The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan.



E23 (1977–1986)



The BMW E23 is an automobile platform that was the basis for the first BMW 7 Series luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the BMW E3 large sedan, the E23 was produced for ten years from 1977 to 1987 and was replaced by the BMW E32 7 Series in 1986.

All E23 7 Series models (with the exception of the 745i) were built with the 12-valve type-M30 six-cylinder engine as used in the older E3 and E9 cars. Although most E23 engines were fuel-injected, two models (the 728 and 730) were available with a Solex four-barrel carburetor until 1979, when they were replaced by the fuel-injected 728i. Early fuel-injected models used the Bosch L-jetronic system while later models used the more advanced digital Bosch Motronic system.

The E23 7 series cars were very upscale and sophisticated for their time. They were the first BMWs fitted with service interval indicators, a 'check control' that alerted the driver to various system faults, and complex climate control systems. On-board computers and anti-lock braking system (ABS) were optional on early models but later became standard features. A variety of options included leather upholstery, several types of wood trim, power seats, seat heaters, and power windows and mirrors. Later models were fitted with a driver's air bag. Four-speed and five-speed manual gearboxes were available (depending on the year) and an automatic transmission was also available.

A minor styling update in 1983 affected the 'nose' of the car (the front 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumpers etc) as well as the dashboard and instrument panels which received updates plus (in the UK) the 735i received the Motronic 3430 cc engine (replacing the 3453 cc) and rear suspension modifications as well as numerous other minor changes. In the US, 1984 saw the arrival of the optional 4 speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3 speed unit previously offered), upgraded wood trim above the glove compartment and on the ashtray (previously plastic in all US models), electrically adjustable power seats and larger Michelin TRX radials with special TRX wheels (later standard on all 1985-1987 735i/L7 models) on the 5 speed manual models.

The 745i was a special high-performance model offered in left-hand-drive European markets between 1979 and 1986. It was originally fitted with a specially-prepared 3.2 L type-M30 six cylinder engine and a turbocharger producing 10 psi of boost, BMW engine code M102. In 1984 the engine grew to 3.4 L, BMW engine code M106, produced 6 psi intake pressure, and produced the same power output as the M102. These cars were all built with automatic transmissions (although there is documentation supporting how the ECU was modified at the factory to work with Getrag 5 speeds), and could be ordered with exotic options such as heated front and rear power reclining seats, auto-on aux interior gasoline fired heaters, leather covered cellular telephones, front and rear seat heaters, rear-armrest radio control, water buffalo hide upholstery, and burl wood trim. The water buffalo interior model was the Executive trim option, while the High Line trim package offered ivory leather interior trim including a leather dash board, sun visors, headliner, and other leather bits not offered on the Executive.

A different 745i was built for the South Africa market, because the turbocharger on the European-market 745i could not be installed in right-hand-drive versions of the car. This car was fitted with the 286 hp (213 kW) dual-camshaft 24-valve type-M88 /3 Motorsport engine (with a Bosch ML-Jetronic fuel injection system) as used in the M635i, and M5. 209 of these cars were built between 1984 and 1986, fitted with either an automatic transmission or a 5-speed 'sport' gearbox. Of the 209 cars built 192 were automatics and 17 were fitted with manual gearboxes.

BMW South Africa ran one of these 745i models in Class A of the South African Modified Saloon Car Championship, the only BMW-Sanctioned motor sport application in the history of BMW 7-series cars.


 E32( 1987–1994)

In 1986, BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, heated door locks and windscreen washer nozzles, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mp/h). According to the official American brochure in 1986, the ungoverned 750iL could reach 300 km/h (186.4 mph) with a side note that the terminal speed was electronically restricted.

The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number), in which case an extra 11 centimetres (4.3 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point.

The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather, dual radio controls, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in the center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, legrests, and sun shade all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventillation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than €10.000, and was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a 'basic' 730i ('basic' to be taken in context).

