If you are looking for adventure next weekend, then you’d better get along to Nissan’s award winning exhibition at the Shrewsbury Flower Show at Quarry Lodge, on 12-13 August. Nissan will have you scaling the heights and jumping for joy, not only with the latest range of trailblazing vehicles but also by their branded rock climbing, bungee and other challenges.

The Shift_adventure exhibition offers something for all the family, so while mum and dad look over Nissan’s hottest collection of cars, the children can take part in challenges, activities and competitions all of which will put the fun back into the weekend.

On display at Nissan’s stand will be:

X-TRAIL – voted best recreational 4x4 by top-selling weekly motoring magazine Auto Express and What Car? best compact 4x4 award in 2005, this strong and sturdy vehicle is ideal for rough terrain yet is stylish and comfortable for urban life.

Navara – This hugely popular 4x4 offers a tough, powerful, thrilling drive, and is a no compromise activity tool built to outperform.

Murano – Breaking traditional 4x4 convention by combining functionality with purposeful and poised styling, the Murano is impressively powerful, comfortable and easy to handle.

Pathfinder – Described by Auto Express as a ‘flexible seven-seater with smart, chunky looks, decent off-road performance, with a decent price and generous specifications’, this 4x4 is ideal for the family looking for adventure.

Patrol – Built to tackle the toughest terrain, the Patrol scored numerous victories in rallies throughout the world, yet inside, it’s as civilised as an executive estate car.

NOTE – This car has a highly versatile interior, a fun to drive attitude, and bold, brave design and is ideal for a family on the go.

The Goodwood Revival will this year celebrate a bizarre phenomenon on 1,2,3 September with a display of small, inventive cars, often equipped with front or roof-hinged doors, tiny engines and tandem seating positions.

With oil prices running at record levels, the British motorist increasingly needs to consider driving a more economical motor car. This sound piece of advice is very pertinent in 2006, but it was equally relevant exactly fifty years ago when the Suez crisis began in late July 1956, leading to drastic fuel shortages and spiralling oil prices.

The Suez crisis prompted thousands of UK motorists to buy and drive a variety of clever, quirky and distinctive economical microcars, usually imported from Continental Europe, in the late Fifties. These austere economy cars typically had just about enough room for two with a roof over their heads, combined with indifferent performance and attention-grabbing handling.

For the first time at the Goodwood Revival, a selection of around 30 of these ‘bubblecars’, as they became affectionately known, will do a few sedate laps of the celebrated time-warp motor racing circuit. They will also form a colourful back-drop for a period 1950s fashion parade on the main Goodwood Motor Circuit Startline straight on Sunday 3rd September.

In addition to the familiar Messerschmitt, BMW Isetta and Heinkel Trojan bubblecars, a selection of scarce and often bizarre microcars will grace the hallowed Goodwood tarmac. Rare sightings are expected to include minimalist offerings with names as evocative as the vehicles themselves. Oddballs from Kleinschnittger, Zundapp, and Goggomobil will be displayed along side nostalgic British three-wheelers from Bond, Peel and Scootacar.

A popular micro sports car, the Berkeley B60, built in Biggleswade with a 322cc lightweight engine, was launched at the Goodwood circuit fifty years ago with the help of Stirling Moss. It is hoped that Sir Stirling will be reunited with the little Berkeley, and a large period TV camera will be mounted on the car to recreate Moss filming his drive around the West Sussex circuit for Pathé News, just as he did at the 1956 Goodwood launch.

Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of the Mini, along with his then-boss (of BMC Austin Morris) Leonard Lord, loathed these little European bubblecars, and effectively killed them off at a stroke with the introduction of the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor (later known simply as the Mini) in Autumn 1959. Revival visitors can expect to see a number of early Minis on site over the weekend, to contrast against the bubblecars.

The Goodwood Revival is the only event that places motor racing into a carefully choreographed historical backdrop. The result is a truly unforgettable experience, and an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event. Despite high fuel prices now, just as in 1956, the Revival is still set to attract over 100,000 enthusiastic race goers, mostly dressed in period fashions, over the 1.2.3 September.

To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:

Telephone: +44 1243 755055

Fax: +44 1243 755058

Email: bookings@goodwood.co.uk;

On-line via the Online Ticket section of the website: www.goodwood.co.uk

London, 28 July 2006 – Land Rover's all new Freelander 2 has emerged as one of the stars of the British International Motor Show. Visitors have flocked to the Land Rover stand to get their first views of the exciting new compact 4x4, which made its world debut at the show at London's ExCeL exhibition centre.

The Freelander 2 is new from the ground up, with outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability expected of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.

Andy Griffiths, Land Rover's UK Marketing Director, said, "We've been delighted with the level of interest shown in the new Freelander 2. Not only have visitors been making a bee-line to our stand to see the car in the metal for the first time but we've had thousands of people asking for more details about it. We're confident many of those inquiries will turn into sales. It's been a really successful show for us."

Prices for the Freelander 2 will start at approximately £22,000 and rise to over £30,000. Land Rover dealers are taking orders for the new vehicles now and more specification information such as available colours and 360 degree design tours are available online at www.landrover.co.uk.

As well as unveiling the all new Freelander 2 at ExCeL, Land Rover launched its industry leading CO2 Offset Programme to help balance emissions from its manufacturing operations and customer vehicles. The pilot programme, to be run by Climate Care, will fund schemes for alternative forms of energy, such as wind and solar power, energy efficiency and technology change. The programme will run from September to the end of 2008, during which time it's estimated two million tonnes of CO2 will be offset.

Visitors to the motor show were able to experience Land Rover's current range of products for themselves by visiting the Land Rover Terrapod off-road course, situated outside the south hall of ExCeL.

* 12 new cars launched to the world
* Halls and attractions full of content visitors
* Exhibitors report strong business leads and quality audience
* Dock Rock concerts wow crowds in evening sunshine
* Superb transport links bring people easily to and from London's Docklands
* Tickets 50 per cent cheaper and parking costs down 41 per cent on 2004
* World-class Olympic venue hosts premier league auto show

Commenting on the British International Motor Show, Tim Etchells, director of show organiser imie, said, 'On every measure of success the boxes can be ticked for a successful show. Visitors are delighted, in particular with our dozen world debuts and hugely popular attractions. Exhibitors are queuing up to tell us what good business they are doing and the venue continues to provide a first class service to all visiting London's Docklands.

'At the close of play on Monday 170,500 visitors had come to the motor show at ExCeL; I am confident that we will be able to confirm in excess of 400,000 show-goers when auditing has taken place; on a like for like basis, that means a minimum 17 per cent increase on visitors at the 2004 event. So I look forward to ticking the final box as we wrap up 2006 and prepare plans for another success story in 2008.'

The British International Motor Show is organised by imie under a licence with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. imie has adopted rigorous new 2007 ABC guidelines in auditing the 2006 show.

Motor Show exceeds Volvo targets

For Volvo, the British International Motor Show is exceeding all expectations with sales enquiries, test drive requests and off-road passenger rides well ahead of figures achieved at the last show in 2004.

One week in, and Volvo has already achieved its targets for sales enquiries and test drive requests, while the Adventure Land outdoor attraction has proved particularly popular with over 5,200 people going for a ride to experience the 4x4 abilities of the refreshed XC90.

'There is a great atmosphere at the show and everyone seems to like its manageable size, convenient relaxation areas, value and the opportunity for outdoor and evening entertainment,' commented Volvo's PR and Events Director, John Lefley. 'With the all-new C70 and S80, plus the cool C30 Design Concept, on our stand, we expected a high level of interest from show visitors but this has exceeded our expectations, given the new time and venue', he continued.

The appearance of the C30 Design Concept on the Volvo stand has also created an opportunity for Volvo to host a meeting at the show with its creative agencies to prepare marketing communication plans for the new Volvo C30 which is due to arrive in showrooms at the turn of the year.

With four more days to go before the show ends, Volvo is expecting the high levels of interest in the show and the latest Volvo range to continue.

Barabus MD learns the skills to bring new sports car to London

Youngsters have been flocking to the Careers Village to find out about a huge range of job opportunities in the motor industry. But, after visiting the village, they should head over to the Barabus stand in the North Hall, to see a real-life example of what can be achieved.

Tony Keating is managing director of sports car company Barabus, which is showing its new TKR sports car. Speaking to motor show news he said that the reason why he had built a sports car was simple: he'd taken an automotive engineering course at Bolton University that had inspired him back in the early 1990s. That, and a love affair with cars like the McLaren F1 and the Jaguar XJ220.

'The response in London has been amazing', he said. 'It's a superb venue for a global launch. We've already had confirmed orders and others on the boil. Saudi and Emirate visitors are particularly interested and these will probably be the main markets for the car.'

27 people are employed at the Manchester base where the TKR is assembled.

New Renault Clio is cut above for safety

A cut-away, full-size Renault Clio is giving visitors a clear picture of the investment the industry is making in new car safety. The EuroNCAP 5-star performer takes pride of place on the Renault stand and features a complete set of fully deployed airbags.

The car which comes with up to eight airbags, includes front to rear side curtains designed to protect passengers in a side impact as well reinforced deformation zones to absorb the energy of an impact.

But new car safety is not just about protecting occupants in a crash. Increasingly, cars like the new Clio are being designed with technologies that prevent an accident happening at all.

Some of these 'active safety systems' are revealed in a display next to the cut-away Clio. They include traction control and ESP, an electronic stability control system designed to enhance stability by braking individual wheels during under- or over-steer. Anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution ensure control and support during emergency braking while double-distance Xenon lights ensure better visibility at night and during adverse weather.

Aussie writer reveals all

There's no doubt about this motor show's international credentials. That's the view of freelance journalist, P H Cheah, who came from Australia to take in the first British International Motor Show in London for 30 years.

The motoring man from Quakers Hill, New South Wales said he was hugely impressed with the event. And he is a man who should know his stuff; he's been covering British shows – and others throughout the world - since 1975.

'It is one of the most pleasant motor show days I've had,' he said. 'I've come straight from the airport after flying in from Singapore; I took the train and it was easy to get to the venue. I have three or four friends who are also coming, just because the show is in London.'

He added, 'It's great to see major launches like the Land Rover Freelander and Jaguar XKR in London. People come to a motor show to see new cars and it's important that British car makers support this fabulous British show.'

* 12 new cars launched to the world
* Halls and attractions full of content visitors
* Exhibitors report strong business leads and quality audience
* Dock Rock concerts wow crowds in evening sunshine
* Superb transport links bring people easily to and from London's Docklands
* Tickets 50 per cent cheaper and parking costs down 41 per cent on 2004
* World-class Olympic venue hosts premier league auto show

Commenting on the British International Motor Show, Tim Etchells, director of show organiser imie, said, 'On every measure of success the boxes can be ticked for a successful show. Visitors are delighted, in particular with our dozen world debuts and hugely popular attractions. Exhibitors are queuing up to tell us what good business they are doing and the venue continues to provide a first class service to all visiting London's Docklands.

'At the close of play on Monday 170,500 visitors had come to the motor show at ExCeL; I am confident that we will be able to confirm in excess of 400,000 show-goers when auditing has taken place; on a like for like basis, that means a minimum 17 per cent increase on visitors at the 2004 event. So I look forward to ticking the final box as we wrap up 2006 and prepare plans for another success story in 2008.'

The British International Motor Show is organised by imie under a licence with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. imie has adopted rigorous new 2007 ABC guidelines in auditing the 2006 show.

Motor Show exceeds Volvo targets

For Volvo, the British International Motor Show is exceeding all expectations with sales enquiries, test drive requests and off-road passenger rides well ahead of figures achieved at the last show in 2004.

One week in, and Volvo has already achieved its targets for sales enquiries and test drive requests, while the Adventure Land outdoor attraction has proved particularly popular with over 5,200 people going for a ride to experience the 4x4 abilities of the refreshed XC90.

'There is a great atmosphere at the show and everyone seems to like its manageable size, convenient relaxation areas, value and the opportunity for outdoor and evening entertainment,' commented Volvo's PR and Events Director, John Lefley. 'With the all-new C70 and S80, plus the cool C30 Design Concept, on our stand, we expected a high level of interest from show visitors but this has exceeded our expectations, given the new time and venue', he continued.

The appearance of the C30 Design Concept on the Volvo stand has also created an opportunity for Volvo to host a meeting at the show with its creative agencies to prepare marketing communication plans for the new Volvo C30 which is due to arrive in showrooms at the turn of the year.

With four more days to go before the show ends, Volvo is expecting the high levels of interest in the show and the latest Volvo range to continue.

Barabus MD learns the skills to bring new sports car to London

Youngsters have been flocking to the Careers Village to find out about a huge range of job opportunities in the motor industry. But, after visiting the village, they should head over to the Barabus stand in the North Hall, to see a real-life example of what can be achieved.

Tony Keating is managing director of sports car company Barabus, which is showing its new TKR sports car. Speaking to motor show news he said that the reason why he had built a sports car was simple: he'd taken an automotive engineering course at Bolton University that had inspired him back in the early 1990s. That, and a love affair with cars like the McLaren F1 and the Jaguar XJ220.

'The response in London has been amazing', he said. 'It's a superb venue for a global launch. We've already had confirmed orders and others on the boil. Saudi and Emirate visitors are particularly interested and these will probably be the main markets for the car.'

27 people are employed at the Manchester base where the TKR is assembled.

New Renault Clio is cut above for safety

A cut-away, full-size Renault Clio is giving visitors a clear picture of the investment the industry is making in new car safety. The EuroNCAP 5-star performer takes pride of place on the Renault stand and features a complete set of fully deployed airbags.

The car which comes with up to eight airbags, includes front to rear side curtains designed to protect passengers in a side impact as well reinforced deformation zones to absorb the energy of an impact.

But new car safety is not just about protecting occupants in a crash. Increasingly, cars like the new Clio are being designed with technologies that prevent an accident happening at all.

Some of these 'active safety systems' are revealed in a display next to the cut-away Clio. They include traction control and ESP, an electronic stability control system designed to enhance stability by braking individual wheels during under- or over-steer. Anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution ensure control and support during emergency braking while double-distance Xenon lights ensure better visibility at night and during adverse weather.

Aussie writer reveals all

There's no doubt about this motor show's international credentials. That's the view of freelance journalist, P H Cheah, who came from Australia to take in the first British International Motor Show in London for 30 years.

