Ninjas vs Pirates TD 2 tower defense

defense games

 Ninjas vs Pirates TD 2 tower defense

Description Game:

A build your own path tower defense game where you build Ninja towers to defend against pirates
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How to play Game:

Scary Sleep Over

scary maze game

 Scary Sleep Over

Description Game:

It is up to you to get the contestant out of the house before the break of dawn.

How to play Game:

Born of Fire TD tower defense

tower defense games

  Born of Fire TD tower defense

Description Game:

Place heros to kill monsters and level them up to defend your portal
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How to play Game:

Motorbike Wheels

happy wheels game

 Motorbike Wheels

Description Game:

Drive your machine on the rocky hills of the canyons. In this detailed up hill racing game you race alone or against computer player and try to reach the pirate flag to unlock the next level!

How to play Game:

Up Arrow Key - Accelerate. Left / Right Arrow Keys - Lean. Down Arrow Key - Reverse.

Game Mahjong Math

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  Cool math for kids
  
  

  Game Mahjong Math

  Description Game:

  Math variation of classic mahjong game. Choose from different layouts and play. You should find the matching mahjong tiles.
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  How to play Game:

  This game is played with mouse only.Try to match all the tiles. Titles must be not blocked from the right or left before they can be matched. Unblocked tiles are shaded pink. Tiles with numbers and equations match when they equal the same number. For example: 11 = 10 + 1 = 5 + 6 = 11. To win the game, match all the tiles!

UberPool

pool games

 UberPool

Description Game:

Ever played pool on a round table? Earn extra time and points by hitting the bonus icons.
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How to play Game:

Mouse

Load Up And Kill

gun games

Load Up And Kill

Description Game:

A quick game of finding out how to load the weapon and then killing the prisoner. Short, but gorey.
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How to play Game:

This game is played with mouse only.

Ninja Showdown

fighting games

 Ninja Showdown

Description Game:

Ninja is a Sino-Japanese compound derived from the two kanji (Japanese characters of Chinese origin) used to write shinobi-no-mono, one of the native Japanese words for people who practice ninjutsu.

How to play Game:

Use the keys A and D to attack, arrow keys to move, spacebar to launch special attack.

Batman Soccer

batman games

 Batman Soccer

Description Game:

Kick start Batman to play football! Try to avoid opponent players and reach the goal post. Collect powers given at different level.
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How to play Game:

Use your mouse to play this game

March ManiaMarch Mania

basketball games

 March ManiaMarch Mania

Description Game:

Dominate your own tournament! Pick a team and a groovy haircut, then hit the brackets! Remember, there’s no I in Team.
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How to play Game:

Arrow keys to move. A to dodge and steal. S to shoot and block. D to dunk. F to pass.

Coaster Bike

dirt bike games

 Coaster Bike

Description Game:

Drive with your bike on a rollercoaster track and try to complete all levels. Watch out you don’t fall.

How to play Game:

Arrow keys = drive Z&X = tricks

Play Highway Justice

disney cars

 Play Highway Justice

Description Game:

Hey little caps! How about catching the guilties? Or explode them? Catch them on time and get points. Be unstoppable with your lamborghini. Good Luck. How to Play? Navigate with “W,A,S,D” and crash into the guilties which showed you as target
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How to play Game:

W,A,S,D

Run With Death

Game Info - Shoot all the baddies in this simple, yet addictive game. Run over those little girls!
Game controls - W, A, S, D - Move.
Mouse - Aim / Shoot.

Sift Heads 2 - Demo Version

Game Info - The sequel to the first Sift Head has finally arrived! You can buy weapons that you can use in your missions. When a sign appears on the screen, press the correct arrow key to make sure Vinnie is doing the right move.
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Spacebar - Reload.

Castle Cat 2 - The Miami Invasion

Game Info - Castle Cat is out in adventure again this time its saving Miami from invasion!
Game controls - ARROW keys for movement SPACE for mace attack CTRL for cannon attack

Puzzle Mania Little Mermaid

Game Info - Join Ariel and her Prince to there lovely story.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Teen Titans - Battle Blitz

Game Info - Teen Titans
Game controls - Arrow Keys
Z, X, P 

Ultimate Robotnik Duels

Game Info - Get into intense battle using Dr.Robotnik's weapons which he designed to destroy Sonic! This is a 1 vs 1 game consisting of quick duel matches between player and ai. Also you can play player vs player mode. The game is a parody on Sonic the hedgehog game, using various boss weapons as a weapon for duel.
Game controls - Player 1- arrow keys (to move); M- fire.
Players 2- W,A,S,D keys (to move ) G- fire.

Business Doll Maker

Game Info - Choose a fashionable dress, new hair and beauty accessories like necklace, earrings and a noticeable makeup for her.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Pacman

Game Info - Classic pacman game!
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Movement

Kissmat 2: Stolen Kiss

Game Info - Kiss for as long as possible while the adults aren't looking. Reach your kissing quota or it's over.
Game controls - Use Mouse to interact.

Batman The Dark Ride

Game Info - Ride Batman to reach the target and you need to face many obstacles at different levels. Collect coins to get points. Extra points will be added for every flip.
Game controls - Up Arrow Key - Forward.
Left / Right Arrow Keys - Lean.
Down Arrow Key - Backward.

Sponge Bob SquarePants Sea Monster Smoosh

Game Info - Similar to Dig Dug you're SpongeBob and you dig and shoot the other SpongeBob characters.
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Move.
Spacebar - Power Ups

Moglin Punter

Game Info - Try to kick your moglin into the cookies and the cake.
Game controls - Move your mouse to adjust angle, Click to punt.

Amorphous

Game Info - Go around chopping things with your big knife.
Game controls - Mouse- To move, left click to attack.
Space bar- Pause.
N- Change song.
X- Quit current game.

TV Casting Makeover

Game Info - Change her look and help her win the casting!
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

League of Super Evil: Air Voltar

Game Info - The Mighty Skullossus is undefeated in the time-honoured sport of villain punting. Voltar is desperate to break that record and get his name into the Big Book of World Wreckers, mostly because it comes with a free t-shirt and a a year's supply of Evil-brand cocoa. But Skullossus is not about to give up without a fight....
Game controls - Use mouse to play the game.

Laser Blast

Game Info - Help Stitch escape from captain Gantu's spaceship.
Game controls - Left / Right Arrow Keys - Move.
Up Arrow Key - Jump.
V - Switch States.
C - Punch.
Spacebar - Shoot Laser Gun.

Buttercup Powerpuff Girl Dress Up

Game Info - Mojo is attacking the city help Butterup get ready to save the city.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Cover Model Dress Up: July

Game Info - This month's personalized fashion cover is sure to be sizzling!
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Cursed Winds

Game Info - Fire your cannonballs at other ships as you try to destroy all other ships. Earn money and upgrade.
Game controls - Arrow keys to move.
Space bar to shoot.

