Ultimate Test Drive ultimate expression of confidence: Ford's marketing boss
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It's rare for members of the public to get a look into a car games that's yet to be launched. Normally the best we can expect is a quick look through among jostling crowds at a motor show.
It's rare to drive an all-new car before it appears in dealer showrooms, and rarer still to get a chance to live with it. But that's what The Ultimate Test Drive competition, brought to you by Carsales Network and the new Ford Focus, is all about.
The new Focus isn't due for launch locally until August, but between now and then, twelve Carsales Network readers will get to live with one for six weeks.
And in the end, the luckiest of all drives away in a top-spec Focus Titanium TDCi with torquey turbodiesel power and Ford's state-of-the-art PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. Exactly what it's worth we can't say yet – we're far enough ahead of launch that prices are yet to be announced.
Actually, it's not that much to do with luck, as David Katic (pictured), Ford's general manager of marketing told Carsales Network.
"We needed a state-of-the-art innovation to launch a state-of-the-art product – it's a neat idea on every level," Katic explained.
"There's more to this than just getting a car to drive for a few weeks. It's the chance to tell your story in the way many people do already, through social media. We're hoping the Ultimate Test Drive will throw in a bit of extra excitement with a new Focus in your carport."
Social media networks present a number of easy-to-use channels through which virtually anyone can 'talk' to the world. Almost everyone has access to them nowadays, and they're easy to learn – if you have even a basic computer and an internet connection, you're 90 per cent of the way there. If Facebook, Twitter and blogging all look like a bit of a mystery now, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to get going on them.
Katic contends Ford itself has learned a lot in a short time about how to use social networking. In just a couple of years, the company has been on a steep learning curve in becoming conversant with their use. It's discovered ways to gain significant reach for its products, with very positive results, the Ford Australia marketing boss says.
There was the Facebook-based 'Fwd: a Ford' campaign in 2009, in which the company gave 30 entrants the chance to live with a car for two weeks and provide feedback mainly via Facebook accounts.
Recently, the company partnered up with parenting website kidspot.com.au in a bid to find an ambassador for its new Territory SUV. Kidspot's top 50 bloggers were invited to submit a post on the 'drive' theme. Once five have been selected, each receives a Territory for a year, during which they fuel discussion on their post. After 12 months, a public vote decides whose stream was the best and the winner drives away in a Territory.
Importantly in the name of accuracy, the results can't be skewed – the back-office systems prevent multiple votes being cast from the same computer.
There's also the Ranger Challenge, part of the launch for the all-new Ford Ranger. This time, entrants are invited to come up with an 'ultimate challenge' test concept. Five finalists put the truck to the rugged-test in real-world conditions over ten days, with the results uploaded in video form to a Ford microsite. A public vote will see the winner drive away in a Ranger in October.
If such campaigns make social media sound all too easy for companies like Ford, conditions apply. Absolute confidence in your product is essential.
"People tend to blog about the things they like, which obviously helps us greatly," Katic said.
"But you can really only adopt these media for marketing if you're prepared to cop negative feedback as well, and if you have the means to turn it into positive action. The directness of social media makes it an incredibly powerful research tool, but you have to have confidence in what you're putting out there."
The idea for the Ultimate Test Drive competition came up with the opportunity to get a small fleet of test cars into the country some time before Focus' official launch date in August.
"Normally we'd distribute the cars among Ford staffers and local media," said Katic.
"This time we have enough [cars] up front to take the opportunity to put our money where our mouth is and put the product direct into the hands of the public.
"It's an important statement for us to make about our confidence in the product. When we do this, we're effectively putting our brand in the hands of consumers."
The value in competitions like the Ultimate Test Drive lies in the way they lay to rest consumer cynicism from bombardment with advertising and promotional material.
"People's bullsh%^ detectors are well-honed these days. So what better way is there to sweep aside all the problems associated with that than to simply hand your product over to prospective buyers and tell them 'there you are, go for it'?"
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 3, 2012
Cruze missile ready to launch?
Speculation builds for HSV hot hatch... But the news is not good
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Australia's first locally bred hot hatch for more than two decades may well be stillborn... Indeed speculation is building that HSV has killed off its own version of Holden's new Adelaide-built Cruze.
For some time now there have been rumours that HSV is preparing a 'special' version of Holden's Holden's yet-to-be-released Cruze hatch, rumours the Carsales Network team can now verify, recently spotting a sedan mule version of the hi-po hatch on a hoist at the firm's Clayton facility.
