Land Rover launches new Freelander, codenamed LR2

The smallest addition to the Land Rover family is slated to make its debut in the London Motor Show. With the Land Rover Discovery codenamed LR3, the new Freelander has been given the codename LR2. The LR2 features a completely fresh exterior and interior design, integrating the company's unmistakeable design language to represent the unique brand standing of Land Rover as a niche pure-SUV manufacturer.


The LR2 has a five-door monocoque structure to give it a high level of torsional rigidity that is meant to give the Land Rover a level of refinement, comfort and on-road as well as off-road handling. By including Land Rover's Roll Stability Control (RSC ), it adds modern stability control systems to its fully independent suspension. Being designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, England, the LR2 will be manufactured at the Halewood plant in Liverpool and fitted with a brand-new 3.2-liter inline-six engine that will provide a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds.
Inside, the LR2's expansive glass areas will add on to a spacious feel and complement the elevated ‘command driving’ position which is a hallmark feature of Land Rovers. At the back seats, a‘stadium seating’arrangement will allow rear passengers to sit slightly higher than front occupants providing them a clearer view of the world outside. The dashboard has the utilitarian look of the Discovery and its chunky styling befits the exterior styling of the LR2.

Chrysler releases first pictures of new family saloon

One of the oldest models in Chrysler's present range of cars is totally rejuvenated as first photos of the 2007 Sebring is showcased. The new Sebring will take on in its class, the new Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Five Hundred and the Chevrolet Malibu. The new Chrysler Sebring will thus bring the brand back into the mainstream family sedan market in the United States, which is also the cornerstone of the fleet car market. Scheduled to start production this fall, the Sebring will feature a brand new manufacturing platform and perhaps could share some of its components with DaimlerChrysler's associate company, Mitsubishi Motors. The exterior styling of the new Sebring takes some of its cues from its successful Crossfire and 300C models with a more upright front grille and a curved C-pillar. Fitted with relatively large chrome wheels, the car is targeted at the same market as the 300C.


Initially, the base Sebring model will be fitted with Chrysler's 4 cylinder engines which are currently found in the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber and an optional V6 model should lead the model range. The new model will make its first public appearance in Europe during the London Motor Show.

Porsche develops a raw version of the GT3

Porsche has released first pictures of GT3 RS, the race-sport version of the intense GT3. Unlike the GT3, the new GT3 RS is distinguished from the GT3 by broader rear flanks and reduced kerb weight, further enhancing the driving experience to that of a racing car, but one which meets all the requirements for street-legal sports cars. Power comes from the naturally-aspirated 3.6l flat-six, which produces 415PS. This will be enough to propel the car from 0-62mph within 4.2 seconds.


The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track of 44 mm compared to the normal GT3. This not only improves directional stability, but also increases the potential for lateral grip on this two-seat coupe. On top of that a carbon-fiber adjustable rear wing adds extra downforce. This extensive use of carbon fiber extends into the interior to make the whole car lighter. The standard paint finish for the car is either in metallic black or arctic silver, and orange and green will be available as special options. A black interior lining with alcantra trims on the steering wheel and gear stick is standard and roll cages can be specified in exterior color combinations. According to Porsche, this purist’s variant of the 911 GT3 is a model particularly well-suited for track outings and it will be scheduled to be released in time for spring 2007.

Opel launches new Corsa for 2006/2007

Opel has launched the latest 4th generation Corsa hatchback in London. The new Corsa will take on the avant-garde styling to grace the new Opel models and being one of the best-selling models in Europe, the new Corsa is a welcome to this General Motors' owned division.

The new Corsa is available in a 3-door or 5-door format and each model has distinctive styling. While the 3-door Corsa features sporty styling with the availability of roof spoliers and sports kits, the 5-door hatchback has an innovative Flexi-fix, a term coined by Opel for its integrated rear carrier. Opel is offering up to 3 petrol engines and 2 common rail diesel engines for the Corsa, with the displacement ranging from 1.0 to 1.4-liter and generating output of between 60 to 90hp. With a new styling, chassis, features as well as an improved interior quality, Opel should see continued success for the new Corsa.