2006 Toyota Avensis Facelift

ALTHOUGH Toyota tried hard to keep it a secret, unfortunately, the first photographs of the 2006 facelifted Avensis have leaked in the internet.

The light restyling seems to be concentrated at the front end which looks a bit more dynamic thanks to the redesigned bumper, the different light clusters and the new mask. Also, the turning lights are now incorporated in the exterior mirrors.

In the cabin, among others, the facelifted Avensis gets better quality plastics and a refreshed centre console which stacks a new MP3 system.

As for driving dynamics, changes in the design of the rear axle promise to improve Avensis’s mediocre road handling. Finally, the 2.0 Turbo Diesel gets a power lift, producing 125 Hp (from 116 Hp). Sales of the facelifted Avensis should start in Europe at the end of June.

Zagato Ferrari 575 GTZ

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight of the 2006 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza was the world premiere of the Zagato built, Ferrari 575 GTZ which draws back to the historic Ferrari 250 GTZ from the late 50’s.

This unique, Ferrari 575M Maranello based, exotic was custom ordered by the famous Japanese Ferrari collector, Mr. Hayashi. Zagato redesigned every exterior panel with the car body being completely custom-built from aluminium. The final car took around five months to construct, but each successive car will take closer to two months to build as the first car is always the most difficult and demanding in terms of construction.

The interior of the 575 GTZ remains largely based on the 575 M Maranello, however it has been exquisitely re-trimmed in custom leather. Technically, the car remains the same as the standard 575M Maranello, something that was required by Ferrari for the car to carry the “Prancing Horse” badge.

Zagato Press Release:
Two months ago at Geneva, we surprised almost everyone by presenting a 1956 Ferrari 250 GTZ on our stand, rated as the tenth most sought after car amongst collectors and, perhaps, the most valuable car in the show.

Until now, no details have been released regarding our latest car, except for the fact that it is destined for a famous Japanese Ferrari collector. Your press pack contains the first official photo of the car together with its proud owner.

At Villa d’Este, the Ferrari 575 GTZ will be making its debut. The car, commissioned by Mr.Hayashi, is inspired by the 1956 250 GTZ, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The bold decision not to present the car at Geneva was made in light of the fact that a true handcrafted gem such as this Ferrari Zagato would be in its ideal element at Villa d’Este.

This is also a tribute to the rebirth of the Italian Concours d’Elegance which, it is my sincere hope, will be repeated over the years to come.”

Lamborghini Gallardo protagonist in Mission Impossible III

How do you get 3 Hollywood stars into a two-seater Lamborghini? Mission: Impossible?

In what is sure to become one of this summers big blockbuster hits, the Lamborghini Gallardo makes an on-screen appearance in the highly anticipated Mission: Impossible III (Paramount Pictures). Italian moviegoers were treated to an extra performance, when the cast arrived in 10 Lamborghinis at the movie’s spectacular world premiere in Rome.

Under the direction of J.J. Abrams, of the famous TV series "Lost" and "Alias", super agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) returns with a bang in the third installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo, styled in a vibrant orange, is just the car to complete the IMF team.

The Gallardo is named after one of the five main breeds of bulls used in Spanish bullfighting. Just like the powerful animal after which it is named (and like the women Ethan Hunt loves and battles!), the car is the most beautiful specimen within the race.

So how do you get Tom Cruise, Maggie Q and this year’s Academy Award winner for best actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, into the two-seater Lamborghini Gallardo? Go see Mission: Impossible III to find out!

A few facts about the Lamborghini Gallardo:

Permanent 4-wheel drive

Engine: 5 liter, 10 cylinder V90°, DOHC four valves

Power: 520HP at 8000rpm

Torque: 510 Nm at 4250 rpm

0-62 mph in 4.0 sec.

Top speed: 196 mph

Russo-Baltique Impression

World presentation of Russo-Baltique Impression

A resurrected Russian brand, Russo-Baltique made its first public appearance at the Villa D'Este Concours d'Elegance over the weekend. In 2005, German Gerg GmbH became involved in the building of the Impression coupe bringing in the capabilities of its Munich-based production facility.