While cameras were strictly off limits, the computer-generated images hereabouts theorise what the final production version of an HSV Cruze hatch may look like. But the bad news is there may be no news.
Following in much the same vein as the most recent HSV hot hatch -- the Opel Astra-based VXR -- the enhanced Cruze was to sport a boosted version of Holden's new iTi (turbocharged and intercooled) 1.4-litre four-cylinder mill. It was to slot in above Holden's SRi-V spec derivative which outputs 103kW/200Nm.
Now it seems that HSV will not launch the car. Insiders say that though the company is keen to do so the numbers don't add up -- dollars or kW.
HSV insiders say getting extra horsepower out of the engine hasn't been child's play. And without competitive horsepower the hot hatch would be dead in the water in showrooms.
It's unlikely that a makeover that championed improved dynamics and brakes only would be a sales success, they opine. And cost pressures in the small car segment kill any potential leveraging of the high-spec onboard telemetry that features in the hot-shop's top-end Commodore based models.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new HSV
Australia's first locally bred hot hatch for more than two decades may well be stillborn... Indeed speculation is building that HSV has killed off its own version of Holden's new Adelaide-built Cruze.
For some time now there have been rumours that HSV is preparing a 'special' version of Holden's Holden's yet-to-be-released Cruze hatch, rumours the Carsales Network team can now verify, recently spotting a sedan mule version of the hi-po hatch on a hoist at the firm's Clayton facility.
While cameras were strictly off limits, the computer-generated images hereabouts theorise what the final production version of an HSV Cruze hatch may look like. But the bad news is there may be no news.
Following in much the same vein as the most recent HSV hot hatch -- the Opel Astra-based VXR -- the enhanced Cruze was to sport a boosted version of Holden's new iTi (turbocharged and intercooled) 1.4-litre four-cylinder mill. It was to slot in above Holden's SRi-V spec derivative which outputs 103kW/200Nm.
Now it seems that HSV will not launch the car. Insiders say that though the company is keen to do so the numbers don't add up -- dollars or kW.
HSV insiders say getting extra horsepower out of the engine hasn't been child's play. And without competitive horsepower the hot hatch would be dead in the water in showrooms.
It's unlikely that a makeover that championed improved dynamics and brakes only would be a sales success, they opine. And cost pressures in the small car segment kill any potential leveraging of the high-spec onboard telemetry that features in the hot-shop's top-end Commodore based models.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
2012 launch for soft-top SLS
Mercedes-Benz will introduce the SLS AMG Roadster here in Q1 of next year
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There's no word on pricing yet, but the Roadster variant of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is on its way here – and committed buyers can expect to take delivery of it before the end of March next year. Word from Mercedes-Benz Australia's Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, David McCarthy, indicates that the Roadster won't cost considerably more than the 'Gullwing' coupe on which the Roadster is based.
"I expect the premium will be very reasonable, considering the exclusive nature of the vehicle," McCarthy told the Carsales Network earlier today. According to McCarthy, buyers can place their orders through Benz dealers for the new model right now.
In common with the 'Gullwing', the Roadster will be built around an aluminium spaceframe and will be powered by AMG's 6.2-litre V8 driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear. A carbonfibre shaft links the engine, which develops 420kW and 650Nm, to the transmission.
Channelling the new variant's fierce power delivery are performance tyres measuring 265/35 ZR 19 at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 at the rear.
For reasons of packaging, the SLS Roadster uses a fabric soft-top, rather than the folding steel roof of the SL Benz. According to the manufacturer, the roof opens and closes in 11 seconds and one the move, up to 50km/h. Buyers can opt for one of three colours – black, red or beige – to coordinate with the body colour selected.
The SLS Roadster will introduce AMG Performance Media, which is an onboard multimedia system offering vehicle telemetry for lateral and longitudinal G forces, plus engine output data and lap times. In addition, the system incorporates high-speed mobile internet access.
"Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
"The gull-wing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the open-top version is bound to cause a sensation."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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There's no word on pricing yet, but the Roadster variant of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is on its way here – and committed buyers can expect to take delivery of it before the end of March next year. Word from Mercedes-Benz Australia's Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, David McCarthy, indicates that the Roadster won't cost considerably more than the 'Gullwing' coupe on which the Roadster is based.
"I expect the premium will be very reasonable, considering the exclusive nature of the vehicle," McCarthy told the Carsales Network earlier today. According to McCarthy, buyers can place their orders through Benz dealers for the new model right now.
