CRISTIANO RONALDO RACING A BUGATTI

Shelby GT500KR goes into production

Automotive legend Carroll Shelby shares his 85th birthday with a new performance standout – the 540-horsepower 2008 GT500KR, which begins production today.

The GT500KR or “King of the Road” Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 – the most powerful production Mustang ever.

The new GT500KR will be available at select Ford dealerships this spring. Production is limited at 1,000 units.


It is simply magic when Shelby and Ford team up and deliver products like the GT500KR,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas. “Collaborations like this have helped Mustang remain at the top of the sports car segment for 22 straight years – and running – and help inspire people who truly want and value performance.”

Carroll Shelby, who was actively involved in the GT500KR’s development, said: “My energy and passion for performance products has always been strongest when I am working with Ford. I’m always looking to up the ante when it comes to performance, and bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang is just what we need.”


Delivering the “King of the Road”
Each Shelby GT500KR begins life as a GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Inc., in Flat Rock, Mich. From there, the cars are shipped to Shelby Automobile’s facility in Las Vegas, where a Ford Racing performance pack, exhaust system and short-throw shifter are installed. The GT500KR also is fitted with body, chassis and interior components. Every GT500KR will be hand customized and delivered to each customer in an enclosed transporter, just like the legendary Ford GT.



To fine-tune the GT500KR’s chassis – stiffened 50 percent to deliver increased body control – SVT engineers and Shelby put the GT500KR through a rigorous testing program developed specially for SVT products, including a 12-hour racetrack durability test. The result is a car with increased performance capability that is still comfortable to drive on the street.

The GT500KR’s aerodynamics were fine-tuned to add 50 pounds of downforce over the front axle and move the center of aero pressure forward in the vehicle to improve high-speed balance and downforce under high-speed braking. A new front splitter design works with the hood and revised rear spoiler to deliver these benefits. The bottom line: the GT500KR sets new performance standards for Mustang handling and straight-line performance on the racetrack, slalom course and skidpad.

“Because the Shelby GT500 strikes a great balance between ride and handling, we knew that the GT500KR had to be even better,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer at Ford SVT. “We used a holistic approach, having chassis engineers work closely with the engine specialists to develop a tuning suspension that optimizes the engine enhancements.”

Added Gary Davis, vice president production for Shelby Automobiles: “We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole. The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note and handling all work together to deliver a great total driving experience.”

To deliver that balance, the ride height has been lowered to the optimum setting for limit handling, which equates to a 20 mm ride height reduction in the front and 15 mm in the rear.

The Shelby GT500KR team sculpted a modern interpretation of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins.





To save weight, the hood borrows design elements from the ducted aluminum/carbon fiber clamshell on the Ford GT. Developed through intensive use of analytical tools including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the design optimizes the structural properties of carbon fiber delivering panels at a wafer-thin 0.8 mm. The hood saves 15 pounds versus its aluminum counterpart in the GT500.

Unlike most traditional designs, the hood has three components: the outer panel, an integrated airflow duct which spans the entire hood and the inner panel. The duct serves three purposes: to channel supplemental fresh air into the new cold air intake, to relieve high-speed underhood pressure and to move air from the front intake and engine compartment to the rear extractors.

The Shelby GT500KR will ride on all-new Goodyear tires, which make their North American debut exclusively on this new Mustang. The Supercar F1 tire, made of a new performance compound, resulted from a special collaboration between SVT and Goodyear.





Each GT500KR model is identified by a special 40th Anniversary badge on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. a special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.

The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

Other standard equipment includes HID headlamps, an interior ambient lighting package, wrapped and stitched instrument panel, center console and armrests, as well as an electrochromic rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes a Shaker 1000 audio system and DVD navigation system.


The GT500KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 1968 GT500KR, the 2008 “King of the Road” packs a walloping dose of Ford performance. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is enhanced with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540-hp and torque to 510 ft.-lbs. The added power comes thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit. The Shelby GT500KR cold air intake seal was designed in unison with the new carbon fiber hood to prevent hot engine compartment air from reaching the air intake.



Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, compared with the GT500’s 3.31:1.