The motoring man from Quakers Hill, New South Wales said he was hugely impressed with the event. And he is a man who should know his stuff; he's been covering British shows – and others throughout the world - since 1975.

'It is one of the most pleasant motor show days I've had,' he said. 'I've come straight from the airport after flying in from Singapore; I took the train and it was easy to get to the venue. I have three or four friends who are also coming, just because the show is in London.'

He added, 'It's great to see major launches like the Land Rover Freelander and Jaguar XKR in London. People come to a motor show to see new cars and it's important that British car makers support this fabulous British show.'

Network television's Channel 4 will show six, half-hour episodes on the Land Rover G4 Challenge in its Saturday morning adventure and extreme sports time slot for six weeks through August and into September.

The programmes will capture the mud, sweat, adrenaline and tears that 18 men and women representing their respective nations experience as they compete through 28 days of intense 4x4 and multi-sport competition across South East Asia and South America.

Along the way competitors battle with extreme temperatures and altitudes as they navigate, 4x4 drive, ride, kayak, climb, and abseil through some of the world's most striking scenery, captivating cultures and untouched gems.

As the journey unfolds, so do the highs and lows of the 18 personalities who are all intent on winning the brand new Range Rover that comes with the title of the 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge winner.

The scheduled times for the programmes are as follows:

Programme 01 – UK Selections 05 August 7.00am

Programme 02 – International Selections 12 August 7.00am

Programme 03 – Stage 01 19 August 7.00am

Programme 04 – Stage 02 02 September 7.00am

Programme 05 – Stage 03 09 September 7.00am

Programme 06 – Stage 04 & Challenge Final 16 September 7.00am

For more information log on to the Land Rover G4 Challenge online media facility at www.landroverG4challenge.com/pressroom

One of the oldest and most distinct police forces in Britain, British Transport Police (BTP), has placed an order, worth a quarter of a million pounds, for 13 specially modified Nissan Pathfinder Treks. Scheduled for delivery this autumn, the deal builds on previous contract wins for the manufacturer among Police Forces nationwide.

The Pathfinders are currently undergoing adaptation at Nissan’s special vehicle operations centre to meet stringent police specifications and have items like sirens, lights and extra racking installed. 12 of the vehicles will be finished in white and carry full Police livery whilst the remaining vehicle will be used for covert operations up and down the country by this increasingly prominent emergency service.

Fitted with a 2.5dCi 174PS engine with 6 speed manual transmission, the Pathfinder is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just 11.5 seconds whilst remaining amongst the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, achieving up to 31.4 mpg on the combined cycle.

Capable of hauling 3 tonnes and providing a flexible interior set up that affords up to 2,091 litres of cargo space, the Pathfinder also offers an unprecedented maximum cargo length of up to 2.8 metres when the front passenger seat is folded down.

Ideally suited to the varied requirements of BTP, the Pathfinder is equally at home on and off-road. Smooth, spacious and comfortable when cruising on longer road journeys, they are practical, durable and easy to handle on rugged terrain. With their lower centre of gravity compared to most 4x4s and Nissan’s award winning ALL MODE 4x4 system, BTP can expect maximum traction, regardless of surface, as it seeks to deal with its typical workload of 130,000 offences annually – many of them down at trackside in rural locations.

British Transport Police, the national police service for Britain’s railways – 10,000 miles of track and 3,000 stations and depots – can trace its history back to 1825 and the origins of the police service itself. It employs almost 3,000 officers and over 1,000 other staff, based across the country in 87 stations. Charged with providing policing to rail operators, their 130,000 staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland the Force is also responsible for policing the London Underground system, Docklands Light Railway, and a growing number of regional tram systems. Between them, these rail businesses move some six million people and 400,000 tonnes of freight every day and they rely on the BTP for all aspects of policing from crime prevention, counter terrorist patrols to dealing with the aftermath of criminal activity, accidents and fatalities.

The demanding railway environment presents its own very specific policing needs –
anti-terrorist operations, obstructing trains, graffiti prevention, the handling of major incidents and policing of travelling sports fans for instance, and BTP fleet manager, Graham Tillett, believes the Nissan Pathfinders are up to the task. He says: "Our vehicles, just like our officers, have to be excellent multi-taskers. Trackside one minute, dashing across town from one station to another the next, and always prepared to cope with the unexpected."

"They have to carry a lot of equipment and be able to meet every challenge we throw at them. The Pathfinder Treks performed well in tests and surpassed every one of our benchmarks during the search process, proving themselves proper off-roaders as you would expect from a manufacturer like Nissan."

Dave Murfitt, fleet sales director at Nissan, comments: "British Transport Police do a remarkable job and they need a remarkable vehicle fleet to help them do it to the best of their ability. Obviously we believe the Pathfinders fit comfortably into such a fleet. Once more, securing a contract of this nature is important for our brand because of the credibility it bestows. It is also testament to the hard work of our sales professionals who, along with their police demonstration fleet of Pathfinders, an X-Trail, Navara and even a Primastar minibus-derived cell van, have been winning friends and contracts from Forces nationwide."

The all-new Ford Ranger pick-up will deliver more power, more style and more durability when it arrives on Britain's roads, quarries and farms in September. It is a true off-roader which is both rugged and capable in the harshest of environments and yet stylish and comfortable for the driver who needs it to fit their lifestyle as well as their job.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "Sales of Ranger have more than doubled over the last five years and we are confident that the all-new Ranger will attract even more new customers who will certainly feel the difference from the increased power in the pedal to the sculpted seatbacks."

The new Ford Ranger is equipped with an all-new 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi common-rail fuel injection diesel engine. This provides increased power from the previous 109PS to 143PS and increased torque from 226Nm at 2000rpm to 330Nm at 1,800 rpm. The higher levels of refinement of the new TDCi engine, a new cooling system and stiffer engine and body mounts are part of the package which deliver a significantly quieter cabin. With service intervals now at 12,500 miles/one year running costs are reduced along with improved fuel economy from the new engine.

The interior of the new Ranger has been completely redesigned. The seats boast a new sculpted seatback, wider shoulders, improved bolster and a larger headrest. The angular centre console is finished in silver and chrome detailing continues on the instrument cluster, ventilator grilles, gearshift, window switches and inner door handles. There are numerous stowage areas in the new Ranger, including five cupholders, a pull-out tray to keep stationery in place and a two-bin centre console to store CDs, mobile phones and sunglasses. All new Rangers feature an integrated radio with an in-dash CD player: an in-dash six-CD player and additional speakers are also available on XLT and Thunder models.

The new Ranger boasts a class-leading load box capacity with an innovative new shelving built into the load area. Ranger is capable of carrying a one tonne payload and now features a substantial three tonne towing capacity – enough to comfortably tow a double horse box, small boat or motorcycle.

Four wheel ABS anti-lock braking is standard across the Ranger model range, helping to avoid a collision even when towing at full gross train weight.

As more and more customers use their Ranger for day-to-day and family transportation, Ford's no-compromise approach to safety is designed to ensure that all occupants are equally protected. The new Ranger is equipped with standard front airbags for driver and passenger, plus side impact airbags for the front seats on XLT and Thunder models. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to maximise passenger protection in an accident. Child seat anchors are also available.

New Ford Ranger has a new common rail 2.5-litre engine.

More power, torque, durability and style with prices from £11,650 to £17,450.

New Ranger service intervals have been extended - 12,500 miles/one year.

Class-leading ride and handling in premium SUV sector

Standard 245 PS 3.0 litre six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine

Standard five-speed automatic gearbox with ‘Sportshift’

Standard full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive

Top 5-star crash test ratings

Three model range with seven seats for top-spec

All with exceptionally generous equipment including dual-zone air-conditioning, eight-way powered front seats, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, front, side and curtain airbags, six disc CD autochanger with nine speakers and MP3 playback and leather steering wheel with remote audio controls

Top speed of 121 mph and 29.7 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle

On sale November from £28,995 on-the-road

Undercuts key rivals such as BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Nissan Murano

Subaru dealers are now taking orders for their new premium SUV – the US-built B9 Tribeca which arrives in showrooms in November priced from £28,995 on-the-road.

And with a database of more than 1,200 interested customers, sales of the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90-rivalling flagship look set to get off to a sprightly start.

Undercutting main rivals on price and boasting especially generous equipment levels and a seven-seat option, the B9 Tribeca continues Subaru’s tradition of offering class-leading chassis dynamics, combining a smooth ride with sporty handling previously denied the large SUV owner.

This is made possible thanks to the low centre-of-gravity of the six-cylinder 3.0 litre horizontally-opposed engine plus Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system which offers a nominal 45/55 front to rear torque bias for improved turn-in and more balanced handling.

However, sensors ensure torque is altered front to rear in milliseconds, backed by a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Control system which operates only when needed such as in sudden lane changes or when encountering slippery surfaces.

In fact, despite having a useful 213 mm ground clearance compared to the BMW X5’s 180 mm, the B9 Tribeca has a centre-of-gravity of 640 mm as opposed to the German car’s 679 mm – a massive difference in engineering terms.

Borrowed from the Legacy 3.0R spec.B saloon and sports tourer, the 245 PS ‘boxer’ engine is especially smooth and responsive, providing 219 lb.ft of torque for effortless progress.

It is matched to a five-speed automatic gearbox with ‘Sportshift’ which allows the driver to change up and down manually – especially useful during rapid driving on twisty and hilly roads.

Performance and fuel economy are impressive with a 121 mph top speed, 0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds and 29.7 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle.

As the B9 Tribeca has been on sale in the US, Canada and Chile since last year, it has already established itself as a safety leader.

The Subaru scored an outstanding 5-stars for both front and side crash-protection by America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – the maximum achievable.

In addition, Subaru’s range-topper performed with distinction in the tough roll-over tests, earning four stars and achieving a low 16 per cent chance of rolling over and a ‘No-tip’ dynamic test result.

This compares with an average 30 per cent chance of overturning among all US-market SUVs and range of between 12 and 19 per cent for passenger cars.

Named after a fashionable part of New York, the B9 Tribeca has undergone minor styling changes compared to the US-market car plus fine-tuned rear suspension for even better handling

Model Range, Key Equipment And Prices (All OTR):

B9 Tribeca 3.0 S5 – £28,995. (3.0 litre 245PS petrol engine with five-speed automatic transmission including ‘Sportshift’, full-time all-wheel drive with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, rollover sensor, front, side and curtain airbags, front active head-restraints, Emergency Brake Assist, 2,000 kg braked towing capacity, 18x8 ins alloy wheels with 255/55 tyres, dual-zone air-conditioning, eight-way powered driver and front passenger seats, front fog lamps, heated electric door mirrors, six-disc CD autochanger with MP3 playback and nine speakers, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, cloth trim.)

B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE5 – £31,995. (As above plus: leather interior, memory function driver’s seat and door mirrors, heated front seats, tilt/slide sunroof, DVD navigation with reversing camera.)

B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE7 – £33,995. (As above plus: third row of two forward-facing seats, DVD rear seat entertainment system including two headphones and remote control, rear air-conditioning.)

The B9 Tribeca In Detail: Exterior Design And Interior Packaging

Designed to be distinctive, progressive and confident, the B9 Tribeca has a one-motion flow from front to rear, with neatly integrated bumpers which eliminate ugly overhangs.

Body surfaces are fluid and make the most of the large 18 ins wheels for a taut, road-hugging stance.

The grille features Subaru ’spread-wing’ design with a centre piece like the fuselage of an aeroplane, surrounded by two flowing intakes which replicate the wings. This celebrates Subaru’s aeronautical heritage.

The B9 Tribeca abounds with interesting details such as the three-dimensional headlamp covers which contain three cylinder-shaped lenses.

Its rear is especially harmonious with flowing side windows and rear lamps integrated into a strong side swage line, giving an especially sporty look for an SUV.

Seven Seat Option

Thanks in part to the compact engine and transmission, interior space is generous, allowing a third row of forward-facing seats to be offered as an option yet still offering useable luggage space.

The B9 Tribeca is 4,857 mm long and 1,878 mm wide compared to the BMW X5’s 4,667 mm length and 1,872 mm width. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC 90 measures
4,807 mm and 1,909 mm. As for height, the Subaru is 1,686 mm tall compared to the X5’s 1,715 mm and the Volvo’s 1,784 mm.

Subaru designers are especially proud of their interior both for practicality and styling. All major controls are easy to operate and locate and the fascia wraps itself around the driver like a cocoon, stretching out to flow into the door casings.

Not only are the instruments sporty-looking, being housed in cylindrical housings but the electro-luminescent dials sweep in an arc when the ignition is turned on for a sense of occasion.

Winner Of Best Interior Award

In fact, in June 2006, the B9 Tribeca was voted to have the ‘Best Interior – Premium-Priced CUV Category’ by America’s Wards Auto World magazine which holds an annual ceremony at the ‘Auto Interiors Show’ in Detroit.

Interior highlights include soft cascade lighting for not only the footwells but even the cup-holders, while the advanced dual-zone climate control features especially large and tactile knobs which feature their own read-outs.

Equipment includes a reversing camera on the top two models plus a DVD rear-seat entertainment system on the SE7, complete with two headphones and a large 9 ins screen.

All models have a sophisticated radio/CD with six-disc autochanger, MP3-compatability and nine speakers with front two-way, rear two-way plus sub-woofers.

The second-row seats can be reclined and slid to adjust legroom and ease entry for the seven-seat versions. However the third row of seats is mainly aimed at children.

When all the second-row seatbacks are folded into the floor, the rear hatch opens to provide a total of 1,502 litres of cargo space.

Engine And Transmission

All B9 Tribecas benefit from a low-centre-of-gravity 3.0 litre six cylinder ‘boxer’ engine renowned for its smoothness and effortless power.

Already proven in the Legacy 3.0R spec.B, the engine produces 245 PS at
6,600 rpm and a solid 219 lb.ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The bore and stroke are
89.2 x 80 mm respectively and the unit runs on a high – and therefore more efficient – 10.7:1 compression ratio.

Special features include twin overhead camshafts per bank and Active Valve Control for the intake air plus Active Valve Lift. This both maximises pulling power at low speeds and top-end power in the higher rev-range.

Also standard is a fast-response electronic throttle and a 3-port, 6-2-1 exhaust system which boosts power and lowers emissions.