The E32 was offered with several different engines, all petrol. At the car's introduction, the 730 and 735 used the straight-6 M30 engine, while the 750 featured the all-new M70 V12 engine which produced 300 bhp. In 1992, a new 32-valve V8 engine was introduced, the M60. The 730i got this engine in a 3-liter version, while the new 740i got the 4-liter version. Both versions were coupled to a new, 5 speed automatic transmission made by ZF. In some countries, there were serious problems with the M60 engine because of sulfur corrosion problems in its nikasil cylinder block. The cylinder lining would quickly wear, causing the engine to lose compression, which caused rough idling and eventually the engine would fail to start. Many engines were replaced under warranty; the problem was corrected by using a different material.

BMW continued to offer the 730 with the straight-6 M30 engine (as well as the V8) in Europe until 1994, when the E38 was introduced.

Externally, the BMW 'kidney' grille indicated which engine was present under the hood: all 6-cylinder models had a narrow grille, and all 8- and 12-cylinder models had the wider version. This feature was not seen on later models (the E38 used a wide grille for all models).


E38 (1994–2001)

The BMW E38 automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 BMW 7 Series automobiles. It replaced the BMW E32 in 1995 and itself was replaced by the BMW E65/E66 for the 2002 model year.

The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp (240 kW) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).

In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4 L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.

Features of the E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power moonroof, a sound system with 14 speakers and four subwoofers as well as 6-disc CD changer, onboard satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with separate controls for the driver and passenger, a three-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, new steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front-seat side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) were also standard. The car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous-motion Active Comfort Seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.

The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL.

740iL and 750iL Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.

A rare executive V12-powered stretch limousine was also produced, called the BMW L7.

When the E38 was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new E65, sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced. The E65's radical styling and iDrive was not initially well-received by consumers, so demand for the E38 rose and used E38s increased in value. Also contributing to the E38's continued popularity was its appearance in the BMW Film Ambush, even though it was the only featured car in the series to be replaced the following year.

The E38 has been successfully modified with a large number of after market performance tools, including free-flow exhaust and intake systems, suspension adjustment, and braking system performance upgrades.

Engine tuning companies such as Alpina, Dinan and Hartge have built both turbocharged and supercharged versions of the M73 V12 motor.


E65/E66 (2002–present)

The E65/E66 automobile platform is the basis for the 2002 through present BMW 7 series. It replaced the BMW E38 in 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, and E66 is the designation of the long wheel base version.

The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW with the work of chief designer Chris Bangle. The "Bangle-butt" rear styling has been especially controversial, and was toned down in a 2005 restyling. In addition, early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, as well as the iDrive controversy. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from the original 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) coverage.

The E65/E66 are the only BMW cars that are available with the top of the line 6.0 liter V12 gasoline and 4.4 liter V8 turbodiesel engines, respectively the BMW N73 760i V12 and BMW M67D44 745d V8 Turbodiesel models.

The 2008 United States MSRP for the BMW 7 Series is: $75,800 (750i), $78,900 (750Li), and $122,600 (760Li).

In December 2007, The New Zealand government bought 34 diesel BMW 7 Series limousines to be used by the Prime Minister, the Members of Parliment and visiting dignatories to the country, this was at an estimated cost of over NZD$3 million.

The current 7 Series is available on two different platforms: the standard-wheelbase E65 (2990 mm, 118 in) and the extended-wheelbase E66 (3130 mm, 123 in).

The E65/E66 7 Series features BMW's first of a kind iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the center console that is used in a similar way to a computer mouse. Using a system of eight menus, most of the car's climate, audio, navigation, suspension and communication settings are controlled via iDrive. However, the system has been criticized by many automotive writers as being too complex and not intuitive enough.

"Active" Seat continuous passive motion technology is made standard equipment on the 750/760 models and included in the Luxury Seating Package with heated and ventilated seats for driver and front passenger on the 745 models.

The car has been available in twelve variants—of those, 11 are now in production and on sale in Europe, with four available in the U.S. since diesel models are not yet available there.
BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen, to be called the Hydrogen 7. Drivers will be able to switch what fuel they are using with the push of a button. However, only 100 will be built in total

The BMW 7 Series will undergo its next redesign and facelift in 2008 which is thought to be a "Baby Roller", with the new model going on sale in early 2009. This will be the only luxury vehicle in the world to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid and now a hydrogen powertrain. Test mules are reportedly equipped with new, twin-turbo V8 engines producing 500hp.