To perform optimally on track and during performance driving, the Shelby GT500KR has been fitted with an elevated axle vent reservoir to prevent axle fluid expulsion. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the GT500KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter throws are 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.

Mercedes GLK production version photos leaked

After Mercedes has revealed the GLK Freeside Concept, the first official images of the production version leaked on the internet. The GLK will make its official debut next week.



The production version features mesh lower front grille, thicker chrome bars on the grille and LED running lights. The rest is quite similar with the Concept Freeside.

F2008 breaks cover

Scuderia takes wraps off car to defend 2007 titles

Clothed in familiar rich red clothes, the 54th single-seater built by Ferrarispecifically for Formula Onewas unveiled to a select band of journalists and media in Maranello as the Scuderia became the first team to launch its 2008 campaign.



Eschewing the usual ceremony of past Ferrari launches, the Prancing Horse made a discreet start to its double title defence, just 24 hours before world champion Kimi Raikkonenis due to give the car - which will be known as F2008 - its first track outing at Fiorano.

New McLaren breaks cover.

Stuttgart launch for MP4-23

McLarenhas taken the covers off its 2008 Formula 1challenger after unveiling the new MP4-23 in Stuttgart.

Having initially planned to not hold a launch of the new car, the team then back-tracked and elected to reveal the new car to the press just a day after biggest rivals Ferrarilaunched the F2008 in Italy.



After a season overshadowed by the F1spying scandal, the Woking-based outfit will look to make headlines for the right reason with the new car which will be driven by Lewis Hamiltonand Heikki Kovalainen, who moves over from Renaultto join the young Briton in a quick but inexperienced line-up – with both drivers going into their second season of Formula competition

Ducati launches title defender

The Ducati Desmosedici GP8 may have made its track debut during testing at the end of 2007, but the bike with which Casey Stoner will defend his MotoGP crown had its official unveiling on the snowy slopes of Madonna di Campiglio in Italy on Tuesday.
Stoner and new team-mate Marco Melandri ceremoniously broke an ice sculpture to reveal the new bike in its 2008 livery, before both took part in a press conference with the assembled media.

The conference began with former Gresini Hondarider Melandri revealing how it feels to wear official DucatiMarlboro Team colours for the first time.



"I feel great in red!" he smiled. "I'm so happy to have become part of the Ducati family. I'd dreamt of riding a Ducati ever since I first saw one. When I tried on my new leathers yesterday, I felt quite emotional. I'm aware of the big opportunity I have been given this year. It's not going to be easy, but it will be exciting and I'm ready to commit entirely to reward all those who wanted me to be here.

$2500 car to be unveiled on January 10

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile company, will present its People’s Car on January 10, 2008 at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi. Tata Motors’ display will include a range of new passenger vehicles, buses from the joint venture with Marcopolo of Brazil, newly developed multi-axle heavy trucks, pickup vehicles, applications of panel vans, and new mini-trucks.



The car is powered by a 30-35 hp engine and can reach a top speed of 70 km/h. If you choose to pass this limit you will risk your’s car longevity, but you will still be safe.

The low cost is explained by the leak of many useful elements. There will be no radio, no air conditioned, no electric windows. Also many of the car’s elements were made by plastic instead of metal.



Tata announced the car will be priced at $2500, but experts expect the car to be more than $3000. Still, it will be the cheapest car on the market.

Mazda RX-8 Convertible

Even if is that one of a kind vehicle only used on special occasions and that will never get into production, I really needed to admit, I wished i could see this car on the streets!

Mazda RX-8 Convertible was presented at the annual ceremony marking the first product shipment of the year at the company’s cargo dock near its headquarters in Hiroshima.

Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda’s representative director, president and CEO, together with other Mazda senior executive officers and employees lead the parade in a White Convertible RX-8!

2009 Skoda Superb first official images

Skoda Auto revealed the first official photographs of the new Superb that will be unveiled in march at the Geneva Motor Show. Offering really generous space, the new Skoda Superb is a leader in its class (medium/upper medium class cars).

