LA SHOW - Subaru launches a new Concept car, the VIZIV-7 SUV concept, the future vision of car development.

Earlier today, Subaru unveiled the VIZIV-7 SUV concept at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru VIZIV is derived from Vision for Innovation, and is a concept series embodying the future vision of car development for “enjoyment and peace of mind” that Subaru wants to provide to customers.

With the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept, Subaru is demonstrating its thinking about how big a future Subaru SUV can be. “The concept expresses our core brand values, safety, dependability, capability for outdoor activities and a forward-looking attitude,” said Takeshi Tachimori, Corporate Executive Vice President, Fuji Heavy Industries, LTD. “We know customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle and the next 3-row from Subaru will be the biggest Subaru vehicle ever.”

With full three-row capability and Subaru’s DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy, Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept shows the size direction of the all-new three-row midsize SUV to be introduced to North American market in early 2018.

The official Subaru website (http://www.subaru-global.com/ms2016/la/) will feature images of the Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept as well as a movie of the Subaru press conference.

Citroen Racing has announced the full line up of drivers for the coming two seasons of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Just a few days after the Citroën C3 WRC concept car was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, Citroën Racing has announced the crews that will be competing for the team in the next two seasons of the FIA World Rally Championship. 

Already confirmed to drive for the team until 2018, Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle will be joined by Craig Breen/Scott Martin and Stéphane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau. Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi will also be competing with his co-driver Chris Patterson at some events in 2017.

Citroën Racing continues to assemble the necessary ingredients for its return, as a works team, to the FIA World Rally Championship. Since April, the Citroën C3 WRC has completed seven development tests, both on gravel and tarmac, and is now very close to the final version.

Until 16 October, visitors to the Paris Motor Show can admire the Citroën C3 WRC concept car that heralds the new generation of World Rally Cars, which are set to make their competitive debut at the 2017 Rallye Monte-Carlo.

By announcing their driver and co-driver line-up now for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Citroën Racing takes another important step forward, one which has been highly anticipated by many WRC fans.

After confirming Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle at the end of last year, the line-up is now completed by two crews considered to be among the most promising young talents in the WRC. Having come to prominence through the PSA Group’s rally programmes, and competing this season for the Abu Dhabi Total WRT, Craig Breen/Scott Martin and Stéphane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau have convinced Citroën to put their faith in young drivers.

This is very much in line with Citroën's long-term philosophy of identifying and developing young and highly talented rally drivers. In the last 15 years or more, Citroën has identified some of the best in the business: Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier, Dani Sordo, Thierry Neuville, Eric Camilli and Kris Meeke. Breen and Lefebvre are destined to add their names to this illustrious list.

At the start of the 2017 season, the team will enter two Citroën C3 WRCs: one for Kris Meeke and the other for either Craig Breen or Stéphane Lefebvre, who will alternate driving duties. The exact allocation of events to drivers will be announced at a later stage and Citroën will start entering three cars as soon as possible. The FIA's World Motorsport Council recently decided it would let manufacturers enter three cars, the top two scoring points towards the Manufacturers’ World Championship.

At some rounds of the 2017 WRC, a fourth Citroën C3 WRC will also be entered for Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Chris Patterson.

Already involved in the development of the Citroën C3 WRC, Kris Meeke, Craig Breen, Stéphane Lefebvre and Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi will continue with testing until the new car completes homologation. At the same time, they will be competing at this year’s Rally de España (Meeke, Breen, Al Qassimi) and Wales Rally GB (Meeke, Breen, Lefebvre) in order to acquire experience driving the current cars.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal: "We had several scenarios regarding the choice of our crews for the future. Kris Meeke was confirmed at the end of last year and has become the natural leader of the team. As well as challenging for the lead on each of his appearances in 2016, winning in Portugal and in Finland, he has also done most of the development work for our Citroën C3 WRC.