In common with the 'Gullwing', the Roadster will be built around an aluminium spaceframe and will be powered by AMG's 6.2-litre V8 driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear. A carbonfibre shaft links the engine, which develops 420kW and 650Nm, to the transmission.
Channelling the new variant's fierce power delivery are performance tyres measuring 265/35 ZR 19 at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 at the rear.
For reasons of packaging, the SLS Roadster uses a fabric soft-top, rather than the folding steel roof of the SL Benz. According to the manufacturer, the roof opens and closes in 11 seconds and one the move, up to 50km/h. Buyers can opt for one of three colours – black, red or beige – to coordinate with the body colour selected.
The SLS Roadster will introduce AMG Performance Media, which is an onboard multimedia system offering vehicle telemetry for lateral and longitudinal G forces, plus engine output data and lap times. In addition, the system incorporates high-speed mobile internet access.
"Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
"The gull-wing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the open-top version is bound to cause a sensation."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 3, 2012
Celica not certain
Iconic nameplate not certain for Toyota’s new sports model
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Toyota is yet to finalise whether it will reprise the icon Celica nameplate for its new sports car games. To date labeled with its 'FT-86 Concept' tag, the final decision regarding the new co-developed two-door coupe is still to be made.
Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief David Buttner told the Carsales Network his company was still 'workshopping' names for the car, which is expected to go on sale in Australia "early in the second half of 2012".
"We have had general discussions about the value of the [Celica] brand and what we should call the car. But honestly there's no definitive brand name decide yet," Buttner said this morning at Toyota's media preview ahead of Friday's Australian International Motor Show opening in Melbourne.
Buttner is confident that the local Toyota operation will have the ability to use the Celica nameplate should that be what it decides.
"That [no decision] doesn't mean that if we thought [Celica] was an appropriate brand name we wouldn't be prepared to fight for it. If you go back to when there was a change to Corolla's name globally to Auris we put our hand up and suggested given the investment we've made in that [Corolla] brand name in Australia and marketing funds expended, then to try and land another brand it may take a long time and we may lose some kudos."
Buttner says the company will wait for research to be completed before a final sign-off.
"I'd like to see some research… Is the Celica name attached to people of my generation, for example – [people] who knew the [previous generations of the] car well? Does the next generation coming through understand it from rallying? How deeply is it [understanding] entrenched? And is resurrecting an older brand name the appropriate way to launch your foray again back into putting aspirational product into the market," Buttner mused.
"We're testing a whole host of names – some old, some new. At the end of the day you've got to rely on the research -- because [via it] you're talking to consumers -- to really determine the best way to go…"
The Toyota boss doesn't believe consumers will be fazed by the car's Subaru DNA. The FT-86 is the product of a collaborative project between the companies but uses a distinctly Subaru powerplant – an atmo boxer four.
"I think consumers will be indifferent [to where the platform comes from]. But I can't see it being negative in any way. Let's face it, Subaru has a great heritage and is really respected [in Australia]," Buttner stated.
But he's less certain on when Toyota will start to expand its range of "aspirational" products.
"To be honest I don't know [when we will see more cars of this type]… But I saw last week a concept with the RX450h drivetrain, so there are other things being considered.
"Certainly the new global president is very, very keen to ensure this type of product becomes a standard part of the Toyota line-up – to attract a younger demographic and to bring back the excitement and joy of driving."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Toyota
Toyota is yet to finalise whether it will reprise the icon Celica nameplate for its new sports car games. To date labeled with its 'FT-86 Concept' tag, the final decision regarding the new co-developed two-door coupe is still to be made.
Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief David Buttner told the Carsales Network his company was still 'workshopping' names for the car, which is expected to go on sale in Australia "early in the second half of 2012".
"We have had general discussions about the value of the [Celica] brand and what we should call the car. But honestly there's no definitive brand name decide yet," Buttner said this morning at Toyota's media preview ahead of Friday's Australian International Motor Show opening in Melbourne.
Buttner is confident that the local Toyota operation will have the ability to use the Celica nameplate should that be what it decides.
"That [no decision] doesn't mean that if we thought [Celica] was an appropriate brand name we wouldn't be prepared to fight for it. If you go back to when there was a change to Corolla's name globally to Auris we put our hand up and suggested given the investment we've made in that [Corolla] brand name in Australia and marketing funds expended, then to try and land another brand it may take a long time and we may lose some kudos."