Russo-Baltique Impression is ready for a limited-series production – 10-15 cars – starting from Spring, 2006. Each car production, including the preparation and approval of its exclusive specifications, will take 12 to 18 months. The Impression uses a Mercedes AMG 5.5 V12 bi-turbo engine that produces 555 hp.

The company is able to build 2-3 Russo-Baltique Impression cars annually. The price of a car amounts to approximately 50 million rubles -or about $ 1.800.000 or € 1.450.000...




The official press release on the new Impression:

It is the honor of Russo-Baltique Company of Russia to present to the honorable public a coupe called Impression – the first model of the Russo-Baltique brand after a long intermission. On the eve of its 100th anniversary, the Russian antique car brand – the supplier of His Highness the Emperor’s Court – is returning to the market of luxury and high-powered cars with this model.

The Russo-Baltique car brand’s history begins in 1907 when a domestic autocar manufacturing was established by one of the largest industrial concerns in the Russian Empire. Two years had passed before the first car was built – a 30-hp open two-seater Russo-Baltique 24-30. First years of its existence were marked by outstanding performance in automotive sport competitions building up the reputation of a reliable, ideal and elegant model producer. In 1912, a special sport model, Russo-Baltique C24-50, won two first awards in the Monte-Carlo Rally, and the second award in the rally in San-Sebastian a year after that.

In 1913, Russo-Baltique was granted a title of an official supplier of His Highness the Emperor’s Court.In 1914, the Russo-Baltique concern built the biggest aeroplane in the world – Ilya Muromets – developed by a remarkable Russian engineer Igor Sikorsky.

The First World War became a turning-point in the Russian history in general and the Russo-Baltique future, in particular. The subsequent Revolution brought an end to the Russo-Baltique production for many years.

According to our estimates, there are 3 complete samples of different historical models of Russo- Baltique remaining in the world. In 2003, a decision to revive the legendary Russian brand and to resume the Russo-Baltique cars production was made in Moscow. In 2005, the Russo-Baltique Company was officially registered. The main office of the company is located in the historical center of Moscow, close to the old Church of the Ascension at Uspensky Vrazhek.

Today, the Russo-Baltique company, for the first time in its history, has the honor to present the prototype of its new model – Impression, a luxury comfortable 4-seater with classic set-up. It manifests perfect style and quality attributed to all subsequent cars and brands of Russo-Baltique. With the cars of this level of perfection, the company will strive for returning its position lost in 1917.




The Impression coupe has been under construction in Moscow since 2003. The style of Impression is a mixture of the Russo-Baltique designers’ impressions from the Golden Age of the automotive industry – the 1930s – when car shapes won hearts both by their elegance and by their monumental size. For comfortable boarding, the car is equipped with rear-hinged doors. The radiator grille of the Russo-Baltique Impression is crowned by the historical heraldic sign picturing the Russian two-headed eagle - the official emblem of a supplier to His Highness the Emperor’s Court. The dash board of Impression is hand-made of a one-piece exotic African tree trunk, Zebrano, with naturally alternating black and white stripes. The steering-wheel rim and interior side panels are made of the same material. In combination with white metal these parts create both a unique and ergonomic interior ensemble.

While in the 20th century the dominant feature of Russo-Baltique cars was the Russian heritage of all their parts and their unique adaptation to Russian bad roads, in the 21st century the priority has shifted to innovations, perfection, and high technology of the car design and materials. The car quality, as it was before, will be a match to its unique title of the Court’s supplier reinforced today by new technological capabilities.

Technical data on Russo-Baltique Impression

Engine 555 hp bi-turbo V12

Gearbox 6-speed automatic

Suspension pneumatic, adjustable ride height

Wheels R22 inches, wheel rim of original design

Length 5.183 m

Wheelbase 3.150 m

Width 1.847 m

Height 1.433 m

FORD FIESTA SPORTVAN

Making its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham and available as either a window van or panel van the Fiesta SportVan seems ideal for dual-use customers who require a van for both business and domestic purposes.

