1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport

1971 Mazda Cosmo SportTake the road less traveled, as the Autoblog reader/E-Type owner who submitted this story to them did, and you just might stumble upon a 1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport for $36,000. No location is given. Unfortunately, the post does nothing but refer to the inaugural rotary sports car a Jaguar E-Type front with a ‘65 Oldsmobile rear.We like the BBC

1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport

1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport

Take the road less traveled, as the Autoblog reader/E-Type owner who submitted this story to them did, and you just might stumble upon a 1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport for $36,000. No location is given. Unfortunately, the post does nothing but refer to the inaugural rotary sports car a Jaguar E-Type front with a ‘65 Oldsmobile rear.We like the BBC too, but not everything with bubble headlamps is a Jag-yoo-are.

Considering what some owners expect from theirs, like this ebayer from Washington state ($57,500), and this owner from an Australian auction (unsold at $82,394), this example seems like a good deal.

Mazda Cosmo Sport

2001 Chevy S10 - The True Trucking

DLS Delivers With This Champion SQ TruckFlorida customizer Eddie DeJesus knows all about understatements. How else could he describe a 1,600-watt, fully re-imagined '01 Chevy S-10 pickup as "nothing really elaborate?""It's a basic system," DeJesus says of the truck's A/V setup. "There are cars out there on the competition circuit that have a lot more equipment, a

2001 Chevy S10 - The True Trucking

DLS Delivers With This Champion SQ Truck

Florida customizer Eddie DeJesus knows all about understatements. How else could he describe a 1,600-watt, fully re-imagined '01 Chevy S-10 pickup as "nothing really elaborate?"

"It's a basic system," DeJesus says of the truck's A/V setup. "There are cars out there on the competition circuit that have a lot more equipment, a lot more elaborate systems, but our main concern was keeping everything well-balanced."

As a competition and show truck for DeJesus' employer, DLS America, the other goal for the S-10 was outstanding sound quality. "We really tried to create a home audio type of environment in the vehicle," he explains of the truck, originally built in 2004 with the help of DLS installer Joe Moreira. "We've made changes every year-this year it was adding the tube amplifiers-but we really just wanted to get the best possible sound quality that we could from what we had."

The truck has competed on the IASCA circuit for the past three years and was named World Champion in Pro Street at the '06 IASCA World Finals. It also took second place in Sound Quality at IASCA that year and has been among the top three entrants in the category at Finals every year. DeJesus is bringing the S-10 to CES 2008 and plans to take it on the road to several competitions in Mexico, Columbia and South America later in 2008. source

Chevy S-10 pickup

Highdown Car Audio And Security

Highdown Car Audio & Security offer you dedicated skills, technological know how and unrivalled customer care to ensure your installation is carried out to the Manufacturers specifications at a time and place to suit you.

Highdown Car Audio And Security

Highdown Car Audio & Security offer you dedicated skills, technological know how and unrivalled customer care to ensure your installation is carried out to the Manufacturers specifications at a time and place to suit you.

Kenwood MNA-350 Double Din Car Audio System

Kenwood Japan has released the MNA-350 Double Din Car audio system that comes with a CD receiver and GPS. The device can play Audio CD and MP3, WMA, AAC files from CD-R/RW discs. It also has a built in AM/ FM tuner, a 3.5 inch touchscreen, GPS functionality, and delivers an output of 50W x 4 channels. In addition, you can also hook up the optional KCA-iP501 iPod

Kenwood MNA-350 Double Din Car Audio System

Kenwood Japan has released the MNA-350 Double Din Car audio system that comes with a CD receiver and GPS. The device can play Audio CD and MP3, WMA, AAC files from CD-R/RW discs. It also has a built in AM/ FM tuner, a 3.5 inch touchscreen, GPS functionality, and delivers an output of 50W x 4 channels. In addition, you can also hook up the optional KCA-iP501 iPod connector which allows you to control the Apple iPod using the touchscreen itself. The gadget also packs in a SD card slot for updating the navigation data and not for music playback. The Kenwood MNA-350 is now available in Japan for $835.