Buttner says the company will wait for research to be completed before a final sign-off.
"I'd like to see some research… Is the Celica name attached to people of my generation, for example – [people] who knew the [previous generations of the] car well? Does the next generation coming through understand it from rallying? How deeply is it [understanding] entrenched? And is resurrecting an older brand name the appropriate way to launch your foray again back into putting aspirational product into the market," Buttner mused.
"We're testing a whole host of names – some old, some new. At the end of the day you've got to rely on the research -- because [via it] you're talking to consumers -- to really determine the best way to go…"
The Toyota boss doesn't believe consumers will be fazed by the car's Subaru DNA. The FT-86 is the product of a collaborative project between the companies but uses a distinctly Subaru powerplant – an atmo boxer four.
"I think consumers will be indifferent [to where the platform comes from]. But I can't see it being negative in any way. Let's face it, Subaru has a great heritage and is really respected [in Australia]," Buttner stated.
But he's less certain on when Toyota will start to expand its range of "aspirational" products.
"To be honest I don't know [when we will see more cars of this type]… But I saw last week a concept with the RX450h drivetrain, so there are other things being considered.
"Certainly the new global president is very, very keen to ensure this type of product becomes a standard part of the Toyota line-up – to attract a younger demographic and to bring back the excitement and joy of driving."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Renault unveils refreshed Koleos
French brand waves the makeover wand over its South Korean-built compact SUV
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Renault has given its Koleos SUV a mid-life makeover, with revised frontal styling and better quality interior trim headlining the upgrades. Diesel versions are also claimed to be more frugal and cleaner burning than their existing counterparts.
The new face is cleaner in execution – but perhaps less distinctive – than that of the current model, with new slimmer headlights separated by a large chrome grille, rather than the former twin air intakes positioned either side of the Renault logo.
The door mirrors have been redesigned and now incorporate LED indicators, while the vehicle rides on new-look alloy wheels. The colour chart also gains a new hue – Cayenne Orange (presumably with apologies to Porsche).
The new Koleos will be offered with a range of features, including hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a joystick-operated Carminat TomTom navigation system. Meanwhile, 4x4 versions also incorporate Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Renault claims a selection of new upholsteries and trims have enhanced the original vehicle's elegance and refinement, while the dashboard and instrument lighting have evolved with the introduction of a remodelled speedometer housing and display.
The company also boasts of reduced CO2 emissions for the 110kW 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel, thanks to tweaks to the engine and transmission.
Although designed by Renault, the Koleos is built at the Renault Samsung Motors plant in Busan, South Korea, and has proved particularly popular in China and Latin America.
However, the same certainly doesn’t apply here, as the Koleos notched up a paltry 233 sales until the end of May this year, barely a drop in the ocean compared with the tallies of the segment’s leading lights during the same period: Subaru Forester (5334 sales), Toyota RAV4 (4848 sales), Hyundai ix35 (4581 sales) and Nissan X-Trail (4170 sales).
It will clearly take more than a facelift and minor upgrades to even begin to address this deficit…
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Renault
Renault has given its Koleos SUV a mid-life makeover, with revised frontal styling and better quality interior trim headlining the upgrades. Diesel versions are also claimed to be more frugal and cleaner burning than their existing counterparts.
The new face is cleaner in execution – but perhaps less distinctive – than that of the current model, with new slimmer headlights separated by a large chrome grille, rather than the former twin air intakes positioned either side of the Renault logo.
The door mirrors have been redesigned and now incorporate LED indicators, while the vehicle rides on new-look alloy wheels. The colour chart also gains a new hue – Cayenne Orange (presumably with apologies to Porsche).
The new Koleos will be offered with a range of features, including hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a joystick-operated Carminat TomTom navigation system. Meanwhile, 4x4 versions also incorporate Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Renault claims a selection of new upholsteries and trims have enhanced the original vehicle's elegance and refinement, while the dashboard and instrument lighting have evolved with the introduction of a remodelled speedometer housing and display.
The company also boasts of reduced CO2 emissions for the 110kW 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel, thanks to tweaks to the engine and transmission.
Although designed by Renault, the Koleos is built at the Renault Samsung Motors plant in Busan, South Korea, and has proved particularly popular in China and Latin America.