Girl In The Mirror 2

Game Info - Swept your man out of his feet again.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

How To Cook Amandines Cake

Game Info - In this cooking game you will learn how to cook the delicious tarts.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Dad n' Me

Game Info - Destroy everything that come in your way!
Game controls - Arrow keys for movement A to jab S for strong attack

Nightmares: The Adventures 3 - The Baron Of Vermin Famine

Game description: The third chapter of Nightmare series is here. You must help Victor face his fears for the third time in the Land of Nightmares so that his nights become restful again. Pick up objects along the way by clicking on it to automatically store in the inventory,then drag and drop it in the game zone where you think you will be able to use them.Good luck!  
Game controls: Mouse - To interact.

Wonder Dress up

Game description: Help the girl dress in these awesome clothes!  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Cute Little Dresses

Game description: This little cute girl has a lot of Asian-inspired outfits that looks cool when worn. Dress her up and enjoy!  
Game controls: Mouse - To interact.

Mirror Beauty

Game description: She wants to look pretty. She loves looking at herself in the mirror. Choose the right beauty styles and dress for her.  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Mirror Beauty

Game description: She wants to look pretty. She loves looking at herself in the mirror. Choose the right beauty styles and dress for her.  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Dancing Girl Dressup

Game description: Try to score 100 if you can.
 Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.

Stylin Stuff: Pedicure

Game description: Paint toe nails, choose jewelry and sandals and see the effect!  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Unreal Flash

Game description: A cool unreal version in flash, where you have to shoot everything that moves. This version of unreal is side view.
 Game controls: W, A, S, D - Move. Mouse - Aim / Shoot. 1-9 - Change Weapon.

Fashion Room 2

Game description: This punk and stylish girl cant seem to decide which dress to wear for the day. Help her dress up and enjoy!
 Game controls: Mouse - To interact.

Fishin' Fever

Game description: Try to catch fishes as much as possible!
 Game controls: Left click to catch fish

Stick Basketball

Game description: Ready for some ball? Play 21, a single match or go for the tourney win! Drop bombs from long distance, or take it to the hoop!
Game controls: Arrow keys to move. Offense: A-dodge. S-shoot. D-dunk. F-pass. Defense: A-steal. S-block. 

Stylish Cover Girl

Game description: Pssst!!! I know what you do Friday afternoons! Don't act so surprised! Everybody knows that you lay in your bed and go through the latest magazines, wanting to know everything that is new in fashion. Imagine something really great: your are a stylist that takes care that the front page model looks fabulous. First you pick the right foundation, then you apply some subtle blush. You always want to make a statement with the eyes that's why you use eye liner, eyebrows pencil and dark mascara,for extra volume. After you pick out the perfect dress that matches with her sun-kissed skin, you know which lipstick to use. The final touch are the sparkly jewels.Your wonderful job is done here. She's amazing!!!
Game controls: Use the mouse to make up and dress up this Stylish Cover Girl. 

Sushi Cat 2

Game description: Sushi Cat and his wife are out shopping at the local mall when a new nemesis, Bacon Dog, sees Sushi Cat's wife and decides to steal her. Help Sushi Cat get her back by guiding him to as much sushi as possible. Watch him grow fat as he eats more and more sushi along his way. Fill up his belly to win. Unlock new outfits for Sushi Cat along the way by collecting golden sushi on each level.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Skies of War - Extended

Game description: Load out your aircraft with weapons as you take off and take out enemy structures, vehicles, and more.
Game controls: Mouse - Move / Shoot. R - Make a full roll. CTRL - Helicopter hover-mode. C - Chnage Weapon. 

Shoot West

Game description: Do you like shooting games? We offer you a new game where you must save the girls and women from cowboys who kidnapped and demanded a reward for them. Shoot all cowboys, so you can save the girls.
Game controls: Mouse key - To aim and shoot. Space bar - To reload your weapon. 

Sponge Bob SquarePants Boo or Boom

Game description: Play Mr. Squarepants or someone else in this funny Halloween game which reminds a lot of Bomberman!
Game controls: Arrow Keys - Move. Spacebar - Bombs. 

Taxi Gone Wild

Game description: You're a crazy cabbie racing against the clock! Swerve to avoid other cars...or just jump right over them!
Game controls: Left / Right Arrow Keys - Steer. Up / Down Arrow Keys - Control the Speed. Spacebar - Jump. 

VW Group geared up for 2012 Worthersee Tour

Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat are each fronting up to Austrian jamboree with something special

The Wörthersee Tour is on again. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, (but particularly Golf GTi), the event, which runs from May 16 to 19, is based in the Austrian town of Reifnitz on the shores of Lake Wörthersee — hence the name.

As in previous years, the 2012 event (the 31st) is expected to showcase the weird and wonderful from around the Volkswagen world. To ensure that's the case, Volkswagen itself and three of its subsidiaries will be attending the event, packing plenty to see.

Skoda is bringing two concept cars games  to Austria. One is the Skoda Citigo Rally and the other is the Citigo DJ Car. Both cars are developed from the Citigo, which itself is based on the Volkswagen up! In the case of the Citigo DJ Car, Skoda has created a one-off mobile mixing desk for a DJ to play music at the venue — through sound equipment rated at almost 100,000 Watts. Running on forged 18-inch wheels, the Citigo Rally pays homage to Skoda rally cars of the past and present.

Spanish brand SEAT has racing car concepts based on the Ibiza and Leon models to wow the bystanders at Reifnitz. But the company is also unveiling its new Mii, which is based on the VW up!, like the Skoda Citigo. The Ibiza and Leon models at Reifnitz include the Ibiza Cupra concept (yellow), powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine and riding on 17-inch wheels; the Ibiza/Leon Cupra R in white; Ibiza SC Trophy — also with 1.4-litre TSI, but with seven-speed DSG and 18-inch wheels; and the WTCC-based Leon Super Copa — with a 2.0-litre TSI engine driving through a six-speed DSG. For Wörthersee SEAT will display the Mii in red, with black 16-inch alloys.

Audi will use the event to promote its latest SUV on the scene, the Q3. Three themed Q3 models will be on display in Reifnitz, as will Audi's e-bike, which explores the company's commitment to 'design', 'ultra', 'connect' and 'e-tron'. Audi has shipped across the RS Q3 concept that made its debut at the Beijing motor show. The other two Q3 models are the Q3 Jinlong Yufeng ('Golden Dragon in the Wind' — also first revealed in Beijing) and the Q3 Red Track, which appears to be the same vehicle as the Q3 Vail debuted in Detroit earlier this year. All three Q3 models at Reifnitz are powered by five-cylinder TFSI engines rated at outputs between 228kW and 265kW.