Like all Ford Fiestas, the SportVan combines driving quality with functionality and practicality. Powered by Ford's lively 1.6-litre 90PS 204Nm Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, it boasts the acclaimed Durashift 5-speed manual transmission, power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes.

Fiesta SportVan comes in one of four colours: Colorado Red, Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Diamond White – all with a dark Pewter and ebony Gun Metal interior.

Externally, distinctive styling elements communicate the vehicle's on-road prowess. These include body-coloured front and rear sport bumpers, 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres, tapered body-side mouldings and a rear spoiler. The front end is distinguished by a high intake front grille, sports fog lamps and a rear spoiler.

The style continues inside, with sports front seats, a sports leather gear knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver spokes. An available option pack includes air-conditioning, MP3 connectivity, a heated front windscreen, and electrically-operated and heated door mirrors.

"The small delivery van market is buoyant, thanks to a growing trend toward customers who require a stylish dual-use van for both domestic and business purposes." said Phil Collareno, Vehicle Line Director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

"The new Fiesta SportVan has been developed to meet the needs of drivers who want more car-like performance, style and fun in combination with the practicality and durability of the Fiesta van."

The Fiesta SportVan will go on sale in markets across Europe towards the end of the year.

New Sports Pack for Aston Martin DB9 Coupe

From July, Aston Martin will offer the option of a factory fitted ‘Sports Pack’ specification for the DB9 Coupe, combining revised suspension characteristics with a new alloy wheel design to give subtly different driving dynamics.

The new five-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels are lighter than the standard wheels, the springs and front anti-roll bar are modified and the ride height lowered.

Taking the DB9’s VH architecture as its foundation and retuning some of its key components, the DB9 Sports Pack offers an even more focussed driving experience, with improvements to both high-speed body control and steering response. That means a DB9 Coupe specifically for the enthusiastic driver with a high level of driving skill, who likes to drive quickly, safely and with precision.

The first key to the sharper dynamic balance is a significant reduction in ‘unsprung’ mass which indirectly allows the suspension to react more quickly to inputs such as bumps and cornering forces – resulting in improved grip, steering response, body control and ride quality.

With the DB9 Sports Pack, each five-spoke light alloy wheel gives an unsprung weight saving of more than 1kg, with a small but significant additional saving from the use of titanium wheel nuts. In total, that equates to more than five per cent reduction in unsprung weight on each corner of the car. The new, lighter 19-inch wheels are the same size as the standard wheel and use the same Bridgestone tyre.

The DB9 Sports Pack’s spring rates are increased by 68 per cent at the front of the car and 64 per cent at the rear. The front anti-roll bar is modified, and the dampers are revised to support the new spring and anti-roll bar characteristics. Together, the changes optimise body control and front-end grip without compromising ride quality or adding weight. The ride height is reduced by 6mm, lowering the car’s centre of gravity and further reducing body roll while leaving ample ground clearance and backed up by modified bump stops.

The composite undertray is also replaced, by a load-bearing aluminium panel that performs the same function in managing underbody airflow while adding further structural stiffness, to resist larger lateral loads fed into the front of the car by the uprated front springs and anti-roll bar.

The cumulative effect is significantly improved dynamic response, and especially steering feel - making the DB9 feel lighter, more positive on turn-in, more agile and more involving for the enthusiastic driver. Body control is especially enhanced during high speed manoeuvres, giving the DB9 a more neutral handling feel.

Aston Martin Sales & Marketing Director, Bill Donnelly, says: "This optional Sports Pack will offer driving enthusiasts the opportunity to tailor their DB9 Coupe to deliver an even more rewarding dynamic experience. The Sports Pack offers another addition to the Aston Martin range and provides customers with an even greater choice and the ability to further personalise their DB9."