However, the same certainly doesn’t apply here, as the Koleos notched up a paltry 233 sales until the end of May this year, barely a drop in the ocean compared with the tallies of the segment’s leading lights during the same period: Subaru Forester (5334 sales), Toyota RAV4 (4848 sales), Hyundai ix35 (4581 sales) and Nissan X-Trail (4170 sales).
It will clearly take more than a facelift and minor upgrades to even begin to address this deficit…
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
New Hyundai Elantra sold out
Next shipment of Korean maker's small sedan due next month
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Hyundai Australia has made an urgent call for more Elantra sedans after the first shipment sold out in its first few weeks on sale.
The all-new model arrived in Australian showrooms in the first week of June with a starting price of $20,590 plus on-roads (the same as the previous model). All have been snapped up.
The next boatload of cars is not due to dock until mid-July. By the time the vehicles are transported from ports to individual dealers it will likely be the end of July before fresh stock arrives in showrooms.
"The small-car market's hot right now, we could sell almost twice as many [Elantras] if we could get stock," Hyundai Australia director of sales Damien Meredith told the Carsales Network at the media preview of the vehicle in Canberra overnight. "We are constrained by supply."
Because of global demand, Australia will receive an average of just 650 Elantras per month – but Meredith says there is demand for 1200 per month.
"At the moment we're looking at the end of July to replenish stock," he said. "On the one hand it's a good situation to be in but we don't want to keep our customers waiting. We're doing the best we can to get more."
Hyundai Australia director of marketing Oliver Mann said: "The key issue is supply. Globally Hyundai is running at full capacity both with Elantra and [other models]. We will be supply-constrained for some time.
"The runout of Elantra was carefully managed with the new car in mind, we haven't really had a gap. There a very few [old] Elantras in stock."
The Elantra's 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine has more power than the similarly-sized i30 hatch – even though that model is powered by a bigger, 2.0-litre engine (110kW versus 105kW).
The Elantra is the first all-new 'ground-up' car from the Korean maker for several years and its core structure will underpin several models in Hyundai's future, including possibly a sleek coupe and small wagon.
Meanwhile with the Getz city hatch about to be phased out, the Elantra will become one of the biggest selling models for Hyundai locally.
"With Getz out of the picture, the i30 will be our biggest seller ahead of the ix35, but the Elantra won't be far behind," said Mann.
Hyundai Australia expects to post its third record year in a row with four new models – including the just-released Elantra – due in the next six months. The company expects to have sold 42,000 cars by June 30 and, by year's end, forecasts it will eclipse its record of 80,000 sales set last year.
The Elantra will provide a boost to Hyundai's small car range given that hatchbacks account for 55 per cent of sales and sedans account for 40 per cent (wagons make up the remainder).
"Elantra is an important car for us," said Mann. "We have become successful with i30, and Elantra is an opportunity to become as successful in sedans as we have in hatches. [Volume] won't happen this year, but perhaps next year."
Visit the Carsales Network again in the next 24 hours for drive impressions of new the Hyundai Elantra.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Hyundai
Hyundai Australia has made an urgent call for more Elantra sedans after the first shipment sold out in its first few weeks on sale.
The all-new model arrived in Australian showrooms in the first week of June with a starting price of $20,590 plus on-roads (the same as the previous model). All have been snapped up.
The next boatload of cars is not due to dock until mid-July. By the time the vehicles are transported from ports to individual dealers it will likely be the end of July before fresh stock arrives in showrooms.
"The small-car market's hot right now, we could sell almost twice as many [Elantras] if we could get stock," Hyundai Australia director of sales Damien Meredith told the Carsales Network at the media preview of the vehicle in Canberra overnight. "We are constrained by supply."
Because of global demand, Australia will receive an average of just 650 Elantras per month – but Meredith says there is demand for 1200 per month.
"At the moment we're looking at the end of July to replenish stock," he said. "On the one hand it's a good situation to be in but we don't want to keep our customers waiting. We're doing the best we can to get more."
Hyundai Australia director of marketing Oliver Mann said: "The key issue is supply. Globally Hyundai is running at full capacity both with Elantra and [other models]. We will be supply-constrained for some time.
"The runout of Elantra was carefully managed with the new car in mind, we haven't really had a gap. There a very few [old] Elantras in stock."
The Elantra's 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine has more power than the similarly-sized i30 hatch – even though that model is powered by a bigger, 2.0-litre engine (110kW versus 105kW).
The Elantra is the first all-new 'ground-up' car from the Korean maker for several years and its core structure will underpin several models in Hyundai's future, including possibly a sleek coupe and small wagon.