Because it is horizontally-opposed, the engine sits lower in the car, improving handling and stability and reducing body roll.

The new B9 Tribeca’s performance and economy balance is impressive with a
121 mph top speed, 0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds and Urban/Extra Urban and Combined fuel consumption of 16.5/29.7 and 23.0 mpg.

SUV-Tuned Transmission

Although based on the 3.0 litre Legacy and Outback’s five-speed automatic transmission, certain changes make the unit better suited to a large premium SUV like the B9 Tribeca.

For example, the gear ratios are widened for sharper take-off from rest, while the final drive ratio is lowered for more relaxed high-speed cruising.

And in order to support the 2,000 kg braked towing capacity the cooling performance of both the automatic transmission and rear differential has been improved.

Like the Legacy and Outback, the new B9 Tribeca has ‘Sportshift’ which allows the driver to sequentially select any of the five gears, providing better control when driving briskly.

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system is superior to competitors, providing extra agility, security and driver satisfaction.

Class-Leading AWD System

Unlike bulky off-roaders – with their inelegant 4WD systems and power-sapping transfer boxes or certain sport utilities with transverse-mounted engines and gearboxes and, again, inefficient transfer boxes – Subaru’s AWD system is simple and efficient.

Because the ‘boxer’ engine is in-line with the gearbox which is, in turn, in-line with the prop-shaft and rear differential, frictional losses are kept to a minimum. In addition, the drive-shafts are of equal length for a ‘pure’ division of power.

In addition the Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control offers even more active safety – and handling fun.

SVDC uses sensors in all four wheels to detect slip. It also relies on sensors to register front to rear G-forces, side-to-side G-forces and steering wheel G-sensors to detect sudden swerves called ‘yaw-rate’.

The result of all this data is for the engine power to be reduced and braking applied to whatever wheel can best help the driver maintain control.

However, the system is also set up to allow ‘playful’ – yet safe – rear-wheel-biased handling. The nominal front to rear torque split is 45/55 which improves turn-in and reduces understeer.

Suspension And Brakes

Anyone driving the new B9 Tribeca can immediately appreciate its Subaru DNA thanks to its long-travel suspension, low unsprung weight, taut damping and resistance to body roll.

And unlike some premium SUVs which either have light ‘lifeless’ power steering or heavy but inert set-ups, this new Subaru has steering which is both low-effort yet full of feel. It allows the driver to make minute adjustments yet avoids any feeling of nervousness and instability.

Helping the steering’s linear feel is an especially rigid cannon mount system for the steering box which displays low hysteresis. In addition, specially tuned steering damper valves reduce kick-back and unwanted interference when driving on rough surfaces.

Like all Subarus, the front suspension is by MacPherson struts but with modifications such as a larger anti-roll bar and strengthened mounting brackets and larger diameter struts.

The fully-independent multi-link rear suspension is based on the Legacy and Outback but with modified geometry and wheel stroke for a smoother ride. The wheels, for example, move rearwards when encountering a bump instead of forwards, enhancing comfort.

Other changes compared to the Legacy and Outback include longer rebound strokes for the dampers and a slight rear toe-in to improve straight-line stability.

Tuned For European Drivers

For its European debut, the B9 Tribeca has undergone fine-tuning of its rear suspension incorporating different bushing, damping forces and spring rates, further enhancing handling and roadholding.

All B9 Tribecas benefit from large 18x8ins alloy wheels with generous 255/55 tyres. This compares favourably with the standard wheel/tyre combination of competitors which, typically, have 17x7.5 ins wheels with 235/65 tyres.

More Than Up To The Job

The B9 Tribeca’s brakes are more than up to the job, with large capacity front and rear ventilated disc brakes featuring twin-pot ‘fist-style’ front callipers and high-rigidity ‘fist-style’ rear callipers made of aluminium for reduced weight.

In addition to standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) the new Subaru also boasts Brake Assist. This ensures sufficient braking force is always applied.

Class-Leading Safety Features

All aspects of safety have been studied by Subaru for its new flagship resulting in the highest possible 5-Star scoring from America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Like other Subarus, ring-shaped reinforcement frames are employed for the window posts plus the widespread use of tailored blanks – steels of different strengths and stiffness – ensuring light weight yet strength where needed.

The bonnet is made of aluminium for lightness but also enhanced pedestrian safety, while the entire body structure is 55 per cent more resistant to bending than the Legacy and 22 stronger in torsional rigidity.

The front airbags are dual-stage which alters the inflation pressure according to the severity of the accident, while both side and curtain airbags are standard.

Front seatbelts are fitted with a pretensioner and load-limiter and the second and third row of seats have retractors with child-seat fixing points. The second row middle seat has a roof-mounted retractor ensuring three-point security.

A rollover sensor is mounted in the airbag control unit. This detects sideways movement and deploys the curtain airbags and front seat seatbelt pretensioners if roll-over is judged to be imminent.

Supreme Customer Care

The new B9 Tribeca provides owners with a three year/60,000 warranty plus three years’ paintwork and 12 years’ anti-perforation cover. There is also three years’ membership of Subaru Assistance – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout the UK and Europe.

Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, at around 8.30am, (Friday 21 July), a new breed of nautical Panda will be clambering into the sea at Folkestone, Kent; not merely to escape our heatwave by cooling off in the water, but with every intention of reaching the French coast and then driving all the way home to Italy!

This Panda’s creator is Milan born Maurizio Zanisi, an independent former Iso Rivolta engineer, and his self-built Panda Terramare 4 is based on a Panda 4x4 chassis, but with an inflatable flotation belt, and waterjet propulsion driven off the rear axle.

Panda Terramare 4 is no stranger to water, and it has already been spotted frolicking in the great Italian lakes, (Como and Maggiore), the River Po, and the Mediterranean off Sardinia. Its longest sea journey to date has been a return trip from Naples to Capri – a journey of some 25 miles. The Channel, however, will be its greatest test to date.

The Touareg's little brother is called Tiguan

Volkswagen will call its new compact SUV Tiguan. Not only the vehicle, but also the decision on the name is a brave journey into new terrain: the name was chosen by the readers of the AutoBild group. More than 350,000 votes were made from ten countries. The clear winner was Tiguan. The Touareg's little brother is to be produced in Wolfsburg and will be launched in 2008.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, the chairman of the board of management for the Volkswagen brand said, "This unique event is demonstrative of how Volkswagen is opening up: we made a clear appeal to the market - potential buyers could help choose the name Tiguan. The positive reaction shows that this is the right approach."

The name Tiguan was developed by Volkswagen Marketing along with four other alternatives Nanuk, Namib, Rockton and Samun. The readers of the AutoBild group selected their favourite from these five potential names. The response was astonishing: more than 350,000 readers voted. A clear majority voted for Tiguan.

The Tiguan represents the transfer of the globally successful Touareg philosophy to the class of the compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), a segment which has grown considerably in the last few years. Travel, adventure and excitement are associated with the exotic sounding name. That suits the bill perfectly: thanks to its concept based on driving dynamics and high comfort levels, the Tiguan is suited to urban environments as well as rough terrain far from normal roads and thus provides the driver with absolute freedom. A first glimpse of the new Volkswagen SUV was provided by the off-road design study Concept A at the beginning of 2006.

SsangYong UK Ltd is pleased to announce the addition of two Limited Edition models to the well established Rexton range.

Rexton S Sport

Based upon the Rexton 2.7 S Manual 5 Seat, the Rexton S Sport features the following equipment upgrades:

Satellite navigation system

Texas alloy wheels

Chicago side bars with steps

Only 90 Rexton S Sport models will be offered for sale.

The retail value of these special equipment items is £1,700, but the Rexton S Sport is available at a retail price of £19,995, only £1,000 above the standard model.

Rexton SE Sport

Based upon the Rexton 2.7 SE Manual 5 Seat, the Rexton SE Sport features the following equipment upgrades:

Kenwood satellite navigation system

Montana 18" alloy wheels

Denver side steps

Rear parking assist

Only 65 Rexton SE Sport models will be offered for sale.

The retail value of these special equipment items is £4,750, but the Rexton SE Sport is available at a retail price of £23,995, only £3,000 above the standard model.

For further details, please contact Barry Salmon

info@ssangyongmarketing.co.uk

• Jeep grows lineup to seven vehicles in 2007

• Jeep Commander the first of the brand family to offer standard three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers in style

London – The Jeep® brand is on a major product offensive, expanding from three models in 2005 to seven in 2007, the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of Jeep vehicles. No other automotive manufacturer in the world has the range of sport-utility vehicles that Jeep offers.

By the end of 2007, the Jeep brand lineup will include Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Wrangler, plus the all-new Compass, Patriot and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. These vehicles provide the opportunity to grow the Jeep brand by offering a variety of products that will excite current customers and attract new ones.

"The Jeep brand is on a product offensive and will continue to grow with new offerings that leverage Jeep’s legendary 4x4 leadership," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We are solidifying the Jeep brand’s foundation with the all-new Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, while also stretching the brand to reach new customers in the growing compact SUV segment with Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot."

Jeep Commander

The new Jeep Commander, on sale in the UK from April 2006, is part of the on-going Jeep product offensive in markets outside North America and is featured today at the British International Motor Show in London. The Commander is the first of the Jeep family to offer as standard three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably. This classic, rugged 4x4 offers UK customers a class-leading vehicle with legendary off-road capabilities and on-road refinement.

The Jeep Commander, with its classic, rugged design, features a host of safety systems plus the Quadra-Drive II® four-wheel-drive system. The Commander is available in the UK with the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD diesel engine and 5.7-litre V-8 HEMI® petrol engine. A choice of two trim levels is available on the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD: Predator and Limited. The 5.7-litre V-8 HEMI comes with the Limited trim only.

Jeep Brand

Jeep, which is one of the most recognised brands in the world, is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2006. In 1941, the Willys-Overland company delivered to the U.S. Army 1,500 light reconnaissance vehicles called the Willys Quad. Improved vehicles were called the MA and MB, but eventually, those vehicles came to be known as the Jeep. More than 368,000 were built for use during World War II.

Over the years, mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure have become the hallmarks of the Jeep brand and the basis for its SUV leadership worldwide.

Sales of Jeep brand vehicles outside North America rose to 84,019 units in 2005, a 15 percent increase versus 2004. In calendar-year 2005, all three models – Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee – posted gains over the prior year

Cooper Tires has made another tough addition to its highly-praised Discoverer off-road range of tyres with the new Super Traction Tread (STT).

Designed with the adventurous pursuits of rock-climbing, mud-eating and terrain-taming in mind, the Discoverer STT also offers superb traction, enhanced durability and increased puncture resistance on the road thanks to its innovative and uncompromising design and tread compound.

The bold, aggressive tread of Cooper’s new ‘rock star’ has been extended down the sidewall to enhance soft surface traction and provide additional clawing power in rocky, off-road situations. The notched shoulder lugs have been scalloped, guaranteeing that one part of the tyre always has a clear shot at fresh ground.

Outstanding durability is delivered by the three-ply Armor-Tek3 body, while the non-directional tread elements are strategically siped for exceptional handling in wet weather.

Overall, the M and S rated Discoverer STT offers excellent grip, handling characteristics and durability, and features both black sidewall and outline white letter sizes. It is available in 26 sizes, including the popular 15, 16, 17 and 18-inch rim, and a handy rim protector helps protect alloys from kerbing damage.

The revised version of Kia's multi-award-winning flagship 4x4, the Sorento, today makes its first UK appearance at the British International Motor Show at ExCeL in London.

It stars alongside the all-new Sedona and Carens, the latter also appearing in the UK for the first time, on a stand which showcases Kia's growing expertise with SUVs and MPVs.

The Sorento, which has just clinched a second successive top spot in the 4x4 category of the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction survey to add to its Towcar of the Year 2006 award from the Caravan Club, now offers more of everything.

Both the 2.5-litre turbodiesel (VGT) and 3.3-litre petrol engines deliver improved performance; suspension modifications provide a better balance of ride and handling; safety is enhanced with state-of-the-art accident-avoidance features; there is a contemporary new look; more luxury car options become available; and there are smarter trim materials in a higher-quality cabin.

Yet prices will remain competitive and Kia has realigned its existing trim levels XE, XS and top spec XT to offer improved value-for-money.

The Sorento was Kia's first foray into the high-end SUV market. Designed with European input and with European buyers in mind, it has been a huge success. Sales in the UK were up by 10% in 2005 – more than double the average for the SUV sector.

The revised model uses the same body panels as the original car, but new front and rear bumpers, grille projection-style headlamps, tail lights and body mouldings give it a more elegant and modern appearance while increasing the overall length by just 20mm.

With diesel models and fleet orders accounting for an ever-increasing percentage of sales, the revisions to Kia's acclaimed 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve common-rail engine create scope for improved market penetration. Now fitted with an electrically-actuated variable geometry turbocharger for even more flexible performance, the engine gains 21% more power (now 168bhp) and 25% more torque (392Nm at just 2000rpm).This helps reduce the 0-60mph time by 1.7 seconds while the improvement on power has minimal impact on combined fuel consumption at 35.8mpg. The engine now meets Euro IV emissions standards.

The 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine gains an extra 48bhp plus a modest torque increase, trimming its 0-60mph time to 8.9 seconds while cutting fuel consumption. Figures have still to be ratified.

The diesel is available with five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, while the V6 is sold as an automatic only. Higher top gear ratios in both gearboxes reduce fuel consumption when cruising at motorway speeds, and the automatic now features Kia's Sports Mode, allowing manual override of gear changes.

The ladder-frame chassis and dual-frame body construction of the original Sorento have earned praise since launch, but for 2006 Kia has retuned the springs and dampers of the fully-independent suspension to give a smoother ride.

The Sorento continues to be available with part-time or full-time four-wheel drive systems.

For increased occupant safety, ESP stability control, active head restraints, front seat-belt pretensioners and a passenger airbag cut-off switch will become available. ESP automatically corrects potential skids by braking one or more wheels and/or reducing engine power, while active head restraints protect against whiplash injury. An audible reversing aid is also now offered to help reduce the risk of parking knocks.

Twin front and full-length curtain airbags are standard.

