Exmortis 2

scary games

  Exmortis 2

Description Game:

An creepy sequel to the original Exmortis game. Improved game-play and graphics. Point and click on active objects and areas to play along with the story in this adventure-puzzle game

How to play Game:

Claytus Hood TD tower defense

tower defense games

 Claytus Hood TD tower defense

Description Game:

Defend yuor farm from critters with a barrage of weapons
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How to play Game:

Ghost Rider Demon Duel

scary maze game

 Ghost Rider Demon Duel

Description Game:

You’re the powerful Ghost Rider. Whip the bad guys with your chain from hell!

How to play Game:

Tax Smack

Kizi

 Tax Smack

Game description: Taxes stressing you out? Feel better by smacking around our virtual accountant. The more he takes out of your pocket the better you will feel after a good throw down.  
Game controls: Use mouse to punch.

Real Pool

pool games online

 Real Pool

Description Game:

Play against the computer. Be the first to clear all the balls and be the winner of the game.
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How to play Game:

Mouse

Vanish Rain

gun game

 Vanish Rain

Description Game:

Hold position behind the barricade as you blast zombies. Earn gold to upgrade & buy new guns.
(Visited 13 times, 2 visits today)

How to play Game:

Use mouse to aim and shoot. Space bar to reload. Z to zoom. 1-5 to switch weapons.

Hobo

fighting games online

 Hobo

Description Game:

Who’s a better street fighter than Mr. Hobo himself? Move, attack and use objects in this sidescrolling fighting game.

How to play Game:

Arrow Keys - Move. A / S - Attack.

Batman The Chase

batman games online

 Batman The Chase

Description Game:

This is one of the series of Batman games. In this game Joker is driving his car and littering Gotham city with Joker cards. You must stop Joker bumping him with your Batmobile. Collect power-ups to increase the damage you cause to Joker’s car and avoid other cars, the bombs Joker leaves and bullets of Joker’s henchmen.
(Visited 11 times, 1 visits today)

How to play Game:

Use Arrow Keys to interact.

Happy Donkey Kong

happy wheels 2

  Happy Donkey Kong

Description Game:

Featuring Donkey Kong in a new mission of Adventure Ride. Ride through the jungle collecting bananas to gain more points. Donkey Kong has to cross many obstacles in each level to complete his adventure. Have Fun !

How to play Game:

Help Donkey Kong Ride using Arrow keys. Up arrow key to accelerate Down Arrow key to reverse Left and Right arrow keys to tilt sideways

A Basketball Game

basketball games

 A Basketball Game

Description Game:

Nice Basketball Shooting! Score as many as you can.
(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)

How to play Game:

Use Mouse to interact.

Cross The Amazon

dirt bike games

 Cross The Amazon

Description Game:

Ride through the jungle of the Amazon. Be careful.

How to play Game:

Use Arrows to move.

Hot Wheels Racer

disney cars

 Hot Wheels Racer

Description Game:

Choose between a sports car or a race car! Cruise down the road in your Hot Wheels Racer, avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups.
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How to play Game:

Play Ben 10 Mathrix

Cool math for kids

 Play Ben 10 Mathrix

Description Game:

Hi,kids, are you good at maths? If you get the right answer, the little warrior will turn to super hero. Can you keep him as a super hero?
(Visited 16 times, 2 visits today)

How to play Game:

This game is played with mouse only.

Shine Wars

Game Info - Get the sun and moon to touch as you bounce off of clouds and be pushed by stars.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Pixie Match

Game Info - Click two cards with the same number that are next to, above, below or diagonally connected to each other to match. Match all cards within 10 minutes to win!
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Mario Bomb It 2

Game Info - Second part of the game Mario Bomb It! This time its Mario's turn to blow his enemy!
Game controls - Player 1:
W, A, S, D - Move.
Spacebar - Drop Bomb.

Player 2:
Arrow Keys - Move.
Numpad 0 - Drop Bomb.

Johnny Icecream

Game Info - Johnny got bored with the donuts and tried his luck in the ice cream business.. Again he needs your help to complete all the orders. Prepare the ice creams and serve your customers with a smile, Johnny is back in town!
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

The Revenge of the Rusher

Game Info - Rush Lee must take down the Blitz Botz that invaded the NFLZ
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move.
Space bar to attack.
ASDF to use special attack

High Dive Hero

Game Info - Wanna join the olympics high diving competition? Well now you can with this fun-filled game where you have to score points by doing different stunts or positions while on air and entering the water vertically. Do you accept the challenge? Enjoy!
Game controls - Spacebar - Jump.
Arrow Keys - Rotate.
V / X / C - Change positions

Guts 'n Glory

Game Info - Fight the cartoon characters and continue pushing forward in this sidescrolling action game.
Game controls - Left / Right Arrow Keys - Move.
Up Arrow Key - Jump.
Spacebar - Kick.
CTRL - Punch.
Mouse - Grab or Throw (2 Player Mode only).