Shocking news for the black London cab

In 2009, the TX4E will join its diesel counterparts on the roads of London.Black cab maker Manganese Bronze will work with British commercial electric vehicle maker Smith Electric Vehicles to develop the TX4E, which is said to have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 50mph. It will use lithium ion batteries and, claims Manganese Bronze, will cost around 4p per mile to run. Pricing is yet to be

Shocking news for the black London cab

In 2009, the TX4E will join its diesel counterparts on the roads of London.

Black cab maker Manganese Bronze will work with British commercial electric vehicle maker Smith Electric Vehicles to develop the TX4E, which is said to have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 50mph. It will use lithium ion batteries and, claims Manganese Bronze, will cost around 4p per mile to run.

Pricing is yet to be announced but it will cost more than the usual TX4 which starts from £28,000 which will put some cab drivers off.

A conventional TX4 is exempt from emissions-based charging such as London's congestion charge, despite the automatic model emitting more than the 225g/km limit above which drivers must pay £25 to enter central London.

Dodge Journey to launch in China (CN)

Chrysler LLC will introduce 2 new vehicles to the Chinese market. First will be the Jeep Wrangler and secondly will be the Dodge Journey. The Journey will join the Dodge line-up in 2009 alongside the Caliber, Avenger and Caravan. Locally, the new crossover will be known as the JCUV.The JCUV will open up a new market segment to Dodge in China and straight away claim best-in-class power, torque and

Dodge Journey to launch in China (CN)

Chrysler LLC will introduce 2 new vehicles to the Chinese market. First will be the Jeep Wrangler and secondly will be the Dodge Journey. The Journey will join the Dodge line-up in 2009 alongside the Caliber, Avenger and Caravan. Locally, the new crossover will be known as the JCUV.

The JCUV will open up a new market segment to Dodge in China and straight away claim best-in-class power, torque and safety features. The crossover seats 5+2 with plenty of storage space.

“This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. Four of the Chrysler Group cars are built in China, namely the Chrysler 300C and Sebring by BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive and the Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor in Fuzhou.

Related link:

New Car: 2009 Dodge Journey

2008 BMW X6 : Crossover coupe a new kind of car

The crossover SUV market has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Along the way, a few vehicles have tipped the scales more toward car than SUV. The Infiniti EX35 comes to mind. Now, BMW is pushing the crossover idea further than ever by introducing the world's first crossover coupe. BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe.The 2008 BMW X6 is a

2008 BMW X6 : Crossover coupe a new kind of car

The crossover SUV market has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Along the way, a few vehicles have tipped the scales more toward car than SUV. The Infiniti EX35 comes to mind. Now, BMW is pushing the crossover idea further than ever by introducing the world's first crossover coupe. BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe.

The 2008 BMW X6 is a high-riding, four-passenger, four-door coupe, a combination of sports car and SUV. The X6 is offered in two twin-turbocharged models, with inline-6 or V8 power. Both engines provide ample power for everyday use and even for towing. The V8 makes the X6 a hot rod, but we recommend the inline-6 because it has plenty of pep and is more fuel efficient. Shifter paddles on the steering wheel add to the sporty character of the X6.

We found the X6 handles well on the road and on the track. It's better than any SUV but not as good as BMW's own sporty coupes and sport roadsters. It corners with little body lean, but the stiff suspension makes the ride somewhat harsh, especially with the Sport Package and optional 20-inch wheels. We recommend buyers test these options before they buy.

Inside, the X6's ambience is upscale, with lots of leather and soft-touch surfaces. BMW's iDrive control system is standard. It can complicate some interior controls, but programmable buttons are provided to ease control of some of your favorite functions.

Front-seat passengers have plenty of room, though visibility to the rear is restricted by a small, flat rear window. Two rear-seat occupants should be comfortable, too, provided they're not tall.

The rear hatch lifts up and the rear seat folds down to give the X6 a nice amount of cargo storage space. It's on par with other hatchbacks but isn't as good as an SUV. Also, the liftover is higher, so you'll have to lift cargo higher when loading.

It's hard to pigeonhole the X6. It rides high, so it doesn't handle as well as a sport coupe, and it doesn't have the cargo and people carrying capacity of an SUV. But overall it's a fine vehicle. Pricing is high, especially for the V8 model, so we'd recommend the six-cylinder model for anyone considering this vehicle.