The quality of the interior has been improved through a new centre stack and floor console, a neater control layout and higher-quality materials. As well as the current grey interior available on XE and XS there will be a new premium black leather and wood effect trim available on the Sorento XT.

The centre stack now houses dual-zone air conditioning, a new double-DIN JVC CD player with MP3 compatibility stereo system and a trip computer.

Reshaped backrests on the front seats and multi-adjustable rear backrests increase legroom and comfort for passengers travelling in the rear.

The 2.5 litre CRDi VGT will be available late summer and the 3.3 litre V6 available at the end of 2006.

ExCeL, London, 18 July 2006 – Land Rover today announced the next significant step in its ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change with the introduction of a wide-ranging pilot CO2 offset programme, which will allow both Land Rover and its customers to contribute to a cleaner environment. It is the largest and most comprehensive programme of its kind ever undertaken by an automotive manufacturer in the UK.

The pilot has been established specifically for Land Rover and supports Ford Motor Company's £1 billion investment in the UK announced yesterday. The far-reaching initiative will enable the development of environmental technologies across Ford and its Premier Automotive Group. The 3,000 engineers based at Land Rover's headquarters in Gaydon in Warwickshire will play a key role in developing that technology.

The pilot will run to the end of 2008, and it is estimated that Land Rover's CO2 Offset Programme will offset over two million tonnes of CO2 over the pilot period – equivalent to the CO2 generated by 125,000 average homes over the same period.

Announced at the British International Motor Show in London, the programme has two key components: offsetting emissions generated by Land Rover vehicle assembly at its two production facilities in Britain; and providing a mechanism for customers to offset emissions from the use of their vehicle. The scheme is to be run independently by Climate Care, a highly respected CO2 offset provider, and will be overseen by a Governance Committee.

"This announcement is part of a multi-stage and ongoing approach by Land Rover to environmental care and sustainability," said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover. "Our CO2 offset programme is the second demonstration from Land Rover in five months that it is helping to minimise the impact of its manufacturing processes and vehicles on the environment.

"This industry leading initiative follows hard on the heels of our Land-e technological exhibit which showcases innovative hybrid electric powertrains and biofuel capability – real world technology which will be seen on Land Rover production vehicles of the future. The announcement made by Ford yesterday will have a considerable impact in enabling us to develop that technology. It also acknowledges the challenges of climate change and recognises our responsibility to take action now."

Mike Mason, director of Climate Care, said: "It will take time to incorporate the new technologies into the full model range so rather than wait, Land Rover have chosen to act immediately and, in addition, introduce a comprehensive CO2 offset programme. This will start to reduce the climate impact of Land Rovers immediately."

Land Rover's CO2 Offset Programme is part of an integrated approach to reducing CO2 emissions. The ultimate goal is CO2 neutrality and projects will include investment in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, technology change and energy efficiency.

* Land Rover will embark on a pilot programme in the UK to offset CO2 emissions from its UK manufacturing operations, ensuring the amount saved balances the original emissions. The facilities are already highly efficient in energy usage and have ongoing efficiency targets. Emissions from Solihull have been cut by 30% since 1997.
* From 2007 Model Year, customers of all new Land Rover vehicles sold in the UK will pay to offset the CO2 emissions produced by their vehicle, calculated on the certified CO2 emissions level for each Land Rover model and based on 45,000 miles (equivalent 15,000 miles of annual use).
* For the customer it represents an investment of between £85 and £165 depending on model. Research has shown that Land Rover customers are prepared to play an active role.
* It is estimated the programme could offset over two million tonnes of CO2 over the pilot period – equivalent to the output from 125,000 homes over the pilot period. (Source: DEFRA)
* New Land Rover vehicles all have lower emissions than predecessors in their model range. The all-new Freelander 2, for instance, has 11% less CO2 emissions in petrol form and the diesel version emits 5% less than the outgoing Freelander.
* The new Range Rover TDV8, launched at the Madrid Motor Show, has performance figures to match the V8 petrol model but has 32% better fuel economy.
* Land_e, first demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show in March, includes innovative electric hybrid drive that not only allows for pollution-free electric drive in town, but also boosts off-road performance by using the enormous low-speed torque of the electric engine. It would cut CO2 emissions by 30% and give a 50 mpg fuel economy on a Freelander size vehicle.

"Land Rover customers can be reassured that not only is their latest purchase more efficient and less polluting , but they are also part of a scheme to make immediate and real reductions through CO2 offset projects around the world," said Phil Popham.

* Climate Care, who will manage the Land Rover scheme, is one of Britain's most respected independent CO2 offset providers.
* Previous Climate Care initiatives have included wind turbines in India, installing low energy lighting in South Africa and providing renewable energy cooking stoves to schools in India.

Mike Mason added: "Land Rover recognise that climate change is a serious threat to the planet. In response, Land Rover and their parent, Ford, have committed to an extensive programme of emissions reductions from their vehicles. However the threat is not only serious but also urgent. Climate Care is pleased that Land Rover has taken this initiative to deal with emissions in the short term whilst stepping up their efforts to tackle the longer term challenges. We believe this is the first time a programme of such scope and vision has been launched, and we hope it sets a benchmark for others."

A Governance Committee will oversee all aspects of the scheme's administration and implementation.

"It is our prime objective that everyone involved can see exactly how the scheme is being run and what benefits it is producing, both in terms of projects funded and offsetting of CO2," added Phil Popham.

ExCeL, London, 18 July 2006 – Land Rover's all-new Freelander 2 makes its world debut today at the British International Motor Show at ExCeL in London's Docklands. The vehicle is displayed on the Land Rover show stand alongside an updated, 2007 model year Range Rover TDV8, a Range Rover Sport TDV6 and a Discovery 3 TDV6.

The Freelander 2 is new from the ground up, with outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability expected of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.

Technical highlights of the Freelander 2 include:

* Two new engines:
o 2.2-litre TD4 diesel (160 PS / 118 kW) – better fuel economy than its predecessor (37.7 mpg : 7.5 l/100 km) and 43 per cent more power
o 3.2-litre i6 petrol (233 PS / 171 kW) – 30 per cent more powerful than the outgoing V6 with 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy
* Full-time intelligent 4x4 that helps optimise traction and fuel economy
* Land Rover’ s unique Terrain Response™ – for easier off-road driving – heads a long list of advanced technologies, many new to the class

For the 2007 model year, the Range Rover gains a powerful, refined, all-new TDV8 diesel engine, which cuts the 0-60 mph sprint (and 0-100 km/h) by over four seconds, but has the same fuel economy as the outgoing diesel (25.1 mpg combined average). Added technologies include Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response, electronic park brake and electronic rear ‘e’ differential. The improved cabin also gains extra stowage, enhanced finishes and more effective air-conditioning – plus the option of cooled front seats.

Land Rover's managing director, Phil Popham, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the British International Motor Show here in London with two product debuts – it is our home show and is very important to our business. The first of these products, an updated Range Rover, comes with a new TDV8 engine which has a balance of performance, refinement and economy that is unmatched – it makes this vehicle even more desirable."

He continued: "The Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car with the attributes of a robust 4x4. We believe that no other compact 4x4 gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

The Range Rover for 2007 goes on sale from September this year, with the Freelander 2 following it into Land Rover showrooms from December. Prices for the Freelander 2 will start at approximately £22,000 and rise to over £30,000. Land Rover dealers are taking orders for the new vehicles now and more specification information such as available colours and 360 degree design tours are available online at www.landrover.co.uk.

Visitors to the motor show can experience Land Rover's current range of products for themselves by visiting the Land Rover Terrapod off-road course, situated outside the south hall of the ExCeL exhibition centre. Free-passenger rides are available over the Terrapod's challenging off-road obstacles, designed and engineered by leading outdoor event agency, D3 Ltd, co-organisers of the Land Rover G4 challenge.

Introduction of new 3.0-litre D-4D and revised 2.5-litre D-4D engines at the British International Motor Show

KEY POINTS

* New high performance 3.0-litre D-4D with 169bhp (171 DIN hp) 343Nm of torque debuts at British International Motor Show
* Current 2.5-litre D-4D engine boosted to 118bhp (120 DIN hp) 325Nm of torque
* On sale in the UK January 2007
* Introduction of new Automatic Transmission
* All engines now Euro IV

A powerful new range of diesel engines and styling enhancements are set to boost the popularity of the latest generation Toyota Hilux. The changes will ensure the Hilux remains a top selling pick-up across Europe, offering strong customer appeal in both the leisure and utility vehicle markets.

The new engines include a high performance, high torque 169bhp (171 DIN hp) 3.0-litre D-4D diesel which will help the Hilux compete in the growing leisure pick-up segment of the market. This unit, derived from the Toyota Land Cruiser, will give the Hilux a superb power to weight ratio and outstanding performance and driving characteristics

At the same time the current 2.5-litre D-4D diesel engine has been upgraded to develop 118bhp (120 DIN hp), an eight per cent increase on the current unit, and outstanding torque of 325Nm.

Both new engines comply with Euro IV emissions regulations and together offer Hilux customers an excellent balance of driving pleasure, low fuel consumption and low emissions. They will be available to UK customers from January 2007.

The appeal of the Toyota Hilux is further enhanced by exterior styling changes which give the vehicle a more distinctive look and, for the 3.0-litre D-4D model, high-tech Optitron instrumentation and a multi-info display.

NEW 3.0-litre D-4D

The introduction of a high performance 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine will place the Toyota Hilux at the heart of the leisure pick-up market – with an excellent power to weight ratio and outstanding dynamic performance.

The 3.0-litre D-4D develops 169bhp (171 DIN hp) and 343Nm of torque across a range from 1,400 to 3,250rpm, making it ideal for customers looking for performance and extra driving pleasure, both on and off-road.

There will be a choice of transmissions: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The engine will be available exclusively with the high specification Double Cab, 4x4 body style.

The 3.0-litre D-4D is the latest derivative of the renowned diesel engine featured in the Toyota Land Cruiser range. It uses second-generation common-rail technology, smooth control of the turbocharger variable vanes and a swirl control system for maximum efficiency.

MORE POWERFUL 2.5-litre D-4D

The 2.5-litre D-4D engine remains at the core of the Toyota Hilux range and will continue to be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and in Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles. The engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission.

The introduction of a high performance turbo-intercooler, and other developments in a programme of continuous improvement, result in power from the 2.5-litre D-4D engine being boosted by eight per cent to 118bhp (120 DIN hp).

At the same time the torque output from this engine grows dramatically to 325Nm, giving the 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux a strong balance between driving pleasure and low fuel consumption.

The addition of an intercooler and optimisation of the oxidisation catalytic converter ensures that the 2.5-litre D-4D is fully compliant with Euro IV emissions standards.

ENHANCED STYLING FEATURES

The appeal of the Hilux is further enhanced by styling changes to give a more rugged look. These include the addition of an air scoop on the bonnet to increase air-flow for the intercooler and front fog lamps on certain models, according to grade.

A more hi-tech, premium quality ambience is created with new, Optitron instrumentation exclusively for the 3.0-litre D-4D model, which also receives a multi-information display and, on automatic versions, a shift position indicator and cruise control.

Full UK equipment specifications, options and prices will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

WORLDWIDE SALES SUCCESS

The current Toyota Hilux, launched in Europe in late 2005, is the sixth generation of Toyota’s second best selling model worldwide: more than 12 million units have been built since the Hilux was first introduced in Japan in 1967.

The Hilux is one of three vehicles being developed on a global basis under Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) project and represents 66 per cent of IMV volume (financial year 2005). It complements the Toyota SUV/off-road line-up, offering different body styles and a more rugged alternative to the world-renowned Land Cruiser and RAV4.

It has already proved a sales success, with global demand exceeding supply. This means numbers in Europe have had to be restricted to 23,000 units in 2006.

Isuzu (UK) Limited is putting the pulling power into pick-up trucks with its new Direct Mail piece for the Rodeo Denver.

The mailing, which is designed as a Chinese take-away menu, will target some 77,000 businesses within six key trade groups, along with carefully selected existing pick-up owners.

Designed to promote the new starting price of £13,990 for the Rodeo Denver; Isuzu hope this innovative campaign will not only convince existing owners that the Rodeo was right for them, but also introduce it to new prospective customers. The take-away menu will contain full details on the model including its class-leading tow load of 3000kg, as well as all optional extras.

Market research showed that commercial vehicle drivers are 73% more likely than the rest of the UK population to consume take-aways more than once a week.

Isuzu (UK) Brand Manager Kenyon Neads says: "This mailer really hit the spot. The average pick-up driver definitely has a sense of humour so this will achieve real stand out for them. The combination of research and close targeting also ensure that we are getting to the right people with the right message. Plus the format allows the luxury of being able to include a substantial amount of information without compromising the quality of the creative work. We’re looking into the next steps in the campaign, which are likely to be take-away container lids, plus some competitions and potentially a series of take-away events."

20-30 July 2006, ExCeL London

If you thought the motor industry was in the dark ages on sustainability issues, then you need to think again and come to this year's motor show. Vehicle makers have invested millions to improve the green credentials of their products, as well as their manufacturing sites. In 1999, the UK industry was the first to document sector-wide progress through an annual sustainability report, tracking things like the following:

• Average CO 2 from all new cars down by 11 per cent in six years

• 85 per cent of a car recycled at the end of its life

• Soot emissions from new diesel cars have been cut by 93 per cent in 15 years

• Energy needed to produce each vehicle halved between 2001 and 2004

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive commented, 'The motor industry is investing millions each year to improve its green credentials. Now the public will have the opportunity to see how far we have come. Next week's motor show will see some of the latest advances in electric, hybrid, bio-fuel and diesel technologies, as well as some pointers to the future of sustainable motoring.'

Examples of greener cars and technologies on show at ExCeL London from 20 - 30 July include the following:

All-electric cars

This year's motor show will feature the launch of two all-new electric city cars. The zero emissions smart EV (electric vehicle) will be unveiled on press day, alongside the debut of the Mega City NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle.

Cleaner diesel

The latest generation diesel cars typically deliver around 20-30 per cent better fuel consumption than petrol equivalents. Citroën will feature what it claims are three of the most economical models on the road; the C1, C2 and C3 diesels. All are capable of more than 65 mpg. Plus, show-goers can experience Citroën's stop-start in action, a technology that automatically cuts and re-starts the engine in traffic.

