120 HP strong 1.6 litre motor with variable ventilator control replaces the 1.6 litre motor with 80 kW/ 109 HP, offered previously. In combination with the 5 gear standard transmission, the consumption should sink to 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. A turbo-loaded 1.6 litre motor with 110 kW/ 150 HP is offered instead of the 2.0 litre petrol motor, and it should manage 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres with a manual six gear transmission. Both transmissions should also alternatively be available with four gears.

The prices, however, have remained stabile; the coupe-esque three door is available for around £13,000, while the five door hatchback limousine will cost a minimum of £13,250.

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