USA - Dodge produces the fastest most powerful SUV available - and why not !

New Dodge Durango SRT starts at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $62,995 (excluding $1,095 destination)

• New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is the most powerful three-row SUV with its 475-horsepower legendary 392-cubic-inch HEMI® V-8 engine
• Fastest and most capable three-row SUV with a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)–certified quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds and capable of 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration in 4.4 seconds
• Durango SRT out-hauls every three-row SUV on the road with best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds
• New exterior performance features include widebody exterior design and functional SRT hood with center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors, as well as a new front fascia and lower valence to house new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps
• Standard leather and suede, available high-performance Demonic Red Laguna leather seating and new carbon-fiber trim distinguish Durango SRT’s performance interior
• All customers who buy a new Durango SRT will receive one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
• The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT will start arriving in Dodge dealerships during fourth quarter 2017

The Dodge and SRT brands are rocking the high-performance automotive world once again, bringing a huge burst of American power, acceleration and best-in-class tow capability to the three-row SUV segment with the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT – the fastest SUV in its class.

 

With the proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI® V-8 under its new functional SRT hood, the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and a wicked fast time on the drag strip – from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds, covering the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). 

“The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “This is what you get, when you take everything great about the Durango and combine it with the performance of the Charger SRT: a 12-second quarter mile, 8,700-pound-toy hauling, three-row muscle car.”

 

Vehicles will start arriving in Dodge dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2017 with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $62,995 (excluding $1,095 destination).

 

The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is loaded with standard performance features, including:

• Proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and 4.4-second 0-60 mph times
• New performance-tuned AWD system helps the Durango SRT set world-class performance marks
• Standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission specifically calibrated for the Dodge Durango SRT to optimize shift points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels
• Massive new Brembo high-performance six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers and vented rotors at all four corners, measuring 15 inches (front-slotted) and 13.8 inches (rear)
• Bilstein active-damping high-performance suspension
• 20 in. x 10 in. Goliath wheel with Low Gloss Black Noise finish
• New Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde all-season tires or available Pirelli P Zero three-season tires
• New widebody exterior brings the Durango SRT together as a true performance SUV
• Newly designed SRT hood with a functional cold-air duct and heat extractors to cool the engine and improve overall performance
• New front fascia and lower valence to house new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps
• New performance AWD badging on liftgate
• New interior appointments including SRT flat-bottom performance steering wheel with SRT paddle shifters, heated and ventilated front and heated second-row captain’s chairs with embroidered SRT logos
• New driver-oriented electronic T-shifter, standard on all 2018 Durango models, provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control
• Premium velour-bound floor mats with embroidered SRT logo
• New SRT rear body-color lower fascia with Gloss Black accent surrounds the 4-inch dual round exhaust tips finished in Nickel Chrome
• New 180-mph speedometer
• New SRT seven-mode drive system gives the driver the ability to precisely adjust drive settings to maximize performance or comfort
• New Sport Mode reduces shift times by up to 50 percent versus Auto Mode and delivers up to 65 percent of the 392 HEMI engine’s torque to the rear wheels
• New Track Mode delivers maximum performance track driving with 160-millisecond shifts and up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels for the most pronounced rear-wheel-drive experience
• Sophisticated Active Damping System opens and closes the Durango SRT’s suspension’s damper valves, according to which of the seven modes is chosen, giving the driver options for any driving style
• Stiffer front springs (3 percent), stiffer rear springs (16 percent) and stiffer rear sway bar (18 percent) give Durango SRT drivers outstanding high-speed cornering capability
• New exhaust system tuned to offer an unmistakably deep, high-performance Dodge SRT exhaust note modeled after the Dodge Charger SRT

Available options include 20 in. x 10 in. split-five spoke wheels with Low Gloss Black Noise finish, three-season tires, trailer tow, power sunroof, Demonic Red Laguna leather seating, rear DVD entertainment and technology group. Durango SRT also has an available premium interior, which includes suede-wrapped headliner and A-pillars, true carbon-fiber instrument panel and door bezels (late availability), and a hand-wrapped instrument panel with live black and silver accent stitch.

