Volkswagen has announced prices on the firm's new large Amarok pick-up truck. The entry-level Startline is priced from �21,333, rising to �26,829 for the range-topping Highline.
Initially, the Amarok will be available as a double cab, with a single cab due for 2012. Three trim-levels will be offered; Startline, Trendline, and Highline, in addition to two diesel engines; an entry-level 2.0 TDI with 122bhp (120PS/91kW) and a more powerful 2.0 BiTDI with 163bhp (161PS/122kW).
A standard 4MOTION selectable four-wheel drive system offers a choice between rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and low range four-wheel drive via a button mounted on the dashboard. All models fitted with this adjustable system have a gross vehicle weight of 3,170kg and more robust suspension which results in a payload of over 1,045kg.
Additionally to the 4MOTION Selectable system, the Highline model is also available with the option of permanent 4MOTION. This permanent four-wheel drive system reduces payload to below 1,045kg but, thanks to comfort suspension which uses a two plus one leaf spring system, offers a more car-like driving experience with improved ride and refinement.
Base Startline models are equipped with the lower-powered 122bhp 2.0TDI, and 16� alloy wheels, x4 electric windows, air conditioning, CD/radio w/MP3 input, ESP, traction control system (TCS), electronic differential lock (EDL), hill start assist, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, hill descent control, trailer stability control, off-road ABS, 4MOTION selectable 4WD, and x6 airbags.
Mid-spec Trendline features 17� alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and bumpers, cruise control, climate control, leather steering wheel, gearknob, and handbrake, multi-function trip computer, wheelarch extensions, and front fog laps.
The flagship Highline model comes lavished with 18� alloy wheels, chrome highlights on grille, door mirrors, and rear bumper, chrome side-steps, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, and leather interior w/heated front seats.
A comprehensive range of optional equipment is offered. These include satellite navigation systems, additional protection for the load bay and underbody components, 19� alloy wheels, surround sound systems, and bi-xenon headlights.
All Amarok's are produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
GM has made official that it will released a convertible variant of the Astra in 2013, alongside a city car at the same time. With the VW Golf Cabriolet in its sights, we expect Vauxhall/Opel to ditch the retractable hardtop in favour for a soft-top.
The newcomer will share the same platform as the outgoing Astra and will be produced in Gliwice, Poland.
�The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup,� said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. �It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise.�
Return of Morgan�s classic 3 Wheeler confirmed, with prices starting from �30,000.
The Morgan 3 Wheeler is back! For the first time in 58 years, Morgan is planning to offer its classic motorbike-engined 3 Wheeler for sale again next year. Thoroughly updated, with new technology, materials and engines, the 3 Wheeler costs from �30,000.
Around 30,000 examples of the original model were built between 1909 and 1953. But while the new version retains the old school looks, Morgan has thoroughly updated the design. For a start, power is now delivered to the single rear wheel by a 115bhp V Twin engine built by specialists S&S, which is mated to a five-speed gearbox sourced from Mazda.
Thanks to the fact that the 3 Wheeler weighs in at around 500kg, Morgan predicts that the car will complete the 0-60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and hit 115mph flat out.
The car is features an aircraft-style cockpit, including details like a bomb-release starter button, which Morgan claims �indulges the feeling of flying through the air.� The chassis is built from tubular steel, with twin roll bars for safety, and clad in aluminium body panels.
Buyers get the choice of eight colours, gloss black detailing and a choice of black or tan leather interiors. As with all of Morgan�s cars, a high degree of personalisation will be offered, including polished brightwork and aircraft-inspired decals. Prices will be announced after the car�s launch at the Geneva Motor Show.
Sponsored By :CHAUDHRI ELECTRODE ENGINEERING. AL-MUQIT STEELS. Q.A.M INTERNATIONAL.Manufacturing : welding electrodes, steel wirerope, wirerope, pvc cables, all sort of metal and hard ware tools. Also trading in generators. load banks and all sort of metal. Dealing in Real Estate (Turkey.Pakistan.Malaysia.Dubai) For Contact:mustakeem@gmail.com Cell # +9(0531)9204077 Location :Istanbul /Lahore
Jaguar�s subtle rocket gets a less subtle bodykit and power upgrade
This is the new Jaguar XKR-S - an uprated version of the quietly legendary XKR. Due to make its debut at next week's Geneva motor show, the XKR-S still sports the 5.0-litre supercharged V8, but power is up from 510bhp to 542bhp. There's also a boost in torque to 501lb ft (up from 461lb ft).