 얼마전 스파이샷이 촬영 된 인피니티의 SUV인 FX시리즈가 이번 제네바 모터쇼에 맞춰 등장 할 것으로 보입니다.
인피니티의 데뷔 20주년을 기념해서 등장 할 새로운 FX는 제네바쇼장 이외에 별도로 마련 된 곳에서 행사가 치뤄질것으로 보입니다.
 인피니티는 얼마전 유럽 시장에 G와 EX 모델을 내놓을것이라고 발표했으며, 이번 FX의 데뷔와 함께 세 차종을 함께 발표할것이라 합니다. 이런점으로 볼 때 유럽 고급차시장을 향한 닛산의 야심을 볼 수 있습니다. 닛산은 인피니티 브랜드를 그동안 미국 외에 한국과 대만, 러시아등 일부지역에서만 선보였는데 이번 유럽시장 런칭을 통해 전 세계 자동차 시장으로 브랜드를 확대할 것이라고 합니다. 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the most affordable model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany, as well as in DaimlerChrysler's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007.

The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe) and CLK-Class.


W201 (1982-1993)

The Mercedes-Benz W201 was introduced in November 1982 as the Mercedes-Benz 190. £600 million was spent researching and developing this car with Mercedes-Benz acutely aware that a failure of this model could easily bring down the rest of their model range and the entire company’s reputation. Mercedes-Benz said the 190 was 'massively over-engineered'. The UK market was kept waiting up to 12 months longer than mainland Europe to get the 190s into the showrooms, and as soon as the vehicles arrived in showrooms, they were sold. Local 'red tape' in Bremen prevented MB from building the 190 there, so production was started in Sindelfingen at a capacity of just 140,000 units per year. Eventually after just the first year, Bremen was cleared for production of the 190 and these lines replaced the commercial vehicle lines at Bremen which included the first running modifications since its release.

The model was a single 4 door saloon/sedan body type which was designed to fill a hole in the model range below the W123 Mercedes E-class series. It was quickly dubbed "the Baby Benz". Amongst the items that were a first for Mercedes was the 190's patented 5-link suspension at the rear, used in subsequent E- and C- class models, and developments used today in Mercedes road cars. It had front and rear anti-roll bars, and anti-dive, anti-squat geometry. The 190 was available with airbags, ABS brakes and seatbelt tensioners, advanced safety features.



 W202 (1993–2001)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the most affordable model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany, as well as in DaimlerChrysler's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007.

The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe) and CLK-Class.

On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multivalve engines. The new family of four cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (120 hp/90 kW)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW), the only four cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1996 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 ft·lbf). . The top of the range was the C 280, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW).

Four cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful five cylinder engines (OM605) which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The Turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Export models in Portugal and Italy featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.

With the 1997 restyling, a lot of things changed under the hood of the Baby Benz. The most important innovation was the OM611, the first turbodiesel engine equipped with a Common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an output improvement of 30 PS compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Another revolution regarded six cylinder engines: the legendary straight six were replaced by an all new family of V6. These new engines, the M112, featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder, instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. So the four cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes theoretically reduced emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS increase with the change).

In the last four years of production the W202 received a few changes in the engine range. In 1998 a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000 the C 200 Kompressor T's output was cut to 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW), the C 240 T displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.

 W203 (2000–2007)

The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000, with an even sportier look than the previous generations, with a steeper front-end and shorter rear-end. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 gasoline engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 218 hp, also the C240 now had 2597 cc but output was unchanged at 170 hp. The diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearly the entire range (except the C320 and C 270 CDI). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 180 (2.0 L), C 240 (2.6 L) and C 200 CDI (2.2 L).

In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Modell (station wagon) and Sportcoupé body types. The Sportcoupé was actually a three-door liftback made to counter the BMW Compact, but like its competitor, it proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, and unfavorable exchange rates. Although removed from the North American lineup in 2005, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230.000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil. In Canada, it was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. A new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, also debuted. All of them used the same 1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS(142 kW/190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé. 4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and C 320.

The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. Different taillights were added to the Sportcoupé and several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. These were available in both petrol and diesel configuration, ranging between 2.5 L and 3.5 L, and the three-valve twin spark design was replaced by the more standard four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. The C 350 could now reach 272 PS (200 kW/268 hp), while the C 320 CDI was good for 224 PS (165 kW/221 hp). In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as optional, the diesel four cylinder's power was slightly increased, and a more economical naturally-aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.