With 4,838 mm in length, 1,783 mm in width, 1,461 mm in height and a 2,761mm-long wheel base, the new Skoda Superb offers a number of smart technological solutions, including adaptive “look-round-corner” headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, an automatic parking assistant system, and more. As safety was one of the top priorities in developing the new vehicle, the new Superb has altogether nine airbags.

The new Skoda Superb will be available with three petrol and three diesel engines (77 - 191 kW) and with both manual and automatic transmission systems.

The new Skoda Superb will receive a world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and will be manufactured in Škoda Auto’s plant in Kvasiny.

Ford working on new RWD platform

Ford confirmed on Tuesday that the company is working on a new RWD platform for its Ford and Lincoln brands, company leaders confirmed Tuesday. "It’s important going forward,” CEO Alan Mulally said at a dinner with journalists in suburban Detroit.

"Yes, we’re working on a rear-wheel-drive plan for the enterprise," Derrick Kuzak said. "It’s in the plan." Two key RWD Concepts have been already shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show: the Lincoln MKR and the Ford Interceptor.

But until now, company leaders stopped short of saying vehicles are in the product plans. Executives acknowledge they can build the vehicles using a new global RWD platform being developed in Ford’s Australian operations.

But that doesn’t mean production of RWD vehicles for global markets would be consolidated in Australia. "There are good reasons not to: currency, freight," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president of global manufacturing, on Tuesday.

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Driverless cars by 2018

Driving in fun, but on the long distance or on a crowded city can be stressful and tiresome. But all this might end in 2018, as GM is making researches for a car that drives itself and even parks when you reached your destination!

GM, parts suppliers, university engineers and other automakers all are working on vehicles that could revolutionize short- and long-distance travel. "This is not science fiction," Larry Burns, GM’s vice president for research and development, said in a recent interview.

The most significant obstacles facing the vehicles could be human rather than technical: government regulation, liability laws, privacy concerns and people’s passion for the automobile and the control it gives them.

Much of the technology already exists for vehicles to take the wheel: radar-based cruise control, motion sensors, lane-change warning devices, electronic stability control and satellite-based digital mapping. And automated vehicles could dramatically improve life on the road, reducing crashes and congestion.

GM plans to use an inexpensive computer chip and an antenna to link vehicles equipped with driverless technologies. The first use likely would be on highways; people would have the option to choose a driverless mode while they still would control the vehicle on local streets, Burns said.

He said the company plans to test driverless car technology by 2015 and have cars on the road around 2018.

Ferrari SUV - more info

We know that Ferrari denied all over again the existence of a SUV in the future, AutoExpress reports that the company is working on a SUV, codenamed F151. A concept version will be unveiled in 2010 and a production version will follow a year later.

The model would open the Ferrari range up to a huge new customer base. Still in its early stages, the project is yet to be given the green light by bosses nervous of tarnishing Ferrari’s legendary brand image.

The future SUV will be offered with a choice of V8 and V12 engines. It will be offered with a four-wheel-drive transmission that will probably be borrowed from another car maker, with Mercedes the hot favorite.

The Ferrari SUV is expected to be priced around £100,000

Toyota PM Concept Car a personal transport concept

Toyota PM Concept Car

Toyota PM is highly maneuverable thanks to its castor like wheels capable of rotating through 180 degrees. The front wheels are also notable because of their hub-less design.
The futuristic Toyota PM concept from 2003 is a personal transport concept.
The PM's cockpit opens by touching one of the unusual stalk mounted headlights, this then glows green to announce the impending opening of the glass canopy.
Another interesting feature Toyota has built into the PM is its adjustable ride height and attitude. As the PM's speed increases it lowers to the ground to increase stability and improve aerodynamics.
Inside the PM information regarding vehicle performance and the location of other PM's is relayed to the single occupant by a floating virtual display.
Power for the concept comes from an electric motor.

2008 Ford Explorer America

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

“Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it.



“Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.”

Technologies and engineering innovations help Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:




A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer
Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012


In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed.

The Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.





Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode

The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, the first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors’ two-mode hybrid technology, is designed for customers who want the outstanding fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full power and towing capability of an SUV. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode was unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue. It also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

In addition, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds (1588 kg).

Production is slated to begin in late 2008.