Parent company Volkswagen is adopting an understated approach this year. In 2011 the company introduced the GTi and R variants of the Golf cabrio at Wörthersee, but the company is only admitting that it will enter a special Golf GTi for this year. The vehicle in question is being customised by nine young women and men apprenticed to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen set the four women and five men to work on the GTi back in October last year, so it promises to be one out of the box when it's unveiled.

"This project illustrates how the thorough knowledge, commitment and creativity of our apprentices culminates in a fascinating show car that combines technical extravagance and everyday utility", Dr Ulrich Hackenberg was quoted as saying. Dr Hackenberg is the Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management responsible for Development.

Volkswagen is revealing nothing about its unique Golf GTi, but when the apprentices are reportedly polishing screw heads, it says volumes for the care and attention being lavished on it.

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MOTORSPORT: Big news ... but will outcomes match it?

Casey Stoner quitting MotoGP, the next Holden Commodore for NAS CAR GAMES, and talk of another V8 Supercar entrant and venue
Rumour mills in overdrive
What a mega day in motorsport! Casey Stoner announces he'll quit MotoGP at the end of the year, and immediately speculation ramps up about him going V8 Supercar racing.

General Motors in the US confirms that the next Holden Commodore, the VF, will be its new NASCAR, in the guise of a Chevrolet SS.

Talk too of Mazda taking a close look at V8 Supercar racing. And Queensland regional city Mackay comes on the radar as a potential V8 Supercar venue. All of which has overshadowed the lead-in to the fifth round of the V8 Supercar Championship at Victoria's Phillip Island - as a sprint round after four years of endurance races at the seaside circuit.

Also this weekend Marcos Ambrose is racing for a $1 million prize in NASCAR's All-Star Race at Charlotte, North Carolina, while fellow Australians Will Power and Ryan Briscoe will vie with 30-odd other drivers tomorrow for pole position for the Indianapolis 500, to be run early on May 28, Australian time. And, while it has been huge day for news, all of it has contained elements that ought to keep feet firmly on the ground.

Stoner has said he won't be making an instant switch to V8 Supercars, a senior GM executive has said the group does not foresee the Australian-built Chevrolet SS -- short for Super Sport, and the first rear-wheel-drive in GM's American line-up for 17 years -- being a major seller, the Mazda report is kite-flying, and, while Mackay has a major events committee considering a pitch for a V8 Supercar round like Townsville's a member of that committee admits it's very early days, even calling it "pie in the sky stuff".

V8 Supercar has welcome mat out for Stoner
V8 Supercars has said in a statement today that it would welcome Casey Stoner "with open arms". No surprise there. Stoner has shown interest in the V8s over the years, attending various events and late last year having a drive of a Triple Eight Race Engineering Holden Commodore at a closed session.

Triple Eight boss Roland Dane said at the time: "I see no reason at all why Casey shouldn't be very competitive in a V8 Supercar ... It is in his hands if he wants to drive a V8 Supercar. One day I suspect he will end up doing it." Today Dane has been careful not to add to those comments.

Stoner said at Le Mans in France, where he announced that will quit two-wheel racing at the end of this season (perhaps with a third MotoGP world title), that he will consider a future in V8 Supercars.

"It is something I am definitely interested to do, but whether I will be fast enough or not is another thing," he said. And he quickly added: "That [any switch] will not be in the near future, the immediate future."

Now the father of a young daughter, he said there were "many things that I would like to do with my life". He was insistent that his retirement from motorcycle racing was not linked to a switch to four wheels.

"There is no coincidence to it whatsover," he said. While Stoner could be a huge drawcard in V8 Supercar racing it ought not be forgotten that, while exceptionally fast at times, 1987 world 500cc champion Wayne Gardner did not win any touring car races of great consequence and two-time world superbike champion Troy Bayliss' attempt to break into V8 Supercars in 2009 was embarrassingly short-lived.

Commodore + bowtie badge = NASCAR
Mark Reuss, an American who briefly was the head of Holden in Australia and now is president of General Motors North America, delighted in making the announcement overnight that the next Commodore would become GM's next NASCAR.

The second generation of NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow introduced in 2007 will allow the four competing manufacturers to run shapes more closely resembling their production models than the existing generic bodyshells that are differentiated only by the grills, headlight decals and badges.

 "I am delighted to say that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that very closely links the performance sedan that will be available for sale," Reuss said. "The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends well beyond the track and I am personally looking forward to driving it."

Chevrolet has already tested the Commodore or SS, camoflauged in chequered livery, at Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway. It will be introduced to NASCAR racing at next February 24's Daytona 500 although the production version will not arrive in American dealerships until late next year as a 2014 model.
And respected American motoring and motorsport writer Bob Pockrass has said on Sporting News that the car "is considered a niche, low-volume, high-performance vehicle that won't be built on the scale of the Impala (the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet model it will replace in NASCAR) or even the Scion".

And Pockrass quoted GM spokesman Monte Doran saying: "We're not going to sell as many Chevrolet SS's as Impalas. However, we felt like it was a really exciting opportunity to more closely align what we're competing with with what we're selling in dealerships.

"I still think the 'Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday' mentality works for the whole Chevrolet brand ... they may go buy a Silverado or a Camaro or an Impala. NASCAR is still a huge contributor to our overall brand awareness and it also helps build excitement from our performance brand."

And Chevrolet's top NASCAR team owner, Rick Hendrick, who has just chalked up his 200th victory in the premier Cup series, said: "We are [going] back to seeing in the showrooms what we are racing on the race track. "The fans have said they want that, and the manufacturers want it, and actually the teams want it... It's going to be better for the sport."

While V8 Supercar racing is not translating into sales growth for Holden's Commodore or Ford's Falcon in Australia, indeed quite the contrary, for the Chevrolet SS in America, starting from zero, the only way will be up -- albeit it in a niche, performance market with only a V8 version expected to be available.

Mazda kite flies over Phillip Island
The Mazda-eying-V8 Supercars kite has been flown in News Ltd newspapers today. A visit to Australia by Mazda development officer Shoichi Kamimura with the Japan Auto Federation has been portrayed as a cover for a visit to Phillip Island to study whether Mazda needs to counter Nissan's already-announced entry to V8 Supercars next year.

A mysterious "industry insider" is quoted saying "they [Mazda] are aware of the popularity of the V8 Supercar series ... [and] they don't want to miss the boat".

Nissan performance arm NISMO general manager Kamei Yasuharu also reportedly is attending the Phillip Island round. The Victorian circuit traditionally has been Holden territory, but Ford Performance Racing has won the past five races in this year's championship (and seven of the nine in the four rounds so far) -- although Commodore star Jamie Whincup has seized the series lead ahead of FPR's Will Davison and Mark Winterbottom.

