Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, often shortened to Porsche AG, or just Porsche, is a German manufacturer of automobiles majority owned by the Austrian Porsche and Piëch families. It was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, an Austro-Hungarian engineer, born in Maffersdorf (Vratislavice), Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) who also designed the first Volkswagen. The company is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, a city district of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. They currently produce 911 (997), Boxster, and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles.


 Reputation

In a May 2006 survey, Porsche was awarded the title of the most prestigious automobile brand by Luxury Institute, New York; it questioned more than 500 households with a gross annual income of at least US $200,000 and a net worth of at least US $720,000.  The current Porsche lineup includes sports cars from the Boxster roadster to their most famous product, the 911. The Cayman is a hard top car similar to the Boxster in a slightly higher price range. The Cayenne is Porsche's mid-size luxury SUV. The Carrera GT supercar was phased out in May 2006. Future plans include a high performance luxury saloon/sedan, the Panamera.

Porsche was awarded the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates award for highest Nameplate Initial Quality Study (IQS) of automobile brands.

As a company, Porsche is known for weathering changing market conditions with great financial stability, while retaining most production in Germany during an age when most other German car manufacturers have moved at least parts of their production to Eastern Europe or overseas. The headquarters and main factory are still in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, but the Cayenne (and formerly the Carrera GT) is manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, the SUV also in Bratislava, Slovakia. Most Boxster and Cayman production is outsourced to Valmet Automotive in Finland. The company has been highly successful in recent times, and indeed claims to have the highest profit per unit sold of any car company in the world, although its total profits are significantly lower than Toyota's.

Porsche has for many years offered consultancy services to various other car manufacturers. Studebaker, SEAT, Daewoo, Subaru and Yugo have consulted Porsche on engineering for their cars or engines. The Lada Samara was partly developed by Porsche in 1984. Porsche also helped Harley-Davidson design their new engine in their newer V-Rod motorcycle.


History

Professor Ferdinand Porsche initially started the company called "Dr. ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH" in 1931, with main offices at Königstrasse in the center of Stuttgart. The company offered motor vehicle development work and consulting, and did not initially build any cars under its own name. One of the first assignments the new company received was from the German government to design a car for the people, a "Volkswagen" in German.

The first Porsche, the Porsche 64, was developed in 1939 using many components from the Volkswagen Beetle.

Ferdinand Porsche's son, Ferry Porsche, decided to build his own car because he could not find an existing one that he would buy. The first models of what was to become the 356 were built in a small workshop in Gmünd, Austria and had aluminum bodywork. The prototype car was shown to German auto dealers, and when pre-orders reached a set threshold, production was begun. Many regard the 356 as the first Porsche simply because it was the first model sold by the fledgling company. Porsche commissioned Zuffenhausen-based company Reutter Carosseri, which had previously collaborated with Porsche on Volkswagen Beetle prototypes, to produce the 356's steel body. Porsche constructed an assembly plant across the street from Reutter Carosseri; that assembly plant is now known as Porschestrasse. The 356 was road certified in 1948.

Not long afterwards, on January 30, 1951, Ferdinand Porsche died from complications following a stroke.

In post-war Germany parts were generally in short supply, so the 356 automobile used components from the Volkswagen Beetle including its engine, gearbox, and suspension. The 356, however, had several evolutionary stages, A, B, and C, while in production and many VW parts were replaced by Porsche-made parts. The last 356s were powered by entirely Porsche-designed engines. The sleek bodywork was designed by Erwin Komenda who also had designed the body of the Beetle. Porsche's signature designs have, from the beginning, featured air-cooled rear-engine configurations (like the Beetle), rare for other car manufacturers, but producing automobiles that are very well balanced.

In 1964, after some success in motor-racing, namely with the Porsche 550 Spyder, the company launched the Porsche 911 another air-cooled, rear-engined sports car, this time with a 6-cylinder "boxer" engine. The team to lay out the body shell design was led by Ferry Porsche's eldest son, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (F. A.). The design phase for the 911 caused internal problems with Erwin Komenda who led the body design department until then. F. A. Porsche complained Komenda made changes to the design not being approved by him. Company leader Ferry Porsche took his son's drawings to neighbouring body shell manufacturer Reuter bringing the design to the 1963 state. Reuter's workshop was later acquired by Porsche (so-called Werk II). Afterward Reuter became a seat manufacturer, today known as Keiper-Recaro.

The design group gave sequential numbers to every project (356, 550, etc) but the designated 901 nomenclature contravened Peugeot's copyrights on all 'x0x' names, so it was adjusted to 911. Racing models adhered to the "correct" numbering sequence: 904, 906, 908. The 911 has become Porsche's most well-known model, successful on the race-track, in rallies, and in terms of sales. Far more than any other model, the Porsche brand is defined by the 911. It remains in production; however, after several generations of revision, current-model 911s share only the basic mechanical concept of a rear-engined, six-cylinder coupe, and basic styling cues with the original car. A cost-reduced model with the same body, but 356-derived running gear (including its four-cylinder engine), was sold as the 912.

In 1972 the company's legal form was changed from limited partnership to public limited company (AG in German), because Ferry Porsche and his sister, Louise Piëch, felt their generation members did not team up well. This led to the foundation of an executive board whose members came from outside the Porsche family, and a supervisory board consisting mostly of family members. With this change, no family members were in operational charge of the company. F. A. Porsche founded his own design company, Porsche Design, which is renowned for exclusive sunglasses, watches, furniture, and many other luxury articles. Ferdinand Piëch, who was responsible for mechanical development of Porsche's serial and racing cars, formed his own engineering bureau and developed a 5-cylinder-inline diesel engine for Mercedes-Benz. A short time later he moved to Audi and pursued his career through the entire company, up to and including, the Volkswagen Group boards.

The first CEO of Porsche AG was Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann who had been working in Porsche's engine development. Fuhrmann was responsible for the so-called Fuhrmann-engine used in the 356 Carrera models, as well as the 550 Spyder, having four over-head camshafts instead of a central camshaft as in the Volkswagen-derived serial engines. He planned to cease the 911 during the 70s and replace it with the V8-front engined grand sportswagon 928. As we know today the 911 outlived the 928 by far. Fuhrmann was replaced in the early 80s by Peter W. Schutz, an American manager and self-proclaimed 911 aficionado. He was replaced in 1988 by the former manager of German computer company Nixdorf Computer AG, Arno Bohn, who made some costly miscalculations that led to his dismissal soon after, along with that of the development director, Dr. Ulrich Bez, who was formerly responsible for BMW's Z1 model and today is CEO of Aston Martin.

In 1990, Porsche drew up a memorandum of understanding with Toyota to learn and benefit from Japanese production methods. Currently Toyota is assisting Porsche with hybrid technology, rumored to be making its way into a Hybrid Cayenne SUV, as well as the upcoming four-door coupe, the Panamera.

Following the dismissal of Bohn, an interim CEO was appointed, longtime Porsche employee, Heinz Branitzki, who served in that position until Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking became CEO in 1993. Wiedeking took over the chairmanship of the board at a time when Porsche appeared vulnerable to a takeover by a larger company. During his long tenure, Wiedeking has transformed Porsche into a very efficient and profitable company.

Ferdinand Porsche's grandson, Ferdinand Piëch, was chairman and CEO of the Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002. Today he is chairman of the supervisory board. With 12.8 per cent of the Porsche voting shares, he also remains the second largest individual shareholder of Porsche AG after his cousin, F. A. Porsche, (13.6 per cent).

Porsche's 2002 introduction of the Cayenne also marked the unveiling of a new production facility in Leipzig, Saxony, which once accounted for nearly half of Porsche's annual output. The Cayenne Turbo S has the second most powerful production engine in Porsche's history, with the most powerful belonging to the Carrera GT.

In 2004, production of the 605 horsepower (451 kW) Carrera GT commenced in Leipzig, and at EUR 450,000 ($440,000 in the United States) it was the most expensive production model Porsche ever built.

As of 2005, the extended Porsche and Piech families controlled all of Porsche AG's voting shares. In early October 2005 the company announced acquisition of an 18.53% stake in Volkswagen AG and disclosed intentions to acquire additional VW shares in the future. As of June 2006, the Porsche AG stake in Volkswagen had risen to 25.1%, giving Porsche a blocking minority, whereby Porsche can veto large corporate decisions undertaken by VW.

In mid-2006, after years of the Boxster (and later the Cayenne) as the dominant Porsche in North America, the 911 regained its position as Porsche's backbone in the region. The Cayenne and 911 have cycled as the top-selling model since. In Germany the 911 clearly outsells the Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne.



Boxster

The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined roadster built by Porsche. The Boxster is Porsche's first vehicle designed by Raymond Barth from the beginning as a roadster; all previous Porsche convertibles were based on hardtop coupes.

The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was introduced in late 1996 as a 1997 model; it was powered by a 2.5 litre flat six-cylinder engine. In 2000, the new Boxster S variant was introduced with a larger 3.2 litre motor, and the base model received a more powerful 2.7 litre engine. In 2003, styling and engine output was upgraded on both variants.

In 2005, further updates were substantial enough that Porsche internally identified the Boxster as a new 987 model. The 987s were more powerful than the 986s; engine output increased yet further in 2007, when both Boxster models received the motors from the corresponding Porsche Cayman variants.

Production of the 986 began at the former Porsche 928 facility in Stuttgart, Germany in 1996. Valmet Automotive Oy also manufactures Boxsters under contract to Porsche at a facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Boxster was Porsche's biggest volume seller from its introduction in model year 1997 until the company introduced the Cayenne utility vehicle in model year 2003.

The Boxster's name is a combination of the word "boxer", referring to the vehicle's horizontally-opposed or "boxer" engine, and the word "roadster", referring to the vehicle's convertible top.


Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by Porsche AG of Germany. First launched in the 2006 model year , the Cayman is the coupé version of Porsche's second generation Boxster convertible. Like the Boxster, the Cayman is assembled in Finland for Porsche by Valmet Automotive.

The performance of the Cayman S approaches that of Porsche's flagship sports car, the 911 Carrera. Rally legend Walter Röhrl lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in a Cayman S equipped with optional 19" wheels, PCCB, and PASM in a time of 8 minutes, 11 seconds. The time for a standard Cayman S, as published by the manufacturer, was 8 minutes, 20 seconds. In contrast, Röhrl recorded 8 minutes, 15 seconds in a 911 Carrera. The similarity in performance between the two cars has led to speculation about whether the Cayman S will cannibalize sales of the Carrera, as the basic Carrera's recommended retail price in the United States is $12,400 higher than that of the Cayman S.

A Cayman prepared and run by privateers Jürgen and Uwe Alzen finished fourth overall (of 220 entrants) in the 2007 Nürburgring 24 Hour race, ahead of two flagship Porsche 997 GT3 RSR's, a 997 GT3 Cup, and a 996 GT3 Cup. Another two privateer Caymans, entered by CSR and MSpeed, finished 22nd and 117th overall, respectively. Porsche disclaims support for the Cayman teams, while supporting some or all of the 997 teams.

A sports car feature which is not offered by Porsche for the Cayman is limited slip differential (LSD). Some commentators have speculated that LSD is not offered, even as an option, because the Cayman S's performance would then be too close to that of the 911 Carrera. Several tuning companies offer Cayman buyers the ability to retrofit a LSD.


