If you are planning to drop by the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show or perhaps are keen on finding out what is going on over there, Auto Week has made it easier for you which may even virtually place you there.

On the heels of success at the Detroit and Chicago auto shows, the editors at AutoWeek released today their fifth virtual tour, this time visiting the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show. Visitors to autoweek.com can check out the free tour by clicking on the audio player and checking out the online show photo galleries that accompany the tour.

The tour provides AutoWeek editors’ insight into many of the brands at the show. The 13th international Auto Shanghai show runs through Tuesday, April 28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

(Source) Press

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Mitsubishi lifted the covers on another vehicle under their wing, the Outlander GTS Prototype. The Outlander GT Prototype is loaded with new technology, greater performance, higher fuel efficiency and an aggressive new design. The world debut occurred at the annual New York International Auto Show.

The Outlander GT Prototype features a revised exterior treatment, increased engine output, an advanced S-AWC system, 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, polished aluminum roof, Brembo brakes and the all-new FUSE Handsfree Media Gateway system. A revised interior and freshly added electronic options also help to raise the luxury and comfort levels of the Outlander GT Prototype.

(Source) Press

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The start of a new era in smaller modes of transportation has been made official with the arrival of 100 new Ford Fiestas on U.S. shores. The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.”

Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The new Fiesta already is the second-best selling vehicle of any make across Ford’s 19 major European markets, and is headed for its best month yet in Europe in March. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets already is outstripping company expectations.

The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show.

Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement.

(Source) Press

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The BMW Z10 ED has been touted as the eco-friendly hybrid car where ED stands for efficient dynamics. This new offering from BMW is said to have fuel-saving technology embedded on to it which includes a stop-start system, an integrated starter/generator and a new brake energy regeneration system modified to store energy in a lithium-ion battery.

The BMW Z10 ED will be built in limited numbers and sold for around £80,000 in today’s money.

There is no release date mentioned but sources have it that it will make a surprise appearance in one international auto show scheduled soon.

(Source)

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