Model Lineup

The 2008 BMW X6 is offered in two models, both with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. The X6 xDrive35i uses BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 300 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled manually via the shifter or a pair of steering wheel paddles. xDrive is meant for street use and lacks low-range gearing.

The X6 xDrive35i ($52,500) comes standard with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control with brake function to maintain the set speed down hills, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, interior air filter, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors with tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary input jack, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated washer nozzles, rear cargo shade, bi-xenon adaptive automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, front cornering lights, fog lights, and P255/50R19 run-flat tires on alloy wheels.

The X6 xDrive50i ($63,000) has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower. It uses the same six-speed automatic and comes with xDrive. Standard features include 20-way power multi-contour front seats, a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic, and a load-leveling suspension.

Several option packages are available. A ventilated seat package ($1100) for the xdrive50i adds front ventilated seats and an active driver's seat that subtly changes the contours of its left and right halves periodically to reduce body fatigue. The same package for the xDrive35i ($2100) also has 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats. A Cold Weather package ($900) has a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, retractable headlight washers, and a ski bag for the rear seat passthrough. A Premium package ($1750) adds a universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, four-way power adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, a digital compass for the rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a rear storage system, a Bluetooth cell phone link, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. The Premium Sound package ($2000) has a 600-watt audio system with 16 speakers and two subwoofers, digital equalizing for each seating position, a 6-disc CD/DVD changer, and an iPod and USB adapter. The Rear Climate package ($900) includes rear side window shades, four-zone automatic climate control, and privacy glass. A Technology package for the xDrive35i ($2000) adds a rearview camera and the navigation system.[source]

Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range

The Air Car caused a huge stir when we reported last year that Tata Motors would begin producing it in India. Now the little gas-free ride that could is headed Stateside in a big-time way.Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) confirmed to PopularMechanics.com on Thursday that it expects to produce the world’s first air-powered car for the United States by late 2009 or

Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range

The Air Car caused a huge stir when we reported last year that Tata Motors would begin producing it in India. Now the little gas-free ride that could is headed Stateside in a big-time way.

Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) confirmed to PopularMechanics.com on Thursday that it expects to produce the world’s first air-powered car for the United States by late 2009 or early 2010. As the U.S. licensee for Luxembourg-based MDI, which developed the Air Car as a compression-based alternative to the internal combustion engine, ZPM has attained rights to build the first of several modular plants, which are likely to begin manufacturing in the Northeast and grow for regional production around the country, at a clip of up to 10,000 Air Cars per year.

And while ZPM is also licensed to build MDI’s two-seater OneCAT economy model (the one headed for India) and three-seat MiniCAT (like a SmartForTwo without the gas), the New Paltz, N.Y., startup is aiming bigger: Company officials want to make the first air-powered car to hit U.S. roads a $17,800, 75-hp equivalent, six-seat modified version of MDI’s CityCAT (pictured above) that, thanks to an even more radical engine, is said to travel as far as 1000 miles at up to 96 mph with each tiny fill-up.
read the full story at : popularmechanics.com

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Sets a New Benchmark in the Sports Car World

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world after it was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This stunning new all-aluminum two-seater is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Sets a New Benchmark in the Sports Car World

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world after it was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This stunning new all-aluminum two-seater is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10.

The Ferrari 599 GTB was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.

599 GTB Fiorano's Styling and Personalization Options

The 599 GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.

A balance has been struck in the interior between the car's sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalization can achieve. The passenger areas of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are trimmed in sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fiber and aluminum.

In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminum passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fiber side rests. Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from an already vast choice of personalization options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this program: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fiber trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.

The Music of the V12 Created for the Enzo

The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 366 cu in displacement, a specific power output of 103 bhp/liter (a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement).

Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimize torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity. Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano's engine delivers a maximum torque of 446 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds. The new model's breathtaking sportiness is due in part to record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 bhp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance. Development work for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical resonance in favor of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.