997

The Porsche Type 997, or simply 997 (nine-nine-seven or nine-ninety-seven) is the project code name for the current version of the sports car Porsche 911, built by the German manufacturer Porsche since 2004. Production began in July 2004 and two variants, the Carrera and Carrera S coupés, were available immediately. The all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005, while the Turbo and GT3 derivatives went on sale in late 2006 and 997 GT2 going on sale in 2007. The new 530 horsepower (395 kW) GT2 has a claimed 0-60 mph of 3.6 seconds and top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h), the first production, street-legal Porsche 911 with a 200+ mph top speed. The Targa top models are also available, in Targa 4 and Targa 4S forms. The 997 is the most commercially successful 911 of all time. As of July 2007 it has sold 100,000 units since its introduction in April 2004.

The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 (Boxer) engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, producing 239 kW (325 SAE hp/329 PS). The Carrera S uses a new 3.8 L flat-6 engine producing 261 kW (355 SAE hp/ 360 PS). The US$16,900 X51 powerkit with a 381 hp (284 kW) power output is available as an option for the Carrera S, Carrera 4S, and Targa 4S models.

While the exterior styling is changed — in fact, the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models share only their roof panels with their predecessor, the 996 — it is again more evolution than revolution, typical of Porsche and the Carrera. British motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson (a known detractor of Porsche vehicles, especially the 911) has often voiced the opinion that Porsche has "the laziest design team in the world" due to the almost unnoticeable change in external appearance between the 997 and earlier models. The most notable difference between the 997 and outgoing 996 is the return to circular headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior has been almost entirely re-invented and all the controls are new; however, it is more reminiscent of classic 911 interiors than of the outgoing 996.

997 Turbo

The 997 Turbo debuted in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. It uses a new front bumper with LED parking lights in a horizontal bar through the air intake. The fog lights are moved to the corners of the bumpers. Large air intakes in front of and behind the rear wheels are other obvious visual cues. The retractable rear wing is also one of the highlights, a feature which has been available on the 996 Turbo as well.

The engine is reported to be based on the rugged and very reliable 964/GT1 design at 3.6 L with power output at 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 N·m (457 ft·lbf). The turbochargers will include BorgWarner's new Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG), which uses guide vanes located in front of the turbine wheel that modulates inflow angle and speed. The 911 Turbo is the first petrol production car to feature variable geometry turbines (previously only available to diesel engined vehicles), however a similar approach was used successfully by Garrett Systems starting in 1989 with the Shelby CSX that utilized a computer controlled variable nozzles instead. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, the 911 Turbo gains the ability to overboost for 10 seconds, increasing peak torque over a narrow rev range.

According to official Porsche figures, it produces 480 hp (358 kW), accelerates 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission, and a has 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.7 seconds with the automatic Tiptronic S transmission, which is more than enough to edge out its current rival from Ferrari, the new F430. It has also recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds at the hands of US motoring publication Motor Trend- eclipsing all of its major competitors and even Porsche's own Carrera GT supercar. The 997 Turbo has a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph).


997 GT3

The 997 GT3 model also debuted at Geneva in 2006. Like previous GT3 models, it is a way for Porsche to homologate aerodynamic features for racing, as well as a starting model for customer racing. The 997 GT3 is priced at US$106,000 and uses an updated version of the naturally-aspirated 3.6 L flat-6 dry-sump engine from the 996 GT3. This engine produces 415 hp(PS)/409 bhp (309 kW)  with a new variable intake system. It has an 8400 rpm redline which is the same as the 612 bhp (456 kW) Carrera GT's. Torque is also up to 299 ft·lbf (405 N·m). The 3.6L dry-sump engine does not seem to share the rear main seal (RMS) problems of the 3.6L/3.8L semi-dry-sump engine.

The GT3 body includes a special front bumper which increases cooling for the front-mounted radiators as well as a split spoiler at the rear. The GT3 also includes a special rear bumper and center tailpipes which draw heat away from the engine. It is lowered and rides on 30-series 305 mm (12 in) tires on 19 in (483 mm) wheels. The car weighs 3075 lb (1395 kg).

The 997 GT3 is more driver-friendly than its predecessor, with "comfort" seats and the Porsche Communication Management system installed. The special RS model will strip most of these luxuries out to focus more on track-oriented driving (although the car is still road-legal). The package will also include a full rollcage and carbon fiber seats to add to that race-car-for-the-road feel. The RS version will be released in Europe in October 2006; the North American release is spring 2007.

The ratios on the six-speed transmission are more aggressive, allowing the GT3 to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, while the RS accomplishes the same in 4 flat. It will continue to 100 mph (161 km/h) in 9.2 seconds and has an ungoverned 193 mph (311 km/h) top speed.



997 GT3 RS

The Porsche 997 version of the GT3 RS was released in Europe in October 2006 and in North America in spring 2007. It will keep the "GT3 RS" side sticker and the special colored wheels; this time, however, instead of being either blue or red, they will be available in black and arctic silver metallic (both with some orange details like decorative stripe, outside mirrors, sideplates, wheels and roll cage), they will be also available in green or orange as an option (details in black, roll cage in color or black).

A new feature that the RS will employ over the regular GT3, will be the adoption of the 44 mm (1.7 in) wider (at the rear) body of the Carrera 4 models. As a result, rear track width increases.

The factory claims a top speed of 193 mph (311 km/h) and a 0-60 time of about 4 seconds using a 415 hp (309 kW) engine

997 GT2

The Porsche 996 911 GT2 was superseded by the 997-generation GT2 in 2007.

On Friday July 13, 2007, an official brochure of the 997 GT2 was unofficially released on the internet.

According to this brochure, the 997 GT2 has a twin turbocharged 3.6 litre 6-cylinder engine, which generates 530 hp (395 kW) at 6500 rpm, the engine is the same as it is in 997 Turbo but Porsche achieved power increase through completely newly designed expansion intake manifold in which the distributor pipe is longer than in Turbo and the intake manifolds are shorter, an full titanium silencer is used also in GT2, even though the Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S variant has a slightly larger engine at 3.8 litres. The GT2 accelerates in 3.6 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h) and in 7.4 seconds to 100 mph (160 km/h) and has a maximum top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h). This makes it the first Porsche 911 to exceed the 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed, with the exception of the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Race Version (which is not considered an actual Porsche 911 due to its mid-mounted engine. The Porsche 997 GT2 also has a curb weight of 3,175 lb (1,440 kg), 505 ft·lbf (685 N·m) of torque from 2200 to 4500 rpm, and a 6-speed manual gearbox.

A few official pictures of the Porsche 997 GT2 have also been leaked to public recently.  Its appearance is slightly different from its sister-car, the Porsche 911 (997) Turbo, in a few ways. It does not have fog lights in the front bumper, it has a revised front lip, it has a different rear wing (with two small air scoops on either side), and it has a different rear bumper (now featuring titanium exhaust pipes).

The Porsche 911 (997) GT2 is also different from the Porsche 911 (997) Turbo because the GT2 is rear-wheel-drive rather than all-wheel-drive. This causes the Porsche 911 GT2 to have a slightly slower acceleration from 0–100 km/h than the Tiptronic Porsche 911 Turbo by 0.2 second.

The Porsche 911 GT2 is on sale since November 2007.



Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is a 5-seat mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle produced by the German automaker Porsche since 2002, with North American sales beginning in 2003. It is the first V8 engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued. Worldwide sales of the Cayenne are running at double the rate of 20,000 units per year that was originally forecasted. 60-percent more Porsches were sold in 2006 than were sold in 2002 thanks to the Cayenne model.

Porsche went right to the point with the new Cayenne, going straight from the current 2006 model to the new 2008 version and skipping 2007 entirely. Porsche calls the 2008 model the 'second generation', however it is more of a technology transfusion, with many aspects including the interior and 4wd system remaining virtually identical.

All 2008 engines feature direct injection. The charge-cooling effect of direct fuel injection permits a higher compression ratio without the risk of detonation, which significantly improves horsepower and torque. Fuel consumption has been reduced approximately 1-2mpg across the range, even though the official window stickers say otherwise - the EPA changed its testing methodology in 2008. The drag coefficient is 0.35 Cd and all models get a power lift gate and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Cayenne was intended to be the new benchmark for SUVs. Combining hardcore on-road performance and handling with outstanding off-road capability without sacrificing ride comfort or towing capability, while delivering high levels of quality and refinement. The Cayenne's frame and doors are sourced from Volkswagen, who also use the frames and doors for the Volkswagen Touareg model. All other aspects of vehicle design, tuning, production are done in house at Porsche. VW also supplies this 'E platform' to Audi to underpin their Q7 model. The Cayenne shares only its V6 engine with the Touareg and Porsche's version is substantially modified.

The Cayenne is a purpose built high performance off-roader. Its off-road capability cannot be matched by most every crossover or 'grass and gravel' suv lacking a low range and a locking dif such as the BMW X5/X6, Infiniti Fx, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, Audi Q7, etc. Its on-road behavior has been tuned to deliver sports car handling and high performance unlike every other remaining car in this segment such as the Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes ML/GL, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Lexus GX/LX, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Range Rover, etc.

The main rival for the Cayenne would be the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Edmunds.com thinks, "For maximum performance, the Porsche earns the podium as its acceleration, braking and handling can't be beat." The Porsche is faster in both acceleration and top speed than the equivalent Rover and gets better mpg.

However, all this performance and capability come with Porsche's tradition of being expensive, particularly when fitted with options. Also, the backseat and the cargo area are small for this class.



2009 Panamera

The Porsche Panamera is a four-door, four-seat sedan, currently still in concept stages, set to be launched in 2009. It will be front engined and rear wheel drive and powered by a modified version of the 4.5 L V-8 found in the Cayenne, equipped with the FSI system as used by Volkswagen (Porsche and Volkswagen collaborated on the Cayenne/Touareg sport utility vehicle platform). Base spec models will be engineered with a 3.6 liter V-6 found in the upcoming 2008 facelifted Cayenne, and there is even a hybrid version in the pipeline. Rumors suggest that the V-10 engine from Porsche's limited-run Carrera GT supercar may be offered as well, although this is still extremely unlikely given the expense of manufacturing the engine and that Porsche does not currently have a facility capable of producing a suitable number of the V-10 per year. A rumor is also around that the V-12 diesel from the Audi Q7 could make it into the Panamera.

The final assembly of the vehicles will take place in Leipzig. Engines will be assembled in Stuttgart, and the car's painted body will come from the Volkswagen facility in Hanover.

The Panamera is generally considered to be the long-awaited fruit of their 989 concept from the late 1980s; some argue that it also presents itself as a successor to the 2-doored 928, but there may be plans to develop a new 928 too. It will be marketed as a direct competitor to automobiles such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and Maserati Quattroporte and (to a lesser degree) a less expensive alternative to vehicles such as the Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Aston Martin Rapide. It is the first V8-engined sports car built by Porsche since 1995, when the 928 was discontinued and will be produced in the new plant at Leipzig alongside the Cayenne. The vehicle has been caught testing at the Nürburgring and the original sketches are a little more sleek than the taped up model spied testing

Artist renderings of the car already distributed by Porsche show a low-slung, four-door sports car with narrow side windows and flowing lines. However spy shots of the Porsche Panamera testing at the Nürburgring show a more blunt car than the artists renderings. Recent artist impressions  paint a car with a very similar front to the 911 and Boxster.

The Panamera's name is derived, like the Porsche Carrera line, from the Carrera Panamericana race. Earlier prototypes of four-door sedans such as the 1991 Porsche 989 prototype or the even earlier 4 door 911 based prototype, never went into production.