“The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode challenges the notion that a compact SUV can’t be both powerful and efficient,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don’t want to give up performance and utility. We’ve responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.”

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue, completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. Subtle exterior changes include “2 Mode” badging on the front doors and rear liftgate; and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia.


The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules. When it arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn’s third hybrid, joining the Vue Green Line 4-cylinder hybrid SUV and the Aura Green Line sedan.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is GM’s first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The system is currently on the V-8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and becomes available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode luxury SUV and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode full-size pickup.



How the Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid works
GM’s two-mode hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode improves fuel economy by the following operations:


Engine off at idle
Low-speed, electric-only propulsion
Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
Regenerative braking
Energy-efficient accessory systems


Unlike single-mode hybrid technology found in competitors’ SUVs, the two-mode system maximizes city and highway fuel economy by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system consists of twin, active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated into the 2MT70 automatic transmission. Energy to power the motors comes from a 1.8 kWh, 300V nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel metal hydride modules and is packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor.

The transmission is mated to GM’s 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection technology. In the first mode, at low speed and light load, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode operates in one of three ways depending on conditions and battery charge level: all-electric power, internal combustion engine power or a combination of the two. All reverse operation is driven by the electric motors.

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds to optimize fuel economy. It provides electric assist in addition to six-cylinder power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing and climbing steep grades, and to allow the engine to run at its most efficient point under less-demanding conditions.


No engine speed changes are necessary for the mode shift to occur. The result is exceptionally smooth, seamless acceleration and responsiveness. At all times, the system’s Hybrid Optimizing System (HOS) collects torque-based data, deciphers it, then determines the most fuel-efficient means of propelling the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.


Direct injection V-6 boosts efficiency
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s standard engine is an advanced 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection, a member of GM’s family of high-feature V-6s. The direct injection engine uses regular unleaded fuel and represents one of the most sophisticated applications of its kind on a hybrid SUV.


Direct injection delivers fuel directly to the combustion chambers and permits a higher compression ratio, improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the technology reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by up to 25 percent.

The 3.6L VVT with direct injection also features a U.S. auto industry-first isolated fuel injector that greatly reduces the ticking noise associated with other direct injection engines. Other noise-reduction features include the use of acoustic foam in the engine valley and cover.


Specially tuned chassis for a smooth ride
Because the hybrid system changes the weight distribution on the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, special chassis refinements such as revised front and rear spring rates; revised front and rear stabilizer bar rates and recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers help ensure a smooth driving experience.


The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is equipped with a “fully blended” electro-hydraulic brake system that enables 100-percent regenerative braking (batteries are charged during braking), 100-percent friction braking (traditional four-wheel disc braking) or a combination of the two. During regenerative braking, the system converts kinetic energy to electrical power, then stores the power in the Energy Storage System.

A 12V rack-mounted Electric Power Steering system replaces a conventional column-mounted hydraulic system and saves fuel – gaining up to a half-mile per gallon of gas. It also gives the Vue Green Line 2 Mode more precise steering inputs and better overall on-center feel.


Intuitive displays keep drivers in the know

The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s instrument panel lets drivers know that they’re behind the wheel of a sophisticated hybrid, yet with gauges that are easy to understand. An efficiency gauge replaces the tachometer, informing drivers of when they are achieving maximum fuel economy; whether the vehicle is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode or a combination of the two; and, because of the silent start as the key is turned, a telltale indicates when the vehicle is on and ready to drive.


In the center console, a full-color VGA power-flow graphic, which is integrated into an available navigation system, continuously informs the driver and passenger whether the vehicle is sending power to the wheels from the battery pack, engine or both. It also indicates when energy is being captured during braking.

Vue Green Line 2 Mode is generously equipped
In addition to its high-tech propulsion system, the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode boasts a number of standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection system, pedestrian impact protection, tire pressure monitoring system, Pedal Release System, front active head restraints, and six air bags (driver and front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side-impact, and roof rail curtains for both seating rows).

Other features include power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls; and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input jack. A navigation system and power sunroof are available.