Greatly-improved FPR is only one win away from equaling its best season -- eight wins in 2008 -- after a decade in existence since Prodrive took over Glenn Seton's team.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Shane Van Gisbergen's contract with the Stone Brothers Ford team has been extended for another three years.

Both the weekend's races -- over 32 laps of the 4.445km track on Saturday and 45 laps on Sunday -- are scheduled to be run entirely on hard compound tyres, rather than the combination of hard and soft rubber at recent rounds.

Mackay's interest in becoming a V8 Supercar venue has been reported in the Queensland provincial city's Daily Mercury newspaper. Mackay Tourism has established a committee to attract big events to the city.

Committee member Russell Spurrell said V8 Supercars was among the possibilities, as many people from Mackay, Moranbah and Dysart already travelled to Townsville for the annual V8 Supercar round there. But he said there was a lot to be discussed before any pitch was made.

Commodore to USA - again

Commodore gets another shot at the American market — and VF will debut earlier than expected?
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Commodore and Holden are back in business in the USA. The local manufacturer will start shipping the Chev-branded production VF Commodore across to the US from late 2013. It has been confirmed now that in America the car will be sold as the Chevrolet SS, a name long associated with the Chevy brand.

The announcement ends months of speculation that the Commodore would fill a premium niche in the Chevrolet range. That speculation grew apace with Chevrolet's official confirmation it would enter a new model in NASCAR from next year, based on a new platform with a new nameplate.

Chevrolet has declared its existing NASCAR campaigner, the Impala, will definitely be put out to pasture at the end of this season. The new race car will debut at Daytona on February 24 next year, raising the prospect of Holden revealing the VF Commodore before then. As the picture here shows, the race car is already being tested for NASCAR racing, camouflaged to the hilt. The Daytona 500 will be a fitting launch venue for the car, given Commodore's Aussie motor sport heritage and successes over the years.

“Holden has a great track record of producing performance cars for GM and the world,” said Greg Tyus, Holden's Executive Director of Engineering, as quoted in a press release issued by Holden yesterday. "We were responsible for the design and engineering of the Chevrolet Camaro, VE Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8 and we are currently exporting the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle - so we understand the needs of the North American market."

Kate Lonsdale, Holden's Senior Product Communications Manager, was not in a position to reveal much about the export program to motoring.com.au — and certainly not from the Chevrolet perspective — but she did confirm the SS will be a "high-end" model when it goes on sale in the US.

"This vehicle's going to be a top-end, premium vehicle; it's a high-performance sedan, so it's a really niche-volume product," Ms Lonsdale said. Holden is not revealing how many cars it hopes to export to the US, with Ms Lonsdale simply reiterating it will be a "niche product". Nor could she say how Chevrolet will price the car in the US.

"That's a question for Chevrolet and they're not announcing pricing until closer to the launch. It's still some way off."

Holden is sticking to the "icing on the cake" line the company trots out whenever talk turns to exports, but it's clearly good news for the folks at Fishermans Bend.

"We will continue to pursue targeted, profitable export programs, however... we're making sure first and foremost we're profitable domestically. Any export program on top of that is a lovely bonus," said Ms Lonsdale. "[The export program] shows confidence in our product and I think the US are excited as we are about this, and we're getting some good feedback from some of the speculation that's been out..."

If there's one hurdle to overcome, it's the viability of the program with the Aussie dollar at historically high levels, although currency exchange rates have been considered in establishing the framework for this deal.

"If [we] had a crystal ball it would make our jobs a lot easier," said Ms Lonsdale. "Our feeling is that we've taken into account the current exchange rate with this program and the fact that it is sort of a more high-end, less price-sensitive market [sector] does help. It's not easy to export to the US at the moment, but that's been taken into account."

The VF model is shaping up to be significantly lighter than the current VE model Commodore — which indicates major changes to the platform, the underpinnings and sheet metal to reflect the depth of those changes. But how different will the Chev SS look, in contrast with the Commodore?

"[We're] Not announcing anything specific about the product," Ms Lonsdale replied, "but it will have Chevrolet cues."

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Benz's 'clever' cruise control for S-Class?

New fuel-saving feature for trucks only — for the present
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Mercedes-Benz in Germany has developed a cruise control system more capable than all but the most focused of drivers. And the Predictive Power Control system, as it's known, is bound for a passenger car with a three-pointed star on the grille.

Introduced in the Actros truck range, the new system relies on geodetic data and the global positioning system (GPS) to determine whether the prime mover should be picking up speed ahead of a climb or changing down a gear on a descent. Benz-owned Freightliner first brought a GPS-based speed regulator to market in 2009, but that system — 'Predictive Cruise Control' — did not regulate the transmission.

According to Benz, the new system can improve fuel economy on a run by as much as three per cent and, in fact, is superior to all drivers barring "an extremely motivated truck driver with an exceptional level of concentration".

It's a system with potential in passenger cars too, according to the Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at Mercedes-Benz Australia, David McCarthy. But there's no word on whether the system — as a complete package or otherwise — will make it into the next generation S-Class. The new Benz flagship is at least 12 months away from a local launch, McCarthy says, but technical details will begin to trickle out "towards the end of the year," ahead of the car's global launch.

While Predictive Power Control could be one of the new features introduced with the next passenger car flagship, McCarthy says that it's not simply a question of taking a black box out of a truck and fitting it to a passenger car. To illustrate, he provided the example of ESP — the electronic stability control program developed jointly by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz for the W126 S-Class in the early 1980s.

"ESP in a Sprinter or a Vito van is adaptive, but adaptive in the sense that it adapts to the load, where the load's positioned, et cetera. That is in one way different to a passenger car, because a passenger car — realistically — you can have five passengers and luggage.

"In a van you might have a tonne that's just above the axle line or you might have a tonne that's almost at the roof."

Just as the ESP in the Sprinter is actually more sophisticated in one way than its counterpart in passenger vehicles — where load positioning is less critical to active safety — Predictive Power Control would very likely need to be calibrated specifically for different parameters in passenger cars, including higher potential top speeds (on German autobahns in particular), the varying power delivery characteristics of petrol engines and epicylic transmissions or even integration with hybrid-drive and DiesOtto drivetrain systems.

McCarthy hints that the intelligent cruise control system may not be introduced to passenger cars with the next S-Class, despite that model being Benz's traditional "technology leader".

"One thing that has changed over the last few years... is that previously you saw a lot of technology introduced at the very top level, and it would then trickle down..." he explained. "That's changed quite a bit; you've seen in E-Class and B-Class and C-Class some technologies introduced that actually weren't in S-Class [first]. So it's not always the case, but we have no intention of surrendering the reality that the S-Class has been a benchmark in technology and innovation for a very long time."