On the 20th of April 2007 a spy video of the Porsche Panamera became available on the net.

Fiat S.p.A., is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial and industrial group based in Turin, Northern Italy. Founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli, the company name FIAT is an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Italian Automobile Factory of Turin), and it also means "let there be" in Latin. Fiat was also an aircraft manufacturer at one time.

Fiat branded cars are constructed all around the world besides Italy, the biggest industry of the company outside Italy is in Brazil (best seller), also has factories in Poland and Argentina. Joint Venture productions in France, Turkey, Egypt (with the state owned Nasr car company), South Africa, India and China.

Agnelli's grandson Gianni Agnelli was Fiat chairman from 1966 until his death on January 24, 2003. However, from 1996, he only served as an "honorary" chairman, while the chairman was Cesare Romiti. After their removal, Paolo Fresco served as chairman and Paolo Cantarella as CEO. Umberto Agnelli then took over as chairman from 2002 to 2004. After Umberto Agnelli's death on May 28, 2004, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was named chairman, but Agnelli heir John Elkann became vice chairman at age 28 and other family members are on the board. At this point, CEO Giuseppe Morchio immediately offered his resignation. Sergio Marchionne was named to replace him on June 1, 2004.



Bravo

Fiat Bravo is Fiat's new small family car introduced to the press January 2007 in Rome, later it was published in Geneva Motor Show 2007. The new Bravo will be produced in Fiat's Cassino plant in Piedimonte S. Germano. The car is designed by Fiat Style Centre. Austrian automotive company Magna Steyr has engineered big part of the car's body and internal fittings. CAD engineering and computer simulations were used in a very large scale with this model and the design was made in very fast schedule.

Blue&Me is a new feature first introduced with the Fiat Grande Punto and is fitted as standard on the Bravo Dynamic and Sport. Developed with Microsoft this system offers Bluetooth hands free for use with a mobile phone. Also capable of displaying SMS text on the dash screen and has voice activation built in. Another part of the system is the inclusion of a USB connector so an MP3 player or USB flashcard can be plugged in, giving access to the cars entertainment system mp3's that are stored on the unit.

In Australia, the Fiat Bravo will be sold as the Fiat Ritmo, as Mazda Australia has the naming rights to the "Bravo" name.



Fiorino

The Mk4 Fiat Fiorino has been unveiled in Summer 2007 and will go on sale in early 2008. Sharing architecture with the new Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper, it has different styling from the current Fiat Doblò. The new Fiorino is developed between Fiat, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Tofaş and it is based on the Grande Punto platform. This project can be seen as a breakthrough in Tofaş history. The car is assembled in Bursa factory in Turkey.

Doblò

The Fiat Doblò is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by Italian automaker Fiat since 2001. It was first launched to the public in Holland, and received the "2006 International Van of the Year" award by an international jury from 19 countries. In Singapore, a 1.4-litre LAV variant is marketed as the Fiat Panorama in 5 and 7-seater versions.

The Doblò carries a payload of up to 730 kg (1609 lb), with an interior volume of 3.2 m³.

It is produced in Fiat's Tofaş subsidiary factory in Bursa, Turkey, in Brazil since 2002 and in Russia and Vietnam. Turkish models have an engine range that includes a 1.4-litre petrol, a 1.9-litre MultiJet, and a 16-valve 1.3-litre MultiJet.

In North Korea Pyonghwa Motors produces Doblò branded as its own name Ppeokkugi.

The Doblò was restyled in autumn 2005 with modifications to the front and rear light groups, and the total design of the front part.


Stilo

The Fiat Stilo is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Fiat since 2001. The Stilo was unveiled in 2001 to replace the Fiat Bravo/Brava.

It is available in both 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, as well as an estate car (station wagon) called "Stilo MultiWagon". Originally, its petrol engines were the 1242 cc DOHC 16 valve engine also powering the Punto and Lancia Ypsilon with an output of 80 bhp (60 kW) combined with a 6 speed manual gearbox, a 102 bhp (76 kW), 1.6 L with a 5 speed manual gearbox (The 1.6 was also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox, but these are quite rare) a 131 bhp (97 kW), 1.8 L, again with a 5 speed manual gearbox and a 168 bhp (125 kW), 5 cylinder, 2.4 L engine combined with Fiat's Selespeed 5 speed semi-automatic gearbox, also used on the Alfa Romeo 147. The 2.4 L engine was reserved for the hatchback versions. An 8 valve, 1.9 JTD unit with 115, 120, 130 or 16 valve 150 bhp diesel unit were/are also available.

The Stilo's styling received mixed reviews, with many journalists and enthusiasts criticising it as being too bland and too German-looking. Critics also attacked the car's excessive weight and its semi-rigid rear axle, which was seen as a step backwards from the acclaimed set-up used in the Bravo/Brava and which resulted in handling many found uninspired and uninvolving. The engine range, particularly the 1.2 litre petrol, was also criticised for being underpowered. The car's fuel economy was also seen as poor for its class, a result of the car's heavy weight and the transmission, which used very long gear ratios. Another point of criticism was the Selespeed gearbox, which was seen as too slow in its reactions and particularly inappropriate for the high-powered Abarth version. Nevertheless, the car won praise for its high levels of grip (aided by the unusually wide tires) and its brakes.

In the UK, different trim levels available are/were: Active, Active Aircon, Blue, Dynamic, Sporting, Abarth, GT, Prestigio, Xbox limited edition, Michael Schumacher and the Schumacher GP, with general modifications by British car specialists, Prodrive.

The Stilo was the first car worldwide to use the TRW Column-Drive Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) technology later introduced on the 2003 Nissan Micra & Renault Megane.

As the Stilo model range has aged, the amount of equipment from the options list has now been lessened. The Stilo was originally offered in some markets with a radar guided cruise control option; it included sensors in the front bumper and rear of the car to adjust the speed of the car according to other vehicles' speed. This was soon dropped as it became apparent that other interferences were creating undesired results for the driver. A keyless entry, named 'Easy Go', push button start, similar in function to Renault's, Mercedes' and BMW Mini's systems, was also an available option.

For MY2006 the Stilo was updated with a new front grille, different seat fabric, a relocation of the electric mirror controls from the window control console to just behind the gear stick, removal of the centre arm-rest (which when in the downward position prevented comforable use of the handbrake as in the Audi A3) and the deletion of the rear air vent.

The Stilo was ultimately a sales disappointment. An extensive advertising campaign using Formula 1 stars Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello did little to aid the car's sales. In 2004, the 1242 cc engine was dropped in favour of the Punto's 1.4 L unit, increasing the car's power to 95 bhp (71 kW), again combined with the 6 speed gearbox. Also, the taillights were altered and the Abarth version gained a manual gearbox instead of the Selespeed.


Ulysse

"Eurovans" is a common name applied to nearly identical large MPVs resulting from Sevel, a joint-venture of PSA and Fiat, and manufactured at Sevel Nord factory in France, near Valenciennes. The first eurovans were sold as Citroën Evasion (Synergie), Fiat Ulysse, Lancia Zeta and Peugeot 806. The present, second generation, saw the renaming of all but the Ulysse to Citroën C8, Lancia Phedra and Peugeot 807 respectively.

The eurovans differ little technically and visually, being a prime example of badge engineering. The eurovans share mechanicals and body structure with Sevel light commercial vans, Citroën Jumpy (Dispatch), Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert. They are more technically related to PSA than Fiat vehicles, as PSA governs the Sevel Nord part of the joint-venture.

The first-generation eurovans were superseded by a new model in 2002. The floorpan, wheelbase and suspension setup were not altered, but all exterior dimensions as well as front and rear tracks were increased. In particular, the increase in length by almost 30 cm greatly enhanced interior capacity. The new eurovans were afforded a much more bubbly, contemporary look, along with a modern-looking dashboard with centrally mounted gauges. The differences are now more pronounced, encompassing entire front fascias and rear sections (including head- and taillights), as well as different interior color themes. The Fiat and the Lancia are slightly wider than PSA vans, and the Phedra is also longer than other eurovans.


Idea

The Fiat Idea is a mini MPV built by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 2003. The car is based on the Project 188 platform, originally used for the second-generation Fiat Punto. The Idea is noted for its versatile interior, which includes sliding and folding rear seats.


Panda

The Fiat Panda is a city car from the Italian automotive manufacturer Fiat. The first Fiat Panda was made from 1980 to 2003 with only few changes, and is now sometimes referred to as the "old Panda". The second model, launched in 2003, is sometimes referred to "new Panda" or "Nuova Panda" (in Italian), and was the European Car of the Year in 2004.

The new Panda, codenamed Model 169 in its development phase, was originally intended to be called "Gingo". However, this name was considered to be too similar to the Renault Twingo, so Fiat decided to continue with the Panda name. Successor to the Seicento, the new model also effectively replaced the old Panda after 23 years of production, although the Seicento itself proved still popular and remained in production. Like the Fiat Seicento, the Panda is manufactured only in Tychy, Poland by Fiat Auto Poland. A smaller, 3-door Fiat has been added to the range in 2007, the new 500.

The high-bodied Panda takes clear styling cues from mini MPVs and mini SUVs, with its tail lights in particular reminiscent of much larger cars from the likes of Volvo. The Panda won the European Car of the Year award in 2004.

The Panda includes an option for split rear seats, which makes the Panda a four-seater. Since September 2005, all Pandas are equipped with stability control, ABS, EBD and at least two front airbags. The gear-lever is located high on the central dashboard, which is designed to make changing gears more comfortable than with a conventional floor-mounted gearstick.

The financially troubled Fiat needed the new Panda to be a success, and indeed it was, selling half a million units by October 2005. It sells particularly well in Italy (over half of the cars produced are sold in Italy), being seen as closer to a spiritual successor to the Fiat 500 than a replacement for either the Seicento or the old Panda. The 1,000,000th new Panda was built on September 5, 2007, a red Panda 4x4 Climbing with 1.2-litre petrol engine.

In addition to the retail success, the Top Gear Motoring Survey in 2006 ranked it 8th out of 152 cars surveyed for reliability, craftsmanship, ownership costs, driving experience and service received. Traditionally, Fiat have ranked at the lower end of this table, showing that the Nuova Panda is reversing the trend and suggesting a return to form for Fiat.



Sedici

The Fiat Sedici is a mini crossover SUV developed by Suzuki and Fiat mainly for the European market. It was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and is built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary. The expected production volume is 60,000 units per year, 1/3 to be sold by Fiat and 2/3 by Suzuki, badged as the SX4. Design was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio, and it is an alternative to mini MPVs, which have more "boxy" appearance.

Presented by Fiat in December 2005, it was the official car of the 2006 Winter Olympics. As the car is four wheel drive, it is considered a 4x4, and 4x4=16, hence the name Sedici, pronounced "Say-dee-chi", which means "sixteen" in Italian. By pressing a button driver can change between 4x2 and 4x4 modes. Car has also ESP on option list and DPF is a standard feature. From November 2006 is the second best selling SUV in the italian market. In june 2007 is the best selling SUV in italian market.


Grande Punto

The third generation FIAT supermini to bear the name Punto, codenamed Project 199, the Grande Punto was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Styled by Giugiaro,^[2] the car is based on the Fiat/GM SCCS platform. Whilst the model shares some of its name with the previous Punto, a large number of its components are new, including a new chassis and body shell.