The hardcore XKR-S gets a new version of Jag's brilliant adaptive dynamics suspension with uprated dampers, active sports exhaust system, and new aero to reduce lift and assist the massive brakes, which measure 380mm at the front and 376mm at the rear - bigger than a Lamborghini Murcielago's. It needs them too because top speed is 186mph, and it should hit 62mph in 4.2 seconds. Jaguar also tells us the XKR-S will emit less than 300g/km of CO2, which means it'll be top of its class in the cleanliness stakes.
Sponsored By :CHAUDHRI ELECTRODE ENGINEERING. AL-MUQIT STEELS. Q.A.M INTERNATIONAL.Manufacturing : welding electrodes, steel wirerope, wirerope, pvc cables, all sort of metal and hard ware tools. Also trading in generators. load banks and all sort of metal. Dealing in Real Estate (Turkey.Pakistan.Malaysia.Dubai) For Contact:mustakeem@gmail.com Cell # +9(0531)9204077 Location :Istanbul /Lahore
The concept is apparently a show car and will strongly hint at the production Zafira. It'll move upscale to rival the Ford Galaxy, which will leave the current Zafira, in facelifted form, to proceed.
Combining �lounge-on-wheels� luxury with the same high degree of flexibility, the concept�s cabin has a light, airy feel and generous space for rear-seat passengers.
�We have transferred the idea of a relaxing lounge to a vehicle and created an automobile oasis, a place to relax and enjoy,� said Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel Vice President of Design. �The Zafira Tourer Concept�s exterior design also makes a bold statement with its sleek, flowing lines and premium feel.�
The Zafira Tourer Concept underpins GM's Delta II chassis and takes design cues off the Ampera range-extending vehicle. Additionally, the front is home to adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The large panoramic glass sunroof features LED lighting in the second pane, in which tiny metallic particles are embedded in the cabin�s upper sections to reflect the light and give off a warm glow that can be varied in different shades of yellow. The concept also boasts 20� alloy wheels and electrically adjustable rear headrests.
Inside the vehicle, GM's Flex 7 makes a welcome return. With two rows in place, providing five-seat capacity, the Zafira concept can be transformed at the push of a button into a four-seater with limousine levels of space. A clever new folding mechanism allows the centre section of the second row to fold down, revealing two armrests for occupants in the outer seats. These seats can then slide back and towards each other, creating generous levels of space around passengers. Extended footrests complement the seating system still further.
The front cabin houses a large touch-screen display on the fascia, above which a covered storage compartment can hold a tablet PC like an iPad. The heating can be controlled using two turn knobs below the display, and air conditioning via touch-buttons. Thanks to the flexible and pivot-mounted tablet PCs on the front seat backs, passengers in the second row can comfortably surf the Internet or control multi-media applications.
Sleeping in the engine compartment is a 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine with stop/start. The production model will go on sale in Autumn.
An extremely good World War II model (Across the Western Front). Features include a rotating turret and full track configuration. One of a Limited Edition of 5,000 worldwide and includes a Limited Edition Certificate and information booklet. Model presented in a presentation box.The decoration is particulary effective, and the detailing is equally fine. Shop here
This spy video featuring several test prototypes of the future S-Klasse (W 222) was shot in the icy cold landscapes of Sweden, in the northern part of Scandinavia. The one who was filming the cars managed to grab key hints about certain exterior design elements to be showcased on the flagship limousine. For instance, the headlights, still heavily hidden under thick black cloth, will make use of state-of-the-art, full LED technology. The traditional Mercedes-Benz chromed radiator grille will become more upright and angled towards the front, as in the case of the new CLS. The new S-Klasse will boast a very smooth, sleek and very elegant side profile dominated by a lowered roof line and elongated hood and trunk sections.
German car manufacturer has even released a video preview of the Porsche Semper Vivus Hybrid.