In choosing two young crews to complete the line-up, I don't think we can be accused of having gone for the easy option. But this original solution is very much aligned with Citroën's mindset. And having seen them compete this season for the Abu Dhabi Total WRT, we believe in the potential of Craig Breen and Stéphane Lefebvre. They have the natural talent, motivation and work ethic to win rallies. I would also say we are proud to take these young drivers – who have been with the PSA Group for many years – up to the top level of the sport. At the start of the season, we'll have no choice but to have them take turns behind the wheel in the second Citroën C3 WRC. However, as soon as possible, our three crews will be starting each round. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi is a true ambassador for rallying in the Middle-East and we are very pleased to support him in his approach."

Aston Martin launches the totally new branded yacht at this years Monaco Yacht Show in Monaco, I want one, or two !

• Aston Martin AM37 powerboat unveiled at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show
• First powerboat developed by Aston Martin and Quintessence Yachts
• Innovative design marries expertise from the luxury automotive and yachting world
• Performance AM37S version expected to reach speeds of 50 knots

The 37-foot Aston Martin AM37 powerboat made its world debut at the Monaco Yacht Show last week, marking the luxury British brand’s entry into the nautical world. The new day-cruiser is offered in two versions with the AM37S expected to reach speeds of 50 knots.

The AM37 is the result of two years of research and development, challenging the status quo of the nautical world and combining the best in innovative technology and bespoke craftsmanship.

The AM37 was a true team effort, bringing in the most experienced Aston Martin designers to style and create a truly unique product. 

Aston Martin’s master craftsmen who worked on cars such as One-77, Aston Martin Vulcan and the new DB11, provided their automotive experience, which was reinterpreted onto the boat with outstanding results.

Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman and his design team collaborated closely with naval architect Mulder Design to ensure every element of the project was carefully considered. Sharing creative expertise and specialist skills, Quintessence Yachts engineered the Aston Martin design into an innovative powerboat for the yachting world.

Reichman commented: "AM37 is a pure translation of the Aston Martin DNA into an entirely new maritime concept. The powerboat reflects our values in terms of power, beauty and soul. The most important attribute for Aston Martin is the design language and proportion, we have transferred this DNA into AM37. It was important to us when considering this project to make sure that the boat design was as beautiful and timeless as our cars, the AM37 is a striking boat with fantastic proportion and elegance."

The AM37 is a day cruiser that can be transformed into an overnight berth by transforming the table into a comfortable bed. The cabin is well appointed with mood lighting and air-conditioning. With a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee machine - and a lavatory on board, absolute comfort is guaranteed. Crafted from the finest leathers, elegantly laid out rear seating is available for up to eight people.

The exterior of AM37 features dynamic proportions in a design that is simple, yet immaculately executed. The boat is set apart by the attention to detail in every element of its design. The wraparound windscreen has been created from a single piece of sculpted glass fluidly draped over the AM37’s foredeck. With extreme double curvature it sets a new industry standard. Sliding deck technology allows owners to cover the cockpit of the boat completely at the touch of a button. The three lightweight carbon panels, operated by the AM37 key, fold under the aft deck when the cockpit is uncovered. An electro-hydraulic carbon fibre bimini top is stowed under the engine hatch when not in use and, extending from the aft deck, a swim platform allows for easy access to the water.

At the helm, the AM37’s carbon fibre dashboard echoes styling elements from Aston Martin’s most advanced sports cars. It includes fine leather with functional features, such as the steering wheel, throttle handles and joystick in polished metals.  The boat’s navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are all integrated, with advanced multimedia functions.

CEO for Quintessence Yachts, Mariella Mengozzi said: "It’s been an exciting journey and we have relished partnering with Aston Martin on such a special project that blends craftsmanship with futuristic technology – the perfect mix for this unique powerboat. We took on the challenge to create a true revolution on the water and an extraordinary powerboat, and I’m delighted to present the AM37, a new way of experiencing life at sea."

The 37-foot model is available in two versions - the AM37 with an estimated top speed of 45 knots and a choice of two 370 hp Mercury diesel or two 430 hp Mercury petrol engines.  And the AM37S version with an estimated 50 knots derived from its twin 520 hp Mercury petrol engines.