The engines are the Fiat 1.2 Fire 8v (65 hp), a new 1.4 Fire 8v (77 hp) and the 1.4 16v (95 hp). Four MultiJet diesel engines are also available: two 1.3 16v units (75 hp and 90 hp, the latter with a variable geometry turbocharger) and two 1.9 with 120 and 130 hp, all of them with diesel particulate filter. All the engines are Euro IV compliant. In 2007 came new 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine (120 hp) available. In the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Fiat introduced 155 hp Abarth version produced through the Abarth & C S.p.A. company and branded as an Abarth car rather than FIAT. The cars nose, headlights and front grill look reminiscent of the Maserati Coupe, both were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign.


Linea

The Fiat Linea is a small family car released in 2007 by the Italian automaker Fiat in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Middle East. In India, the Fiat Linea is expected to be launched by Mid 2008. It will replace the aging Marea as the largest saloon in the Fiat range. It is based on the current Fiat Grande Punto platform. The Linea was designed by Fiat Style Centre and co-developed by Fiat do Brasil and Tofaş from Turkey.

Linea's size is similar to saloon versions of other small family cars, like the Ford Focus, Renault Mégane and Opel Astra. Its wheelbase is 2,603 mm (102.5 in), i.e. 100 mm (3.9 in) longer than its sister models, and its total length is 4,560 mm (179.5 in) or 500 mm (19.7 in).

In South America, the Linea will receive a 1.9 L engine, "Torque" derived with aprox. 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW), flexible for the Brazilian market (capable of using petrol or ethanol).


500

A new Fiat 500 was announced by Italian automaker Fiat on May 5, 2006. Images of the new Fiat 500 were presented on March 20, 2007, and the car was launched officially on July 4, 2007, with 250,000 in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the 500's huge popularity  The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch.

The car is produced at the moment only in Tychy, Poland, by Fiat Auto Poland alongside a sister model, the second generation Ford Ka due for release in 2008, and the other city car in the Fiat range, the Panda.

The 500 is almost identical to the concept car Trepiùno, presented in 2004. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback and about the same length as the Panda, it is intended to compete both in the city car market and the "fashion car" niche market. The 500 may be badged in different markets as the Fiat 500, the Fiat Nuovo 500, or the Fiat Cinquecento.

The 500 is available with three different trim levels: Pop, Lounge and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, 9 wheel options, 19 decals and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours and trims.The car is also available with Blue&Me Navigation system. Fiat plans to introduce the Abarth version on Tokyo Motor Show 2007.

 1. 스즈키 왜건R 226,725대 (102.6%)



 2. 다이하츠 무브 210,424대 (113.8%)



 3. 다이하츠 탄트 100,217대 (94.2%)


 4. 다이하츠 미라 90,500대 (151.3%)



 5. 혼다 라이프 87,132대 (82.6%)



 6. 스즈키 알토 76,117대 (82.0%)



 7. 닛산 모코 60,715대 (89.9%)



 8. 미쓰비시 eK 58,340대 (85.1%)



 9. 스바루 스테라 49,957대 (137.6%)



 10. 혼다 제스트 47,041대 (65.4%) 

전반적인 디자인은 컨셉카의 이미지를 그대로 받아들여서 나온점이 신선합니다. 이전의 박스형의 각진 스타일에서 점차 벗어나 이제는 완전히 다른 스타일로 변한것 같습니다. 물 흐르듯이 자연스럽게 연결되는 디자인과 동글동글한 라운드형 차체가 이전의 볼보와는 확연히 차이가 나는것이 신선하게 보입니다.

아직 디테일한 모습은 공개되지 않았기 때문에 자세히 확인할 수는 없으나, 전반적인 모습은 상당히 괜찮아 보입니다. 전통적인 볼보 팬들은 반대할 수도 있지만 변화하는 노력은 대단하다 생각합니다. D5엔진을 달고 가격만 잘 맞으면 괜찮을 듯 합니다.




Volvo will start selling in autumn 2008 the XC60, a lightweight SUV designed to compete with vehicles such as the BMW X3 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Volvo has not yet revealed details of the dimensions of the car. The Volkswagen Tiguan measured 4.43 metres and the BMW X3 4.57. The length of the Volvo should not stray too far from that range. The Ford Kuga, a slight off of the same business group (Ford owns Volvo), measured 4.44 meters.



Volvo XC60 prototype advanced with some of the features of this new SUV slight.

When put up for sale, after the summer, only available with traction total and may choose from three engines. A turbocharged engine, 3.0 liter engine, gasoline, which called Volvo T6 and that gives an output of 285 hp. (All Volvo carrying this engine at present they do in combination with a six-speed automatic gearbox.) Versions Diesel shape from two variants of the same engine turbodiésel of 2.4 liter engine: the so-called D5 with a power of 185 hp and "2.4D" which gives 163 hp.



Since 2009 will sell a version with front-wheel drive car and the diesel engine of 2.4 liters and 163 hp with a level of CO2 emissions of about 170 g / km, according to the mark.




Volvo says its information is "the first manufacturer in the world that offers serial (...) a system that helps the driver to avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed crashes that occur routinely in city traffic and caravans. This system is called "City Safety. As rely on information from the prototype, works up to 30 km / h in two phases. If it detects a risk of collision, the load circuit hydraulic brakes in order to give maximum pressure when the driver step on the pedal. If the system believes that the collision was inevitable, it slows down the car without driver intervention.
If the speed difference between the two vehicles that can run is less than 15 km / h, the system can completely avoid the collision. Between 15 and 30 km / h, not avoided, but reduces the impact of the crash. Already models in some markets that have systems such as the Honda Legend or the Lexus LS 460.

Volvo intends to sell 50,000 units a year of the XC60, which is manufactured at the plant for Volvo Cars in Ghent, Belgium.



compete with

The Toyota iQ is a new model of a smaller Aygo. It has a body of three doors and an interior scheduled for three occupants. The production of this model will begin in late 2008.

It measures about 3.0 meters long. The car more akin to iQ length is the smart fortwo, which measures 2.70 m. The iQ is much lower than the Toyota Aygo, which measures 3.40 m.

For the information we have, the most notable difference between the smart and iQ will be the ability intern: while the smart vehicle is a two-seater, the iQ has three. Toyota claims that there is even more space for a child or luggage.

Among the items of equipment there is a automátismo for wipers, fog lamps and rear disc brakes. The mirrors incorporate intermittent.

The iQ will become the third utility that Toyota comercaliza in Europe, alongside the Aygo and the Yaris.

In 2007, Toyota showed a prototype very similar to this model.

The coming weeks will expand the information in this model.

iQ Concept model - 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello and Modena, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s, and 2000s.

After years of financial struggles, Enzo Ferrari sold the company's sports car division to the Fiat group in 1969 to ensure continued financial backing. Enzo Ferrari retained control of the racing division until his death in 1988 at the age of 90. Earlier that year he had overseen the launch of the Ferrari F40; the last new Ferrari to be launched before his death.

Ferrari also has an internally managed merchandising line that licenses many products bearing the Ferrari brand, including eyewear, pens, pencils, perfume, clothing, high-tech bicycles, cell phones, and even laptop computers. Financial Times named Ferrari number one on its 2007 list of the 100 Best Workplaces in Europe.

The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia. While his beautiful and fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not the performance. Ferrari road cars, noted for styling by design houses like Pininfarina, have long been one of the ultimate accessories for the wealthy. Other design houses that have done work for Ferrari over the years include Scaglietti, Bertone, Touring, Ghia, and Vignale.

In 2005, four universities were granted the opportunity to design the next vehicle line-up for Ferrari in a student competition named 'Ferrari Concepts of the Myth'. Twenty winners were allowed to show off their concepts in a ¼ scale model and present their work to the board at Ferrari to allow for three winners to have the chance to work in the Ferrari design studio at Maranello.

As of 2007, the Fiat Group owns 85% of Ferrari, Mubadala 5%, and Enzo's son Piero 10%. Fiat has shelved plans for an IPO because Fiat Auto has now returned to profitability, thus removing pressure from the group.

In late 2007, construction began on the theme park Ferrari World in the United Arab Emirates, the first theme park based on and utilizing the Ferrari brand.


Cavallino Rampante

The famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is a black prancing stallion on a yellow shield, usually with the letters S F (for Scuderia Ferrari), with three stripes of green, white and red (the Italian national colors) at the top. The road cars have a rectangular badge on the hood (see picture above) and this race logo on the side.

On June 17, 1923, Enzo Ferrari won a race at the Savio track in Ravenna where he met the Countess Paolina, mother of Count Francesco Baracca, an ace of the Italian air force and national hero of World War I, who used to paint a horse on the side of his planes. The Countess asked Enzo to use this horse on his cars, suggesting that it would bring him good luck. The original "prancing horse" on Baracca's airplane was painted in red on a white cloud-like shape, but Ferrari chose to have the horse in black (as it had been painted as a sign of grief on Baracca's squadron planes after the pilot was killed in action) and he added a canary yellow background as this is the color of the city of Modena, his birthplace. The Ferrari horse was, from the very beginning, markedly different from the Baracca horse in most details, the most noticeable being the tail that in the original Baracca version was pointing downward.

Ferrari has used the cavallino rampante on official company stationery since 1929. Since the Spa 24 Hours race of July 9, 1932, the cavallino rampante has been used on Alfa Romeos raced by Scuderia Ferrari.

A similar black horse on a yellow shield is the Coat of Arms of the German city of Stuttgart. This horse motif comes from the origins of the city's name: it comes from Stutengarten, an ancient form of the modern German word Gestüt, which translates into English as stud farm and into Italian as scuderia. Stuttgart is the home of Porsche, which also uses the Stuttgart sign in its corporate logo, centred in the emblem of the state of Württemberg.

Fabio Taglioni used the cavallino rampante on his Ducati motorbikes, as Taglioni was born at Lugo di Romagna like Baracca, and his father too was a military pilot during WWI (even if not part of Baracca's squadron, as is mistakenly reported). As Ferrari's fame grew, Ducati abandoned the horse- perhaps the result of a private agreement between the two companies.

The cavallino rampante is now a trademark of Ferrari. However, other companies use similar logos: Avanti, an Austrian company operating over 100 filling stations, uses a prancing horse logo which is nearly identical to Ferrari's.

Many aspects of the cover design of the third Jamiroquai album, Travelling Without Moving, as well as the single Virtual Insanity and some single promos pay homage to the Ferrari logo.

599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

The 599's Enzo-sourced Tipo F133F 6.0 L (5999 cc) V12 engine produces a maximum 620 CV (620 hp/456 kW/611 bhp), making it the most-powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 448 ft·lbf (608 N·m) of torque will also be a high for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay (the original Enzo version could be taller since the mid-mounted position allowed it to be so). The company claims a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph), 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph), and 11.0 to 200 km/h (124 mph).

F430

The Ferrari F430 is a high-performance sports car produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari to succeed the 360. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. European left-hand drive sales began in November 2004, but right-hand drive sales did not start until Spring 2005, and the United States did not get the F430 until Summer 2005.

The F430's chassis is heavily based on its predecessor, the 360. Internally, both cars are referred to with the same model number (F131), though the F430 has the Evoluzione tag attached to show that it features some major changes. Internally, the car is simply known as the "Evo".

The MSRP for a Ferrari F430 is between $168,005 - $227,000 in the United States. The F430 is sold starting at about £120,000 in the United Kingdom, approximately €175,000 in the European Union and $389,000 for the base model to $450,000 for the Spider F1 Sequential in Australia.