The C-Class is arguably one of the most popular automobiles in its class in many of the European markets. The second generation was for a long time after its release the second most popular new car in the German market, right after the Volkswagen Golf, and in 2002 it achieved success in the field of safety by scoring the maximum five stars in a EuroNCAP crash test. In the United States, the C-Class automobiles are the least expensive of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. However the W203 C-Class did acquire a poor reputation for reliability compared to other Mercedes-Benz models, an area which was targeted for improvement in the replacement model.

The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant, after almost 630,000 units of the sedan were produced.

After the success of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2 L V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 354 PS (260 kW/349 hp) at 6100 rpm and 450 Nm (332 ft•lbf) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0-100km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0 L five-cylinder engine, capable of 231 PS(170 kW/228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 Nm (398 ft•lbf) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C 32 AMG Sportcoupé.

By the revision of the C-Class in 2005, C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.5 L naturally-aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 367 PS (270 kW/362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 Nm (376 ft•lbf) at 4000 rpm. Unlike the less-powerful V6s and V8s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it continues to use Speedshift five-speed automatic. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) and 4.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is not improved, this model is considered the sportiest AMG model in the C-Class history before the recent release of the W204 (third generation) C63 AMG.

W204 (2007–present)

DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on January 18, 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on March 31, 2007 in almost all European countries. The new vehicle has an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the most recent S-Class and some hints from the CLS-Class. The model has three levels of equipment - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. A high performance AMG version with a 6.2 L engine followed in September 2007, labelled C 63 AMG with 457 PS (335 kW)to rival the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille, with a three-point star bonnet emblem. The Avantgarde line has a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with two horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. In the UK the Classic line is known as the SE and the Avantgarde line is known as the C-Class Sport, and comes with an AMG bodykit, and AMG alloy wheels as standard. The North American version is slightly different, as the Classic model is dropped. The Elegance is known as the C-Class Luxury and the Avantgarde wearing the AMG sports package is known as the C-Class sport. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.
 

New saloon and estate versions were announced in 2007, while the CLC-Class Sportcoupé will remain based on the W203 chassis. There will be an increase of component-sharing with other Mercedes' models, namely the redesigned E- and S-Class, as well as the upcoming GLK-Class compact SUV. One of the most technological breakthroughs of this car is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package. This is an innovative system, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and the traditional, luxurious Mercedes ride quality. It achieves this feat through a complex hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyses road conditions and driving 'habits', resultantly it adjusts damper & suspension settings acordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. To take things still further , there is even an 'Advanced agility control' package drivers can opt for, this system is an upgrade to the standard one, offering a 'sport' mode button. The 'Advanced agility' package is a first for the C-class, and will be seen in future models, as the GLK.

Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (in the latter case an improved version of the 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2 litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). Engines are the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines, straight-4 OM611 + OM651, and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard on all models (except the C 350), with the 7G-Tronic seven-gear automatic transmission available for six-cylinder engines (7G-Tronic is available for C 230K, C 280, C 300, C 320 CDI and standard for C 350) and a five speed automatic transmission available for the four cylinder models. In the United States, the C 300 Luxury and C 350 Sport are only available with the 7G-Tronic transmission, and the C 300 Sport comes with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as an option.

The development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was actually constructed.

The C 63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance, as compared to previous AMG cars which were more or less focused on the engine. The C 63 has a revised front end architecture that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black series. The revised 7-speed automatic transmission now has three shift modes - Comfort, Sport and Manual - with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The car also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. Car and Driver recently tested the car and got a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds; a 0-100 mph time of 9.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h). The top speed is electronically limited to 151 mph (243 km/h). This makes the C 63 the fastest production 4-door sedan in the world in terms of acceleration.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class was awarded "Car Of The Year" in Australia by Australian Motoring Magazine "WHEELS", edging out the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 2 for the award.

