Holdens Monaro Under Fire

Australian car maker Holden is under investigation from a US road safety agency for their export Monaro, just as they were preparing a second onslaught the the American automotive market, which is the world's largest.

The Holden Monaro, badged as a Pontiac GTO, came under scrutiny after complaints that the front suspension has, in some circumstances, caused tyre failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that they have received 69 complaints of damage to front tyres, including 7 that have caused the tyre to fail completely.

Holden have shipped 41,000 Monaros to the US.

Toyota Highlander 2008

Toyota have unveiled the all new larger and more powerful Highlander and Highlander Hybrid at the Chicago Auto show. The Highlander Hybrid, with Hybrid Synergy Drive, intelligently uses energy, which would otherwise be lost, by braking or cruising to recharge the battery.

The Highlander will lead the way with its comprehensive list of standard safety features. It provides a total of 7 airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows. The Highlander is noticeably quieter, smarter and has improved versatility and ride comfort.

Highlander will provide Toyota’s STAR safety system, featuring:

• anti-lock brakes
• traction control
• electronic brake-force distribution
• brake assist
• enhanced vehicle stability control
• electronic power steering

All models of the new Highlander, except the base models, will provide a stand-alone reversing camera with an informational screen. It also has the distinction of being the first Toyota vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and bumper system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian.

The Highlander chassis has been derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase.

Three models of the new Highlander will be offered, Base, Sport and Limited. All three models will be powered by a new 3.5 litre V6 that delivers an impressive 270bhp which is a 55bhp gain over the previous generation’s 3.3 litre engine.

Read more: www.toyota.com

Mazda Hakaze Concept Car

Mazda will unveil their latest concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. The Hakaze, a Japanese word used to describe how the wind blows through the trees, is a four seat coupe style compact crossover SUV with four wheel drive, removable roof panels, scissor opening doors and 20-inch alloys.

The styling of the Hakaze is based on Mazda's new surface language 'Nagare', meaning flow in Japanese. Side panels ripple like sand dunes in a very muscular and agressive way, which help give the Hakaze a futuristic look.

Specifications
Engine: 2.3 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine producing 260 bhp
Performance: 0-60mph - 8.0 seconds (estimated)
Transmission: Six speed automatic, four wheel drive

Expected to be priced at £18,000 if it is released in 2010.

Read more: www.mazda.com

Porsche Panamera

Porsche are expected to add a fifth model to their range in 2009. Due to be revealed at the Geneva car show, the Panamera, still in concept stages, is a four door, four seat coupe powered by a 3.6 litre V6. The Panamera is a cross between a sports car and a family car designed for everyday use.

The Porsche Panamera takes its name from the Carrera Panamericana, an open road race in Mexico. The Porsche Carrera was also named after this race, in which Porsche enjoyed some success.

Porsche are hoping the Panamera will help them to break the barrier of 100,000 cars sold per year, by selling 20,000 Panameras annually.

Porsche are planning to expand their Leipzig plant for the production of the Panamera. The Leipzig plant will be used for the assembly of the Panamera, with the engines being produced in Zuffenhausen and the Volkswagen factory in Hanover supplying the painted body shells.

Read more about Porsche's expansion plans: www.porsche.com

Welcome to Car Journal

We welcome you to Car Journal where we will bring you the latest news and information regarding cars, motors, bikes and everything auto.

If you would like to contact us, please drop us an email on carjournalblog [at] gmail [dot] com