Car and Driver magazine found the car's performance worthy of the Ferrari heritage, and recorded a 3.5 sec 0-60 mph acceleration run in the F430 This makes it the third-quickest Ferrari road car ever made, after the Enzo and the 599 GTB. That being said, the 3.5 second 0-60 run was made on a European spec car, which has launch control, a feature designed to help launch the car from a standing start at high RPMs. Much like the E-Diff and the manettino, the launch control is a technology borrowed from Ferrari's Formula 1 racing program. The launch control is unavailable in U.S.-spec F430s, presumably due to liability issues.

On the BBC Top Gear TV show, shown on the 17 July 2005, The Stig achieved a Power Lap time of 1:22.9. While the laptime was 0.9 seconds less than a Lamborghini Murciélago, the F430 was slower than the 360 Challenge Stradale at 1:22.3. The slower lap was blamed on the F430's Bridgestone tires supposedly having less grip than the Challenge Stradale's Pirellis.

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has commented on the F430's handling being absolutely brilliant, a marked improvement over the 360; he claimed that Ferrari holds that "even the most butter-fingered, incapable driver could drive the F430 around their test track only one second slower than the most skilled test driver". He has in fact proclaimed, on more than one occasion, that the Ferrari F430 is "just about the best car I've ever driven", a status he previously attributed to the F355 (but never the 360).
The car develops about 300 kgf (2.9 kN) of downforce at top speed (without rear wing).


FXX

The Ferrari FXX is a car developed as part of an unusual development program by automobile manufacturer Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. Production of the FXX began in 2005.

The car uses some technology developed from the Enzo and combines it with some all-new developments from Ferrari and some of the suppliers. However, the car is only a part of the overall program: customers pay £1.3 million ($2.5 million USD) but are only allowed to drive the car on special track days approved by Ferrari and after they drive the car they have to brief Ferrari on the car's performance. Michael Schumacher was given the last one (number 30) when he retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006. Ferrari's sister company, Maserati, has developed a similar car, the MC12 Corsa.

This car was built with the same idea in mind as when Ferrari made its F50 GT.

Essentially an evolution of the Enzo, the FXX shares some components with its parent car, but significant portions are exclusive to the FXX.

The FXX's engine is based on the Enzo's but has been expanded to 6.3 L (6262 cc) from 6 L (5988 cc), and output has been boosted from 660 PS (651 hp/485.4 kW), as seen in the Enzo, to 812 PS (800.9 hp/597.2 kW) at 8,500 rpm.

The gearbox incorporates the latest developments from Ferrari's F1 program and has a shift time under 100 ms. The brake pads are upgraded compared to those on the Enzo. It does, however, retain the ceramic discs found on the Enzo.

The tires on the FXX are 19 inch slicks custom-developed for the car, though road-legal.

As with the Enzo, the seat and pedal configuration are custom fit to the user's exact measurements.

The FXX features a comprehensive data-monitoring and telemetry that not only allows the driver to improve performance, but also provides Ferrari technicians with valuable data to improve the FXX and future road-going Ferraris.

Ferrari has built 30 (original number 29) of these cars, and they have all been sold to preselected past Ferrari customers, except for one that Ferrari S.p.A. kept, including Ferrari's F1 World Champion driver, Michael Schumacher, the 30th. Schumacher's FXX differs from others in that it is the only black FXX without a stripe and comes with red trim on the wheels, matte exhaust tips (regular FXX's have chrome tips),it has also holds the famous MS signature on the side in red, number 30 on the doors and his personal insignia on the seats. These few customers will not only own a Ferrari FXX, but also participate in further testing and brand development. As the vehicle is not street-legal, owners have the option of storing the car at Ferrari's facilities. As part of the FXX program, the car is maintained by the Ferrari factory. The purpose of this particular program is to allow Ferrari's top customers exclusive access to its most up-to-date technology and to use their input to help develop future models. The FXX was reported to cost 1.5 million euro (excluding taxes),^[1] for the car and the services that Ferrari provides with it.


612 Scaglietti

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (skal-yeti) is a Gran Turismo car produced by Ferrari since 2004. It is a large two door fastback coupe with a 2+2 seating arrangement. The 612 Scaglietti was designed to replace the smaller 456 M; its larger size makes it a true 4 seater with adequate space in the rear seats for adults.

It is produced at Ferrari's Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant, the former home of the car's namesake coachbuilder in Modena, Italy. The design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pays homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that director Roberto Rossellini had commissioned for his wife, Ingrid Bergman.

Subaru (スバル, Subaru^?) is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (FHI).

They are known for their use of boxer engines in their vehicles and standard AWD, as well as their turbocharged performance vehicles, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX.

Fuji Heavy Industries, and in turn, Subaru are currently affiliates of Toyota Motor Corporation, which owns 8.7% of FHI.

Subaru has built a reputation for producing high quality, reliable vehicles that did not sacrifice performance for everyday practicality.

The company is named after the star cluster Pleiades, whose Japanese name is "Subaru", that roughly translated into English means, "to govern", "unite," or "gather together". The company logo reflects the star design.

Modified versions of the Impreza WRX and WRX STi have been competing successfully in car rallies; drivers Colin McRae Richard Burns and Petter Solberg have won World Rally Championship titles with the Subaru World Rally Team. The Subaru World Rally Championship cars are prepared and run by Prodrive, the highly successful British Motorsport team. Several endurance records were set in the early and mid-nineties by the Legacy.

FHI started out as "The Aircraft Research Laboratory" in 1917 headed by Chikuhei Nakajima. In 1931, the company was reorganized as "Nakajima Aircraft Company, Ltd", the main airplane manufacturer for Japan in WWII.

At the end of the Second World War, Nakajima Aircraft was again reorganized, this time as Fuji Sangyo Co, Ltd. In 1946, Fuji Sangyo created its first Rabbit motor scooter with spare aircraft parts from the war. In 1950, Fuji Sangyo was divided into 12 smaller corporations according to the 1950 Corporate Credit Rearrangement Act, but between 1953-1955, four of these corporations and a newly formed corporation formed by an alliance of the four aforementioned companies were again merged together to form the Fuji Heavy Industries we know today.

Kenji Kita, the CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries at the time, wanted the new company to be involved in car manufacturing, and chose the name Subaru to grace its first car, the Subaru P1 in 1954. From 1954 to 1989 the company designed and manufactured dozens of vehicles including the P1 (1954), the tiny air-cooled 360 (1958), the Sambar (1961), the 1000(1965), the 1100 and the R2(1969), the leone (1971, 1975 and 1977), the Domingo (1983), the Alcyone (1985) and the Legacy (1989)

It is currently an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation, with their owning 8.7% of FHI. They acquired that stake from General Motors, who bought 20% of FHI in 1999 to have an extended presence in international markets, and collaborate technologically with FHI. Before that, the stake owned by GM was owned by Nissan, who acquired the stake in 1968 during a period of government-ordered merging of Japanese auto industry to merge in order for improved competitiveness under the administration of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato. Later on, they would utilize FHI's bus manufacturing capability and expertise for their Nissan Diesel line of buses. In turn, many Subaru vehicles, even today, use parts from the Nissan manufacturing keiretsu. In fact, it was Subaru that introduced Renault to Nissan when they asked for assistance in all-wheel drive (AWD) technology, when FHI told Renault to discuss their plans with Nissan, the discussions eventually led to the successful Renault-Nissan alliance.

In the United States, the Subaru attracted a following among the young and educated, and as a lightweight SUV alternative to the likes of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wagoneer or even the expensive Volvo. It has historically been popular in US regions such as the Pacific Northwest , the North American Rocky Mountains region, and especially in New England, with relatively high resale values and owner loyalty rates. However, facing pressure from competition from the large Japanese brands, Subaru would switch to marketing only AWD cars and wagons. The Subaru Outback wagon, based on the Legacy and modified with SUV-like stance, bumpers, and roof, became the best selling wagon in the US during the 2000s.

In the 1990s the company moved away from small commercial vehicles and concentrated on the development of mainstream passenger car models, starting with the Legacy and including the controversially styled six-cylinder SVX (1992), and the Impreza (1992).

When Subaru introduced the Legacy in 1989, it was a new direction for Subaru, as the Legacy was considered mainstream in its appearance and a departure from their previous vehicles, which had a reputation of being "quirky". It was perceived by some as Subaru's attempt to compete with new luxury brands Lexus, Infiniti and Acura, as Japanese vehicles were increasing in popularity, particularly in the USA.

For the 1990 Formula 1 season, Subaru fielded the Subaru Coloni C3B. It featured a 12 cylinder boxer engine, but was not competitive because of horsepower and weight disadvantages. With the rise of rally racing, and the Import scene in the US, the introduction of the highly anticipated Subaru Impreza WRX in 2001 was successful in bringing high performance, AWD compact cars into the sports car mainstream just like VW/Audi did years before.In 1995 the company created the Sambar EV electric van. In 1997 the Forester was introduced to the world market, followed by the third generation design of the Legacy platform (1998).

During the General Motors period, a modified Impreza was sold in the United States as the Saab 9-2X. A SUV (Subaru Tribeca / SAAB 9-6X) was also planned but the SAAB version did not proceed.

From 1995 to 2000, Subaru ran a series of advertisements for the Subaru Outback which starred Paul Hogan. The advertisements were intended to highlight Subaru's all wheel drive, and depicted the Outback in a number of rugged Australian locations. The tagline "the world's first sport utility wagon" was successfully used by Subaru, though the AMC Eagle had tried much the same idea, with less success in the 1980s.

On October 5, 2005 Toyota stated that it will purchase 8.7% of the shares of FHI from General Motors. GM announced that it will divest its 20% stake in and eventually sever all ties with FHI. FHI has stated that there have been 27 million shares (3.4%) acquired before the start of trading by an unknown party on October 6, 2005. It has been speculated that a bank or perhaps another automaker was involved. Toyota announced a contract with Subaru on March 13, 2006. The under-utilized Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana will hire up to 1,000 workers and set aside an assembly line for the Camry model, beginning in spring 2007.

Subaru displayed a variable vane, common rail turbodiesel boxer engine at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is the world's first horizontally-opposed diesel engine. The engine is rated at 110kW(147hp) and 350Nm(258Ft/lb) with a displacement of only 2.0 liters. In March 2008, Subaru offered the Legacy wagon with the 2.0 liter turbodiesel in the UK with a 5 speed manual transmission only.



Tribeca

The Subaru Tribeca (previously called the B9 Tribeca) is a five- or seven-seat mid-size, luxury crossover SUV which was launched for the 2006 model year and went on sale in June 2005 in the United States. It is based on the Subaru Legacy platform and the B9X concept car. The production version of this SUV is named for New York City's famed TriBeCa neighborhood. It is the first Subaru vehicle, excluding the Japan-only Subaru R1/R2 featuring the new Subaru design language of a triangular grille and a rounded bodyshape, which many in the Subaru community have found controversial. Subaru also used the grille styling on the Impreza with similar controversial results. Subaru has since abandoned this concept for its models introduced in 2006 and beyond.

It is believed that the controversial grille design was conceived by a designer who was formerly employed by European carmaker, Alfa Romeo, who took the trademark Alfa grille, which is an inverted triangle, then they up-ended the triangle, widened the top and rounded the bottom of the grille. An alternate explanation is that the grille design is "meant to convey parent-company Fuji Heavy Industries' glorious history in aviation."