From concept cars to new technology, these events are held as a big show and tell for the world�s automakers. So, when a company brings out something that�s over 100 years old to debut at one of these events, it seems a bit odd. They spent four years at Porsche Museum recreating this magnificent vehicle so it can once again, after 111 years on, drive into the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 followed by future appearances as part of the Porsche Museum collection in Stuttgart.
Press Release
SENSATIONAL PORSCHE WORLD PREMIERE IN GENEVA
Porsche presents first functional, full hybrid car in the world, the Semper Vivus, 111 years after its World Premiere in 1900. http://origin.porsche.com/uk
Recreation of ground-breaking car will make its debut on March 1 at Geneva Motor Show
European debut of 918 RSR concept underlines �Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy
The name Porsche has been associated with pioneering innovations in automotive engineering since the beginning of the last century. In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche, founding father of the present-day Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, entered unchartered territory. With the first functional, full hybrid car in the world, the Semper Vivus ('always alive') http://origin.porsche.com/uk, the principle of the serial hybrid drive had been born.
In a stunning four year project the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart has had the Semper Vivus recreated. Next week, 111 years after this ground breaking innovation by Ferdinand Porsche, the Semper Vivus will again drive into the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 followed by future appearances as part of the Porsche Museum collection in Stuttgart.
Appropriately, Porsche is putting the spotlight of its presence at the 81st Geneva Motor Show on the world premiere of a contemporary parallel full hybrid model. In the wake of the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid it signals a new chapter in the Stuttgart company's �Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy. Along with the Semper Vivus, the new hybrid model is being unveiled on March 1, 2011 at the press conference to be held on the Porsche stand in Hall 1, stand number 1050, starting at 07:30.
These world premieres in Geneva are being complemented by the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept, making its first public appearance in front of a European audience. The mid-engine coup� combines the design of the 918 Spyder with the technology of the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car.
Porsche is also showcasing the 330 hp (243 kW) Cayman R in Europe for the first time, alongside the the 911 Black Edition, limited to 1,911 units, based on the 345 hp (254 kW) 911 Carrera, and the Boxster S Black Edition, limited to 987 units worldwide.
Lexus just releases new photos and details for the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package ,which will debut at the Geneva auto show next week.
The package celebrates Lexus� class victories at the 24 Hours of N�rburgring last May. Lexus isn�t actually adding to LFA production; instead, the automaker says that 50 of the 500 cars set to be built will be equipped with the package. Available in Matte Black, Black, White or Orange, the interior can be had in Black and Red, Black and Pur�ple or all Black. Plus, all Nurburgring editions get added carbon� fiber interior bits, plus carbon racing seats.
Power is also on the up. From the standard 4.8-litre V10 with 560 PS (412 kW / 553 bhp) comes a new power figure of 570 PS (419 kW / 562 bhp) and reduced gearshift times. Performance times are also down; 0 - 62mph flashes by in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).
The automated manual six-speed transmission�s shift regime has been recalibrated too, swopping gears in only 15 miliseconds, thereby enabling the LFA N�rburgring package to sprint from 0-100km/h in only 3.7 seconds.
Press Release
LEXUS PRESENTS LFA N�RBURGRING PACKAGE
Lexus reveals special performance package for its LFA supercar at the Geneva motor show
N�rburgring Package offered as an option on a maximum of 50 cars - just 10 per cent of the total LFA production run
Designed for more track-focused performance through additional aerodynamic elements, lowered suspension and engine revisions
10bhp increase in power from V10 engine to 562bhp ensures LFA's 0-62mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds is maintained
LFA production underway since December, with one hand-crafted car completed per day
Use of advanced, automated Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) production processes serves as a test bed for future models
To celebrate the LFA's hat-trick of class wins at the N�rburgring 24 Hours race, Lexus has created the N�rburgring Package, an array of aerodynamic features, suspension adjustments and revisions to the 4.8-litre V10 engine that give the supercar a more track-focused profile. Shown in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show, the performance option is available on just 50 of the 500 cars that will be built. These versions will be crafted during 2012, the second full year of LFA production.
To sharpen the car's circuit driving performance even further by increasing downforce at high speed, the N�rburgring Package introduces modifications and additions to several key carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components. These include a larger front spoiler, fin-type side spoilers, a canard fin and a fixed rear wing.