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is available in seven exterior colors, including B5 Blue (late availability), Billet Clear Coat, Bruiser Grey Clear Coat, DB Black Clear Coat, Granite Clear Coat, Octane Red Pearl Coat and White Knuckle Clear Coat.  

Dacia takes 1st & 2nd in the total cost of Ownership with the Sandero & the Duster taking 2nd in the SUV Section.

• New Dacia Sandero and Duster feature in cap hpi’s list of cars with the lowest total motoring costs in the UK
• The New Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access tops the list with the lowest total ownership cost of any new car in the UK, at £7,419.64 for the first three years, or £206.10 per month
• The New Dacia Duster 1.6 SCe 115 Access comes in second in the SUV category

The New Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access has topped cap hpi’s list of new cars with the lowest motoring costs in the UK.

The latest analysis from the automotive data experts looked at the total cost of ownership (TCO) to reveal the cars with the lowest cost over the first three years of ownership, including purchase, servicing, fuel and other motoring costs.

The New Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access came out first on the list, as well as topping the small car category at £7,419.64 for the first three years, or £206.10 per month. This was closely followed by the mid-range New Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi Ambiance at £8,059 or £223.87 per month.

Other cars in the increasingly popular Dacia range also feature on the list. Coming second in the SUV category is the New Dacia Duster 1.6 Access SCe 115 4x2 with a total cost of ownership over the first three years of £10,405.31 or £289.04 per month.

Commenting on the results, Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK, said: “It’s great to see that our range of no-nonsense cars are proving to be fantastic value for drivers in the UK, not just in the initial purchase but offering low-cost motoring every day for our customers. By keeping things simple and offering customers only what they need, we’re able to provide the most affordable hatchback and one of the most affordable SUVs available to buy in the UK, combined with proven reliability and an award-winning track record.”

Since launching in 2013, Dacia has won numerous motoring accolades and recently sold 100,000 vehicles in the UK, establishing a reputation for incredible value for money and robust reliability.

Britian comes out top at this years 85th 24 hours of Le Mans with Aston Martin taking the title.

• #97 V8 Vantage GTE of Darren Turner, Jonny Adam and Daniel Serra take GTE Pro class victory
• Adam takes lead on final lap following intense battle throughout the closing stages
• Team break all GTE race and qualifying lap records during race week
• Victory ensures clean double points sweep after pole position on Thursday

Aston Martin Racing has taken victory at the 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans in dramatic style, after Jonny Adam (GB) snatched the GTE Pro lead on the final lap of the iconic endurance race.

Partnered by Darren Turner (GB) and Daniel Serra (BR), the trio and their Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE performed faultlessly to ensure they remained in the hunt for victory right until the death.

With just over 45 minutes left on the clock, Jonny Adam found himself pitting at the same time as the #63 Corvette for a final fuel stop. With both cars exiting the pit lane together – with Adam in second – it was inevitable that he would have to make the pass while on track.

After trading places with his rival for much of the final stint, Adam prevailed and overtook the #63 Corvette as he crossed the start/finish line on the penultimate lap. With his rival running wide at the second Mulsanne corner under pressure from the Scot, a slow puncture halted their progress and ensured the victory.

Jonny Adam said, “For Daniel and Darren to put me in that mix to battle for the front was testament to how good the car has been all weekend. To see how well the guys had driven, we had zero mistakes and we did our best to keep the car out of the pits as often as we could and just try and run a consistent pace throughout. 

It was an extremely tough last stint, we nearly pipped the Corvette on the pit exit in the last hour and when he did get the jump there he was fast. He managed to pull at one point a six to eight car length gap, but our goal was not to give up.  

He looked weak in a few corners and I knew I had to capitalise on them and when I got on to his bumper I knew it was now or never if I wanted to win Le Mans. We got it and it was really cool to get him just before the finish line and to see fans in the grandstands and the team on the pit wall celebrating, and it was then just time to bring it home.”

Darren Turner, who earlier this week set a new qualifying GTE lap record, took his third Le Mans class win today following victory in 2007 and 2008 with the Aston Martin DRB9 added, “After how our preparations went, it was always looking like it was going to be an epic battle and it was right from the start. The lead ebbed and flowed from every manufacturer in the GTE Pro class at some point in the race but the Aston Martin Racing Vantage was always there or thereabouts. 