Without specifically admitting that Benz has a history of introducing new technology in its passenger cars at the very outset of a new model cycle, rather than as running changes, McCarthy did say that the new S-Class would launch "safety innovations and equipment". Some of those features, he says, were previously showcased on the 2009 ESF concept car, which was based on the current (W221) model. One of those features is a centrally-suspended airbag that prevents front-seat occupants belting heads together in a prang — and that seems a likely candidate for inclusion in the production S-Class when it hits the streets next year.

One point that McCarthy stressed was the propensity for Mercedes-Benz to recycle technology across all its platforms, whether a "two-seater smart" or a "140-tonne roadtrain".

"Rest assured that any innovation, any enhancement gets used across all the vehicle platforms, as long as it's relevant to that platform," he said.

So Predictive Power Control is not a matter of 'if' as much as 'when'. And while it could wait for the next E-Class, our money's on the S-Class introducing it, or something much like it, next year.

Computer-generated image courtesy of Carparazzi

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Twincharged 86 ready for Nürburgring 24-hour

GRMN Gazoo develops 238kW/421Nm twincharged Toyota 86 for upcoming Nürburgring event
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German-based GRMN Gazoo is hard at work developing a twincharged 86 concept for the upcoming 24-hour race at the infamous Nürburgring.

Combining a supercharger and turbocharger -- a set up familiar to that found in Volkswagen’s twincharged 1.4 TFSI engine -- the twincharged 86 concept outputs an impressive 238kW/421Nm from its 1998cc horizontally-opposed four-cylinder. It is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Boasting a bespoke dual exhaust system, brake and suspension setup, the concept vehicle is also fitted with lightweight alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers and guards, one-off GR rear garnish, as well as a mammoth rear spoiler.

The interior is stripped for the purpose and features the bare essentials, such as a full roll cage, four-point harness, solitary bucket seat and boost, temperature and oil pressure-gauge binnacle.

The 40th Nürburgring 24-hour race is held this weekend May 19 – 20 and is limited to a field of 190 entries.

Toyota GRMN Gazoo twincharged GT86 concept dimensions:
- Height/Width/Length (mm): 1250/1855/4350
- Wheelbase (mm): 2570
- Front Track/Rear Track (mm): 1590/1610
- Front Tyre/Rear Tyre: 245/40R18 / 265/35R18
- Kerb Weight (kg): 1280
- Ground Clearance (mm): 95

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MOTORSPORT: Bathurst star axed for Gold Coast

David Besnard has copped another penalty for speeding in pitlane at Bathurst when a chance to win the Great Race – he's been dumped from the Fujitsu Racing/Garry Rogers Motorsport line-up for next week's Gold Coast 600

Friday motorsport report

- October 15, 2010

Lee Holdsworth gets Greg Ritter as replacement co-driver
One of the stars of the Bathurst 1000, David Besnard, has been axed by Garry Rogers Motorsport from the third endurance round of the V8 Super car games Championship, next weekend's Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Even though Besnard is based on the Gold Coast, the 33-year-old will find himself looking on as a field including a host of international drivers – many of whom previously came to compete in the former Indy open-wheeler race – take part in next weekend's three V8 Supercar races.

On another front, today is the deadline for the deal in which mining magnate Nathan Tinkler was to buy Charlie Schwerkolt's half share of Jim Beam/Dick Johnson Racing for a reputed $4 million, but there are strong indications it's not going to happen.

Meanwhile, Fujitsu Racing/GRM has slotted in its other co-driver from Phillip Island and Bathurst, Greg Ritter, for the Gold Coast next week in place of Besnard – who incurred a drive-through penalty for the team's No 33 Holden Commodore for speeding in the Bathurst pitlane after he had led eventual winner Craig Lowndes, and the race, for 30 laps.

Lowndes, in the Team Vodafone/Triple Eight Race Engineering Commodore he shared with Mark Skaife, had snuck past Besnard before the final round of driver changes and Besnard's pitlane error, but the part-timer's stint remained one of the highlights of the Great Race.

However, any chance of GRM's lead driver Lee Holdsworth battling for the win were lost by the drive-through and he could only bring the car home in seventh place.

The team's other entry, the No. 34 Commodore driven by Michael Caruso and Ritter, finished 10th.

While Besnard – out of a full-time V8 Supercar drive for several years now, with the New Zealand V8 Championship his main activity, but probably the best co-driver available within Australia for endurance races other than Skaife - was one of the heroes of Bathurst, he has paid a high price for also being the "villain" with the pitlane infringement.

With Ritter joining Holdsworth in the No. 33 for the Gold Coast, Caruso will be partnered by little-known American Patrick Long, who usually races Porsche sports cars.

The highly-regarded Holdsworth said of his new co-driver for the Gold Coast: "I think Ritter and I have a good shot at a top three."

Of Bathurst he said: "It was frustrating to get that close and to have a silly mistake."

Team owner Garry Rogers wrote a lengthy report on Bathurst for his team's website (grmotorsport.com.au), and – although he did not repeat his comment made on the telecast that the pitlane speeding was "dumb" - here are excerpts of what he had to say there.
"Leethal (Holdsworth) had great pace and took the lead (early).

"The No. 33 car was looking the goods. David (Besnard) and Lee would share the car through the early sessions and would lead the race, holding off the Holden Racing Team and 888 (Lowndes-Skaife) cars.

"Lee and David at the end of the day would lead the race for over 80 laps.

"David's last stint would be one of the highlights of the day.

"He would hold off Lowndes for 30 laps with a brilliant drive.

"You could tell that Lowndes was not enjoying this stint by his radio chat and the attitude of the 888 car as he did try a couple of desperate dives to pass, but David stood his ground.

"David had driven the pants off the No. 33 car but would only succumb to Lowndes with a very ragged, delaminating tyre.

"After this drive David came into pit and change over with Lee, and this is where our afternoon went pear-shaped.

"The No. 33 was pinged for exceeding the pitlane speed limit of 40km/h and was given a drive-through penalty.

"All eyes were on Lee as he took over the car for the run to the end, but the news of the penalty came in over the radio and he had to take the drive-through and lost the lead.

"It is very frustrating, annoying and gives you the heebie-jeebies that a silly mistake in the heat of the moment can be made and bring undone months of work and preparation by the team for this race week.

"This race is incredibly hard to win but very easy to lose. The No. 33 car was not out of the race, but it would be a struggle from here. Lee would challenge for a podium result but it wasn't to be and the car would finish in seventh.

"I would be telling untruths if I said I was not disappointed with how the afternoon unfolded, but Bathurst is always full of surprises and that is why we keep going back each year.

"There has been quite a lot of speculation in the media re driver line-ups for the Gold Coast event and, with quite a lot of deliberation; we are able to announce ours.