To ensure the LFA maintains its 3.7-second acceleration time from nought to 62mph, in spite of the increased drag, the V10 engine has been revised to increase maximum power by 10bhp to 562bhp. Shift times in the six-speed sequential transmission are just 0.15 seconds.
In terms of handling modifications, the package features suspension tuning and a 10mm reduction in the ride height. Exclusive mesh-type wheels are introduced, fitted with dedicated high-grip tyres.
Exterior colour choices are restricted to matte black, black, white or orange, with interiors finished in black and red, black and purple and all-black. Cars delivered in Europe will feature a carbon fibre centre console and door trims, with carbon fibre sports seats finished in Alcantara.
Customers who specify the package will also be offered one-to-one driving tuition from a N�rburgring chief instructor and a year's pass to enjoy their car on the famous Nordschleife circuit.
CFRP parts manufacturing
LFA production began in December with just one hand-crafted car completed per day. A team of 175 people are involved in CFRP parts manufacturing, vehicle assembly and painting.
CFRP is exceptionally strong, rigid and lightweight, and accounts for about 65 per cent of the LFA's body structure weight. This amounts to a saving of about 100kg, compared an equivalent all-aluminium body.
Lexus is producing and assembling the CFRP components in-house, with a view to future development of the technology. It is a time-consuming process, compared to working with steel or aluminium, but the LFA project provides a valuable test bed for new, automated processes which will be used in the manufacture of future Lexus and Toyota models.
Different manufacturing technologies are used according the shape, role and required properties of each component.
Pre-preg: this is an industry-standard composite sheet material made of carbon fibre, pre-impregnated with epoxy resin. It is used for the LFA's main structural elements, such as the dash, side and cross-members and panels.
Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM): this is dry sheet fabrication, with epoxy resin injected into the mould. It is mainly employed in the LFA's secondary main frames, such as the crash boxes, roof side rails and vehicle floor.
Carbon fibre - Sheet Moulding Compound (C-SMC): this is used for fabricating the upper body components and frames that have complex geometries.
Adhesive bonding
The LFA assembly line moves through five consecutive processes, each of which has been digitally validated. For the first four - sub-assembly, underbody, small aluminium parts and main body - adhesive bonding is used. Final assembly of the aluminium parts is by mechanical fastening.
This is the first time Lexus has used adhesive bonding for main body assembly, a process that has required new quality control measures to be implemented to ensure each of the five stages involved in the bonding meets the required criteria.
On 25 February the F-CELL World Drive embarked on the second leg of its tour when three striking green B-Class F-CELL set out from Fort Lauderdale on the East Coast of the USA on their first North American leg towards New Orleans. In total, the vehicles will be covering around 7500 kilometres in the USA and Canada, after which they will leave via Seattle to continue their journey to Australia. So far the F-CELL World Drive has already clocked up more than 3600 km on the roads of Europe.
The F-CELL World Drive will be travelling across the North American continent until 18 March, demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology. In addition, with what is to date a unique undertaking, Mercedes-Benz is reaffirming the need to develop a comprehensive global hydrogen infrastructure. "We will have reached market maturity with fuel cell technology by 2015 at the latest. From that point we would then be in a position to bring several 100,000 vehicles, in a variety of different model series, onto the roads. For example we are also planning a saloon model with fuel cell drive and will thereby expand our portfolio of local zero-emission vehicles. Therefore, by that time, an infrastructure which allows the everyday operation of such vehicles, needs to be in place.", according to Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Group Research and Development for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Now is therefore the time to increase speed and consistently develop the hydrogen filling station network."
Local zero-emission motoring from Miami to Seattle
The second leg of the F-CELL World Drive is taking the three fuel cell vehicles across the North American continent, from Miami right across the USA and as far as Vancouver in Canada. The route then continues by airplane from Seattle to Australia. In doing so, the journey will also highlight the gaps in the American hydrogen infrastructure. By the end of the USA tour the B-Class F-CELL vehicles will have been refuelled around 35 times during 18 legs � but only one time will be at a public hydrogen filling station in Torrance, Los Angeles.