I have to say Jonny’s last stint was exceptional and Daniels’ pace considering it was his first time at Le Mans was great, I couldn’t ask for two better team mates. The team did an exceptional job throughout the night, and what a feeling, I am so proud to be part of this team. 

It was a great team effort and it was great to be on the top step. It’s just a shame that the whole team couldn’t join us as it was one of the best podiums I have ever been on and for me personally this was my hardest Le Mans and my sweetest victory.”

Daniel Serra, who set the fastest ever GTE racing lap as a Le Mans rookie said, ““I don’t have words to describe the feeling. It was my first time in Le Mans and to start on pole was already amazing, then setting the race lap record and finally wining on the last lap was incredible. 

I am so grateful to Aston Martin Racing for putting their trust in me, a rookie, for my first time at Le Mans. Also, a big thanks to Jonny and Darren for all the help and support they have given me to learn about this race as quickly as possible. I am just so happy. I don’t have words to explain it properly. I just won the biggest race in motorsport, it’s awesome”.

Paul Howarth Team Principal Aston Martin Racing said, “It’s very difficult to put into words what it means to Aston Martin Racing and all of our partners. Aston Martin and it’s heritage has a strong history with this very special race and to deliver a Pro class win with the #97 is a credit to everybody involved whether here at the track or whatever part they play with this race team”.

Speaking of the result, Andy Palmer, President and CEO Aston Martin said, “I am immensely proud of everyone who has played a part in this victory today. To enjoy this kind of success at the top level of endurance racing is testimony to the quality of both the team and the V8 Vantage GTE. I am sure that Darren, Jonny and Daniel’s victory today will go down as one of the all-time greatest drives at this iconic race. I wish them the very best of luck for the rest of this year’s World Endurance Championship”.

The result comes just days after the luxury British marque unveiled its latest Vantage AMR special editions. Announced at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the brand’s AMR performance brand amplifies and accentuates the sporting prowess of the British marque’s road cars, by taking inspiration or direct influence from Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Aston Martin Racing will return to the FIA World Endurance Championship for the 6 Hours of Nürburgring on Sunday 16 July

Smart no offers it's entire range with electric drive, all with the government grant.

• fortwo electric drive priced from £16,420 (including OLEV grant)
• Available in three body styles with up to 100-mile range
• On sale now with first customer deliveries due from July 

The smart electric drive range is now on sale, with prices starting from £16,420 for the smart fortwo electric drive (including OLEV grant of £4,500; total price £20,920 excluding grant). 

The forfour electric drive is just £16,915 (£21,415 excluding grant), and the unique fortwo cabriolet electric drive starts at £18,650 (£23,060 excluding grant). This makes smart the only brand that offers all its models with either combustion engines or fully electric drivetrains. 

The smart electric drive features an 81 hp electric motor powering the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox. The electric drive has a range of up to 100 miles, while its maximum speed is electronically limited to 80 mph to maximise the range. 

The standard 7 kW on-board charger means the smart electric drive can be charged in 2.5 hours using a 16 A charger or just six hours via a standard three-pin household socket (20 per cent to 100 per cent). All models have a top speed of 81 mph and can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds. 

Specification is based on the well-equipped prime model, which includes heated front seats, cruise control, leather upholstery and 15-inch alloy wheels. Every electric drive model also comes with charging cables for both domestic sockets and public charging stations; rear parking sensors; smart media system with satellite navigation; and an acoustic ambient sound generator. The sound generator creates an artificial engine sound when the vehicle is moving at low speeds to make its presence known to pedestrians and other road users. 

For just £595 customers can add the premium plus equipment line, which includes ambient lighting; centre armrest; LED headlights and tail lights; front fog lamps; automatic lights and wipers; and rear view camera. 

The electric drive design package is available from £595 and adds a tridion cell and mirror caps in electric green; body panels in either black or white with matching grille; 16-inch alloys; and ‘ED’ decals in grey. 

A heated steering wheel, heated rear seats (forfour only) and additional door and cockpit insulation are part of the winter package, which costs £295 on fortwo models and £495 on the forfour. 