Flex-fuel cars

Three new cars from Ford show the industry's commitment to developing flex-fuel vehicles, capable of running on either conventional fuel or that produced from bio-mass. They include the Ford Focus C-Max FFV, an exciting concept, and the new Ford Focus FFV. Over on the Saab stand, visitors will see a world first - the 210 bhp 2.3t BioPower engine in the new-look Saab 9-5.

Hybrid models / electric motors

Many hybrid cars, which use electric motors to supplement conventional petrol or diesel engines, are already on the road. Trailblazers include the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX 400h and GS 450h hybrids; all models will feature on respective stands at this year's motor show.

Then there's Mitsubishi's 'I' Car, a Japanese mini-car being shown at motor show to test public reaction, possibly with a view to import. Its CO 2 emissions are just 120 g/km; it will also be the first in the Mitsubishi range to feature in-wheel electric motors, coming in 2010.

Newer = greener

Car makers constantly improve the efficiency of new models. Take the new Land Rover Freelander, set for its world debut in London; the petrol model is 10 per cent more fuel efficient than the car it replaces.

The future - concepts for tomorrow

Saab's fossil-fuel free hybrid, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, is the first ever car to combine the use of pure bioethanol fuel - which is produced from sustainable crops - and electric power.

Lewis Booth to give keynote address at International Business Day

And it's not just the cars that will be under the public spotlight. Ford's most senior executive in Europe, Lewis Booth, will be giving the keynote speech on Wednesday 19 July as part of the FT International Business Day in association with International Business Wales. His speech will feature the greatest challenge facing society and the motor industry: climate change.

International Business day is targeted at qualified professionals and press, so proof of status is required for registration. Delegates can register online at www.britishmotorshow.co.uk with tickets priced at £20 in advance.

Green label on display

Show-goers will also see the new colour-coded label displayed on stands throughout ExCeL. Now a familiar sight across new car showrooms, the label provides clear CO 2 emissions data in a colour-coded format, similar to that used for white goods like fridges and washing machines. This voluntary industry initiative is helping car buyers make easy comparisons between cars on environmental performance, as well as giving clear model by model details on annual running costs.

The motor industry will also be using the motor show to distribute free copies of its Drive Green, Drive Safely booklet, a guide to eco and safer driving. Packed full of tips and hints for driving, copies are available to download from the home page of the SMMT web site at www.smmt.co.uk

Media contacts

Isuzu (UK) Limited has joined forces with local dealers to promote the new Rodeo Denver Max 2.5 at the Royal Welsh Show on 24-27 July 2006.

A further exciting deal recently launched to all customers is the offer of a free Auto upgrade on all the 3.0 Denver Max models. This offer sees a tangible saving of £1,000 and supplements the free Smartnav satellite navigation system launched earlier this year.

As well as exhibiting at the show, (Stand No.609) Isuzu will be sponsoring the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, whose duties include the firing of Royal Salutes in Hyde Park on Royal Anniversaries and State Occasions. Isuzu UK is also providing six courtesy vehicles for use in the main ring parade to transport the winning cloven-hoofed animals in society trailers. The 3.0 Denver Max was chosen to participate in the parade due to its class leading 3000kg tow-load. The Show is billed as one of the largest of its kind in Europe attracting more than 200,000 visitors over the four-day period, where staff will be on hand to discuss the whole range of Isuzu models and the best deals in town.

Available in six stunning colours, the new 2.5 Denver Max manual is now being offered for a limited time for just £13,990 (on-the-road excluding VAT). Respected as one of the most car-like and durable commercial pick-ups on the market, the new 2.5 Denver Max is sure to widen the vehicle’s appeal.

Standard equipment on the new 2.5 litre turbo diesel Denver Max includes: new restyled front bumper, new cloth interior with overhead console, new alloy wheels, air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, Pioneer CD/Tuner/MP3 Player, tinted electric windows, ABS with EBD and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.

Kenyon Neads, Isuzu Brand Manager, said: "Isuzu UK are delighted, yet again, to support the Royal Welsh Show and Welsh Farming. The Rodeo is particularly popular with the farming community due to its torquey engine and its bullet proof reliability."

Meanwhile, the Rodeo continues to win accolades including ‘Best Double Cab Pickup’ from Used Car Buyer magazine and ‘Lifestyle Pickup Winner 2006’ from 4x4 magazine. Other awards include ‘Towcar of the year’ from The Caravan Club and What Van? magazine.

The All New Freelander 2. Tough, sophisticated, luxurious, adventurous, Freelander is a striking and prestigious looking vehicle for people with a positive attitude. At 11.15 on Tuesday 18th July, Landrover will be broadcasting the first UK unveiling of the All New Freelander 2 live from the British Motorshow on Go Beyond TV. For more information and to register your details for further updates on the new car see the website below.

Tell me more about Freelander 2
http://www.keycast.com/Keycast/link.asp?mediaid=27509&b=327&l=2&mkt=67&kcid=1820275&u=26443521

View the unveiling of the All New Freelander 2
http://www.keycast.com/Keycast/link.asp?mediaid=27510&b=327&l=2&mkt=67&kcid=1820275&u=26443521

We now have stock of vehicle stickers, two types are available,

Type 1 for application to external vehicle bodywork or glass

Type 2 for application to the inside of vehicle windows

both types will be available i two different sizes and will be available to purchase online from Tuesday 18th July

World championship leader Fernando Alonso says he is not worried that Michael Schumacher’s emphatic US Grand Prix will usher in a period of Ferrari dominance.

Schumacher’s Indy win trimmed Alonso’s title lead to 19 points, but the Spaniard is confident it did not signify a major shift in the balance of power between Renault and Ferrari.

And he is unconcerned by the Maranello squad’s pace of development.

“I don’t think they are developing so quickly,” Alonso said at Magny-Cours on Thursday.

“We are so dramatic after one race at Indianapolis.

“They improved a lot from Imola, but after that we won Monaco, Spain, Silverstone and we forgot about the development of Ferrari.

“Now after one race everyone is carried away by Ferrari.

“I think we have to take a more general view of the championship, and hopefully we can keep the advantage over them.”

Alonso says his North American trip was a successful exercise in damage limitation, given that the Ferrari/Bridgestone combination was expected to have the upper hand there.

“[North] America was perfect for me,” he said.

“I scored 14 points whereas last year I scored zero. I only scored four points less than Michael.

“It’s something that we expected.

“I think we can come back in Europe again and hopefully we will have some advantage here.

“The tyres will be better now so we will see this weekend.”

Jacques Villeneuve, who like the departed Juan Pablo Montoya faces the prospect of losing his F1 drive, has hit out at teams' new philosophy of choosing young stars over established veterans.

The French Canadian, with his current contract soon to expire, is locked in a battle to convince BMW Sauber bosses that his credentials are worth more than the unproven potential of a rising talent like Robert Kubica.

Similarly, at Renault (Heikki Kovalainen), Ferrari (Felipe Massa) and Williams (Nico Rosberg), team chiefs are increasingly ignoring old hands because fresh faces are cheaper.

Asked if Montoya's McLaren exit was exciting because it opened the door for youngsters like Gary Paffett and Lewis Hamilton, 35-year-old Villeneuve said: "If (his 2007 replacement) is a 20-year-old just out of Formula Ford, it won't be (exciting), because he will be groomed so correctly.
"

Villeneuve thinks teams are mistaken if they are trying to emulate Renault's Fernando Alonso model. "It's worked with one person," he told the Sun, "but what they don't realise is it hasn't worked with 20 others."

Villeneuve indicated that his prospects of landing a big drive next year are unlikely, commenting: "I give very good value but it seems experience is not wanted."

Source GMM
CAPSIS International

The FIA announced today that the World Motor Sport Council, following a fax vote, has approved the Formula One Commission’s proposed changes to the 2006 and 2007 Formula One Sporting Regulations.

The changes for the 2006 regulations will come into effect this weekend at the French Grand Prix. The final part of qualifying reduced from 20 minutes to 15 (hoping to eliminate the tedious fuel burning process) while the terminology is changing with each phase of qualifying now referred to as Q1, Q2 and Q3. In addition, there are minor timing changes to the procedure ahead of the Grand Prix start.

Most significantly, changes to the 2007 Sporting Regulations will see the third cars eliminated from Friday practice.

As it stands, teams that did not finish in the top four in the constructors' championship in the previous year can run a third car in Friday practice.
This has now been outlawed for the 2007 season. In addition, only two specifications of tyre can be supplied to the field next season. The current rule allows two specifications per team.

With third cars eliminated from Friday practice, the theory is that the race drivers will have to undertake additional running. It remains to be seen if this will be the case without further changes to the regulations.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

Billing Aquadrome is now full for camping, however, you can still book for the farmers camping field, next to the showground by calling +44 1604 890271 (if answerphone please leave your name and number along with a brief message).

Day tickets are still available online until Friday, July 14, 2006.

First variant to go on sale in China in late 2006

TOKYO (6 July, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today announced it would release a new family of global cars over the next two years with sales of the first variant to start in China in 2006. The Livina Geniss, the name of the Chinese variant, will be the first Nissan car ever to be released in China ahead of other global markets.

"This new family of global cars represents an important investment for Nissan," said Nissan Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares. "We expect the Livina Geniss and the other variants to become significant contributors to Nissan’s growth in China and other key global markets," continued Tavares.

The Livina Geniss will make its world premier at the Guangzhou International Motor Show later this month. Based on the concept of a luxurious, yet practical vehicle, the model seats up to seven people and accommodates a wide variety of customer needs. The exterior features a bold, modern design and is complemented by a highly flexible interior that provides multiple seating arrangements and a high standard specification.

Like the other models in this new global family, the Livina Geniss has been designed and engineered at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan and will be built on a Renault-Nissan Alliance common platform.

The Livina Geniss will be powered by a 1.8-litre gasoline engine with C-VTC (Continuous Valve Timing Control) for improved power and torque. The model will be manufactured at Dongfeng Motor Co.’s (DFL) Huadu plant in Guangdong Province. DFL is Nissan’s joint venture in China with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. The other variants will be produced at different facilities around the world.

THE stars of the Used Car Roadshow Jason Dawe and Penny Mallory will be at the British Motorshow next week to help launch the new promotional DVD for top car cleaning product Diamondbrite.

The launch, which takes place on Tuesday July 18, sees the start of a three year endorsement of the premier brand by the ITV Men and Motors presenting duo.

Diamondbrite, which is produced by Kent based company Jewelultra , is a technologically advanced protective layer that gives a hard high gloss finish to your car that is guaranteed for six years.

Once applied it protects the paint from the damaging effects of road salts, traffic film, acid rain, tree sap and bird lime. With the added bonus of virtually eliminating the fading effect of ultraviolet light, using Diamondbrite means you never have to polish your car again.

With such extravagant claims Jason and Penny decided to put the Diamondbrite protection system to the ultimate test.

The pair took a brand new Ford Focus ST for a drive along some of the muddiest and grimiest roads they could find and then let it all dry on in the midday sun. Add to that a healthy dollop of bird muck and sticky tree sap the challenge was then on to see if the Diamondbrite claims to be able to return the car to a showroom shine were true.

Jason said: "At the start of the day the car was immaculate, straight off the forecourt by lunchtime it was a complete state. We quite literally threw everything at it. When the sun had done its work drying it all on like concrete we really thought there was no way it would get back to its new state without a full professional valet.

"But within minutes it was back to showroom shine and condition."

Penny added: "It’s a fantastic product and having seen the results with my own eyes I cannot recommend it highly enough."

Diamondbrite is a two stage process that is professionally applied either by a franchised motor dealer or an authorised valet centre.

To find out more about Diamondbrite and the full Jewelultra range click on to the website on www.jewelultra.com, where you can also take a look at the new DVD featuring Jason Dawe and Penny Mallory.

A standard Isuzu Rodeo pickup has set a new fuel economy record by achieving a remarkable 52.01 mpg after being driven virtually non-stop from Land’s End to John o’Groat’s.

The luxury four-door five-seat Rodeo Denver Max covered the entire 853-mile trip on a single tank of fuel, using only 16.4 gallons to achieve the record.

It is the first time a diesel-engined one-tonne pickup has completed the challenge and the entire exercise took 22 hours from start to finish.

The 3.0 litre Rodeo was driven by Chris Roberts, Dealer Principal at Isuzu dealership St Austell Motor Group, Cornwall, supported by Service Technician co-driver, Matt Saunders

Chris said: "We practiced a little beforehand to discover the most economical engine speed band which we established at around 1,600 rpm. That means about 38 mph but we allowed ourselves up to 60 mph on downhill stretches. The only extra was a cover for the load-bed which reduces drag, otherwise the Rodeo was straight out of the box."

He added: "We made sure we had a good meal prior to setting off and deliberately started at 8 pm to avoid heavy traffic, finally arriving at John o’Groat’s 22 hours later after one meal stop and the inevitable toilet breaks.

"I first had the idea of an economy drive earlier this year as customers began telling me how economical the Rodeo was in day-to-day driving. We would definitely do it again but think this figure will take some beating from rival pickup manufacturers."

Winner of a host of accolades, the Isuzu Rodeo range now starts at £13,990 (on the road but excluding VAT) for the new 2.5 litre Denver Max.

All models have alloy wheels, air-conditioning, leather trimmed steering wheel, a Pioneer CD/tuner/MP3 player, tinted electric windows, ABS with EBD and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.

The best-selling 3.0 litre models boast a 3,000 kg braked towing limit and all have especially long 12,000 mile service intervals.

And until 30 September, Isuzu is offering automatic transmission free of charge on all Rodeo Denver 3.0 Max and Max LE models.

This is a £1,000 saving, meaning the Rodeo 3.0 Denver Max auto costs £15,990 and Denver Max LE is priced at £19,990 (on the road but excluding VAT).

Toyota and Lexus models will be making a big contribution to a cavalcade through the heart of London this Sunday as a curtain-raiser to the British International Motor Show. The line-up will represent contrasting dimensions of the two brands’ automotive heritage, from the groundbreaking Corona saloon which introduced Toyota to the UK 40 years ago, to the world-leading hybrid power models of today.

Making its way from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square, the 100 Years of Cars Parade will take place in prime territory for the hybrid power Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 400h and GS 450h models, all of which are exempt from the central London congestion charge. And the slow pace of the event will enable them to run for periods on their electric motors alone, thus producing no harmful exhaust emissions.