Petrol engines

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
C 180	1.8 16V K	S4	156 PS (154 hp/115 kW)
C 200	1.8 16V K	S4	184 PS (181 hp/135 kW)
C 230 (C250 in Japan)	2.5 24V	V6	204 PS (201 hp/150 kW)
C 280 (C 300 in North America and Japan)	3.0 24V	V6	231 PS (228 hp/170 kW)
C 350	3.5 24V	V6	272 PS (268 hp/200 kW)
C 63 AMG	6.2 32V	V8	457 PS (451 hp/336 kW)

Diesel engines

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
C 200 CDI	2.2 16V CDI	S4	136 PS (134 hp/100 kW)
C 220 CDI	2.2 16V CDI	S4	170 PS (168 hp/125 kW)
C 320 CDI	3.0 24V CDI	V6	224 PS (221 hp/165 kW)

Mazda Motor Corporation (マツダ株式会社, Matsuda Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 7261) is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan.

As of 2006, the company is expected to produce 1.25 million vehicles per year, with sales evenly divided among Japan, Europe, Australia, and North America, followed by Latin America.

The name of the company is supposedly derived from Ahura Mazda, the transcendental god of Zoroastrianism. It is also said that Mazda coincides with the anglicized pronunciation of the founder's name, Jujiro Matsuda, who was interested in spirituality, and chose to rename it in honor of both his family and the Zoroastrians. Mazda means "great wisdom" in the Iranian Avestan language. However, in Japanese, the company has always been pronounced and spelled as "Matsuda" leading many to believe that Mazda is really just a poorly anglicized version of the founder's name. (It comes to English by way of German, Mazda being pronounced Mats'da in German.)

Mazda began as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd, founded in Japan in 1920. Toyo Cork Koygo renamed itself to Toyo Koygo Co., Ltd. in 1927. Toyo Kogyo moved from manufacturing machine tools to vehicles, with the introduction of the Mazda-Go in 1931. Toyo Kogyo produced weapons for the Japanese military throughout the Second World War, most notably the series 30 through 35 Type 99 rifle. The company formally adopted the Mazda name in 1984, though every automobile sold from the beginning bore that name. The Mazda R360 was introduced in 1960, followed by the Mazda Carol in 1962.

The Ford Motor Company had owned 15% of Mazda, and its stake was increased to a 33.4% controlling interest on 31 March 1999 after Mazda fell into financial crisis. Ford executive Mark Fields is credited with Mazda's turnaround. Ford has based many of its models on Mazdas, such as the Probe, late model (North American) Escortand Mercury Tracer, and the co-developed Escape/Mazda Tribute.

Mazda also helped Ford develop the 1991 Explorer, which Mazda sold as the 2-door only Mazda Navajo (1991–1994). Ironically, Mazda's version was unsuccessful, while the Ford (available as a 4-door or 2-door) instantly became the best selling SUV and kept that title for over a decade. Mazda has used Ford's Ranger pickup as the basis for its North American-market B-Series trucks, starting in 1994 and continuing today. These trucks are manufactured in the US. They now use a Mazda-sourced 2.3L I4 instead of the old Ford Lima 2.3L I4. Both 3.0L(discontinued after 2007 model year) and 4.0L Ford V6s are available, as is 4-wheel drive and a 4-door (albeit with the clamshell style rear doors, not a true 4-door crew cab as offered by GM, Nissan, and even Ford with the Sport Trac).

The 1979 deal paved way for Ford selling badge-engineered Mazdas in Asia and Australia, such as the Laser and Telstar. These models replaced the models from Ford Europe sold throughout the 1970s. Ford also used the Mazda models to establish its own retail presence in Japan – the Autorama dealers sold these cars, plus the occasional Ford US and Ford Europe models. The badge-engineered models came to an end in the early 21st century, as Ford replaced the Laser with its own Focus, and Telstar with its own Mondeo.

The reverse also happened, with Mazda selling badge-engineered Fords in Europe, such as the Mazda 121 based on the Ford Fiesta. Ford and Mazda have moved onto collaboration in a more fundamental sense, by way of platform sharing.

Mazda has used a number of different marques in the Japan market, including Autozam, Eunos cars, and Efini, although they have been phased out. This diversification stressed the product development groups at Mazda past their limits. Instead of having a half-dozen variations on any given platform, they were asked to work on dozens of different models. And consumers were confused as well by the explosion of similar new models.