The B9 Tribeca was initially powered by a 3.0 L boxer engine and was priced from US$ 30,695 to 38,320. Saab was planned to have also received a version of the vehicle, called the 9-6X, but such plans have been stopped with Toyota's acquisition of the FHI stake held by General Motors (Saab's parent company). It would have been built alongside the Tribeca at Subaru's Lafayette, Indiana factory. Saab revised their plans to base their SUV on the Tribeca and in mid-2007 introduced the 9-7x based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy platform instead.

In the United States, Subaru's television ad campaign for the Tribeca has prominently featured the Kansas song "Dust in the Wind".

The Tribeca was slightly reworked for 2007 to address many of the complaints of reviewers. The updated model, debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, includes some work on the nose with a blacked-out grille, and revised struts, stabilizer bars, and spring rates for better handling. Inside, XM Satellite Radio and iPod connectors are pre-wired, while a backup camera and parking assist system can be added to the navigation system. A US$1300 Special Edition package includes a mesh grille, XM radio, and special wheels.

The 2008 model was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. It will receive a facelift with more conventional styling, as well as a larger 3.6 L engine. "B9" will be dropped from the model name, leaving it just Subaru Tribeca.

This car was introduced in Australia and New Zealand in late 2006.



Forester

The Subaru Forester, is a compact crossover SUV produced since 1997 by the Japanese automaker Subaru. Released in the United States in 1998, it is based on the chassis of the Subaru Impreza.

As with all Subaru models marketed in the United States and other international markets since the early 1990s, the Forester is equipped with an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy" to appeal to the SUV-oriented market; and to this end, the Forester has features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area and more ground clearance than other Subaru models (although it employs a unibody architecture, rather than a body-on-frame construction associated with some large trucks and large SUVs). The Forester, up until recently, was also sold in India as a Chevrolet alongside other Chevrolet models sold there. However since General Motors no longer holds an ownership stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, sales in India of the Chevrolet-badged Forester have ended. The Forester is produced at the Gunma Yajima Factory in Japan.

Subaru chose to continue their longstanding traditional use of the boxer engine in the Forester, as well as their other products, to simplify the powertrain implementation of all wheel drive and because of the natural smoothness of the engine design. According to Subaru, because the engine sits inline with the transmission, instead of being offset, as can be commonly found by other FWD and AWD vehicles, body roll is minimized. The weight of the engine and transmission are balanced instead of being offset, which causes the weight of the engine and transmission to be unbalanced in the engine bay in other vehicles. The boxer engine also affords a low center of gravity because the engine sits low in the engine bay and close to the ground, as opposed to other vehicles, allowing the vehicle to stay more stable in moderate to high speed maneuvers. Other manufacturers attempt to counteract the offset weight by making their powertrains weight evenly distributed, which overall causes the powertrain to be heavier than the Subaru layout, which is lightweight from the beginning, having being manufactured from aluminum. The boxer design also provides perfect vibration mitigation because the movement of each piston is exactly countered by the corresponding piston in the opposing cylinder bank, eliminating the need for a harmonic balancer attached to the front of the engine at the crankshaft. Torque steer is also reduced with this type of powertrain layout. This is achieved by having the front driveshafts being of equal weight and length, and extend from the transmission to the front wheels at almost perpendicular from the transmission.

The Forester was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV for 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The Forester is redesigned for the 2009 model year, and was unveiled in Japan Christmas Day 2007. The North American version debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The clean sheet, new styling, a first for the Forester line, gives it a similar appearance to the larger Tribeca after its recent restyle. The Tribeca is built on the Subaru Legacy/Outback platform, while the Forester will continue to be built on the smaller Impreza platform.


Impreza/WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that was first introduced by Subaru in 1993.

"Impreza" is a coined word, deriving from an originally Italian word, impresa, meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, "Impreza" means "party", "event" or "show".

The Impreza was introduced after the popular Leone/Loyale was cancelled with the aging EA series engine. The Impreza was introduced with the popular EJ series engine found in the larger Subaru Legacy.

Compared to vehicles in a similar size class such as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda 323, only the Impreza has always offered AWD, and as of 1996 Subaru made this feature standard equipment in some markets.

Subaru chose to continue their longstanding use of the boxer engine in the Impreza. According to Subaru, their configuration of the engine inline with the transmission minimizes body roll due to the lower center of gravity compared with the offset engines in most other vehicles. The Subaru layout is also light-weight and lends itself easily to support all-wheel-drive. The boxer design provides perfect vibration mitigation due to the fact that the movement of each piston is exactly countered by the corresponding piston in the opposing cylinder bank, eliminating the need for a counter-rotating weighted crankshaft (harmonic balancer). Torque steer is also reduced with this type of powertrain layout since the front drive shafts are of equal length, but as Subarus are all wheel drive, this is a non-issue.

On 2007-04-03, Subaru officially unveiled the next generation Impreza WRX at the 2007 New York Auto Show.

The new base model Impreza is 50 mm shorter than its previous version but is wider and has a longer wheel base. The dashboard in the Impreza is much more open and is easier to configure. Also for the first time the windows now have frames on them to improve NVH levels and rigidity of the car.

In its home market the range comprises the 1.5 litre 15S, the 2.0 litre 20S and the 2.0 litre turbocharged S-GT. Variations are found in other markets around the world: In Australia the range at launch included three 2.0 litre models (the R, RX and RS) and a 2.5 litre turbocharged WRX.

In the North American market (the only one which receives the sedan variants), the model range consists of the 2.5 litre 2.5i and Outback Sport and the 2.5 litre turbocharged WRX. The new Impreza is offered as both a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. The EJ253 engine carries over from the previous generation to power the 2.5i and the EJ255 engine carries over from the previous generation (although it now uses many external engine components from the Legacy GT) to power the turbocharged WRX trim levels.

From September 2007 the Impreza range in Australia has been changed with models designated R, RX, RS and WRX. Initially only hatch models will be offered, and a sedan version will be available in 2008. The R, RX and RS all share the same engine - a new 2.0 L, with 110 kW @ 6400 rpm and 196 Nm @ 3200 rpm. Subaru recommend that the new engines be run on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel. Another noticeable difference from the Japanese Impreza is the removal of the "Engine Start" button from the Australian model. The iconic WRX has largely unchanged engine power output of 169 kW and 320 Nm from its 2.5 L engine. As with previous versions, there will only be a manual version of the WRX. The weight of the car also has been lightened to just 1400 kg, and gives the WRX a 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds.

The latest-generation of the STi (which will be in hatchback guise only) debuted in the Tokyo Auto Show in October 2007. The release date for a US launch is expected to be in March 2008.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (formerly STi, officially changed in 2006) is the highest standard-edition trim in the Subaru Impreza compact car line, produced by Japanese automaker Subaru.

While the 2008 Impreza WRX was officially unveiled at the 2007 New York Autoshow, currently very little information is publicly known about the new STI. The STI will receive a higher degree of parts to differentiate it from its Impreza WRX brethren. Unlike the Impreza WRX, the STI will use aluminum body panels, will be available only as a 5-door hatchback, and will have different fenders than that of the WRX (breaking with previous tradition). Apparently, a Subaru rep stated to an IWSTI.COM member that the new STI would be 8.5" wider than the new WRX, and that power output would be at least 320 HP coming from a Legacy GT-derived 2.5L motor. According to leaked documents posted on NASIOC.com, the Impreza WRX STI will be sold to public starting January 2008 as a 2009 model. (An update: It will be sold in December 2007 as a 2008 model.) At the New York Autoshow, a Subaru spokesman confirmed that the Impreza WRC will be based off the hatch platform, due to its lower polar moment of inertia.

The car will appear on its definitive version at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Subaru has released official photos on 2007/10/11. A final announcement is scheduled for 2007/10/24. The J-spec version will have a 2.0L 304 hp (227 kW) EJ207 engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, while other versions of the car will have a 2.5L 305 hp (227 kW) EJ257 engine with a single-scroll turbocharger. The 2008 car is expected to benefit from a lower polar moment of inertia due to smaller overhangs, and also features a double wishbone rear suspension.

The Subaru Website confirms that this latest US model of the STI will have 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 290 ft·lbf (390 N·m). of torque. Edmunds Inside Line reveals a range in price from $35,640 to $39,440, depending on the options included.

Subaru (UK) Limited plans to introduce a higher-spec Impreza 2.5 WRX STI Type UK later in 2008 with a power boost courtesy of Prodrive of Banbury, rumoured to boost power by around 100 bhp (75 kW).


Outback

Created in response to the popularity of the truck-based sport-utility vehicle, Subaru made largely visual changes to the existing Legacy extended roof Touring Wagon platform to suggest a more adventurous, rugged and capable persona. The Outback was introduced internationally where sales of their existing Legacy was being sold as a companion to the Legacy. The Outback name was used internationally except for Japan, where it was known as the Legacy Grand Wagon, then renamed Lancaster in model year 1997, then renamed again in 2005 as the Outback. Speculation has suggested the popularity of the first generation Legacy wagon air suspension height control inspired Subaru to replace the air bags that would begin to leak with age with a permanent increased ride height and larger wheels and tires. Over the years since its introduction, Subaru has incorporated the Outback nameplate variously to the Outback wagon itself, an Outback Sports Utility Sedan or SUS (in 1998, Subaru test-marketed the SUS in New England to gauge public opinion) and an Impreza-based Outback Sport model. As of the 2008 US lineup, the Outback nameplate will once again apply only to wagon models. The Outback wagon has steadily outsold the Legacy wagon in the US. All American Outbacks are built at the Lafayette, Indiana location.

Subaru chose to use the boxer engine in the Outback as well as their other products, to simplify the powertrain implementation of all wheel drive and because of the natural smoothness of the engine design. According to Subaru, because the engine sits inline, or longitudinal, with the transmission, instead of being offset,or transverse, as can be commonly found by other FWD and AWD vehicles, body roll is minimized. The weight of the engine and transmission are balanced instead of being offset, which causes the weight of the engine and transmission to be unbalanced in the engine bay in other vehicles. The boxer engine also affords a low center of gravity because the engine sits low in the engine bay and close to the ground, as opposed to other vehicles, allowing the vehicle to stay more stable in moderate to high speed manovers. Other manufacturers attempt to counteract the offset weight by making their powertrains weight evenly distributed, which overall causes the powertrain to be heavier than the Subaru layout, which is manufactured from lightweight alluminum. The boxer design also provides perfect vibration mitigation due to the fact that the movement of each piston is exactly countered by the corresponding piston in the opposing cylinder bank, eliminating the need for a harmonic balancer attached to the front of the engine at the crankshaft. Torque steer is also reduced with this type of powertrain layout. This is achieved by having the front driveshafts being of equal weight and length, and extend from the transmission to the front wheels at almost perpendicular from the transmission.

Initial US advertising included Subaru's trademarked phrase: "The World's First Sport Utility Wagon," despite AMC's having earlier launched in 1979 its Concord-based AMC Eagle, a 4-wheel drive wagon discontinued in 1988. Subaru itself has manufactured four-wheel drive station wagons since 1975. (4WD was only available in the wagon version until 1977 with the introduction of the BRAT).

Other US Outback advertisements featured Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan, placing the Outback in adventurous situations besting its competitors, notably the Ford Explorer.

Trim levels on all past and current USA Subarus can be easily identified by the color of the outside door handles. Base trim levels can be identified by black plastic door handles, whereas uplevel have painted door handles that match the exterior color.