Katia Bassi, VP of AML & Managing Director of AM Brands commented, “We are so proud to present the AM37, an exclusive powerboat for the yachting world. With this project Aston Martin, the icon of style and technological innovation, confirms its place as a top luxury brand. The Aston Martin Art of Living is a way of life that captures the very essence of the Aston Martin brand, and AM37 is a fine example of this philosophy."

Nissan unveils the 2017 Titan Crew Cab Pick Up truck, the ultimate version of the range with more to come.

Half-ton truck fills out TITAN lineup; on-sale summer 2016

At the 2016 New York International Auto Show, Nissan officially unveiled the standard bearer of its family of TITAN pickups – the 2017 TITAN Crew Cab, powered by Nissan's 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine.

With the all-new flagship XD model of Nissan's reimagined TITAN family of pickups already in dealer lots, this volume model, half-ton TITAN will go on sale in the late summer of 2016. TITAN will initially launch as a Crew Cab model with Single and King Cab variants planned for later in the model year.

"TITAN shares its aggressive style with the TITAN XD, but the two vehicles are completely different underneath the skin," said Fred Diaz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. "TITAN will compete in the heart of the full-size pickup segment – the half-ton – while the TITAN XD provides a unique solution for customers by bridging the cost and capability gap between traditional half-ton and full heavy-duty pickups. Between TITAN and TITAN XD, we will cover about 85 percent of the full-size truck market."

TITAN is built on a separate chassis from TITAN XD, and is approximately 228.1 inches long (14.7 inches less than XD) and 79.5 inches wide (same as XD), with the cab size shared between the two vehicles.

"We've said before that even the lug nuts are different from TITAN to TITAN XD," added Diaz. "What's important is that these two trucks are serving a completely different type of customer. As the head of Nissan's light commercial vehicle program in the U.S, I'm thrilled to be getting this truck into the lineup as an option for fleets as well as for the personal use buyer."

TITAN will be available in 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations and three bed lengths – 5.5, 6.5 and 8 feet. Similar to TITAN XD, TITAN will be available in five trim levels – S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve.

The TITAN will be powered by Nissan's 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine, producing 390 horsepower. This engine, which will also be featured in the TITAN XD V8 Gas and the all-new 2017 Armada, will be mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. A V6 gasoline engine will also be available (details to be announced at a later date).

The Nissan TITAN will be assembled in Canton, Mississippi with the 5.6-liter V8 gasoline assembled in Decherd, Tennessee. The truck goes on sale in summer 2016, and pricing will be available closer to its on-sale date.

For more information on the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD and 2017 TITAN, including photography, please visitNissanNews.com.

	TITAN	TITAN XD
Wheelbase (crew cab)	139.8 in.	151.6 in.
Overall length (crew cab)	228.1 in.	242.8 in.
Overall width (crew cab)	79.5 in.	79.5 in.
Overall height (crew cab)	77.2 in	78.7 in.
Available engines	5.6-liter Endurance V8; V6	Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel; 5.6-liter Endurance V8

The DS Brand has sponsored and has on display the new DS4 and DS4 Crossback at the Westfield Ice Rink.

New DS 4 & DS 4 Crossback have been unveiled as the dramatic centrepiece to Westfield London’s Ice Rink, sponsored by DS Automobiles. The festive ice rink showcases New DS 4 & DS 4 Crossback, the latest models from the Parisian automotive brand, with an unprecedented DS Automobiles customer activation experience, bringing to life the craftsmanship and advanced technology that are hallmarks of the DS brand.

DS Automobiles is the headline sponsor of Westfield London’s indoor ice rink this winter. As part of the on-going presence at Westfield London, the DS Automobiles customer activation experience features New DS 4 with New DS 4 Crossback displayed at the centre of the festive ice rink installation.

New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback are in their element against the backdrop of the ice rink at Westfield London - the capital’s premier shopping destination. New DS 4 is a sleek and dynamic hatchback, with fluid lines, elegant sculptured chrome signatures and a range of personalisation options to suit every lifestyle. 