Car Navigation : Street Atlas USA 2009

DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 debuted today with its Teseo chipset and 3D cockpit view which also marked the announcement of Street Atlas USA 2009 DVD and Street Atlas USA 2009 PLUS DVD. Both versions, as well as LT-40 GPS receiver support UMPC’s says DeLorme which is nothing more than saying “this camera supports YouTube”.However there are some real new features one of which being the NavMode

Car Navigation : Street Atlas USA 2009

DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 debuted today with its Teseo chipset and 3D cockpit view which also marked the announcement of Street Atlas USA 2009 DVD and Street Atlas USA 2009 PLUS DVD. Both versions, as well as LT-40 GPS receiver support UMPC’s says DeLorme which is nothing more than saying “this camera supports YouTube”.

However there are some real new features one of which being the NavMode option. NavMode has a more sleek GUI and offers a 3D view. In addition, the LT-40 has something called a ConstantLock Signal Retention where signals as weak as -159dBm are routinely acquired and maintained without sacrificing positional accuracy while STMicroelectronics’ and DeLorme’s Kalman filtering maintains its fix even amid tall buildings, and in high radio frequency (RF) areas.

Porsche reveals Cayenne Turbo S in Beijing

Stuttgart/Beijing -- Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has extended its third model line by the addition of the top of the range Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S, the most powerful Cayenne of them all, is driven by a 4.8 liter V8 engine with twin turbo forced induction, delivering 550 hp (404 kW).The Turbo S is Porsche’s response to the wishes of its customers. There is huge demand, especially

Porsche reveals Cayenne Turbo S in Beijing

Stuttgart/Beijing -- Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has extended its third model line by the addition of the top of the range Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S, the most powerful Cayenne of them all, is driven by a 4.8 liter V8 engine with twin turbo forced induction, delivering 550 hp (404 kW).
The Turbo S is Porsche’s response to the wishes of its customers. There is huge demand, especially in the new emerging markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, for exclusive sports-style SUVs with top quality physical handling dynamics.
read the rest at carbuyersnotebook.com

Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Total Cost to Own $47,580Standard Engine:3.5L V6, 24 valve, 270 hp @ 6000 rpm* 6 speed manual (standard) or VAR speed automatic transmission* 19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy more info* Green Rating: 62This car is stylin!We had the pleasure of test driving the Altima V-6 SE-R model -- but for only four short days, alas. The exterior was a welcome sight in the mornings. Before getting in to drive to work,

Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Total Cost to Own $47,580
Standard Engine:
3.5L V6, 24 valve, 270 hp @ 6000 rpm

* 6 speed manual (standard) or VAR speed automatic transmission
* 19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy more info
* Green Rating: 62

This car is stylin!

We had the pleasure of test driving the Altima V-6 SE-R model -- but for only four short days, alas. The exterior was a welcome sight in the mornings. Before getting in to drive to work, simply approaching the car put a smile on our face and a pep in our step.

The Altima sports a sculpted look without trying to act too sleek -- though the rear spoiler gives it a devil-may-flair bit of ’tude.

The front and rear lights are cased in chrome clusters and capped with a clear cover that denotes attention to finish. Even the flush door handles seemed appropriate for the Altima’s design theme. Something that might be called mid-career cool.
The Altima’s cabin is welcoming. From the motorcycle-style gauges to the big-button air controls and a dash that looks carefully tucked under to enhance the sensation of owning a well-thought out vehicle. Even the black carpeted floor mats with the Altima name in pearl-white stitching look sharp.

All told, the exterior and interior combo feels like a half-generation ahead of other vehicles in the supposedly sedate mid-size category. Think of it as being sensible without bearing the burden of compromise.


But the Altima wouldn’t truly be capable of challenging the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord if it simply relied on good looks. The six-cylinder engine accelerates like an overachiever with all of its 260 horses. Handling a left lane merge into speeding highway traffic inspired confidence and a little heh-heh from the driver.

BMW Z9 Cabriolet

What's special about it?Although the BMW Z9 Cabriolet Concept looks hot and its name suggests it's one degree hotter than the much-coveted and lauded Z8, its launch is not about engine power or performance; it's about technology.BMW says the Z9 represents the design philosophy of the future. Automobile dashboards are becoming more and more complex all the time, says the German automaker, making

BMW Z9 Cabriolet

What's special about it?
Although the BMW Z9 Cabriolet Concept looks hot and its name suggests it's one degree hotter than the much-coveted and lauded Z8, its launch is not about engine power or performance; it's about technology.