Today, the former marques exist in Japan as sales channels (specialized dealerships) but no longer have specialized branded vehicles. In other words, the Carol is sold at the Autozam store (which specializes in small cars), but it is sold with the Mazda marque, not as the Autozam Carol as it once was.

In early 1992 Mazda almost created a luxury marque, Amati, to challenge Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus in North America, and was to begin selling in late 1993. The initial Amati products would have been the Amati 500 (which became the Mazda Millenia), and the Amati 1000 (a new rear wheel drive V12 successor to the Mazda 929). This never happened, leaving the near-luxury Millenia to the Mazda brand.

In Europe, the equivalent Xedos marque was associated with two vehicles, the Xedos 6 and Xedos 9, but it unfortunately lasted just a few years. Xedos didn't have a special logo afixed to the grille and trunklid, however. The Mazda badge from the years 1992-1997 was used instead.


Demio/2

The Demio (also sold as the Mazda 121, Mazda Metro, Mazda2 and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon) is a small minivan or tall station wagon which debuted in 1996. As of 2005, 892,000 Demios had been sold worldwide since introduction.

The New Mazda 2 is the first of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom cars to receive an upgrade. The New Mazda2 is also a radical departure from the 2002 model. It abandons the practical and boxy shape and replaces it with a more sleek body. The Demio is expected to be revamped for the 2007 model year, with the sporty MicroSport coupe added for Europe and Japan. Mazda has announced that the next generation of the car, referred to as "the next sub compact, B-segment Mazda", will not be manufactured in Valencia, Spain, but in Hiroshima, Japan. It will feature either an MZR 1.35 liter engine, or a larger MZR 1.5 liter engine. Additionally, Mazda has released information regarding a Mazda2 MPS model with a direct-injection Turbo engine and all-wheel-drive. Photos of the new Mazda2 can be seen in Mazda's pertinent press release.

Mazda has already announced that the sedan verion of Mazda2 will be produced for the Chinese market by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant. The car will go on sale in the first half of 2008.


Axela/3

The Mazda Axela is a compact car manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. Outside of its home market, it is marketed as the Mazda 3 (spelled "Mazda3" in North American and European marketing). The Axela was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). A more "performance-oriented" version of the Mazda 3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed 3 in North America.

The Mazda 3 has been very well-received in all markets. In 2006 the 3 was the second best-selling car in Canada and the best selling car in Israel during 2005-2007. Mazda is increasing production of the 3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.



Premacy/5

The MAZDA5 (currently called Mazda Premacy in its home market and formerly in Europe) is a compact MPV built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda since 1999. The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A re-badged version was sold by Ford in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ford MAV. The second generation is sold outside of Japan as the MAZDA5. Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda 5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-MAX in 2007. As of March 31, 2005, 285,258 Premacy and MAZDA5 models had been sold worldwide.

The first generation Premacy was a 2 or 3-row, 5 or 7-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to 6 passengers in American form, and 7 passengers outside the United States. Both generations were true vans with near-flat floors, folding or removable 2nd row, and fold-flat rear seats.


Atenza/6

The Mazda 6 or Mazda Atenza is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The name Atenza is used only in Japan with the Mazda 6 moniker used everywhere else in the world. The Atenza/Mazda 6 replaced the Capella/626, and has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, meaning it reached the one million mark faster than any previous Mazda.

The Mazda Atenza was the first of the new generation of 'Stylish', 'Insightful', and 'Spirited' range from Mazda. It was followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006.

The Mazda Atenza is currently raced in the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings. Mazda Atenza/6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.


MPV

The Mazda MPV is an MPV (minivan) manufactured by Mazda. It was introduced in 1989 as a rear wheel drive model and was replaced in 2000 with a more modern front wheel drive version. Over 1 million MPV models had been produced since its introduction.

On February 2, 2006, the third generation Mazda MPV went on sale in Japan as a model year 2007 car. It is powered by either a 4 cylinder MZR 2.3 naturally aspirated engine or 4 cylinder MZR 2.3 Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine.

The third generation MPV is currently available only in Japan and Hong Kong.



MX-5/Miata/Roadster

The Mazda MX-5, also known as Miata (pronounced /miːˈɑːtə/) in North America and Roadster (pronounced [ɺ̠odosɯta]) in Japan, is a sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, since 1989. Its introduction was a significant development in the motor car industry that revived the roadster segment of sports cars, with other companies promptly introducing roadsters to their model ranges, such as the MG F, and the third-generation Toyota MR2.