In 2003, with the debut of the fourth-generation Legacy at the 60th Frankfurt Auto Show, the Outback name is now being used worldwide (Australia, Europe, Japan and USA) with the launch of the third-generation Outback wagon. Models equipped with a 3.0 L H6 were introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.

The Outback carries the same model codes as the Legacy Wagon, BP9 for the 2.5 liter, and BPE for the 3.0 liter model.

Subaru beefed up their AWD 4EAT transmission's design and released the 5EAT w/ SportShift in 2005

The Outback received styling revisions for the 2008 model year, notably an enlarged, chrome-ringed grille.

As of the 2008 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon.

The JDM model has been shown with a "Start/Stop" button which suggests that the vehicle has been equipped with keyless ignition, found in Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and other high end makers.


Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car introduced by the Japanese manufacturer Subaru in February 1989 as a larger, upscale companion to the company's Leone/Loyale. Worldwide distribution started in 1990. In Australia, the Legacy bears the name Liberty out of respect for Legacy Australia, an organisation which aids veterans and their families during and after wars.

The standard equipped symmetrical all-wheel drive system is currently unique to the Legacy in this class size of vehicle. German automaker Volkswagen, the parent owner of Audi, produces the closest competitor Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat with their AWD offering Quattro or 4motion and a 4-cylinder engine on the Audi and only on the 6-cylinder on the VW, however the AWD is an extra cost option on both vehicles in the USA.

Subaru chose to use the boxer engine in the Legacy, as well as their other products, to simplify the power train implementation of all-wheel drive and because of the natural smoothness of the engine design. According to Subaru, because the engine sits in-line, or longitudinal, with the transmission, instead of being offset, or transverse, as can be commonly found by other FWD and AWD vehicles, body roll is minimized. The weight of the engine and transmission are balanced instead of being offset, which causes the weight of the engine and transmission to be unbalanced in the engine bay in other vehicles. The boxer engine also affords a low center of gravity because the engine sits low in the engine bay and close to the ground, as opposed to other vehicles, allowing the vehicle to stay more stable in moderate to high speed manoeuvres. Other manufacturers attempt to counteract the offset weight by making their power trains' weight evenly distributed, which overall causes the power train to be heavier than the Subaru layout, which is manufactured from lightweight aluminium. The boxer design also provides perfect vibration mitigation due to the fact that the movement of each piston is exactly countered by the corresponding piston in the opposing cylinder bank, eliminating the need for a harmonic balancer attached to the front of the engine at the crankshaft. Torque steer is also reduced with this type of power train layout. This is achieved by having the front driveshafts being of equal weight and length, and extend from the transmission to the front wheels at almost perpendicular from the transmission.

The EZ series of flat-6 cylinder engines, used in current Legacy products, replaced the EG series found in the Subaru SVX.

On May 23, 2003 Fuji Heavy Industries debuted the redesigned Legacy, known as the BL for sedan models and BP for wagons. It was released worldwide in 2004, with Subaru of America commencing production in January 2004 for the United States and Canadian markets.

The chassis was redesigned and made stiffer, and it marked the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, featuring a 2.5 liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. Due to advancements in turbocharger technology and tightening emission standards, the twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup. Turbocharged models and the H6 offered Subaru's first 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring SportShift technology licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.

European models have not featured a turbocharged gasoline engine due to emission standards, while RHD export markets initially received 2.0 liter engines derived from Japanese Domestic Market models, later updated to the 2.5 liter engine found on USDM Legacies.

The BL/BP Legacy was refreshed in 2006, with a refreshed grille, bumper and taillights. Normally aspirated models received the gauge cluster from the earlier turbocharged BL Legacy, and turbocharged models were updated with the SI-Drive adaptive throttle system, and updated gauges, showing realtime fuel consumption.

During MY 2005, Subaru introduced Active Valve Control System, or AVCS on both the 2.5 Flat-4 and 3.0 Flat-6 engines as standard equipment.

As of the 2008 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. The Legacy wagon was not discontinued in Canada. 2008 also brought the 3.0 L Flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. The Flat-6 has been available in the Outback sedan wagon since 2000.

USA Trim level designations have been updated and are listed in order of least expensive:

2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 GT Limited., 3.0R, 2.5GT Spec.b

In 2006, the trim level 2.5 SE was slotted between the 2.5i and the 2.5i Limited and the GT spec B was added.

In 2007, the 3.0R was added with the 6 cylinder engine.

European Legacy have two trim levels: the 2.0R and the 3.0R spec B.

In Japan, the Legacy comes in three variations: Legacy Touring Wagon, Legacy B4 sedan and Legacy Outback. Japanese versions are being offered radar-guided cruise control, referred to as SI-Cruise on all upper level products. The JDM Outback engine choices are either the 3.0 or 2.5 DOHC.


Pleo

The Subaru Pleo is a compact keicar made by Subaru, and only sold in Japan. It was launched in October 1998 when Japanese regulations dictated a size change in the keicar tax bracket, and every keicar model from every make was redesigned as a result.

The Pleo is taller than conventional keicar hatchbacks, but still shorter than the definitive keicar minivan, the Suzuki Wagon R.

It was available with a variety of 658 cc I4 engines: SOHC, DOHC, and supercharged in two different trim levels.

The more advanced Subaru R2 was introduced on December 8, 2003. However, the Pleo is still available as an affordable model with low-end engines.


Sambar

The Subaru Sambar is an automobile built by automaker Subaru for the Japanese market. It is available in microvan and pickup truck body styles and adheres to kei car guidelines. Still flourishing in the Japanese automotive industry, the Sambar continues to be produced in Japan, China, Korea, as well as in Finland with a joint venture with Elcat Automotive.

R1

The Subaru R1 was introduced by the Japanese carmaker Subaru on January 4, 2005. It was designed to fit within the Japanese keicar tax bracket.

The R1 is a two-door version of the Subaru R2, but with a shorter body and wheelbase. The R1 is unusual in that it does not use up the maximum length allowed for by the keicar regulations—the only other keicars to have done this since the 1989 Autozam Carol were the Suzuki Twin and the European Smart Fortwo.

The R1 was only available in one spec level up to end of 2005 with one engine. A DOHC 658 cc 16-valve AVCS engine is the middle child in the trio of engines for the R2. It is available with the three engines which are available for the R2: the I with a SOHC 34 kW (roughly 46 horsepower) engine, the R with the above mentioned DOHC engine rated at 40 kW (54 horsepower) and the S with a supercharged and intercooled engine rated at 47 kW (63 horsepower). The R1 is being marketed as a personal car and as a middle-aged couple's second car; a combination of leather and alcantara seating is available. All R1s are equipped with a CVT, and all trim levels are available with front-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive.


R2

The Subaru R2 was announced in Japan on December 8, 2003. It is Subaru's re-entry in the Japanese keicar market. Photo: http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/

The R2 name was inspired by the Subaru R-2, the keicar model that was produced between 1969 to 1972. The R2's exterior reflects influence from Andreas Zapatinas, who worked at Alfa Romeo before moving to Subaru. The R2 is the first production Subaru to sport a new family look, including the aviation-inspired "spread wings grille". The R2's exterior dimensions are largely similar to its predecessor, the Subaru Pleo, but unlike the squarish Pleo, the R2 is deliberately rounded and does not use every inch of its dimensions for interior space.

Three variations of the 4-cylinder, 658 cc engine are available:

• SOHC
• DOHC AVCS (variable valve timing)
• DOHC with supercharger and intercooler

The two lower engines are available with either a manual transmission or a CVT. The supercharged engine is coupled to a sportshift version of the CVT. Both front wheel drive and all wheel drive are available.

Initially, the R2 was available in 11 colors and 3 trim levels (one for each engine variation).

On January 4, 2005, the Subaru R1 was introduced. This is a 2-door version of the R2, but with a shorter body and wheelbase.


Stella

The Subaru Stella is a Japanese automobile produced by Subaru. The Stella is based on the same architecture as the Subaru R2.

재규어 XF, Stype를 대신하여 제규어 라인업의 한자리를 차지할 중형세단 개인적으로 포드가 1989년 제규어를 인수한뒤 발표뒤는 모델중 가장 모던한 모델 하지만 제규어의 아이텐티티를 잃어가기 시작한 모델이라 생각한다.
나는 제규의 고풍스러움이 계속유지 되었으면 했으나 다년간의 적자와 판매부진 등등 자기것을 지키기에는 아직 무언가가 부족했기에 조금더 대중에 다가가지 않았나 싶다.

제규어 특유의 U형태의 오토메틱 기어 박스를 다이얼 식을 바꾸었으며(특히 이 다이얼식 기어박스는 키가 키박스 맞춰지면 튀어 올라오는 그런 잠시의 신기함을 주었다) 엔진역시 강해졌다. 그리고 제규거의 주인역시 바뀌기 직전이다.(인도의 타타자동차가 인수진행중이다)->타타 자동차가 인수를 해버렸습니다.(최근)

이차의 목표는 글쎄 E클래스, 5시리즈 그리고 A6 에 맞춰져 있지 않나 싶다.2.7 디젤도 있고. 4.2 휘발류도 있다. 뭐..아우디보다는 조금 엔진이 큰편이고 나머지 둘보다는 조금 작은 편인가? 뭐 어쨌거나.. 재규어는 비머와 메르세데스를 향한 도전의식에 불타오르지만 이게 도전에서 끝날지 아님 도전이 성공할지는 시간이 말해주겠지.(개인적으로는 2%부족하다고 생각한다) 아참 가격은 비슷하다.

그럼 언제 판매되는가?
2007년 후반부터 슬슬 나오기 시작하더니 조금만 있으면 판매가 된단다 ㅎㅎ 내가 영국에 사는 관계로 아마 조금 있으면 보지 않을까 싶다. 물론..미국에서의 판매량이 더 많지만 미국은 넓은 관계로 영국, 런던에서 가장 빨리 마주칠것 같다...

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현재 영국에서는 이 XF가 판매되고 있고 중고차 역시 거래되고 있습니다. 많이 보이지는 않지만 시내를 나가보면 하루에 1대정도는 마주칠수 있는것 같습니다. 즉 판매시점이 얼마 되지 않았음에도 불구하고 벌써부터 보이기 시작한다는 것은 글세요,,, 인기가 좀 있다는게 아니겠습니까??

Renault S.A. is a French vehicle manufacturer producing cars, vans, buses, tractors, and trucks. The company is well known for numerous revolutionary designs, security technologies, and motor racing.

Signed on March 27, 1999, the Renault–Nissan Alliance is the first of its kind involving a Japanese and a French company, each with its own distinct corporate culture and brand identity, linked through cross-shareholding. Renault has a stake of 44.4% in Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. while Nissan in turn has a 15% stake (non-voting) in Renault.

For 2004 Renault reported a 43% rise in net income to €3.5 billion and 5.9% operating margin, of which Nissan contributed €1,767 million. The Group (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors) posted a 4.2% increase in worldwide sales to a record 2,489,401 vehicles, representing a global market share of 4.1%. Renault retained its position as the leading brand in Europe with 1.8 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold and market share of 10.8%.

The Renault–Nissan Alliance represents more than 9.8% of the worldwide market (5.74% for Nissan and 4.04% for the Renault group) with sales of 3,597,748 (Nissan) and 2,531,500 (Renault Group), placing the alliance fourth after GM, Toyota, and Ford in 2005.