Although famous for its advanced environmentally-focused technology, Prius is also a proven performer in international motor sport. Joining the regular road-going version in the parade will be the Rally Prius, which made history as the first hybrid car to complete an internationally-recognised event, the gruelling 5,000-mile Midnight Sun to Red Sea Rally in 2002.

Further Toyota sporting success will be represented by the ultimate Japanese muscle car, the Supra. A double champion in top-line Japanese GT racing, the Supra has achieved further fame with millions of game players as the four-wheeled icon of the original Gran Turismo for Sony’s PlayStation. Just like its computerised counterpart, the parade car is presented in full Castrol racing livery. It also has lowered suspension, a full sports body kit and an awe-inspiring sound system with a 2,000-watt amplifier.

Completing the line-up will be two of the famous Top Gear footballing Aygo hatchbacks, which will be showing off their skills at playing keepy-uppy with a giant ball along the parade route.

The parade will set off at 2.30pm this Sunday. The British International Motor Show, at ExCeL in London’s Docklands, will open to the public on 20 July.

* First ever Crossover SUV to star at British International Motor Show
* GM’s pioneering technology appears alongside its newest incarnation
* Captiva builds on fine Chevrolet heritage

With all eyes fixed on the new Captiva at the British International Motor Show, the Chevrolet stand will also feature a car that is a piece of GM’s global heritage, and proof that when it comes to inventing new market segments, the American brand has always been a leader in its field.

The Chevrolet Suburban Carryall can take the credit for being the world’s first true ‘Crossover’ vehicle – an area of the new car market that today is booming, and one where New Captiva successfully combines the dynamic attributes of a car with the practicality of an MPV and the presence of a 4x4.

When the Suburban Carryall debuted, it brought with it a name that remains in the Chevrolet range even today (In the USA, Suburban was still a top seller in 2005), and it also introduced new ways of thinking to the motoring public.

Previously, a Station Wagon was a car built on a separate car or van chassis, with the rear bodywork usually constructed out of wood – but the Carryall was different. Capable of carrying eight passengers and their luggage, it featured an integral pressed steel body built on a rugged commercial vehicle chassis, making it ideal for carrying people in warmth and comfort through many different driving conditions.

Power came from a 3.3-litre straight six engine developing 79PS, fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with full syncromesh.

Originally targeted at taxi companies, or as hotel courtesy vehicles, the Suburban soon developed an identity of its own, as the world’s most versatile family car – an attribute that makes it, and the crossover sector, so popular today.

At the British International Motor Show, Chevrolet is proud to pull the covers off the first car to bring the Suburban’s multitude of talents, not to mention its 70-year heritage to Europe – the New Captiva. Set to arrive in UK dealers in 2007, this latest chapter in Chevrolet’s European history is the most exciting yet.

Grand prix car blasts through ExCeL in unique TV trial

In the space of just over a week, Toyota’s Formula 1 activities have taken it from the legendary wide open banking of Indianapolis to a course just 384 metres long inside ExCeL, the new home of the British International Motor Show.

The vast exhibition hall in London’s Docklands was the arena for the UK’s first indoor F1 trial on Monday, with the Panasonic Toyota Racing TF105 demonstrating its prodigious straight-line acceleration and braking power for BBC Television’s Top Gear programme.

As a high-octane curtain-raiser for Toyota’s contribution to this year’s motor show, the test has no equal. Piloted by "The Stig", the V10-powered TF105 was tweaked to cope with the exceptional conditions, not least the ultra-smooth surface. Slick Bridgestone tyres were fitted, gear ratios were adjusted, brakes were pre-warmed, maximum revs were reduced from around 19,000 to 16,000 and the car’s traction control system was working at full capacity.

Just how the race car performed, compared to Top Gear’s more modest "Reasonably Priced Car", will be revealed in the programme scheduled for transmission at 8.00pm on BBC2 on Sunday, 16 July. The same day, in the real world of Grand Prix competition, Panasonic Toyota Racing will be looking to build on its impressive showing at Indianapolis, where Jarno Trulli claimed an impressive fourth place result, and challenge for a podium finish at the French Grand Prix.

Last weekend, the Toyota TF105 thrilled the crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with official test driver Ricardo Zonta at the wheel. The F1 car ran a total of six times on the famous hill climb, with the last run reserved for the customary tyre tread laying ‘burnout’.

Toyota blitzed the competition in a dominant performance at the latest JapShow event at the Santa Pod Raceway. The hard-fought Pro-Shootout competition, which pits the cream of professionally-prepared Japanese machines against each other in timed runs along the famous drag strip, resulted in an all-Toyota final on 25 June.

The contenders for victory in the top, all-wheel/rear-wheel drive category were Northumberland’s Kevin Huntley in the Envy Performance Supra and Adrian Smith, from Cambridgeshire, in his 650bhp Fensport-tuned Celica GT4X. In the qualifying rounds they saw off challenges from rival Supras, Celicas, Subaru Imprezas and Nissan Skylines.

Cheered on by an 8,000-strong crowd at the Bedfordshire venue, Smith clocked a personal best, hitting 135mph in 10.647 seconds. But it wasn’t enough to beat Huntley, who also achieved a personal record, powering the Supra to 145mph in 10.409 seconds to shade the race on the line.

Demonstrating the pinnacle of Toyota performance and reliability, the drag strip heroes will be locked in combat again at the next JapShow at Santa Pod on 8 October.

After a six-week mid-season break, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship resumes over the weekend of 15/16 July at the Croft circuit in North Yorkshire. Heading into rounds nine and ten of the 20-race season, just two points split Damien Faulkner (Co Donegal) and Tim Harvey (Witney) at the head of the championship.

The Carrera Cup is enjoying a fabulous season in 2006, with great racing from the all-new ‘Type 997’ 911 GT3 Cup cars that were introduced at the start of the season. Strong grids, packed with quality teams and drivers, and a new Pro-Am category are making this the best season so far for the Porsche championship.

Defending Carrera Cup champion Faulkner currently has a slender lead in the title race, but former BTCC ace Harvey is chasing hard and there are just two points between them as they head to Yorkshire after the long break. They have pulled 30 points clear of the chasing pack after the opening eight races, but it's too early just yet to talk about a two-horse title-race!

The car most likely to come between Faulkner and Harvey and the chequered flag is the Cleveland-based Team Irwin with Red Line Racing entry. Car number two has won five of the eight races to date, three times in the hands of Richard Westbrook (London) and twice with Danny Watts (Buckingham) at the wheel. Westbrook is in with a very strong chance of winning the international Porsche Michelin Supercup title this season and will be racing at the French Grand Prix meeting at Magny Cours over the Croft weekend. So, former F3 single-seater ace Watts is again racing the car and he will be going all-out to repeat his double Oulton Park victory.

Other strong runners in the Pro category include Richard Williams (London), one of the revelations of the season, Jason Templeman (Nottingham), Michael Caine (Newmarket) and Tech 9 team mates Mark Cole (Inkpen, Berkshire) and Phil Hindley (Chester). Williams will resume his Carrera Cup campaign at Croft after two weekends of racing in the Porsche Supercup at Silverstone and Indianapolis, USA, over recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the new Pro-Am category is delivering some great racing within the overall race and it is young Phil Quaife (Tonbridge) who heads to Croft with a useful points lead. However, Jason Young (Oakham), Sam Edwards (Aylesbury), Nigel Rice (Beverley) and David Ashburn (London) are all battling hard for their share of the glory and it was rising star Andy Purdie (Maidstone) who claimed his first Pro-Am victory last time out at Thruxton in Hampshire.

After qualifying during the morning of Saturday (15 July), round nine will run on Saturday afternoon, with round ten on Sunday during the British Touring Car Championship meeting.

The Caparo T1 – possibly the world’s quickest 2-seater road and track car with a performance equal to an A1 GP racecar – will join a showcase of exotic vehicles in a special ‘SuperCar Paddock’ feature area at the British International Motor Show.

"This will be the first opportunity for half a million visitors to see close-up the next generation of supercar developed using Britain’s world renowned expertise in the design and manufacturer of high performance vehicles," said Caparo Group chief executive Angad Paul. "The car’s inspiration comes from Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead – two ex-McLaren engineers who worked previously on the McLaren F1, Mercedes SLR and Formula One projects and who now work, I’m pleased to say, for the Caparo group."

Commenting on Caparo’s choice of London to premiere one of Britain’s most exciting supercars since the McLaren F1, Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which owns the show, said: "It’s logical that Britain’s largest single-owner business should chose the British International Motor Show to premiere to a mass audience its first-ever car; and we’re absolutely delighted that this latest example of British automotive technology will join our supercar paddock."

Commenting on Caparo’s intention to commoditise advanced composite materials for high volume vehicle manufacture while maintaining a strong UK component manufacturing base Macgowan added: "Not only does this show real technical prowess and solid commitment but it’s also a rational business decision given the UK hosts more volume car makers than any other country in Europe. In addition, the Caparo T1 provides further evidence of the UK working hard to deliver more sustainable motoring by using its advanced motorsport and aerospace technology to help car makers develop new models fit for the 21st century."

"The Caparo T1 is a showcase of our design, development and manufacturing capabilities and it is a demonstration of our technical ability to design a whole car," said Caparo Vehicle Products chief executive Richard Butler. "It may seem paradoxical given its astonishing performance, but the Caparo T1 also has the serious purpose of helping car makers apply racecar technology to everyday vehicles thereby making them lighter and more fuel efficient and hence less harmful to the environment."

Caparo generated £725m of income last year and has put its considerable financial muscle behind the high profile Caparo T1 project to help spearhead its ambition to become a leading Tier 1 supplier particularly in advanced composite materials, which will help carmakers reduce vehicle mass and in turn fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ultra lightweight Caparo T1 has been developed using aerospace and high formula racing technology. The car’s efficient and compact 2.4-litre V8 engine develops almost 500bhp in a vehicle weighing less than 500kg. The result is a significant technical breakthrough; being the world’s first ever road and track car to produce 1,000bhp-per-tonne which defines an entirely new breed of exotic – and far from ordinary – supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron. In turn, this endows the car with an extraordinary 0-100-0mph time of 8.5 seconds, which is directly comparable to an A1 GP race car.

Caparo has confirmed that it will present the T1 for the duration of the show, which takes place at the London ExCeL exhibition centre from Thursday 20th July to Sunday 30th July 2006. The special ‘SuperCar Paddock’ feature area, sponsored by The Sunday Times, is located in the main exhibition hall.

Stolen between 5.30pm and 12.00am 10/07/06

vehicle registration H91 RTG
it has 33/12.5/15 wheels ,lifted not sure how much by, blacked out windows, cb, sony cd player, metallic green.

Anyone who see this vehicle please notify the police

This weekend (7, 8, 9, July) Monza will echo to the sound of more than 80 Ferrari V8 engines as the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli moves to Italy for Round 4 with the GB team looking to get on the podium yet again.

The famous circuit at Monza will present a full weekend of motorsport action with the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli hosting both the European and Italian Championships plus the Italian GT Championship. The Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB heads off to Italy with a track record that includes a podium finish in every round of the 2006 championship.

Monza circuit is known locally as the ‘Temple of Speed’ and has been the scene of many historic Ferrari victories. It is set in the Monza Park and is the fastest Formula 1 circuit on the Grand Prix calendar. The circuit is a firm favourite with the Tifosi who can often be seen climbing the trees and the old circuit banking just to get a better view of their Ferrari heroes. The atmosphere at this circuit is unique.

Ferrari Challenge racing is the ultimate expression of luxury lifestyle racing, bringing together the race proven technology of the Ferrari F430 Challenge car, the best hospitality, competitive racing and entertainment for our clients on and off the track. In Italy this weekend spectators will see four races in the European Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and two in the Italian Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli across the weekend plus the two Italian GT races.

Ferrari GB Managing Director Massimo Fedeli said: ‘The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli offers Ferrari customers the ultimate opportunity to race the F430 Challenge with other clients, and enjoy the luxury experience of racing in true Ferrari style. At Spa we had to fight hard for our podium finish with Ross Kaiser, and we’re now looking forward to Monza aiming for another victory for the team. This weekend we will also welcome Ferrari clients from the UK who will take the opportunity to join the Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB in Round 4 of this unique luxury lifestyle racing."

In a four-car team this weekend, the Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB will look to get on the podium again with the backing of three of the UK’s Ferrari dealers; Graypaul of Nottingham, HR Owen in London and Maranello Sales Ltd in Egham, Surrey.

Driving for Ferrari Dealer Team GB will be Ross Kaiser in the European Trofeo Pirelli while Christian Passuti and Lorenzo Case will venture into the Italian Trofeo Pirelli, with Borislav Maletić and Geoff Farmer competing in the European Coppa Shell.

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is the world’s most exclusive single-make racing series created as the perfect outlet for Ferrari owners who want to race. The 2006 season includes races in the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, climaxing at the World Finals in Italy all delivered in the style and luxury associated with any Ferrari occasion.

Grand Prix Masters and the British International Motor Show have teamed-up to bring you the ‘Best of British’ this summer. Anyone booking two grandstand tickets for the forthcoming GP Masters of Great Britain (12th – 13th August, Silverstone) before Thursday 20th July will receive two free family tickets for the new-look British International Motor Show. This special offer is effective immediately. Set in the stunning riverside location of ExCel London from 20th – 30th July, the new format British International Motor Show boasts exclusive global car launches, hands-on driving experiences, celebrity appearances, shopping opportunities, motoring demonstrations, live music concerts, al fresco dining, late night openings and of course all the Star Cars!

Adding to the star-studded British International Motor Show billing on Saturday 22nd July will be former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell and other GP Masters drivers who in addition to appearing on the GP Masters show stand will also be driving at a location nearby the all-new, 200mph two-seater GP Masters race car.

The GP Masters of Great Britain at Silverstone and British International Motor Show are THE must-attend events this summer!

Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) high performance division has fitted an enlarged version of the company’s legendary HEMI engine into the Grand Cherokee, creating the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever made.

Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 producing 420 bhp and 420 lb ft of torque, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is 25 per cent more powerful than the standard Grand Cherokee and uses a unique four-wheel drive system to help it accelerate to 62 mph in just 5.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of 152 mph.