Customers can also access the smart control app, which allows the user to view the vehicle’s charging status, and pre-set the climate control via a smartphone.

Volkswagen Group turns over 899,00 cars in may and 4.2 million year to date.

• 4.2 million vehicles handed over since beginning of year
• Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales: "Group recorded solid growth worldwide in May."
• Deliveries in key individual markets rise

The Volkswagen Group has handed over a total of 4.2 million vehicles to customers since the beginning of the year, on a par with the level for the previous year. The Group delivered 899,000 vehicles in May, an increase of 3.1 percent. "The Volkswagen Group recorded solid growth worldwide in May. 

The recovery on the South American market over the last few months is particularly encouraging. This is also reflected in our delivery figures for the region", Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said.

In Europe, Group brands handed over 393,500 new vehicles to customers in May, representing a rise of 6.5 percent. Of this figure, 120,800 vehicles (+3.8 percent) were delivered in Germany. The Volkswagen Group delivered a total of 1.9 million vehicles (+3.6 percent) to customers in Europe in the first five months of the year. 

The Group handed over 65,800 models (+16.1 percent) in Central and Eastern Europe in May. 15,400 new vehicles were delivered in Russia during the same period, corresponding to a rise of 16.6 percent.

In the North America region, deliveries by the Volkswagen Group increased by 1.1 percent in May, with 84,300 new vehicles handed over to customers there . 54,300 new vehicles were delivered in the USA, a rise of 3.9 percent. 377,500 customers (+2.8 percent) in North America took delivery of a new model from the Group from January to May. 

In the South America region, Volkswagen Group deliveries rose by 14.6 percent to 43,400 vehicles in May. 204,600 vehicles have been delivered there since the beginning of the year, an increase of 9.4 percent.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 344,700 Group vehicles were handed over to customers in May, an increase of 0.9 percent compared with the previous year. 1.6 million vehicles were delivered in the region during the first five months of the year, a decrease of 4.1 percent. 

Of this total, 1.5 million new vehicles (-3.3 percent) were handed over on the Chinese market. 319,500 vehicles (+2.5 percent) were delivered to customers in China in May. 

Overview of deliveries by the Volkswagen Group:

Deliveries to customers by markets	May 2017	May 2016	Change (%)	Jan.- May 2017	Jan.- May 2016	Change (%)
Europe	393,500	369,500	+6.5	1,860,100	1,796,300	+3.6
Western Europe	327,700	312,900	+4.7	1,561,100	1,531,400	+1.9
Germany	120,800	116,400	+3.8	554,100	557,700	-0.6
Central and Eastern Europe	65,800	56,700	+16.1	299,000	264,900	+12.9
Russia	15,400	13,200	+16.6	69,100	63,800	+8.3
North America	84,300	83,400	+1.1	377,500	367,200	+2.8
USA	54,300	52,300	+3.9	241,800	226,800	+6.6
South America	43,400	37,900	+14.6	204,600	187,000	+9.4
Brazil	25,700	23,400	+9.8	116,600	118,900	-1.9
Asia-Pacific	344,700	341,600	+0.9	1,639,100	1,708,500	-4.1
China	319,500	311,600	+2.5	1,510,700	1,562,400	-3.3
Worldwide	898,700	871,300	+3.1	4,234,900	4,232,700	0.1

Deliveries to customers by brands	May 2017	May 2016	Change (%)	Jan.- May 2017	Jan.- May 2016	Change (%)
Volkswagen Passenger Cars	513,500	495,900	+3.5	2,422,400	2,432,200	-0.4
Audi	159,600	164,100	-2.8	738,300	784,300	-5.9
ŠKODA	99,100	96,700	+2.4	479,800	470,600	+2.0
SEAT	42,600	38,100	+11.9	201,300	176,700	+13.9
Porsche	22,300	20,200	+10.4	104,000	97,700	+6.5
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles	43,100	40,000	+7.8	204,800	194,200	+5.4
MAN	9,600	8,500	+13.1	43,000	40,200	+6.8
Scania	7,700	6,700	+13.7	35.400	32,200	+9.8
Volkswagen Group (total)	898,700	871,300	+3.1	4,234,900	4,232,700	0.1