"Leethal will drive with Greg Ritter and Robbo (Caruso) will drive with Patrick Long, who has now arrived safely in Australia from America and is raring to go."

Armor All Gold Coast 600 driver pairings

1 - Jamie Whincup/Steve Owen, TeamVodafone, Holden Commodore VE

2-  Garth Tander/Cameron McConville , Toll Holden Racing Team, Commodore VE

3 -  Tony D'Alberto/Tiago Monteiro, Centaur Racing, Commodore VE

4 - Alex Davison/David Brabham, Irwin Racing, Ford Falcon FG

5 - Mark Winterbottom/Luke Youlden, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon, Falcon FG

6 - Steve Richards/Will Power, Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon, Falcon FG

7 - Todd Kelly/Scott Dixon, Jack Daniel's Racing, Commodore VE

8 - Jason Richards/Andrew Jones, Team BOC, Commodore VE

9 - Shane Van Gisbergen/John McIntyre, SP Tools Racing, Falcon FG

10 - Andrew Thompson/Mika Salo, Bundaberg Red Racing, Commodore VE

11 - Jason Bargwanna/Alex Tagliani, Rock Racing, Commodore VE

12 - Dean Fiore/Gianni Morbidelli, Triple F Racing, Falcon FG

14 - Jason Bright/Alain Menu, Trading Post Racing, Commodore VE

15 - Rick Kelly/Owen Kelly, Jack Daniel's Racing, Commodore VE

16 - Tony Ricciardello/Taz Douglas, Stratco Racing, Commodore VE

17 - Steven Johnson/Dario Franchitti, Jim Beam Racing, Falcon FG

18 - James Courtney/Warren Luff, Jim Beam Racing, Falcon FG

19 - Jonathon Webb/Sebastien Bourdais, Dick Johnson Racing, Falcon FG

21 - Karl Reindler/Fabrizio Giovanardi, Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing, Commodore VE

22 - Will Davison/Ryan Briscoe, Toll Holden Racing Team, Commodore VE

24 - Fabian Coulthard/David Reynolds, Bundaberg Red Racing, Commodore VE

30 - Mark Noske/Scott Pruett, Gulf Western Oil Racing, Commodore VE

33 - Lee Holdsworth/Greg Ritter, Fujitsu Racing/GRM, Commodore VE

34 - Michael Caruso/Patrick Long, Fujitsu Racing/GRM, Commodore VE

39 - Russell Ingall /Jack Perkins, Supercheap Auto Racing, Commodore VE

47 - Tim Slade/Helio Castroneves, Wilson Security Racing, Falcon FG

51 - Greg Murphy/Yvan Muller, Castrol Edge Racing, Commodore VE

55 - Paul Dumbrell/Jacques Villeneuve, The Bottle-O Racing Team, Falcon FG

888 - Craig Lowndes/Andy Priaulx, TeamVodafone, Commodore VE

Lowndes blasts Seven's Bathurst delay as 'excessive'
Craig Lowndes has added his voice to the complaints about the Seven network delaying the vision of the Bathurst 1000 as the race progressed. While the chequered flag was waved at 4.53pm last Sunday, the race finish was not seen on TV until 5.20pm.

One media report last Monday called it "the race that delayed a nation".

"I've heard about the complaints on Twitter over Channel 7's delayed coverage of the event and I must say I agree," Lowndes said in a column published in News Corporation newspapers this week.

"There is always a slight delay, but 20-odd minutes was excessive.

"In these days of instant communication with Twitter, Facebook and mobile phones it is more evident to fans if there is a delay.

"I understand the commercial realities, but Seven could easily have made up the time during safety car periods."

The irony of Lowndes' comments is that his co-driver in victory last Sunday, Mark Skaife, is the specialist commentator with Seven at races other than the Phillip Island and Bathurst enduros in which he competes.

Russia gets a Grand Prix from 2014
A Russian Grand Prix will be added to the Formula One world championship from 2014.

It will be held in Sochi, a Black Sea resort that also will host the Winter Olympics that year.

Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin announced that a deal had been struck with F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone for a race at Sochi until 2020.

Meanwhile, the new Korean circuit at Yeongam, about four hours' drive from Seoul, has been given final clearance for next weekend's 17th round of this year's championship, which Australia's Mark Webber leads by 14 points.

Ambrose on his NASCAR 'home ground'
NASCAR's Sprint Cup, now just six weeks from its conclusion, this weekend is at Charlotte, North Carolina, the hub of American stock car racing.

Australia's Marcos Ambrose is hoping to better the 22nd place that is his best finish in four previous Cup starts at Charlotte, his American "home town".

His JTG Daugherty Racing team will field the Toyota in which he finished fifth in the non-championship All-Star Showdown there in May.

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AIMS: FJ Cruiser lands in Oz

Toyota revives pioneering spirit, brings funky off-road style to Sydney streets with Rough 'n' ready FJ Cruiser
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Toyota has today unveiled its new FJ Cruiser SUV at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney, the retro-styled pseudo off-roader challenging conventional SUV styling with its design language paying a colourful homage to Toyota's late '60s namesake.

Although Toyota admits FJ Cruiser will likely attract "well-heeled" younger buyers who know nothing about the tradition surrounding its FJ nameplate, TMCA's senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner, told the Carsales Network today: "The FJ Cruiser is likely to be priced within the same realm as similarly proportioned competitors such as Dodge Nitro and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, placing it somewhere within the $37,000 to $50,000 retail range".

The new Toyota FJ Crusier will hit showrooms locally in March next year.

Like the recently-released Rukus, the FJ Cruiser provides Toyota with a model that attracts attention to the marque for something other than the usual brand traits (quality, reliability, etc), although the company points to the FJ Cruiser's strong performance in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study as evidence that it is built to a quality standard. Australian-delivered models will be built in Japan.

FJ Cruiser has been on sale in the US since late 2006 and until recently, was only available in left hand drive.

Sharing underpinnings with the latest generation 150 Series LandCruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser features uniquely retro styling with 'suicide' rear doors, and a familiar fascia to that of the original, now legendary FJ Series LandCruiser.

Setting it apart from any other SUV, FJ's retro-inspired styling includes a near vertical windscreen with three wipers, white roof (irrespective of body colour -- just like the original) and wrap-around rear windows.

Inside, there are two rows of seats with standard-size front door and smaller, reverse-opening rear doors.

In keeping with the FJ's mantra of "style and substance", Toyota has opted for a "no frills" interior, including moulded floors for easy cleaning.

The FJ Cruiser's exterior styling provides the most obvious connection with Toyota's roots -- body-on-frame structure, stocky appearance, unique "Toyota" badge on the grille, and the arrangement of its headlights and grille.