"When Jeep set out to create its quickest-ever model, it was with the race track rather than mud track in mind," said Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK. "The SRT-8 is not intended to be off-road capable. Instead, with this injection of SRT DNA, the new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 establishes a fresh benchmark for high-performance SUVs. It has the raw power to out-perform a Porsche Cayenne Turbo at a fraction of the price."

Although the heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is the enlarged 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 engine, the aim of the four-wheel drive system is to maximise the on-road traction available to the driver, while being robust and reliable enough to handle the upgraded HEMI engine’s massive amounts of power and torque.

The all-new unique transfer case is set up to deliver from five to 10 percent of torque to the front wheels, under normal driving conditions, with the remaining 90-to-95 percent being sent to the rear axle. When driving on slippery surfaces, the four-wheel drive system can automatically transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the front wheels when additional traction and stability is required.

As well as the high-performance engine and four-wheel drive system, all SRT vehicles feature a race-inspired interior and performance-oriented exterior features. These features include an all-new front fascia, to reduce lift and drag and providing sufficient airflow to meet the increased cooling demands of the larger HEMI engine, unique air intake ducts that help cool the front brakes, specially designed side sill extensions that help to increase down force, a new rear fascia incorporating two large diameter exhaust tail pipes and five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

To match the car’s performance characteristics, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 offers enhanced ride and handling, and first-class braking with an ultra-high performance Brembo racing-style braking system. The SRT-8’s unique chassis set-up includes tuned Bilstein dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-roll bars, together with 25 mm lower ride height and a re-tuned ESP system.

Peter Lambert added: "This sensational addition to the Jeep model range is priced at £40,585 on-the-road and is on sale to UK customers in right-hand drive from July 2006. If driving enthusiasts want to get their hands on the fastest Jeep ever they will have to be as quick as the car itself! Only a handful will be brought into the UK this year."

Maserati GB’s Moz Fabris and Phil Burgan on the podium in the Trofeo Audemars Piguet Maserati race at Oschersleben. Fabris leads Trofeo Championship.

FIA GT – A great Maserati one-two brought the third round of the FIA GT at Oschersleben (Germany) to a close on Sunday 2 July. First and second went to the Maserati MC12s driven by Bartels-Bertolini and Davies-Biagi in the Vitaphone Racing Team cars. At the end of the three hour race, the Trident cars outclassed the Aston Martin of Deletraz-Piccini, the Saleen driven by Bert-Janis and the other Aston driven by Gollin-Babini. With this result, Bartels and Bertolini move to the top of the drivers' standings and Maserati stays in second position in the Manufacturers’ Cup. For Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini, Oschersleben is the second win of the season and comes on the heels of the Silverstone victory in round one.

Michael Bartels maintained his pole once the green light came on. He extended his lead over the chasing group led by Bert-Janis' Saleen and the Aston Martin driven by Deletraz-Piccini. The second Maserati MC12, with Englishman Jamie Davies at the wheel, started from the seventh row (14th) after being hit with a penalty handed down at Brno. However, he climbed seven places in one lap and then engaged in a duel with the Aston Martin driven by Pescatori-Ramos (overtaken on lap four) and Gollin-Babini (overtaken on lap six). On lap eight Davies swept past the Aston Martin with Wendlinger-Peter on board to move into fifth behind Longin-Kumpen-Hezemans (Corvette).

The first Maserati MC12 to make a stop was that driven by Davies on lap 45. Replacing him was the Italian Thomas Biagi. Michael Bartels followed into the pits to hand over to Andrea Bertolini on lap 46. The places remained more or less unchanged with Bertolini leading and Biagi having moved into fourth and duelling for third with Janis-Bert. The second hour saw many of the back markers being lapped. Bertolini still led and Biagi was still fighting for a podium position. After the second pit stop, made by Biagi on lap 84 and Bertolini on 90, the two Maseratis were in first and second with Bartels and Davies back in the driving seat and heading for the finish line.

The next FIA GT championship race will take place on 29-30 July with the fascinating Spa Francorchamps 24 Hours (Belgium).

"It was not an easy race," declared Andrea Bertolini. "When I took the wheel for the second stint, I tried to maintain the advantage we had built up. The track had less grip owing to the high temperatures. I had to take care in the pack with the back markers and we managed to stay in the lead even after the pit stops. It was great race."

"We had to fight from start to finish," stated Jamie Davies. "This was because we started from row seven and I don't know how many times Biagi and I overtook. Aside from the back markers, we attacked and defended well, even over the last few laps when we had the Deletraz and Piccini Aston Martin on our tails. All this was thanks to a perfect MC12, a superb team and excellent Pirelli tyres."

Trofeo Audemars Piguet Maserati Europa 2006 – The fourth round of the Trofeo Audemars Piguet Maserati Europa was also held at the German circuit of Oschersleben. The race order at the chequered flag was Diego Alessi, the Albert Thurn Und Taxis-Horst Von Saurma duo and Moz Fabris. But because Alessi did not take to the track with his usual co-driver Francesco Ravasio and Thurn Und Taxis-Von Saurma were at the wheel of the Toora VIP Car, Fabris reached the top spot, followed by the young crew of Nicolò Oddi-Giacomo Ricci and Philip Burgan.

Reigning champion Alberto Cerrai was forced to retire on lap 13, after his car suffered electrical problems. Moz Fabris is the new leader of the Trofeo Maserati with 90 points, followed by Cerrai (66) and De Megni (44), who maintains third place over Oddi and Zenere. For Fabris, Oschersleben was the second win of the season following his recent triumph at Brno (Czech Republic).

These successes add to the two second places at Monza and Silverstone. The Oschersleben race saw Oddi and Ricci shine. Starting from row two, the pair could have claimed second overall (the first position valid for the classification) if a drive through penalty on lap 31 had not seen them slip behind Fabris. The penalty was handed down after they exceeded the pit lane speed limit. For Oddi and Ricci, the season is turning out well with their sixth place at Silverstone and fourth at Brno.

Alessi held the lead throughout having started from pole. Behind him there was a duel between Zenere, De Megni and German rap singer 'Smudo', and also between Vescovi and De Megni, until both spun on lap 13.

Supermodel Jodie Kidd also made a welcome return to the paddock, sharing a drive with French gentleman driver Jean Coulomb. They finished 8th overall.

Among the VIP cars, as well as Thurn Und Taxis-Von Saurma's first place (Toora), second went to Zenere (Isoclima, 6th overall), third was Pizzicannella (AutoSprint, 7th overall) and fourth De Megni (Pakelo, 10th). German rapper 'Smudo', in the Audemars Piguet VIP car, was forced to retire after clipping another car. He had lined up on the fourth row of the grid.

GOODWOOD, UK, 7-9 July, 2006 – Ford's world rally stars Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen will drive the new 2006 Ford Focus RS World Rally Car publicly for the first time in Britain at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (7-9 July). They will demonstrate the car, which has already won three times this season in the FIA World Rally Championship, on both the famous hillclimb and the forest special stage at the prestigious historic motorsport event.

Hirvonen will be behind the wheel on both Friday and Saturday while Grönholm will take over for the final day on Sunday. It will be the first time that either has appeared at the festival.

"I have heard so many good things about the Goodwood Festival of Speed that I'm really looking forward to driving there," said Grönholm. "The event has a wonderful reputation and you only have to look at the calibre of drivers in attendance to see how highly it is regarded. I hope the crowd will enjoy their first view of the new Focus RS WRC car in action in the UK."

The Finnish duo has made an impressive start to the BP-Ford World Rally Team's world championship campaign. At the midpoint of the season, with eight of the 16 events held, the team lies second in the manufacturers' standings. Double world champion Grönholm has won three rallies and lies second in the drivers' table with Hirvonen in fourth.

Ford has also extended its record-breaking run of consecutive points finishes in the WRC to 68 – a feat unmatched by any other manufacturer in the sport's history. The run began on the Monte Carlo Rally in 2002 and all 68 have been achieved with the Focus RS World Rally Car.

The newest version of the Focus RS WRC made its full championship debut on the opening round of the 2006 championship in Monte Carlo – the most famous rally in the series. Grönholm claimed a remarkable debut victory and followed that with a second success amid the hostile snow and ice of the Swedish Rally in February.

Thirty-eight-year-old Grönholm continued to set a strong pace as the series moved onto asphalt, leading in Spain and taking a fine second place in Corsica. The Finn also led on the rougher gravel roads of Argentina and Sardinia before dominating the toughest event of all, the Acropolis Rally of Greece, to take a start to finish victory. Such has been the impact of the new Focus RS WRC that it has led six of the eight rounds to date.

While Grönholm has chased outright victory, team-mate Hirvonen has concentrated on developing his experience on events of which he has little knowledge, while continuing to rack up manufacturers' points for Ford. He has excelled, taking a career-best second in Sardinia and third in Greece.

Evans ahead at half time

After taking his third consecutive win of the year, Christopher Evans (Wicklow) has extended his lead in the Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship to 13 points.

The fourth round of the eight-event championship took place at the high speed Blyton track in Lincolnshire on Sunday (July 2) and provided a day full of drama and action.

Defending champion Pat Doran (Milstead) was out of the event and facing a major blow to his title aspirations in the first qualifying heat after his Ford Fiesta ST suffered an engine failure. Seconds later Andrew Jordan (Sutton Coldfield) crashed out of the event after losing control of his Ford Focus which lost two wheels after hit the barriers.

Evans also had a worrying start to the event when a driveshaft broke and forced him to retire from the first heat. The championship leader was then beaten in a close second heat battle where John McCluskey (Dublin) took the lead in the last lap. Already with fastest time from the first heat to his credit, the win allowed McCluskey to put his name on pole position for the Supercar A final. Evans was fastest in the third heat to take second place on the grid but made the better start and led McCluskey in the race. Through four-and-a-half of the five laps there was nothing between the pair, but McCluskey’s luck deserted him with the finish line almost in sight, a broken driveshaft causing his Citroen Xsara to spin. Evans took a clear win with Dermot Carnegie (Dublin) and Steve Hill (Aylesbury) next home while McCluskey finished eighth but lost so much time that he would not make it to the Superfinal.

In the Superfinal and again was SuperModified class winner Dave Bellerby (Northallerton) who lined up between Evans and Carnegie on the front row of the grid. It was Carnegie who made the better start here, Evans dropping into second place with Hill making his way past Bellerby to run third.

Evans and Carnegie quickly moved clear of the rest and halfway through the second lap Evans made the most of a tiny slip from Carnegie and took the lead. The two remained closely matched to the end, but Evans didn’t offer Carnegie a chance to regain the lead.

"I think that was the best win yet. It was close at the start and I could probably have fought harder to get the lead in the first corner but I’m thinking about the championship now," said Evans. "I was comfortable behind Carnegie but when he went wide in the second lap the chance was there and I took it."

Hill had his best finish to date with a good run to third place while Bellerby took fourth ahead of Kevin Procter (Northallerton) whose challenge was blunted as his Ford Puma suffered a lack of boost pressure all day and was also overheating in the Superfinal. Michael Boak (Newcastle upon Tyne) and Mike Sellar (Milstead) were the last finishers after Andy Grant (Barnstaple) – who had worked his way through both the Supercar B and A finals to reach the Superfinal – was forced to retire with a lap to go.

Bellerby continued his domination of the SuperModified category by taking his fourth win in as many events. Also collecting the bonus points for setting fastest time of the day within the class, Bellerby has a maximum score from the first four events and is 32 points ahead of closest rival Mike Turpin (Hereford).

Working hard to overcome engine problems with his lightweight Vauxhall Nova, Turpin qualified sixth for the A final in which he produced another superb drive as he worked his way through the field to take second place. Sellar and team mate Russell Etherington (Dover) both enjoyed a good event with their Renault Cliosport V6s, the pair finishing third and fourth ahead of Boak, Mick Bird (Midhurst) and Jamie Lea (Deeside).

Tony Lynch (Bolton) broke into the exclusive battle being fought between Rodney Green (Bromley) and Julian Godfrey (Heathfield) in the Yokohama Stock Hatch championship. Green took pole position for the A final in which Godfrey started fourth on the grid, but it was Lynch who picked up the five bonus points for setting fastest time in the class. York-based teenager Ash Simpson also featured in the leading battle here, qualifying second for the A final between Green and Lynch.

Green led the field into the A final, Simpson taking second as Lynch fought with Godfrey over the first half of the race before finally getting a firm grip on third place. At the front, Simpson was able to run with Green who held steady under the young driver’s challenge to take his second win of the year.

Behind the top four, Simon Horton (Clitheroe) took a good fifth place with his Metro GTi ahead of Phil Chicken (Barnsley), paul Barnes (Rugeley) and leading lady racer Beccy Holland (Southampton).

Junior Rallycross with Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International

Kyle Orr (Dromore) continues to be the leading driver in the Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International Junior championship and collected his fourth consecutive maximum points score at Blyton.

Orr qualified on pole for the A final with fastest times in the first and third heats and then led the final from start to finish after establishing a lead over Ben Power (Welshpool) and Ben Rennison (Richmond). Russell Simpson (York) had his best finish of the year in fourth place, ahead of Sam Schofield (Danbury), Charlie Budd (Aylesbury) who made a good championship debut with seventh place and Craig Popperwell (Stockton on Tees).

BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship

Steve Heppenstall (Settle) maintained his lead in the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship after taking his fourth win of the year in the Stock Hatch category. His closest rival remains Junior racer Ben Rennison (Richmond) who completed a hat trick of Junior A final wins and is just three points behind Heppenstall.

Ryan Lawford (Canterbury) was second until the last lap of the Stock Hatch A final when a troublesome gearbox in his Peugeot 205 GTi caused him to lose time and offered Ash Simpson (York) the chance to take a last gasp second place. Simpson’s younger brother, Russell, finished second to Rennison in the Junior final with Ben Power (Welshpool) third.

Lincoln-based drivers Gary Dixon and Asa Fatchett scored a one-two finish in the SuperModified category.

Next event

Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship, round five, Sunday July 30,

Knockhill, Fife.

Further reproduction free images are available on request

Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship website:

www.RallycrossUK.com

Full programme of competition car entries and logistics support for 2006 Festival

GOODWOOD, UK, 7-9 July, 2006 – Ford Motor Company's sponsorship of the Goodwood Festival of Speed continues this year with a major programme of support to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Ford GT40 victory at Le Mans.