Saturn’s hybrid family is growing
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the third hybrid to join the Saturn lineup. Other members of the Green Line family include the Vue (4-cylinder) Green Line and the Aura Green Line sedan. They are equipped with the affordable GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption using sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission.

2008 Citroen C8

Building on the commercial success of its compact MPV range, recently bolstered by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, Citroën is continuing to develop models with spacious interiors by combining elegance and driving pleasure in its top-end C8 MPV.

Depending on the country, from the start of 2008 the C8 will be restyled inside and out, making its decidedly modern lines even more dynamic and enhancing the luxury of the cabin.


At the same time the C8 range will be extended, in some countries, with a new HDi diesel engine developing 173 bhp DIN (125 kW or 170 bhp EC), complete with a particulate filter (DPFS) and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. In the course of 2008, the engine will also be available in some countries with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The new engine completes a range comprising a 2-litre 143 bhp 16V petrol injection engine available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox, and two diesel engines, the HDi 120 and the HDI 138 DPFS, both with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Already available on the C5 and C6, the HDi 173 DPFS is the flagship of Citroën’s range of 4-cylinder HDi engines. A number of innovative features (double parallel sequential turbo and new combustion and injection systems) provide outstanding driving pleasure by offering maximum torque of 273 lb/ft at a low 1,500 rpm. To complete the upgrade, Citroën has made changes to the running gear and brakes.

Finally, in addition to the new engine launch, new comfort equipment and driving aids have been added to the already richly equipped C8 range.

Updated, prestige styling
With its powerful and dynamic styling, the C8 stands out at first glance. The MPV features style changes that strengthen its top-range positioning and consolidate Citroën’s position in the large MPV segment.

The C8 front end features new, enlarged chevron motifs in the centre of tauter radiator grill lines, featuring small chrome bars stressing the vehicle’s statue-like elegance. The grille rim, with its more pronounced lines, provides the perfect junction with the bonnet and the headlights, taking perceived quality to new heights. The top-range appearance of the MPV is also reflected in new chrome door handles and painted body protectors with a chrome strip at front and rear.

As though echoing the front end, the rear chevrons are more imposing than before, clearly denoting that the MPV forms an integral part of the Citroën range. Finally, the reversing lights are translucent.


A new interior that says "top of the range"
The restyling of the C8 cockpit is in keeping with the exterior style changes. They stress the MPV’s top-of-the-range position and ensure a refined onboard atmosphere.



All the door wood trims, the steering wheel, the carpet, the mats and the upper dashboard arch are now black. The main contact parts (stowage compartments in front doors, glove box handle, air vent thumbwheels…) have been treated in soft paint for a more pleasant feel. Lastly, the top-range positioning of the C8 cabin is underlined by the use of a brilliant chrome finish on the door handles, gear lever and air vent cursors.


Roomy and versatile interior
All the changes made inside the C8 stress the space and comfort on board. With a 2.82 m wheelbase, the C8 meets the requirements of top-range MPV clients who want a truly spacious interior.





The design of the seats is a perfect illustration of the model’s versatility and stresses that all passengers are treated equally in terms of individualised comfort. The C8 can seat up to eight people on three rows of identical seats. Furthermore, the highly modular approach to seating means the luggage compartment can vary in size from 225 litres to 2,948 litres depending on the needs of the moment. This large volume, the width of at least 1,153 mm between the wheel arches, and the interior height are extremely practical.


Lastly, the cabin is particularly welcoming thanks to the electric sliding side doors which ensure easy boarding in all circumstances, even if the MPV is parked close to a wall or between two other vehicles.


An engine with many advantages
Supple and discreet

The HDi 173 DPFS engine brings excellent driving pleasure thanks to the double parallel sequential turbo, a genuine innovation on a 4-cylinder diesel engine. The double parallel sequential turbo ensures both ample torque at low engine speeds and instant response when the turbo is activated. The maximum torque of 273 lb/ft is reached at a low 1,500 rpm, and remains constant right up to 2,700 rpm, at the top of the most frequently used engine speed range.