The marketing success was also matched by success of their return to the Formula 1 circuit as a manufacturer again after buying the Benetton team. The team went on to win both World Drivers and Constructors championships in 2005 and 2006 ahead of the vastly more experienced Ferrari and McLaren teams.

Renault is exhibiting a Hi-Flex Clio 1.6 16v at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show. This vehicle, which addresses the Brazilian market, features Renault-developed flexible-fuel engine technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on fuel containing petrol and ethanol in any proportion (0% to 100% of either).

On June 30, 2006, the media reported that General Motors convened an emergency board meeting to discuss a proposal by shareholder Kirk Kerkorian to form an alliance between GM and Renault-Nissan. The hastily arranged meeting suggests that GM's board was treating Kerkorian's proposal with urgency. Coincidentally, unsubstantiated rumours have been circulating about Renault's possible return to the U.S. market. There has been speculation that a GM–Renault–Nissan alliance could pave the way for Renault's return to the U.S. market, since GM could eliminate some of its less profitable brands, and offer the owners of dealerships that would otherwise close Renault dealerships.

However, GM CEO Richard Wagner felt that an alliance would benefit Renault's shareholders more than those of GM, and that GM should receive some compensation for it. This did not sit well with Renault; subsequently, talks between GM and Renault ended on October 4, 2006.


Mégane

The Renault Mégane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon bodystyles. The Renault Scénic is the first modern compact MPV, and is based on the Mégane.

The Mégane II was launched in 2002, and marked a completely fresh start. The two cars bear very little resemblance, the new vehicle having been inspired by the manufacturer's new style first seen in the Avantime. The enormous success of the Mégane across Europe proved that Renault's new bold styling was a winning formula and the subsequent failure of the Avantime to sell in great numbers can be attributed to its unusual market placement rather than its styling. The new Mégane was voted European Car of the Year in 2003, and achieved a 5-star safety rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests, the first small family car to do so.

Mégane II and the Laguna were both showcases for a great deal of innovative technologies Renault launched around 2001-2002; the Renault Card keyless ignition system, standard on the Mégane II, was a first in this class and has since been widely adopted. Similarly, the option of a panoramic glass sunroof is another area in which Renault led where others followed.

In Brazil, Renault launched a flex-fuel version, called "Hi-Flex", which is able to run either with unleaded gasoline (petrol) or ethanol. Like the Brazilian Scénic and Clio versions, the Mégane's engine can work with any mix of gasoline and ethanol, due to the use of an electronic control module. The flex version has a 16V 110 hp (115 hp with ethanol) 1.6-liter engine developed and produced in Brazil, but the 2.0-liter version does not allow ethanol use, because its engine is made in France.

Scénic/Grand Scénic

The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV produced by French automaker Renault, the first to be labelled as such in Europe. It is based on the chassis of the Mégane small family car. It became European Car of the Year on its launch in late 1996.

Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Compact MPV

Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area.

As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on certain trim levels. It integrates LEDs on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.

Scénics includes folding front passenger seat with integrated table, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 'Child minder' mirror and front and rear electric windows.


Laguna III

The Renault Laguna is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. The first Laguna was launched in 1993, the second generation was launched in 2000, and the third generation will be for sale in October 2007.

The Renault Laguna III was officially announced in a press release on June 4, 2007. The car was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it went on sale in October 2007. The car comes both as a 5-door liftback and as a 5-door estate. This third generation is based on the platform D, shared with the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Murano. Laguna III is the first car to have gone through Aubevoye Technical Centre's Electro-Magnetic Compatibility unit in the course of its development.


Espace/Grand Espace

The Renault Espace is a large MPV from French car-maker Renault. Generations 1-3 were sold under the Renault brand but manufactured by Matra. The current fourth generation model, which seats seven passengers, was designed and is built by Renault; the Renault Grand Espace is a long-wheelbase version with increased rear leg room and boot size.

The fourth-generation Espace arrived in 2003 and was the first Espace designed and built entirely by Renault. The new vehicle was also the first all-steel Espace.

Its styling was reflective of a new design direction at Renault, symbolised by the radical Vel Satis and Avantime models, marking a major departure from the previous model, which also saw the range moved upmarket.


Vel Satis

The Renault Vel Satis is an executive car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. It was launched at the 2001 Geneva Motorshow to replace the already-discontinued Safrane and has nothing in common with the 1990s concept car of the same name.

The Vel Satis is distinguished by its unusual height, which benefits interior space but results in rather ungainly proportions. It has a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and is available with a variety of engines:

• 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged 2.0-liter
• Nissan-sourced 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 (also used in a variety of Nissan models including the Altima, Murano, 350Z/Fairlady, and Infiniti G, M and FX series))
• 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2.2-liter direct-injection turbodiesel
• Isuzu-sourced 24-valve 3.0-liter direct-injection turbodiesel

The Vel Satis shares its "platform" (chassis, powertrain, assembly process) with the Laguna and Espace IV and is produced on the same assembly line in Sandouville, France.

In October 2004, while overtaking a lorry at 130 km/h (81 mph) under cruise control, an automatic 3.0 Diesel Vel Satis allegedly accelerated on its own to over 190 km/h (120 mph) on a section of the Autoroute A71 freeway (motorway) in central France, and remained at that speed for over an hour in spite of the drivers' alleged efforts to stop it. The police, alerted by a cell phone call from the driver, cleared the freeway ahead of the car and tracked it until it finally stopped near a toll booth. According to the driver, the incident happened due to a faulty cruise control system, in conjunction with the electronic card that replaces the conventional ignition key and makes it impossible to start or stop the engine without electronic intermediates.

Renault immediately investigated the car and found no faults with it, even though a random cause such as electronic interference from an outside source (in this case, the overtaken lorry), while highly improbable, cannot fully be ruled out. Repeated tests under judicial supervision with this car and others of the same model have proven that the driver can always override the cruise control and bring the car to a stop by at least two independent means even if the conventional method of applying the brakes to disengage the cruise control fails:

• move the automatic transmission selector from Drive to Neutral
• press the cruise control's on/off button five times in rapid sequence, as instructed by the car's user manual

In view of these results, Renault has taken legal action against the driver for libel.

In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop a right-hand drive version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the United Kingdom since launch. Although 3,500 sales predicted, only a third of these were achieved.

This came only two years after the Avantime coupé/MPV was discontinued by Renault, which was equally as ambitious in its design.


Twingo

The Renault Twingo is a city car built by French automaker Renault, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992 and sold in continental European markets from 1993. The second generation Twingo was launched in Summer 2007.

The "Twingo" name is a portmanteau derived from the words "Twist", "Swing" and "Tango" and it is said to denote the "fun and active" "personality" of the car.

A concept was presented at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile. The production version was presented at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show after a last minute redesign was ordered, partly due to the successful launch of the TPCA Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo, which became the new benchmark for city cars.

Production was transferred from France to the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia (Revoz).

It went on sale in France, Italy and Slovenia on 15 June 2007, and in the rest of Europe, including the UK, in September 2007. The motoring press in the UK have criticised the new Twingo for being rather unadventurous in style and appearance compared to the original.

The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit in three versions, an 8-valve 60 hp (45 kW) naturally-aspirated, a 16-valve 75 hp (56 kW) naturally-aspirated and a 16-valve 100 hp (70 kW) turbocharged version. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre 65 hp (48 kW) dCi unit.

Trim levels have been announced and will start with the unnamed base model followed by Authentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique and GT. An RS version is also under consideration.

It will be also be available in right hand drive for the first time. Engines available in the UK are the 75 hp (56 kW) and 100 hp (70 kW) petrol units, in Dynamique and GT trim levels. A 60 hp (45 kW) engine was released in January 2008, in a cheaper Extreme trim level.


Modus

The Renault Modus is a mini MPV designed and built by the French automaker Renault in Valladolid, Spain since September 2004. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name. It is essentially a taller and higher version of the Clio and, as such, shares its platform and much of its engine range with the Clios latest incarnation. Originally marketed as "a higher-range alternative to the Twingo and Clio", it is targeted at people who want the practicality and versatility of the larger Renault Scénic but without the added size. The Clio platform that spawned the Modus also gave rise to the current Nissan Micra and its monospace relative the Nissan Note.



Clio/Lutecia/Thalia

The Renault Clio is a supermini/subcompact produced by the French automaker Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation. The Clio has seen substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s.

The Clio has been sold as the Renault Lutecia in Japan, as Honda owns the right to the name Clio in Japan (being one of Honda's sales networks in Japan). A four-door sedan was developed for certain markets where sedans are traditionally preferred over hatchbacks and was sold under names Renault Clio Symbol, Renault Clio Sedan, Renault Clio Tricorps, and Renault Thalia. It is also sold under the Nissan nameplate in some Latin American markets as the Nissan Platina with slight changes in the front of the car to make it resemble the Nissan Altima. Both the Renault Clio (4 door hatchback) and the Nissan Platina (4 door sedan) are marketed in Mexico, each by their respective manufacturer.


Kangoo /Express

The Renault Kangoo and Kangoo Express are panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by French automaker Renault since 1997. The Kangoo is manufactured in the MCA plant in Maubeuge, France, and in Santa Isabel, Argentina. It is also sold by Nissan in Latin America and Europe as the Kubistar.

The rear windows and seats can be removed, producing the panel van Kangoo Express. The Kangoo is popular with the mobility-impaired and wheelchair users due to its height and accessibility. It can be adapted to include mounting points for wheelchairs. Both the Kangoo and Kangoo Express are available in four-wheel drive versions, with raised ride height and altered styling. A lengthened version is also available, with an increased cargo area, as well as a pickup truck version in the Swedish market. The Kangoo was facelifted in 2003, resulting in the Phase II model. These vehicles are distinguished by their pronounced contemporary Renault nose design, with two gaping grille openings placed either side of a suspended diamond badge. The headlamps were also restyled.

Trafic

Renault Trafic is the name used by Renault for recent generations of its light vans.

The current Trafic is the Renault-branded version of a panel van developed in a joint venture with General Motors (GM), and also sold as the Vauxhall and Opel Vivaro; it is also sold by Renault's ally Nissan as the Primastar. The Trafic is built at GMM Luton, Luton in the UK, along with the Vivaro and Primastar.

In the separate agreement between Renault and Nissan, versions of the van are also manufactured at Nissan's plant in Barcelona, Spain.

The van exists in several versions, from a 3-seater with all the rear space available for loads, to a 9-seater. Its name is based on the French word for "trade" or "traffic" (depending on the context).

The van was designed by Renault in Paris, and both Renault and GM versions are manufactured by GM at their plant in Luton.


Logan

The Logan is a no-frills car produced jointly by the French manufacturer Renault and its subsidiary Dacia of Romania. It is manufactured at Dacia's automobile plant in Mioveni, Romania, in Colombia, Brazil and many other sites. Whether the car is marketed as Dacia, Nissan or Renault in a country depends on the existing presence of the Renault brand in it.


Koleos

The Renault Koleos is a compact SUV which was first presented as a concept car at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. Production is expected to start in 2008, and will also be performed by Renault subsidiary Samsung Motors in South Korea, as the Renault Samsung QMX.

Renault has some experience in the SUV market, after selling the Scénic RX4 and the Kangoo, but it has never produced a true SUV. A Koleos concept car was shown in the media as long ago as February 2000.

The Koleos's body design is based on the Renault Koleos and Renault Egeus concept cars. The engines selected for the Koleos haven’t been used in any car, but will be used in the Clio and Laguna. Some of the Koleos's future competitors like the Citroën C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007 will also be presented by this time.