Motor Trend Long Term Update 3 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

Motor Trend Long Term Update 3 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

Get the Nissan 370Z out of my Infiniti luxury SUV

Adding the X Factor: Sportline Limited Edition X Model Introduced

Volkswagen’s dynamic Sportline van range is proving more successful than ever. Despite the current economic climate, Sportline sales are already ahead of this time last year, and if success continues at the same rate, boosted by the introduction this week of a Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X model, sales are predicted to be over 30 per cent ahead of 2008.

Part of this great performance is thanks to the addition of the Caddy and Caddy Maxi Sportline models in late 2008, which are already about to exceed their sales forecast for 2009, plus the five-seat Transporter Sportline kombi model, also introduced last year, which has instantly become the most popular model in the range this year.

There will only be 150 of the Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X models, and they will be available in short and long wheelbase panel van or short wheelbase kombi. Each vehicle will be individually numbered, with a certificate for the owner.

In addition to the standard Transporter Sportline specification of 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome grilles and side sills, leather seats and front and rear spoilers, the Transporter Sportline X models gain distinctive, chrome and black ‘Dakar’ alloy wheels, ‘leather pack’ (leather steering wheel and gear lever), specially designed black and blue leather seats with limited edition numbered tag, Sportline floor mats, and rear parking sensors. There is a choice of two metallic paint colours – Reflex Silver, and for the first time for the Sportline range, Shadow Blue.

This unique specification and distinctive appearance is available for only £500 more than the equivalent Transporter Sportline T30, 174 PS, 2.5-litre TDI PD, with basic retail prices (including metallic paint) of £25,065 for the short wheelbase panel van, £25,545 for the long wheelbase panel van, and £26,805 for the kombi.

‘The success of the Sportline range proves that our customers still want a van that stands out from the crowd and creates a premium image,’ said Steve Reynolds, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X is available to order now, with first deliveries expected with customers and at Volkswagen Van Centres in early October. Full details of the Sportline range and local Van Centres are available from www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

Motherproof Car Review - 2010 Infiniti FX35

Motherproof Car Review - 2010 Infiniti FX35

FX35 rests on its laurels, needs updates.

Motor Trend Long Term Update 2 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

Motor Trend Long Term Update 2 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

The FX is a great long-distance cruiser-provided you don't mind the gas bill.

Interview with Mr Schomburg on naming the pickup - Amarok

Mr Schomburg, how did you come up with the name, and what is the reason for the wolf analogy?

We were looking for an authentic name that fits the characteristics of our pickup just right and works perfectly around the globe.

The Amarok is a particularly powerful and robust vehicle with great stamina that can adapt to a great variety of situations. All these characteristics can also be attributed to the wolf.

Since our pickup is something special, we also had special requirements with regard to its name. I think we succeeded in finding a good match.

How do you pronounce the name and does it have the same associations everywhere?

All three syllables are equally stressed.

We made a point of choosing a name that also works easily in the Romance languages; that is, specifically in South America. To ensure this, all major markets were closely involved in the entire naming process. The literal meaning of "he loves stones" in the Romance languages fits right in with our pickup.

Will the vehicle be called Amarok in all the markets or are there exceptions?

The use of the name in such a great number of markets will be nearly unrivalled by other Volkswagen models. That is why the global presence and acceptance of the name was important to us. No exceptions are planned.

When will the vehicle be launched?

We are starting the launch in South America. The world premiere will take place in Argentina at the end of the year, starting our launch activities. The Amarok is set to hit South American dealerships from March. The European launch is planned for Summer 2010.

(Harald Schomburg is Chief of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.)

Pickup from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to be called Amarok

Means "wolf" in Inuit

Symbolises strength and endurance

To be launched at the beginning of 2010 in South America

Amarok set to come to Europe afterwards

Hanover, 04 June 2009 – The new Volkswagen pickup is called Amarok. In Autumn 2009, the first pickup by a European volume manufacturer in South America is to be unveiled. The South American launch is set for Spring 2010, with the Amarok coming to Europe in the summer. With the Amarok, Volkswagen is seeking to enter global pickup markets dominated for the most part by Japanese manufacturers. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles already presented an impressive concept truck at last year's IAA Commercial Vehicles, providing a taste of the brand's new fourth model. The Amarok will be produced in Argentina at Volkswagen's "Pacheco" plant near Buenos Aires.The name Amarok comes from the language of the Inuit, who live in northern Canada and Greenland, and means wolf. The Inuit, one of the Eskimo peoples, regard the wolf as the king of the wilderness, an impressive figure due its strength, robustness, endurance and superiority.

This name also means "he loves stones" in the Romance languages, which are spoken in the major markets in Brazil and Argentina. In these markets, pickups are highly in demand as recreational and commercial vehicles due to their versatility. The Amarok's reliability and suitability for off-road driving will make it a very attractive proposition.

"This name fits to a tee the characteristics of our pickup, which will set new standards in its class. We took great care selecting this name, which can be used globally. The Amarok is meant to invoke positive associations in all relevant international markets and make a more convincing argument than its established competitors right from the start," says Stephan Schaller, CEO of the brand Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Amarok is the first pickup of this kind from a European manufacturer and will face competition in the one-tonne class mostly from Asia. The sixth model from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, which follows the Caddy, Transporter (or Multivan) and Crafter as well as the Saveiro and T2, both of which are available exclusively in South America, is a significant component in the Volkswagen Group's growth strategy and opens a new segment for Volkswagen. Schaller comments, "The Amarok lifts our brand into a new, even more international dimension. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to develop, build and sell this vehicle, which is extremely important for the growth of the entire Group and constitutes a logical strategic addition to the global range."

Developed from scratch, the Amarok will be launched as a double-cab pickup with four-wheel drive. The single-cab version will be available at a later date. The pickup features not only state-of-the-art, robust engineering but also efficient engines and current Volkswagen styling. The concept car shown at the IAA gives a first impression. State-of-the-art, powerful yet efficient common rail turbo diesel injection (TDI) of the next generation will be used in the powertrain. The fuel consumption and emissions for the Amarok will achieve the new best values for the pickup segment.

The Amarok is set be launched first in South America and Central America in Spring 2010, followed by Russia and Europe as well as Africa and Australia.

Motor Trend Long Term Update 1 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

Motor Trend Long Term Update 1 - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

The cabin is laid out intelligently with good ergonomics and materials.