Toyota says the reborn classic is more than a reinterpretation of its classic FJ40, but part of the brand's aim to revive its passion and pioneering off-road spirit in a vehicle that's designed to deliver loads of character while also being fun to drive. The original FJ Series LandCruiser was highly acclaimed for its ability to travel to -- and return from -- any extreme environment.

Under the bonnet, and again sharing origins with LandCrusier Prado, the FJ Cruiser features a (200kW/380Nm) 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for an optimum combination of power and economy.

Official performance figures are yet to be released (as are fuel economy details), but Toyota assures us performance is "willing". Power is put to the road via a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with a dual-range transfer case.

FJ Cruiser is suspended by double-wishbone coil suspension at the front and coils at the rear providing large wheel articulation and impressive fording capability, while there is also "excellent ground clearance".

Watch Carsales TV's video review of the new Toyota FJ by clicking on this link

For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

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AIMS: Walkinshaw Performance Series II unveiled

Aussie muscle alive and well in Sydney with new supercharged V8 ready to tackle world's best

Walkinshaw Performance (WP) today unveiled its latest supercar, the WP Series II at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

A totally new and integrated product, the WP Series II is based on a Holden Commodore SS but boasts the unqiue and all-new WP 230 supercharger (sourced from US supplier Edelbrock) with a resulting output of 460kW/780Nm.

 "Today's unveil is the culmination of a real breakthrough year for Walkinshaw Performance, with the introduction of new products and an industry-first driveline warranty", said Walkinshaw Performance CEO, Craig Wilson.

"The package is the result of hundreds of hours of testing, refinement and discussions between the WP team and our suppliers to bring to market a truly unique product

"We're celebrating the release of the WP Series II Supercar by producing just 23 examples, finished in Panorama Silver, the same colour which adorned the original 'Walky' when it debuted at the Sydney Motor show 23 years ago."

The package will also feature three-inch bi-modal exhaust, carbon-fibre lip spoiler and specially embroidered WP headrests, sill plates and armrests.

The addition to the WP230 supercharger to the Commodore SS's 6.0-litre V8 represents a new frontier for Walkinshaw Performance, and not just because of raw numbers the supercharged engine delivers, as Chief Engineer Alan Hale explains.

"The big benefit of this package is the huge 12-inch long intake runner system which delivers massive amounts of torque under the curve, for instance 700Nm as low as 3000rpm," he said.

"We're really proud of the end product and we know it is going to be popular with customers looking for something extra from their Holden or HSV."

Sales and Marketing Manager Tony Harris said Walkinshaw Performance were limiting the launch of the WP Series II Supercar to a run of just 23 and recognising initial customers in a special way.

"They will receive a special certificate of authenticity and have the chance to personally view their car being built at our Clayton manufacturing facility," he said.

"With only a small run of the new car to be available in the original Panorama Silver 1987 Sydney Motor Show launch colour, we expect demand to be strong."

The Panorama Silver colour was produced using the same pigments from the original Walkinshaw, according to Hale, but using modern processes.

Could they sell more than 23 cars, we asked. "I think 23 is realistic," Hale told the Carsales Network. The original Walkinshaw was built to 500 units for Group A homologation purposes. A further 250 were built but "the majority sat around."

WP Series II Supercar highlights:
- Edelbrock E Force supercharger, machine finished in billet aluminium
- Braking: six-piston 378mm front rotors / six-piston 365mm rear rotors
- Upgraded & recalibrated suspension package developed with Bilstein
- A specially commissioned audio upgrade package from Rockford Fosgate
- Body finished Panorama Silver
- Price: $99,990 ($117,760 as shown)
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

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Burela accepts Chinese posting

Ford Australia's president is set to depart; his role to be assumed by incoming executive Robert (Bob) Graziano
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Marin Burela has held the position of Ford Australia president for just on two years, but he's already on the move again. Ford announced today that Burela will head up the Changan Ford Mazda joint venture in China effective from November 1.

Although he was upbeat about the posting, for Burela it's a bitter-sweet event, with his daughter only just joining the family in Australia from the UK and, as he jokingly put it during a teleconference hook-up this afternoon: "The biggest regret will be that I won't be able to watch the [Geelong] cats win the next grand final, probably."

China shows enormous growth potential -- a market as potentially large as 35 million cars by 2018, says Burela -- so the change of job appears to be a sign of the regard in which he is held by senior management at Ford. In the shorter term, Burela's experience with the company in Australia may result in synergies with Ford in China. With a local media outlet (Fairfax) reporting that Ford Australia is developing a small car for the Chinese market, the transfer of Burela to China seems timely, but when asked he studiously steered clear of any suggestion that his appointment was informed by that.

"The decision to ask me to move to China was taken at the very senior level of the company -- with Alan [Mulally, global CEO] and Joe [Hinrichs, Asia/Pacific and Africa president] and Lewis Booth [global CFO] and that group -- and it was based on the fact that we think as a company that we've made incredible progress in Australia. We've brought Australia back to a very solid business foundation."

"They were very keen to ask me to move to the Chinese operation on the basis that my global experience in not only small cars, large cars and everything else that I've done... in engineering, manufacturing, product development [and] sales and marketing, has suitably positioned me to lead that very large joint venture."

Burela's move is part of a broader reshuffle, following the retirement of the incumbent president of Changan Ford Mazda, Jeff Shen. Burela takes his place and Robert Graziano, currently president of Ford China moves to Australia. The remit for Joe Hinrichs expands, with Hinrichs taking on the role of CEO for Ford China in addition to his existing responsibilities as Ford president throughout the Asia/Pacific and Africa region.

Graziano, an American, will be a good fit in his new role as Ford Oz president, says Burela.

"Bob's experience, in terms of continuing to grow mature markets and grow the business in a very accelerated way -- particularly with the amount of activity that will be taking place in Australia in the next two years -- he's going to be suitably placed to do that as well."

Burela later explained that Graziano, a "personal friend", has a depth of experience that will stand him in good stead in the local market.

"Bob has got significant business experience right around the world; he worked in South Africa, he worked at Mazda. He's worked in the United States and he's worked in China.

"His background has been very solid in terms of product planning; he has significant sales & marketing experience; he and I worked together when we were putting the Fiesta into Nanjing in China -- and so he has a very great and solid appreciation and understanding of engineering and all the other areas.

"He's just a great guy."

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Nissan signs Mondial for roadside assist

New agreement adds extra features to Nissan Australia's roadside assist programme
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Nissan Australia has signed up with major specialist assistance and travel insurance provider Mondial Australia to operate its roadside assistance programme.