The double parallel sequential turbo involves the use of two fixed-geometry turbo compressors identical in size. At low engine speeds, i.e. below 2,700 rpm, only one of the turbos operates. Its low inertia ensures that the engine is perfectly responsive. Above 2,700 rpm, it is bolstered by the second turbo to deliver the air intake needed over the full range of higher engine speeds.
A transitory phase, as the second turbo starts to rotate but is not yet connected to the admission, makes for smoother activation. The whole system is entirely controlled by the engine computer.

The use of two balancer shafts helps enhance the sense of driving pleasure by limiting engine vibration.





The HDi 173 DPFS engine is used in conjunction with a 6-speed manual gearbox that provides outstanding driving pleasure, ensuring extremely precise and rapid gear changes. The 6-speed gearbox is also compact, no bigger than a 5-speed unit, and results in no increase in turning circle.

In the course of 2008, this engine will also be made available in some countries with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.


Strict control of consumption and emissions
This engine also features a new ECCS combustion chamber (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) which optimises the air/fuel mix, and a third generation common rail whose pressure has been pushed up to 1,800 bars to ensure a finer fuel spray. This combination cuts emissions by around 30% compared with the previous generation 2.2-litre HDi while at the same time enhancing performance levels.

The new engine, which is systematically fitted with a particulate filter (DPFS), thus delivers combined-cycle consumption of 7.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 191 g/km.


Upgraded running gear
The C8’s running gear has been adapted to match the more dynamic powertrain performance.




Fitted in all versions with pseudo-MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, the C8 has excellent directional stability and steering precision.
In its HDi 173 DPFS version, the C8 is also equipped with special rear shock absorbers and a special anti-roll bar, while the stiffness of the front struts has been stepped up. The overall result of these enhancements is the best possible trade-off between roadholding and comfort for active safety and top-level driving pleasure.


Optimised braking
To adapt the braking components to the C8’s enhanced performance levels, they have been resized: the ventilated 310 x 32 mm discs at the front have been enlarged, and are linked to dual-piston calipers. This configuration provides the C8 with precise, fade-free and easy-to-gauge braking.

Concentrated technology for exemplary well-being and safety


Intelligent driving assistance
The inclusion of the HDi 173 DPFS engine in the C8 range is accompanied by the arrival of complementary equipment to ensure the highest possible level of well-being.



The largest Citroën MPV is now equipped, in its Exclusive version, with front and rear parking aid systems.
Sensors in the front and rear bumpers detect obstacles near the vehicle. Audio signals played through the various loudspeakers, and a representation of the parking manoeuvre on the multi-function dashboard screen, show the precise location of any obstacles in the detection zone.

The C8 is equipped as standard on the Exclusive version with the new NaviDrive telematics system. Complete with a large colour screen, this system combines, together with the features of an integrated GSM phone, audio functions (radio, MP3-compatible CD player, hard disk storage up to 30 gigabytes, 10 of which are available in the Jukebox) and GPS navigation. The NaviDrive system has also been designed to offer complementary features: Citroën Emergency, Citroën Assistance, and Citroën On Line. Combined with the GPS and telephone functions, Citroën Emergency enables, depending on the country concerned, the determination of the vehicle’s location in the event of accident or driver incapacity, and access to call centre services.


The C8 can also be fitted with a Bluetooth hands-free kit, depending on the trim level, enabling the driver to easily use a cell phone while focusing complete attention on the driving situation.


Comprehensive safety equipment
To provide the driver with all the information and assistance needed for peace of mind, the C8 is equipped with a speed limiter, combined with the standard equipment cruise control depending on the country, and a low-tyre pressure detection system (available in some equipment packs) which identifies the wheel concerned.

Furthermore, to ensure maximum safety for occupants, all C8 models are equipped with a series of active safety systems, such as ABS, ASR, ESP, EBA and automatic warning light activation. And to ensure exemplary protection for all passengers, 6 airbags are available as standard equipment.

The effectiveness of all this equipment, combined with the car’s outstanding structural resistance, is reflected in the 5-star rating awarded to the C8 in the EuroNCAP test.



By seamlessly matching the C8’s features with the most powerful four-cylinder HDi engine in the Citroën range, the C8 HDi 173 DPFS offers outstanding motoring comfort, unique styling, remarkable spaciousness and equipment that make it one of the best in its class.