During the tour, the striking green paint finish of the B-Class F-CELL vehicles, which already caused a sensation at the Detroit Motor Show, isn�t the only feature raising attention to the tour. Local events in San Francisco, Sacramento, Salem and Vancouver will also provide the opportunity for an intensive exchange of ideas with local media, visitors and residents on the subject of fuel cell technology.
During this leg of the trip, which is scheduled to take roughly three weeks, participants can expect to enjoy a varied programme providing not only extensive opportunity to experience the B-Class F-CELL, but also interesting information on the topic of sustainable mobility. On 1 March the tour already paid a visit to the Daimler car2go mobility project in Austin, Texas. The next item of the agenda, due to take place on 10 March, is an intensive exchange on the topic of electric mobility at Tesla Motors in Palo Alto. Tesla designs and builds high performance electric cars and supplies powertrain components to leading OEMs. Tesla makes the lithium-ion battery and charger for Daimler's smart fortwo electric drive and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. In Vancouver the participants will then be the guests of the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC). This is where the fuel cell stack for the B-Class F-CELL, for example, was developed in close cooperation with Daimler research and development staff from Germany. The company was established in 2007, with Daimler as the majority shareholder (50.1 percent). In addition, while in Vancouver the F-CELL World Drive will also meet up with adventurer and explorer Mike Horn and his PANGAEA Expedition, for which Mercedes-Benz is the main sponsor. The PANGAEA Expedition's sailing ship has been visiting all of the continents, including both the North and South Pole, since October 2008. Together with young people from all over the world, expedition leader Mike Horn is setting up ecological and social projects on his trip around the world.
Heading through Europe with hydrogen in tow
Prior to setting off in the USA, the vehicles already proved themselves on a route covering more than 3000 kilometres through Southern Europe. The symbolic starting shot for the tour actually sounded on 29 January during the official ceremony to mark the 125th anniversary of the motor car, after which, just one day later, the B-Class F-CELL vehicles set out on the first stage to Paris. After this they made for the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, driving via France and Spain.
The initial kilometres of the unique world tour have already displayed the need for action in terms of the provision of hydrogen. The accompanying participants from the USA and China discovered that even a fuel cell vehicle such as the B-Class F-CELL can provide an enjoyable and dynamic driving experience as well as high cruising speeds: On the German motorways they kept the vehicles at a speed of 170 km/h. The consequences of this style of driving became apparent later, however, when it was discovered that the tanks of two of the three vehicles were empty approx. 40 kilometres before the scheduled fuel stop. This resulted in the realisation that, even with a fuel cell vehicle, driving fast results in increased consumption, and that all drivers can cover longer local zero-emission motoring distances by adopting an economical driving style. On subsequent legs, the real goal of the participants was to achieve as low a consumption as possible by adopting an appropriate driving style at comfortable speeds. As part of this, one of the drivers even managed to better an NEDC-certified (New European Driving Cycle) value equivalent to 3.3 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 kilometres, resulting in a range of 380 km.
For Mercedes-Benz, these initial problems most notably reflect the need for action when it comes to the provision of hydrogen. The refuelling situation on the F-CELL World Drive underpins this issue. At the start in Stuttgart, the vehicles could still be refuelled at the public hydrogen filling station of OMV. However, up until the preliminary leg destination of Lisbon, the vehicles had to resort to alternatives, such as the mobile refuelling vehicle developed specifically for the tour. This was developed in conjunction with Linde AG, which is also guaranteeing the supply of hydrogen for the entire world tour, something which represents a significant challenge since the hydrogen has to be made available at each of the refuelling stops at the right time, in the right quantity and with the necessary degree of purity.
Despite the partial difficult conditions - which a trip around the world brings along with it - after extensive test drives it has become apparent to the participants of the tour that the B-Class F-CELL is highly suited to everyday use. Furthermore, as determined at a routine evening check in Lyon, even animals such as the pine marten are keen on the technology too. Two small holes in the cooling and heating hoses, caused by the teeth of the predators, were the fuel cell vehicle's first small issues requiring repair.
Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive
During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles are passing through 14 countries and 4 continents - to drive around the globe once. Organised by Mercedes-Benz, the circumnavigation of the world started on 30 January 2011 in Stuttgart and is scheduled to last 125 days, until the vehicles return to Stuttgart again at the beginning of June, after covering a distance of some 30,000 kilometres. The aim of the tour is to demonstrate the technical maturity and suitability for everyday use of electric vehicles with fuel cells, and at the same time highlight the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. The Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer is being supported on the tour by Linde AG, which is responsible for supplying the hydrogen.
Bergstrom Fiat of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is one of the first Fiat Studios open for business in the United States and has been recently interviewed on CNBC.
Read more about Bergstrom Fiat below:
NEWS RELEASE Contact: John F. Bergstrom Chairman & CEO Phone: (888) 616-5893 Bergstrom Fiat website
BERGSTROM FIAT ONE OF THE FIRST THREE TO OPEN IN THE U.S.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (February 18, 2011) � Bergstrom Fiat is open for business and is one of the first Fiat studios in the United States. Fiat, an Italian-based manufacturer whose cars are stylish, fun, fuel-efficient and unique, recently announced it would re-enter the U.S. market in 2011. Bergstrom is the Fiat retailer in the Greater Milwaukee/ Wisconsin market and eventually will be one of approximately 150 dealers in the United States. The other two Fiat studios open for business are in the Washington, DC and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
Bergstrom Fiat is located in the Milwaukee Metro Motor Mall at 11100 W. Metro Boulevard. The phone number is (888) 616-5893. Fiat products will complement the current selection of vehicles at that location and will draw guests from all over Wisconsin. The facility will offer new and certified, pre-owned vehicles and include Service and Parts Departments.
The Fiat 500 is available in three models � the Pop, Sport and Lounge. Starting MSRP (Manufacturer�s Suggested Retail Price) ranges from $15,500-19,500. More information is available at fiatusaofmilwaukee.com.
About Bergstrom Automotive Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top 50 automotive retailers in the U.S. and is owned by John and Richard Bergstrom.
The Bergstrom organization sells and services the following franchises: Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Equus, Fiat, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Saab, Scion, smart, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo in 30 locations throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Fiat North America More information about Fiat can be found at Fiat USA
Join me in welcoming Bergstrom Fiat as a new sponsor of this site. They join a growing list of the most enthusiastic and motivated Fiat vendors and Studios in the country. Be sure to check them out at:Bergstrom Fiat
Renault has unleashed prices for the Kangoo Maxi Z.E commercial vehicle. Two variants will be available with the two-seater starting at �17,990 (excl. VAT), while the five-seater crew van starts at �18,690.
The two-seat model allows carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3 with a load bay of 2,900mm. The crew van comes with a 60/40-split folding rear seats. This can be configured into one of four layouts, depending on the number of passengers. The rear seats hide away into the floor to produce a completely flat loadspace and free up almost 3.4m3 of carrying space.
The Kangoo Maxi Z.E appeals to business customers (fleet owners, trades people, public authorities, etc.) who are looking for maximum carrying capacity, a people carrier, in the case of the Crew Van, and those who wish to lower their fleet CO2 emissions.
Once full charged, the Kangoo Maxi Z.E can travel 105 miles (170km), depending on external factors. This will also cost an average �2.50 a charge, according to Renault. The battery can be leased for �59 per month (excl. VAT) on a 48 month contract, based upon 9,000 miles per annum.
Nine exterior colours will be attainable, alongside options that are found on the fossil-fuelled Kangoo. Standard equipment will include 15� steel wheels, ABS, driver's airbag, electronic variable-rate power steering, 8 load anchorage points, lights-on and seatbelt warning sound, height-adjustable seatbelts, height-adjustable steering wheel, cargo area lighting, remote central locking, twin sliding doors, fabric upholstery, unglazed 180 degree asymmetric rear doors, tubular bulkhead behind driver�s seat (2 seat), 60/40 spilt-folding rear seats (Crew Van), Z.E dashboard and trip computer, electric door mirrors w/external temperature sensor and a 10-16A socket and cable. Payload is rated at 650kg.
The model will be built at Renault's MCA plant (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in France. Renault will showcase the new Kangoo Maxi Z.E next week in Switzerland with sales starting late 2011.