New DS 4 Crossback is an eminently versatile urban crossover with go-anywhere looks reflected in a 30mm higher ride height compared to the hatchback version. Both models embody DS Automobiles heritage in avant-garde design, with premium features such as the ‘watch strap’ leather upholstery, which is exclusive to DS Automobiles, and the latest technology, including Apple CarPlay^™ compatibility with the most recent iPhones.

To further showcase the latest technology on the New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback, visitors to the ice rink are invited to experience the advanced DS LED Vision headlights to create their very own light drawings in a specially constructed photo booth. Visitors can then share their creations on social media channels.

“Westfield is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations and we’re delighted to be headline sponsors of the ice rink,” said Mark Blundell, Marketing Director of DS Automobiles UK. “We are capitalising on this opportunity to launch New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback, whilst enabling visitors to see the new models from a unique perspective as they skate. This is the perfect backdrop for DS Automobiles, which draws design inspiration from the world of luxury fashion and showcases the latest in-car technology.”

Myf Ryan, Director of Marketing, UK & Europe at Westfield, commented: “We are constantly developing the way we work with brands to create a well-rounded consumer experience and are delighted to be offering brand and retail partners a fantastic platform to engage with their target audience.  Westfield London’s ice rink will be a destination in itself with a full schedule of entertainment, festive food and drinks and interactive experiences for visitors provided by some really exciting brands such as DS Automobiles. We are thrilled to be able to deliver this unique experience – a one of its kind for festive skaters in the UK.”

Positioned in The Atrium of Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush, the ice rink opens from 10am each day and is a focal point for a range of Christmas activities on offer this festive season. With over 4.5 million skaters and non-skaters expected to visit Westfield over the festive period, shoppers will be able to enjoy the ice rink which is open now until Sunday 03 January 2016.

The all New Fiat family of Saloons, Hatchbacks and Estates will be renamed TIPO, an Iconic former model name.

• As previewed by the FIAT Aegea Project, the new FIAT C-segment contender will take historic FIAT Tipo name
•  Roomy and practical, the new FIAT Tipo is a member of the “Functional Family” within the FIAT brand
• Four engines for the new FIAT Tipo saloon with an emphasis on value-for-money and a straightforward model range
• The new FIAT Tipo saloon is not confirmed for the UK market at this time

FIAT’s new C-segment contender, as previewed by the FIAT Aegea Project unveiled in May at the Istanbul Motor Show, is to be known as the new FIAT Tipo. The historic name has been used by FIAT since its earliest days and is now making a comeback on a global model designed to tackle the challenges of the future.

The new FIAT Tipo saloon measures 4.5m in length, 1.78m in width and 1.48m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64m and boot capacity of 510 litres, meaning it can accommodate five passengers and their luggage with ease. As is the case with all FIAT products, a range of reliable, muscular and efficient engines will be available - two MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines and two petrol units with power outputs ranging from 95hp to 120hp, offered with manual and automatic transmissions (depending on engine).

Inside, the new FIAT Tipo is not only styled and built to the highest standards, it is also available with the latest technological features including FIAT Chrysler Automobiles' touch-screen Uconnect™ infotainment system with hands-free Bluetooth calling and audio streaming; a rear parking camera and TomTom satellite navigation.

The new FIAT Tipo saloon sports beautifully balanced proportions and a distinctive and perfectly-resolved design, yet even with its sophisticated styling and exceptional levels of build quality, the new FIAT Tipo will be a member of the “Functional Family” within the FIAT Brand, with an emphasis on value for money and practical features, as well as a straightforward model range and pricing structure.

Designed in Italy at the FIAT Chrysler Automobiles Centro Stile, and developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D, one of FCA's largest research and development centres, the new FIAT Tipo will be manufactured in the Bursa plant in Turkey which has been designated Gold Medal status by World Class Manufacturing in recognition of its efficiency, quality and eco-friendliness. It will retain the FIAT Aegea name in the Turkish market only.

The new FIAT Tipo saloon has not been confirmed for the UK market at this time.