Meanwhile with the Getz city hatch about to be phased out, the Elantra will become one of the biggest selling models for Hyundai locally.
"With Getz out of the picture, the i30 will be our biggest seller ahead of the ix35, but the Elantra won't be far behind," said Mann.
Hyundai Australia expects to post its third record year in a row with four new models – including the just-released Elantra – due in the next six months. The company expects to have sold 42,000 cars by June 30 and, by year's end, forecasts it will eclipse its record of 80,000 sales set last year.
The Elantra will provide a boost to Hyundai's small car range given that hatchbacks account for 55 per cent of sales and sedans account for 40 per cent (wagons make up the remainder).
"Elantra is an important car for us," said Mann. "We have become successful with i30, and Elantra is an opportunity to become as successful in sedans as we have in hatches. [Volume] won't happen this year, but perhaps next year."
Visit the Carsales Network again in the next 24 hours for drive impressions of new the Hyundai Elantra.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Thứ Bảy, 10 tháng 3, 2012
AIMS: Benz provides first look at new SLK
Next-gen roadster, upgraded E-Class and new C Coupe are presented to the public in Melbourne
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Mercedes-Benz has gone for broke at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne. The prestige importer has rolled out the new SLK roadster along with the C-Class Coupe (including C 63 variant) and an upgrade for the large E-Class range.
More aerodynamic than its predecessor and boasting the innovative Magic Sky Control for its panoramic vario-roof, the new SLK is not even due here until next month, but has been unveiled to the locals weeks in advance.
“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car”, says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high quality interior and its modesty at the filling station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”
The car's "modest" consumption can be attributed in part to lighter weight (the new car featuring aluminium front quarter panels and bonnet), but efficiency gains are also drawn from the new car's drag coefficient — reduced from 0.32 to 0.30Cd — and new engines that run leaner.
As the base model, the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is one of two four-cylinder variants in the range, the other being the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. Both engines — displacing 1.8 litres — and the V6 in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY are direct-injected. Power figures are 135kW for the SLK 200, 150kW for the SLK 250 and 225kW for the SLK 350.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ratings are 6.9L/100km, 161gk/km for the SLK 200; 8.3L/100km, 194g/km for the SLK 350. Benz is yet to reveal the green stats for the 7G-Tronic Plus autobox-equipped SLK 250, which won't arrive here until early next year. The importer is also keeping mum on the price, but has announced that the SLK 200 will sell for $82,900 and the SLK 350 will be priced at $118,900.
The C-Class Coupe range comprises four variants (three petrol, one diesel), not including the range-topping C 63 AMG. Benz says that the C-Class Coupe will arrive here next month. Pricing will kick off at $58,900 for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, which is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine developing 115kW and 250Nm for combined-cycle consumption and CO2 ratings of 7.3L/100km and 169g/km, respectively.
The C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 250 CDI (diesel) are priced the same — $69,900. Respective output and green figures for the petrol 1.8-litre C 250 are 150kW, 310Nm, 7.0L/100km and 163g/km. In contrast, the numbers for the 2.1-litre diesel C 250 are 150kW, 500Nm, 5.1L/100km and 134g/km. $30,000 beyond the C 250 price ($99,900), the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY features a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 225kW and 370Nm, and is rated at 8.3L/100km and 194g/km for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Other than the C 63, the C-Class Coupe variants are all fitted as standard with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Priced at $154,800m, the flagship model has the Speedshift MCT transmission offered in other AMG models. Similarly the C 63 Coupe has the AMG 6.2-litre V8 sitting in its nose, developing 336kW and 600Nm, for an acceleration time of 4.4 seconds to 100km/h.
Benz claims that the re-worked E-Class is 10 per cent more economical than before, through the adoption of an upgraded 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and Eco-start/stop. Among other gains, the new transmission offers lower levels of NVH and improved dynamic response, courtesy of a new torque converter and a damper clutch that locks up earlier.
According to the company's press material, the two diesel four-cylinder variants (E 220 CDI Bluefficiency and E 250 CDI Bluefficiency), combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 16 per cent lower than before. Both variants are powered by 2.1-litre turbodiesel engines, but the E 220 produces 125kW and 400Nm, while the 150kW E250 is good for 500Nm of torque. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are 5.2L/100km and 138g/km (E 220) or 5.1L/100km and 135g/km (E 250). The petrol-engined E 250 Bluefficiency is also more frugal than before — by five per cent. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are now 7.2L/100km and 166g/km.
