A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Honda CR-V's aggressive stance
A VW spokesman confirmed that Winterkorn made the remarks at a press event in Berlin yesterday. Winterkorn was speculating who might buy Opel if it was for sale and didn’t say the unit is definitively for sale, the spokesman said
HONDA HAS released an image of the new CR-V Concept, providing the first glimpse of the new model due on sale here at the end of next year.
This will be the fourth generation of the CR-V and it takes on a more aggressive stance than its predecessors. The new model features substantial changes to the front and rear fascias in terms of bumpers and headlight clusters, so while the overall shape may be crossover SUV, potential buyers will quickly notice the difference between new and old models.
While European sales are important to the brand, its key market for the CR-V remains the US, where it will go on sale later this year, nearly 12 months before a European debut.
Sales of the current CR-V in Ireland fell significantly with the change to emissions-based tax. With the more economical diesel still falling into band E and carrying an annual road tax of €1,050, just 63 CR-Vs were sold last year compared to 684 in 2007. While Honda gave no more details on powertrains for the new version, it’s likely to have a much lower carbon footprint, which should make it more competitive in Ireland.
VW 'stoking' Opel gossip
GENERAL MOTORS has said Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn is stoking speculation its German- based Opel unit is for sale.
Winterkorn was quoted in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung saying that if Opel were for sale, a Chinese automaker would be more likely than Hyundai to buy it.
The comment “continues a regrettable pattern of fanning speculation” that Opel is up for sale, GM said on its website. The German press reported last month that GM may be considering a sale of Opel. GM has called such reports speculation. The company said it is making progress in restructuring the business.
General Motors, which is rebuilding its presence after entering bankruptcy protection three years ago, lost $1.8 billion in Europe last year. However, Opel’s market share in Europe has risen to 7.4 per cent from 7 per cent in the first five months of this year.
Porsche ready to launch 911
PORSCHE DESIGNERS have clearly been burning the midnight oil once more in designing the next generation 911. The iconic sports car that will have motoring fans playing spot the difference for another generation is to be officially unveiled at this autumn’s Frankfurt motor show. But the car pictured here is virtually undisguised and only missing the flashing lightbulbs and Porsche sales staff.
The next 911 will be 4.49 metres long – 56mm more than the current model with 10mm extra on the wheelbase. The car will also stand 11mm shorter. The 3.4-litre entry-level Boxer engine (down from a 3.6-litre) has an output of 350bhp, will push the car from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and boasts a top speed of 289 km/h. The smaller unit will reduce fuel-economy by 13 per cent to 8.5 l/100km. The Carrera S will reward drivers with 395bhp, while the 911 Turbo is rumoured to have an output of about 542bhp.