There have been three generations of the MX-5, consisting of major stylistic and mechanical upgrades. The first generation, designated NA, sold over 400,000 units. It was produced from 1989 to 1993 with a 1.6-liter straight-4 engine, and from 1994-1997 with a 1.8-liter engine. The NA can be recognized by its distinctive pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights, and the glass rear window. The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0-liter engine; it can be recognized by the fender bulges over the wheel wells.



RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. It first appeared in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the successor to the RX-7 and, like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a rotary engine. The RX-8 began North American sales as 2004 model year car.

The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupé. The car has a near 50:50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the gas tank ahead of the rear axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium (hood & rear doors), and a carbon fiber composite driveshaft on the manual gearbox car; designed to reduce rotational mass connected to the engine. The rest of the body is steel, save for the plastic front and rear bumpers.

The car features a pair of rear-hinged "freestyle" doors (similar to suicide doors)in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a "virtual pillar" to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapping design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.


CX-7

The CX-7 is a mid-size crossover SUV model from Mazda, the production version of the MX-Crossport concept car. The CX-7 is built in Hiroshima, Japan, starting in early 2006. The CX-7 was shown publicly for the first time at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. Production officially began on February 20 at Mazda's Ujina#2 factory in Hiroshima. The CX-7 went on sale in spring 2006 as a 2007 model. It competes against the redesigned Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as newcomers such as the Acura RDX and Ford Edge. It is also Mazda's first mid-size SUV since the Navajo was discontinued in 1994.

The CX-7 receives an all-new platform instead of sharing the Ford/Mazda CD3 platform used by the larger Mazda CX-9/Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX crossovers as well as the Mazda6. It uses the front suspension of the Mazda MPV minivan, with the rear suspension from the Mazda5. Many of the all wheel drive components come from the Mazdaspeed 6. It shares its turbocharged engine with the Mazdaspeed6. The only available transmission will be a 6-speed automatic in most countries. The CX-7 currently slots between the Tribute and CX-9.


Tribute

The Mazda Tribute (Code J14) is a compact SUV made by Japanese automaker Mazda since 2001. It is jointly developed with Ford Motor Company and based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which is in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. The Tribute is priced below the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in Ford's CD2 SUV lineup.

The Tribute and Escape debuted in 2001, offering front and all wheel drive and a choice of a 2.0 L Ford Zetec 4-cylinder or Ford Duratec 3.0 L V6. Ford Escape was also sold as the Ford Maverick in Europe with a Ford 2.0 L I4 Zetec engine with manual transmission, or 3.0 L Duratec coupled to automatic transmission.

One main difference between the Tribute and the Ford Escape/Maverick is that the Tribute's suspension is tuned for a firmer ride than the Escape/Maverick, in order to correspond with Mazda's sporty image.


B-Series

Mazda has sold two entirely different compact pickup trucks under the B-Series name. The basic B-Series, like many vehicles, is named for its engine displacement. For example, the B2300 used a 2300 cc engine, while the B4000 used a much larger 4000 cc engine.

The B-Series line began in Japan in 1961 with the B1500 and continues to this day, though it is no longer available in the home market of Japan. The line split in 1994, with the North American B-Series becoming a rebadged Ford Ranger and the international version continuing development as a Mazda. Confusingly, the Mazda truck is sold with the Ford Ranger name in many markets. An offshoot SUV, the Ford Everest, is also produced. The B-series is also sold as the Bravo in some markets, including Australia.


BT-50

The BT-50 (model code J97M) is a 1-ton pickup truck from Mazda. It is a larger version of the predecessor B-Series/Ford Ranger pickup and is not sold in the North American market. The BT-50 was launched at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 22, 2006. It shares its Duratorq/MZR-CD 2.5 L and 3.0 L Diesel straight-4 engines with the Ranger. In late November 2006, the new 5-Speed automatic transmission with BorgWarner transfer case has been added, as well as side airbags.


CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is a full-size crossover SUV, also described as a "modern station wagon", built by Mazda. It replaced the Mazda MPV minivan for North America. The CX-9 was unveiled on April 13, 2006 at the New York International Auto Show and went on sale in February 2007. The CX-9 competes with the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Veracruz, Honda Pilot, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.