Upgraded E-Class models can be identified by 3D-capable TFT display in the centre fascia, Direct-Select shifter on the steering column with shift paddles and — for the Elegance variants — a luxury front head restraint with adjustable side bolsters.
Prices for the revised E-Class are as follows:
E 220 CDI: $84,800
E 250: $97,780
E 250 CDI: $101,005
E 350: $132,635
E 350 CDI: $136,485
E 500: $183,685
All prices are manufacturer's list prices, not including on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charges.
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Mercedes-Benz has gone for broke at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne. The prestige importer has rolled out the new SLK roadster along with the C-Class Coupe (including C 63 variant) and an upgrade for the large E-Class range.
More aerodynamic than its predecessor and boasting the innovative Magic Sky Control for its panoramic vario-roof, the new SLK is not even due here until next month, but has been unveiled to the locals weeks in advance.
“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car”, says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high quality interior and its modesty at the filling station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”
The car's "modest" consumption can be attributed in part to lighter weight (the new car featuring aluminium front quarter panels and bonnet), but efficiency gains are also drawn from the new car's drag coefficient — reduced from 0.32 to 0.30Cd — and new engines that run leaner.
As the base model, the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is one of two four-cylinder variants in the range, the other being the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. Both engines — displacing 1.8 litres — and the V6 in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY are direct-injected. Power figures are 135kW for the SLK 200, 150kW for the SLK 250 and 225kW for the SLK 350.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ratings are 6.9L/100km, 161gk/km for the SLK 200; 8.3L/100km, 194g/km for the SLK 350. Benz is yet to reveal the green stats for the 7G-Tronic Plus autobox-equipped SLK 250, which won't arrive here until early next year. The importer is also keeping mum on the price, but has announced that the SLK 200 will sell for $82,900 and the SLK 350 will be priced at $118,900.
The C-Class Coupe range comprises four variants (three petrol, one diesel), not including the range-topping C 63 AMG. Benz says that the C-Class Coupe will arrive here next month. Pricing will kick off at $58,900 for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, which is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine developing 115kW and 250Nm for combined-cycle consumption and CO2 ratings of 7.3L/100km and 169g/km, respectively.
The C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 250 CDI (diesel) are priced the same — $69,900. Respective output and green figures for the petrol 1.8-litre C 250 are 150kW, 310Nm, 7.0L/100km and 163g/km. In contrast, the numbers for the 2.1-litre diesel C 250 are 150kW, 500Nm, 5.1L/100km and 134g/km. $30,000 beyond the C 250 price ($99,900), the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY features a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 225kW and 370Nm, and is rated at 8.3L/100km and 194g/km for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Other than the C 63, the C-Class Coupe variants are all fitted as standard with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Priced at $154,800m, the flagship model has the Speedshift MCT transmission offered in other AMG models. Similarly the C 63 Coupe has the AMG 6.2-litre V8 sitting in its nose, developing 336kW and 600Nm, for an acceleration time of 4.4 seconds to 100km/h.
Benz claims that the re-worked E-Class is 10 per cent more economical than before, through the adoption of an upgraded 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and Eco-start/stop. Among other gains, the new transmission offers lower levels of NVH and improved dynamic response, courtesy of a new torque converter and a damper clutch that locks up earlier.
According to the company's press material, the two diesel four-cylinder variants (E 220 CDI Bluefficiency and E 250 CDI Bluefficiency), combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 16 per cent lower than before. Both variants are powered by 2.1-litre turbodiesel engines, but the E 220 produces 125kW and 400Nm, while the 150kW E250 is good for 500Nm of torque. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are 5.2L/100km and 138g/km (E 220) or 5.1L/100km and 135g/km (E 250). The petrol-engined E 250 Bluefficiency is also more frugal than before — by five per cent. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are now 7.2L/100km and 166g/km.
Upgraded E-Class models can be identified by 3D-capable TFT display in the centre fascia, Direct-Select shifter on the steering column with shift paddles and — for the Elegance variants — a luxury front head restraint with adjustable side bolsters.
Prices for the revised E-Class are as follows:
E 220 CDI: $84,800
E 250: $97,780
E 250 CDI: $101,005
E 350: $132,635
E 350 CDI: $136,485
E 500: $183,685
All prices are manufacturer's list prices, not including on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charges.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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