2008 Sydney » Australian Car Advice

Australian Nissan GT-R sales storm

November 6th, 2008 19 Comments

The Nissan GT-R has caused a sales storm in every country which it has made its showroom debut - and Australia is no exception.

Since orders opened less than a month ago on October 9, more than 100 examples of the iconic GT-R supercar have been pre-sold as customers rush to secure their own piece of performance bliss.

Škoda Octavia RS TDI unveiled at AIMS

October 10th, 2008 6 Comments

The diesel-performance denomination has quickly gained momentum in the automotive industry as fuel consumption and performance needs acquire equilibrium in the minds of buyers.

As a result, Škoda has introduced a new 2.0 TDI engine into its Octavia RS range which it has showcased at the Australian International Motor Show.

Mitsubishi TMR Triton concept

October 10th, 2008 33 Comments

First Toyota did it with its abominable TRD Hilux, the vehicle which nearly killed several of our testers. Now, Mitsubishi has taken on the task of livening up its Triton, by handing it over to TMR (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart).

Alan Heaphy’s mob has waved its magic wand over the Triton, and added plastic, leather, plastic, more power and more plastic.

Supercars at the 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 5 Comments

Cars, cars, cars and more cars.

Arguably the most enjoyable part of the AIMS is Supercar Central.

Enjoy the pictures of some of the most exotic metal going around.

Glamours at 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 26 Comments

Glamours at 2008 AIMS

If the infinite number of cars don’t attract your attention, surely the loosely clad women will.

The pictures will speak for themselves…

The annoyance of the 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 20 Comments

What is the best way to annoy three photographers at once?

Well, sit in front of them with your oversized camera, of course.

2008 Australian International Motor Show Gallery

October 9th, 2008 5 Comments

2008 Australian International Motor Show Gallery

Maserati Quattroporte 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 3 Comments

The Maserati Quattroporte redefined the performance luxury sedan when it was launched at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2003 and in 2008 at the Australian International Motor Show Maserati raises, once again, the bar for performance, style and exclusivity with the launch of the new Maserati Quattroporte.

For more than 40 years, from the launch of the first Quattroporte, resplendent in its Frau body, in 1964, through the 1984 ‘presidential’ Quattroporte, so called because its keen following started with the Italian President, Sandro Pertini, each new Quattroporte has set a new standard and so it is with the latest model to wear the Quattroporte name.

The first generation of the present Pininfarina-designed Quattroporte has proven and outstanding success for Maserati, launching the company into one of its most successful period of its legendary history. With more than 15,000 cars sold and 46 awards won internationally, the Quattroporte has brought a new level of commercial success to the company; while on the race track the success of the Maserati MC-12 renewed and augmented Maserati unique motorsport history.

The new Quattroporte range reinforces the model’s exclusive image with a thorough technical and styling upgrade, while performance reaches new peaks with the powerful new 4.7 litre, 317 kW engine for the top version, supplementing the existing 4.2 litre 295 kW to offer a new level of choice.

The Pininfarina design, one of the main factors underlying the Quattroporte’s success, reworks the basic theme of the Quattroporte by incorporating the stylistic features of the GranTurismo. All intended to stress the Quattroporte’s character as a luxury limousine with unbeatable dynamic qualities.

The new range is composed of two models, the Quattroporte with the 4.2 litre engine and the new Quattroporte S with the 4.7 litre power unique. Both feature a comprehensive range of equipment and features, along with a pallet of trim, colours and finishes that allows Maserati owners to choose from a theoretical four million possible combinations.

Theoretical, because it is also possible for owners to select their own trims, colours and finishes producing the ultimate level of exclusivity – a Quattroporte that is as unique as its owner.

“The effect of the Quattroporte on Maserati in Australia and New Zealand is undeniable, with last four years of sales representing record years for Maserati, as each year set a new benchmark for sales,” explains Edward Butler, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand. “With the arrival of the new Maserati Quattroporte, this growth can only continue, with the new engine choice further broadening the appeal of the Quattroporte into a wider market, while the upgrades to interior, drivetrain and staying to all variants ensure that the Maserati Quattroporte remains the supreme incarnation of the performance luxury sedan.”

Sales of the new Maserati Quattroporte start in Australia and New Zealand with its launch at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show, with deliveries beginning in late 2008.

The Maserati Quattroporte has a recommended retail price of $286,000 in Australia, while in New Zealand it has a price of $278,000. The new 4.7 litre Quattroporte S has an RRP of $323,800 in Australia and in New Zealand it is priced at $308,500.

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All-new Mazda 3 official image reveal 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 57 Comments

The eyes of the world turned to Sydney as the stylish and dynamic new-generation Mazda3 sedan was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show.

Mazda presented first official images of the highly-anticipated new Mazda3, ending months of intense media speculation.