The CX-9 is built on the Ford CD3 Platform. Although it is similar in appearance to the smaller Mazda CX-7, the CX-9 shares little of that vehicle's platform components. It is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an optional four-wheel drive system.

The CX-9 is manufactured at Mazda's Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

도요타 자동차 전체 라인업의 최고급 모델인 "크라운"이 13세대로 체인지 되었습니다.
전반적인 스타일링은 2007년 도쿄모터쇼에서 선보인 크라운 하이브리드 컨셉트카와 같습니다.





기존의 로얄살롱과 스포츠 버젼인 애슬렛과 더불어 지난 2007년 도쿄모터쇼에서 선보인 하이브리드모델을 추가했습니다. 
로얄 살롱은 2월 18일에 애슬렛과 하이브리드는 5월 6일에 추가로 선보일 예정이라고 합니다. 



  플랫폼은 기존의 플랫폼을 그대로 이용하며, 넓이와 함께 길이가 약간씩 늘어나는데 그쳤습니다. 전체크기는 길이 4870mm (+30) *  1,795mm (15 ±) × 1470mm (0) 입니다. 전체적으로는 도요타의 가장 최고 모델임에도 불구하고 국산차와 비교할 때 사이즈가 작습니다. 



 그릴 디자인을 차의 성격에 맞게 다르게 적용하였고, 범퍼와 에어로 파츠를 통해 세부적인 디자인을 변경하여 적용하였습니다. 
각 각의 버젼은 로얄살롱은 전반적으로 차분하고 고급스러움을, 애슬렛은 스포츠세단의 이미지를, 하이브리드는 정교한 느낌을 주고 있습니다. 


 
 인테리어는 도요타의 차들이 그러하듯이 정 가운데의 센터페시아를 기준으로 좌우가 정확히 나뉜 형태이고 선대 모델에 비해서 그렇게 더 좋아보이지는 않아보입니다. 지난 여름 일본에서 로얄살롱을 탔었을때 욷그레인이 너무 광택이 많이나서 저렴해 보였으나 이번 신형은 우드그레인 광택을 줄여서 번덕거리진 않아보입니다. 또한 시트는 편안함을 줄 수 있는 두꺼운 쿠션으로 처리하였으며 정교한 스티칭으로 도요타 디비젼의 최고급 모델임을 보여줍니다. 시트에는 전 좌석 열선시스템이 적용 되었고 모델에 따라 통풍기능도 장착됩니다. 또한 뒷좌석에서 조수석을 자유자재로 조향 할 수 있도록 설계되었습니다. 쇼퍼드리븐을 지향하는 모델으로서 뒷좌석에 다양한 편의장비를 장착한 점도 빼놓지 않았습니다. 이 부분은 현재 국산 최고급 차량이 더 많은 옵션이 장착되어 있다고 생각됩니다.




엔진은 기존의 215마력의 2.5 리터 v6엔진 그리고 256마력의 3.0 리터 v6에 렉서스 GS350에 적용되는 315마력의 3.5 리터 v6엔진이 추가 적용됩니다. 듀얼 vvt(가변 밸브 타이밍 메커니즘) 기술이 이번에도 적용 됩니다. 트랜스미션은 수동 조절이 가능한 6단 오토매틱 트랜스미션이 장착됩니다.



 하이브리드를 기반으로 설정할 수 애슬렛은 3.5 리터 v6 엔진을 튜닝하여 장착됩니다. GS450h에 적용되는 니켈 - 수소 전지 하이브리드 시스템과 결합하고 최대 345마력으로 튜닝 된 다고합니다. 연비는 리터당 15.8km입니다. 

 모니터에서 드라이버의 졸음 운전을 감지 경고하는 시스템이 장착되었습니다. 스티어링 휠에 장착 된 카메라가 아래쪽과 위쪽 눈꺼풀을 모니터하여 졸음경고 신호를 보낸다고 합니다. 기존의 차선감지 시스템에서 한층 업그레이드된 시스템이라고 할 수 있겠습니다. 도요타는 월 5500여대의 크라운을 목표로 하고 있다고 합니다.