The deal will bring a fleet of dual-branded roadside assist vehicles, as well as a new MyNissan iPhone app (pictured) that will simplify contacting roadside assist. The app will also provide features including an electronic logbook, parking meter reminder and scheduled service reminder. Included is a trip planner that shows the location of service stations, car parks and Nissan service centres. According to Brett Wiskar, Director of Speedwell eBusiness Solutions, the development studio behind the app, MyNissan is “Australia's first all-in-one iPhone application for motorists.”

Mondial Assistance Australia will provide Nissan with “wholesale roadside assistance on new cars and comprehensive branded retail roadside assistance once the three year new car roadside assistance program ends.”

The Nissan signing follows alliance partner Renault which has for some time been using Mondial as its roadside assist provider. Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes- Benz, Peugeot, Porsche and Volkswagen are also on Mondial Australia's books.

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TMR Evo X wins 2010 Australian Manufacturer Championship

Stuart Kostera's Mitsubishi Evo X races to AMC victory in final round at Sandown Raceway

It didn't look good for Mitsubishi Evo X driver Stuart Kostera's TMR team when BMW 335i driver Garry Holt took out the first round of the Australian Manufacturer championship, the Bathurst 12 Hour.

A "minor mechanical issue" meant Kostera's Mitsubishi Evo X failed to finish the race, scoring no AMC points.

But the Evo X driver recovered in a spectacular way as the season unfolded, scoring victories in every succeeding round including the sixth and final race at Sandown.

The Sandown race could not have worked out better for Kostera: In both races, he took pole position, was first across the line and set fastest time. He was also fastest in every session.

The 2010 manufacturer's title is the second in a row for TMR, complemented by Kostera's driver's title and the Class A championship for high-performance all-wheel drive vehicles.

The Sandown AMC victory was underscored by teammate Ian Tulloch's Evo X scoring of second place in both races.

TMR says the team's finest moment was its victory in the Eastern Creek six-hour endurance race where "a total lack of safety cars throughout the entire race meant it was run on pure pace and strategy." Ian Tulloch and Steve Jones also followed Kostera across the line to finish in second place, with the Evo X of Glyn Crimp and Matt Cherry in fourth.


2010 AMC RESULTS (S. Kostera, TMR Mitsubishi Evo X)

Round 1 Bathurst, NSW DNF
Round 2 Symmons Plains, Tas 1st
Round 3 Phillip Island, Vic 1st
Round 4 Eastern Creek, NSW 1st
Round 5 Morgan Pk, Qld 1st
Round 6 Sandown, Vic 1st

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More Green Zone Drive events on the way

Organisers of Melbourne test-drive program are fielding approaches for more of same from around Australia

Melbourne's Green Zone Drive low-emissions vehicle test event has been an overwhelming success, say the event's organisers.

The eight-day event, held at a test circuit in Docklands, saw a total 21 participant LEVs cover 3720 km in more than 1000 test drives. Its website drew 35,000 hits from 10,000 unique visitors.

The aim was to demystify LEVs and the technologies under their bonnets by giving Melburnians a go at the wheel, during which most would likely have found that while there are certain differences, they actually feel just like normal cars to drive. Important to this was that all vehicles available for test drives are available locally as the public saw them at Docklands.

Asked about the possibility of future events, Green Zone Drive spokesman John Kananghinis told the Carsales Network the organisation and its backers are fielding a number of offers from prospective backers interstate.

"We're looking at three different events over the next 18 months or so. Basically that means scoping out the business case for each one on questions of where, when and the scale of each. Certainly the backers of the one just gone have been very happy with the response. The Victorian government and the RACV are looking at making a regular thing of it."

Predictably, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV -- perhaps, as the first EV to go on sale in Australia, the least ordinary member of the fleet -- drew the most attention. Toyota might have heaved a sigh of relief, too. Much has been made -- not altogether fairly -- about sales shortfalls for its Prius and locally made Hybrid Camry models, but they, too, proved a hit during the event.

Green Zone Drive also provided a valuable leg-up for local EV conversion specialist Blade, which put its Electron Mk V -- a converted Hyundai Getz -- up for real-world evaluation by uninitiated drivers.

The model range covered sedans, hatches small and large, SUVs and people movers. Big-name European marques were well represented, too, with Audi, BMW, Citroen and Volvo putting advanced petrol and clean diesel models up for evaluation. Hyundai and Ford also made a mix of petrol and diesel models available.

Organisers noted an even age spread from young to old among those who booked tests. RACV Manager Environmental Programs Simon Mikedis said in a statement that the organisation took this as indicating "a broad level of desire to experience low emission vehicles across the car driving public".

Others involved in getting the event going include the Australian Conservation Foundation, the 50BY50 Global Fuel Economy Initiative, and Greenwheels -- the joint initiative of Future Climate Australia, RACV and EPA Victoria giving consumers information on LEVs available in Australia. Commercial sponsors included Shell, Michelin and Better Place.

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Mercedes-Benz R 300 CDI arrives

Benz updates its sumptuous seven-seater peoplemover, adding more bling and consolidating the line-up to just one AWD model
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German prestige car games maker Mercedes-Benz has launched its new-look R-Class peoplemover in Australia. The ML-based lowboy three-rower is now offered in a single specification to, says Mercedes: "simplify the purchase decision for customers".

Only one powertrain, a V6 turbodiesel engine mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, is offered. The 3.0-litre V6 outputs 140kW/440Nm and has a fuel consumption rating of 9.3L/100km.

The major change to the new model, however, is its freshened front end.

Boasting a new face that borrows design cues from Benz' SUV range, the R 300 CDI sports new headlight clusters (with LED daytime driving lights), a revised grille, plus a new bonnet and front quarter panels, all of which provide the luxury peoplemover with a more 'mature' look according to its designers.

The rear end of the vehicle has also come in for a minor visual update, with new look LED/fibre optic brake lights surrounded by a new rear bumper section that integrates the exhaust outlets.

"R-Class is a mature car now with a great personality," said Horst von Sander, Mercedes-Benz Australia's managing director.

"It has now gained a certain level of acceptance, something it didn't have when it launched."

Priced at $92,200, then new Mercedes-Benz R 300 CDI comes in at around $10K more than its predecessor, but now features more than $13K worth of added features according to the company.

Mercedes has increased the standard specification of the sole R-Class model, adding things like 20-inch alloy wheels, COMAND infotainment system with reversing camera, EASY-PACK remote tailgate operation, Keyless go, Linguatronic voice control and seven seats.

The R-Class also gets a raft of safety systems as standard, including Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system, along with eight airbags as standard.

While Mercedes-Benz Australia offers only a diesel model at present, it did hint that a petrol-powered R-Class could return the mid-term future. Furthermore, a long wheelbase model is scheduled to arrive in 2011, in the form of the R 350 CDI. It will offer more bootspace and more equipment and a pricetag around $110,000 say insiders.

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