The new-generation Mazda3 will redefine small car benchmarks for styling, handling and value for money when it arrives in Australia around the middle of 2009.

The new Mazda3 will inherit the mantles of Australia’s third-best selling passenger car, and a leader in the small car segment that accounts for one-quarter of all new vehicles bought by Australians.

More than 1.5 million first-generation Mazda3s have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world; almost 150,000 in Australia alone since its launch in January 2004. Mazda3 has a class-leading reputation for value for money and driving enthusiasm, and is popular with private buyers.

Mazda Executive Vice President Philip Spender flew to Australia to present first official images of the new-generation Mazda3 sedan at the Sydney motor show.

Embargoes around the world were synchronised with Mr Spender’s presentation. As these first official images were revealed on the video screen at Mazda’s Darling Harbour stand, these very same images were instantly sent to thousands of the world’s automotive media in more than 100 countries across five continents.

“Today is a very important day for new car buyers, both in Australia and around the world,” said Mr. Spender “Today is the world’s first look at the new-generation Mazda3, a compact car that will build further on the Stylish, Insightful and Spirited foundations laid by its predecessor.”

With the first-generation Mazda3, Mazda proved that small cars can be stylish and fun to drive as well as economical and affordable. And Australians voted with their wallets, making the Mazda3 one of the biggest-selling passenger cars in Australia.

This new-generation Mazda3 revealed today will take these core Mazda3 qualities to even greater heights, further cementing Mazda3’s popularity with Australians.

Mr Spender said the new Mazda3 will be presented in the metal at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19, 2008.

“We chose Sydney to give the world its first look at the new Mazda3’s striking design. Following that, North America will host the world debut of the Mazda3 sedan in late November. Shortly after that the new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback will debut on the European continent. I think it’s only fitting that a car that accounts for one-third of Mazda’s global sales should have a truly global reveal. “

Mr. Spender said the Mazda3, and small cars in general, are increasingly significant in markets around the world.

“The rising cost of fuel is changing the automotive consumer landscape not only in Australia but around the world. That, and the increasingly high cost of living is driving consumers towards smaller, more affordable, more economical vehicles.

“As a result we’re seeing increased levels of equipment, prestige, performance and refinement in small cars, making them even greater value.

“We’ve developed the new-generation Mazda3 to be a small-car leader around the world. The Mazda3’s expressive and emotional styling, heightened driving dynamics, quality and refinement will propel it to even greater heights than the very successful model it replaces.”

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KIA Cerato 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 19 Comments

Headlining the Kia stand at this year’s Australian International Motor Show is a preview of the new and very stylish Kia Cerato sedan, due for release to the Australian market early in 2009.

New Kia Cerato will be the first Kia released in Australia to feature the ‘new face of Kia’, the H-grille design from the pen of Kia’s global chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the company in 2006 from the Volkswagen Group.

Schreyer’s corporate H-grille echoes his car design philosophy. According to Schreyer, design is the No.1 purchase influence but it is essential that new designs match both the Kia brand value and the vision of the Kia brand.

The new Cerato is the first mass production Kia that embodies Peter Schreyer’s thinking, and introduces the new Kia ‘face’ that is sporty with an element of aggression.

Eye-catching integrity of design is just one factor in new car buyers’ minds. Customers want quality, safety, reliability, value and low total cost of ownership. That’s where the efficiencies of Kia’s highly-developed production facilities are displayed in the all-new Cerato, building cars in a smarter way with more efficient use of materials.

New Cerato is the perfect choice for people seeking a modern, well-engineered and more efficient car to reduce their ownership costs without compromising quality, safety or reliability.

The new model will bridge the gap between small and medium cars with the space, performance, features and value that many Australian car buyers are seeking, without having to pay more for a medium-sized car with a larger and less economical engine.

Longer and wider than the current Cerato sedan and in fact more roomy than the first generation Toyota Camry sold in Australia, the new Kia Cerato has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor with a more spacious and comfortable interior room for five occupants and a bigger boot.

New Cerato will feature a new, efficient 2-litre engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for class-leading power and torque, delivering the pulling power and responsiveness of a 2.2-litre engine without the fuel consumption of a bigger engine.

Like all new Kia vehicles now sold in Australia, the new Cerato will be covered by Kia’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for private buyers (5-year/130,000kms for fleet buyers).

The final specification and pricing for Australian vehicles is still to be determined but the new Kia Cerato is unquestionably an eye-catching design that will match the space and performance that Australian small car buyers want and an outstanding value-for-money price.

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Maserati GranTurismo S 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 2 Comments

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati is back at the Australian International Motor Show with yet another coupe premiere, the GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of Maserati’s performance and the fastest production car ever produced by the Italian legend.