BMW says the Z9 represents the design philosophy of the future. Automobile dashboards are becoming more and more complex all the time, says the German automaker, making it increasingly harder for drivers to concentrate on driving. (BMW should know, its consoles are among the most confusing in the business.) The main idea behind the creation of the Z9 concept is that cars should be made easier to drive.

The Z9 employs a central command system called "iDrive" which gathers every essential instrument and switch into a central control easily accessed and adjusted by the driver with the least amount of distraction. The engineers behind the project say the "i" stands for "integrative" and "intuitive."

The system is operated via a toggle lever mounted on the center floor console where you'd usually find a gear shifter. The toggle controls heating and air conditioning, audio, telephone, trip computer and navigation systems, displaying all on a dash-mounted screen. So, where's the gear lever? The gears are shifted using controls mounted on the steering wheel. When a Z9 engineer was questioned about this, he became very defensive, curtly remarking that this was no big deal and was, in fact, "exactly like in Formula One race cars." His reaction suggests the BMW Z9 concept has created controversy for its dramatic departure from conventional driving dynamics.

BEST GLOBAL BRANDS

15 BMW$19,617 million 2005 Rank/Value16 / $17,126 million 15% change from 2005 Based in Germany BMW continues to churn out hot models that buyers love to drive and Japanese automakers can't seem to replicate.

BEST GLOBAL BRANDS

15 BMW

$19,617 million

2005 Rank/Value
16 / $17,126 million

15% change from 2005

Based in Germany

BMW continues to churn out hot models that buyers love to drive and Japanese automakers can't seem to replicate.

Ford Fiesta Makes Debut at Beijing

The all new Ford Fiesta made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and has now made its Asian debut at the 2008 Auto China show in Beijing with the first 'performance' model, the Ford Fiesta S. The all new Ford Fiesta small car will go into production in China later this year.

The Ford Fiesta follows the design language initiated on the Ford S-MAX and Mondeo, both award winning cars. The new Fiesta is Ford's first car from their global product development process and will see localized variants for Europe, Asia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010.

Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe: "More than ever, we’re leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline.”

The Ford Fiesta range will most likely feature a three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and 4-door notchback (or sedan for most people) besides the performance models like the Fiesta ST and hopefully Fiesta RS. The new Fiesta is a compact, light-weight car but uses ultra high-strength steels and therefor features a very high structural stiffness, maximum fuel efficiency and minimized CO2 emissions.

Source: Ford

Related entries:
All New Ford Fiesta Unveiled
Ford Fiesta ST Performance Upgrade (UK)

All New Ford Fiesta Unveiled

Introduced earlier tonight in the comfortable confines of Geneva's President Wilson Hotel, the new Ford Fiesta received an underwhelming response from the journalists attending its unveiling. Based on the Verve Concept, the public will get its first look at the new car during the Geneva Motor Show beginning this week.

Two editions of the car, one in metallic magenta and the other in lime green, matched the cocktails nicely, a fact that could only help journos on deadline from remembering some of the grittier details of the Fiesta. Details like its leather and purple-on-purple polka dot interior. Or the somewhat cheap feeling glove compartment. Or the incredibly inconvenient Bluetooth number pad, placed on the opposite side of the dash from the driver, and angled towards the passenger seat.

Production of the all-new Ford Fiesta begins later this year in Spain, with supply going out to the European Union. An American and Asian model will also be produced within the next two years. Ford Europe CEO John Fleming thinks the Fiesta will be able to find its market everywhere. When asked if Ford needed to make concessions to be popular in all markets, Fleming replied, “If the car looks good, and drives well, then we're not making any compromises.

Despite its misgivings, the new Fiesta's styling is a vast improvement on Fiestas of the past. Although flawed inside, the interior is still designed better than other Ford products. Power comes in at 115 PS, generated from its 1.6-liter petrol engine. Not much, but not bad for an entry-level car either. Plus, with a schnazzier RS coming out at a later date we expect consumers to have a more robust engine option down the line.

Source: Ford

Related entries:
Next-generation Ford Fiesta set to debut in Geneva
Verve Concept previews future small-car Fords
Ford Fiesta Makes Debut at Beijing
2009 Ford Fiesta 5-door Spy Photos
Ford Fiesta ST Spied
Ford Fiesta Caught Undisguised
Ford Fiesta ST Performance Upgrade (UK)