Ford has entered several cars on the historic hillclimb. In the Supercar category, a Ford GT will be piloted by several selected drivers including Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's Chairman and Managing Director, and Jost Capito, Director of Ford Team RS.

De Waard, an enthusiastic amateur racing driver, said: "This is my first opportunity to attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which has always been a very important event for Ford, and one in which the company plays a leading role. The chance to drive the new GT up the hill, almost exactly 40 years after the original GT40 achieved that legendary Le Mans victory, is extremely exciting."

Tribute to 1966 Ford 1-2-3 at Le Mans
An original GT40, reconfigured by Ford to represent the 1966 Le Mans-winning machine, is also entered. It has been prepared as a tribute to the drivers and teams that took the GT40 to four successive Le Mans victories, and will be seen in its black and silver livery for the first time at the Festival. It was in 1996 that Ford scored its historic 1-2-3 victory with the three GT40s crossing the finishing line in formation at the end of the race.
Two of the victorious drivers will be at the Festival to take it up the hill - Dan Gurney, whose victory came in 1967 when he partnered AJ Foyt in a Mk. IV version, and Jackie Oliver, who partnered Jacky Ickx for the GT40's fourth consecutive win in 1969.

Marcus Grönholm and the Ford Focus RS WRC

Goodwood's Forest Rally Stage has been substantially revised this year. Ford will be represented by a 2006 World Rally Championship Focus for Marcus Grönholm, who has scored three WRC victories in the Focus this year, and his team-mate Mikko Hirvonen. The Ford Focus RS WRC will also be driven on the Goodwood hillclimb.

Puma Motorsport, the Ford team's racewear supplier, has generously donated five pairs of Puma overalls to be provided for lucky passengers in the Focus at Goodwood. During the Festival the overalls will be signed by as many rallying and racing stars as possible and auctioned in aid of the Richard Burns Foundation, formed to raise money for and awareness of the fight against illness and injury, particularly in the areas of cancer and road injury.

As usual, there will be many privately entered Ford and Ford-powered competition cars at the Festival, including Roush Technologies' 1999 Trans-Am Mustang, a 1981 Zakspeed Capri, an RS 200, Escort RS 1600 & 1800, a Sierra Cosworth - even a Ford Transit! In the Grand Prix classes, Ford-Cosworth engines will power more cars than engines from any other manufacturer.

Ford Transit in support and on show
As in previous years, Ford is supplying the Festival organisers with a large number of Transit and Ranger vehicles for use by marshals and officials around the Festival site. A new long wheelbase Transit will also be provided for a special feature in the highly popular Junior Festival of Speed. Over the weekend, a team of skilled graffiti artists from the Brighton-based "Rare Kind" company will decorate the Transit with iconic images from the Festival - the cars, the stars, the bridges, Goodwood House, the entertainment, and so on.

The Earl of March, on whose Goodwood Estate the Festival of Speed takes place each year, said: "Our work in putting on the Festival is made easier by the assistance of our sponsors who provide logistical support. Ford has always been particularly helpful with the loan of Transit Minibuses, Rangers, and four-wheel drive vehicles. I'm delighted that this year they are also providing a brand new Transit as a 'canvas' for the imaginative work of the Rare Kind artists - I'm sure the results will be fascinating and spectacular!"

Porsche helps celebrate 100th anniversary of Targa Florio at Goodwood Festival of Speed

On June 10, 1956, 50 years ago, the company now known as Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, celebrated one of its biggest and most important racing victories. Italian racing driver Umberto Maglioli was the surprise overall winner in a Porsche 550 A Spyder at what was then the world's longest-standing and most difficult road race, the Targo Florio, in Sicily.

The young Porsche company gained worldwide recognition with this victory, as it was the first time that a driver in a smaller class of racing vehicle (of up to two litres engine capacity) managed to beat vehicles with a higher cylinder displacement. With an average speed of 90.9 km/h and a lead of nearly 15 minutes on the second place vehicle, Maglioli not only out-classed the competition but also assured the first overall victory for Porsche in the World Championship.

This victory was made all the more surprising because of the fact that the Porsche 550 A Spyder only debuted eleven days before the Targa Florio at a 1,000 kilometre race on the Nürburgring in Germany. Spurred on by the victory in this class, the Head of Racing at Porsche, Huschke von Hanstein, traveled to Sicily with driver Maglioli and two mechanics to test the open-top Spyder's competitiveness once again. In contrast to other road races of the time, routes were not closed during training, so the drivers always had to be prepared for traffic and other obstacles. Furthermore, for Porsche it was the first time it took part in this legendary race as, at the time, the Targo Florio was seen as the territory of large Italian racing stables. Maglioli completed the 720 kilometre route without changing drivers in a time of 7:54.52 hours – and thanks to the reliability of his Porsche, only pulled in to the pit stop to refuel.

Yet even before this overall victory, the Targa Florio was closely associated with the name Porsche. First held under the patronage of the Italian Count Vicenzo Florio, with more than 6,000 curves and countless climbs, the 720 kilometre course in Sicilian Madonie was one of the greatest challenges in international motor sport for many decades. In 1922, the small "Sascha" model designed for Austro-Daimler by Ferdinand Porsche confidently won the 1100cc class.

This was followed in 1924 by the overall victory by the Mercedes Targa Florio race car developed at Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft under the technical supervision of Ferdinand Porsche.

Umberto Maglioli's victory in 1956 marked the beginning of a unique success story Porsche. After his success, the duo of Edgar Barth and Wolfgang Seidel in 1959 brought the second overall victory in the Targa Florio home to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, driving a Porsche 718 RSK Spyder.

In 1960, Joakim Bonnier and Hans Herrmann won in a Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder. In 1963, the Porsche 718 GTR, driven by Bonnier and Carlo Abate, emerged victorious.

A new era in racing sport began for Porsche in 1964 with the 904 Carrera GTS designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Racing drivers Antonio Pucci and Colin Davis in a standard 904 model left all the competitors' prototypes in the dust and, in April 1964, took home the fifth overall victory.

The introduction of the Porsche 911 in 1964 also heralded a new era in race car engineering. With the six-cylinder engine based on the Porsche 911, the Porsche 906 Carrera 6 proved to be unbeatable in 1966, and not just in the 2 litre sports car class. At the 50th Targo Florio that year, Herbert Müller and Willy Mairesse won in the advanced space frame chassis design car.

The Porsche team entered the Targo Florio in May 1967 with a fleet of six Porsche 910 prototypes. The race ended with a triple victory as Rolf Stommelen and Paul Hawkins crossed the finish line in their Porsche 910-8 ahead of two 910-6 versions. Porsche completed a hat trick in 1968 with the victory by Vic Elford and Umberto Maglioli in a 907-8. The coveted "Coppa Florio" trophy hereby finally landed permanently in the hands of Porsche AG and earned a place of honour in the office of Ferry Porsche.

In 1969, Porsche responded to a new Manufacturers’ World Championship regulation with the development of the 908/02 Spyder. Out of the six Porsche 908/02 cars that started the race, four finished in the first four places. Overall victory was taken by Gerhard Mitter and Udo Schütz, who set a new course record with a time of 6:07.45 hours.

Porsche sent the light and agile 908/03 Spyder to the start of the 1970 Targa Florio and this race also ended with a Porsche double victory (Jo Siffert/Brian Redman, Pedro Rodriguez/Leo Kinnunen), which was crowned by Kinnunen's record lap of an average speed of 128.57 km/h. In 1973, it was Gijs van Lennep and Herbert Müller, who drove into the history books of this long-distance race with a Porsche 911 Carrera RSR. By the final staging of the race as a World Championship event in 1973, Porsche is the most successful automobile brand with a total of eleven overall victories in the Targa Florio.

Porsche overall victories in the Targa Florio

1956 Umberto Maglioli Porsche 550 A Spyder

1959 Edgar Barth/Wolfgang Seidel Porsche 718 RSK Spyder

1960 Joakim Bonnier/Hans Herrmann Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder

1963 Joakim Bonnier/Carlo Abate Porsche 718 GTR

1964 Colin Davis/Antonio Pucci Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

1966 Herbert Müller/Willy Mairesse Porsche 906 Carrera 6

1967 Paul Hawkins/Rolf Stommelen Porsche 910-8

1968 Vic Elford/Umberto Maglioli Porsche 907-8

1969 Gerhard Mitter/Udo Schütz Porsche 908/02 Spyder

1970 Jo Siffert/Brian Redman Porsche 908/03 Spyder

1973 Gijs van Lennep/Herbert Müller Porsche 911 Carrera RSR

Exciting passenger ride experience in Cayenne S for visitors on purpose-built course

Porsche will once again be participating at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 7 - 9) with a mix of cars from its illustrious past and powerful present. New for the 2006 Festival, visitors will be able to experience the performance and handling of the Porsche Cayenne on a specially designed dynamics course located next to the famous speed hillclimb course.

The driver-oriented chassis of the Porsche Cayenne has been designed to combine sports car handling on the road with the added versatility of extreme agility off-road. The grass-surfaced course around which the V8-engined 340bhp Cayenne S models will power is intended to demonstrate perfectly the outstanding dynamic ability of the four door Porsche.

A donation to the Richard Burns Foundation, established in memory of the British 2001 World Rally Champion who died last year, will secure an exciting ride in the Porsche Cayenne S. Members of the public will be able to jump into the passenger seats with a Driving Consultant from the Porsche Driving Experience behind the wheel, and enjoy an exciting run in the all-wheel drive Cayenne S.

Complementing the Cayenne dynamics demonstration will be the V8 twin-turbocharged 521bhp Turbo S that will be participating in The Sunday Times Supercar Run up the hillclimb course, a high-octane display of horsepower that celebrates the ultimate in performance road car engineering. Joining the Cayenne Turbo S on the hill and making its public debut will be the exciting 415bhp Porsche 911 GT3, and the new 480bhp Porsche 911 Turbo.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed each year celebrates a motor sporting anniversary, and invites manufacturers and private owners to demonstrate cars of historical significance relating to the events being commemorated. In 2006, the centenary of the Targa Florio race in Sicily is celebrated and Porsche is bringing two cars that raced in the classic event – the 1962 Type 718/8 RS Spyder and 1970 908/03 Spyder - from its Stuttgart Museum.

Also visiting from the Porsche Museum will be the 1960 Type 718 Formula II single seater race car, and the 1962 Type 804 Formula I race car, winner of the 1962 French and German Grands Prix.

A further unique feature of Goodwood is that the event seeks to reunite famous cars with drivers from the original factory teams. This year, Vic Elford, 1968 winner of the Targa Florio for Porsche, will be taking the wheel of the 1970 Porsche 908/03.

Porsche enthusiasts visiting Goodwood will be pleased to learn that there are many more examples of the marque, and former factory race drivers, participating in the Festival of Speed. The winner of the 1973 Targa Florio, Dutchman Gijs van Lennep, will be reunited with his victorious 911 Carrera RSR during the weekend. Belgian ace Jacky Ickx will drive an example of the Porsche 959 Rally-Raid car, and Richard Attwood, winner of the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hour race in the fearsome Porsche 917, will also be competing.

And for visitors wishing to re-fuel themselves, the Porsche Café Le Mans will be once more situated on the outside of the track near the footbridge, offering meals and refreshments.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place in the grounds of Goodwood House, near Chichester, Sussex, between July 7 – 9. Admission is by advanced ticket only. For further information about the weekend’s activities and admission prices, visit goodwood.co.uk, or telephone 01243 755000.

Mitsubishi Motors will use the 2006 Paris Motor Show in September to launch its all-new European SUV, the Outlander. Due to go on-sale spring 2007, the new mid-size 4x4 has been designed to bring new levels of comfort and drivability to an important and expanding sector of the market.

70 years of 4x4 technology

Seventy years after its seminal PX33 4 wheel-drive torpedo, MMC will be able to demonstrate in Paris its expertise in this area through a coherent, up-to-the-minute and totally renewed SUV line-up, filling key sectors of the growing SUV market in Europe.

After the successful launch of its L200 sport-utility-truck earlier this year and prior to another most important introduction, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil “Outlander-Concept” in Paris.

Best selling compact SUV

A derivative of the all-new Outlander launched in Japan in October 2005 and now the best selling compact SUV in Japan (20,041 sales October 2005 / May 2006), Outlander-Concept will preview the upcoming Euro-spec. Outlander.

To be launched in Europe during the first quarter of 2007, Outlander will allow Mitsubishi Motors to enter the fastest growing SUV segment (up 54% from 325,000 in 2001 to 500,000 in 2006 and with further 35% growth expected between 2006 and 2009), right in the heart of this sector.

Outlander-Concept will also preview in Europe an all-new global C-segment platform that MMC has engineered for world markets, plus advanced technology based on Mitsubishi Motors’ AWC (All Wheel Control) concept and proven through its motor sport activities.

A new dimension

Legitimate by heritage, Outlander-Concept proposes a new dimension to an increasingly crowded and predictable segment through design, technology and features:

- Design: With its Europe-only “Mount Fuji” grille, the 4.64 m long Outlander-Concept is a further showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ strong visual identity, while its wide stance, muscular fenders and sharp lines leave no doubt about its dynamic abilities.

Lean, Outlander-Concept brings drama without gratuitous effects, its kicked-up window line, piercing headlamps and 20” specific wheels giving the appearance of permanent motion.

It will be presented in a sporty metallic red with silver accents (roof rails, side body strips, door handles, front skid-plate, grille surround).

- Technology: Neither an authentic off-roader like Pajero* nor a jacked-up station wagon, Outlander-Concept is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s new global platform, it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, whilst its Mitsubishi “All Wheel Control” drive system allows a smooth progression off the beaten tracks, up to a “Lock 4WD” mode.

Outlander-Concept is powered by a derivative of the Volkswagen AG-supplied 1,968 cc, turbo-charged w/intercooler, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant Diesel engine fitted to the recent Grandis Di-D. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, in Outlander-Concept it produces an estimated 103kW / 140 ps.

- Features: Flexible in essence, Outlander-Concept has been designed as a stylish living space, able to suit all requirements and with features to match, be it entertainment (650W 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate® premium audio system), seating (clever “Hide&SeatÔ” 3rd row for 5+2 accommodation) or utility (split tailgate and auto-folding function for the 2nd row seats).