Powerpuff Girls: SnapShot

Game Info - Create you own scenario of Powerpuff Girls.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Pokemon Photos

Game Info - Here a group of Anime characters pose for a photo. You can also change the background photo.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Smart Soccer

Game Info - Save all the shots!
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Princess in Costume

Game Info - Choose the right gown for this lovely little princess.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Mario Combat

Game Info - You are super Mario! It means you've got to go and kick Bowser's ass. Get massive combos to boost your score!
Game controls - Arrow keys left/right- Move left/right.
A- Attack.
Arrow up- Jump.

Custom Mix Nail Studio

Game Info - Polish up your beauty skills at the Spa Factory!
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Image Disorder Taylor Swift

Game Info - Re-arrange the tiles to complete the lovely face of Taylor.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

GardenScapes

Game Info - Find the hidden items people want to purchase in each picture. Find items before people get mad.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Sea Side Decoration

Game Info - Decorate the scenery on the sea shore with lots of beach accessories and objects.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Big Pixel Zombies

Game Info - Shoot the zombies and buy guns and armor with your kills. Don't get backed into a corner!
Game controls - Use mouse to aim and shoot.
WASD keys to move.
Q and E to switch guns.
Space bar to use grenade.

My Little Pony - Rotate The Puzzle

Game Info - Arrange the pieces correctly to figure out the Little Pony image.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Scooby Doo: Big Air Snow Show

Game Info - Time for Scooby and Shaggy to snowboard and catch some big air on another remixed big air game.
Game controls - Left / Right Arrow Keys - To start his motion while on ramp.
Up Arrow Key - To increase his speed and height while going upward.
Down Arrow Key - To increase his downward speed.

Naruto - Star Students

Game Info - Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura must escort Tazuna safely to his home in the land of waves. But that's easier said than done when an army of ninja and the deadly assassin Zabuza stand in their way. Collect life, chakra and life points on your way. Select your character and let the fights begin!'
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Move.
Spacebar - Attack.
X - Chakra attack.

(If game does not start, Refresh your browser or press the F5 button on your keyboard. You should try using the Mozilla Firefox browser or installing Flash if it still does not work:

Click here to download

Speedback

Game Info - A real American Football. strong-arm your way into the end zone! You only have 3 touchdowns for an extra life.
Game controls - Arrow keys- To move.
A- Stiff-arm a defender.
S- Spin to avoid.
(Only one stiff-arm and spin per possession.)

Sidering Knockout

Game Info - The objective of the game is to knock out all opponents and get the championship belt. Try to do combinations and dodge the opponents punches. A tip would be to find the best key combination and use it repetitively. Try not to get hit by spamming punches.
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move and throw different punches.
A to right punch.
S to left punch.
D to defense.

Scoobydoo Adventures Episode 3

Game Info - Horror on the High Seas: Episode 3 - Reef Relief!
Reef Relief, the long awaited third episode of Horror on the High Seas.
Game controls - Arrow - Walk
Spacebar - Action
S- Save current game
L- Load last saved game
T- Exchange the selected items with the next one in the inventory
P- Pause the game

Dress Up Goth Girl

Game description: This lady is not your ordinary girl. She's got different tastes when it comes to fashion. Dress her up to fit her personality. Have fun girls!  
Game controls: Mouse - To interact.

Maggie Carrera en la Lluvia

Game description: Grab the stars and jump over the obstacles whenever they appear. Speed up to make things harder.  
Game controls: Right Arrow - Move Forward. Left Arrow - Brake. Up Arrow - Jump. Down Arrow - Crouch. Spacebar - Speedup.

I Love You Puzzle

Game description: Connect all the right pieces to solve the puzzle!
 Game controls: use the space bar or mouse wheel to rotate Left click and drag to move puzzle piece

Ghostscape 2 - The Cabin

Game description: You have to investigate and gather evidence about a creepy old cabin in the woods and its aged inhabitant, take photo's, use the metal detector, find and read diary's etc to discover what has been going on here and who the old man really is...
 Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Baseball Team

Game description: Teamwork is everything in this baseball game!  
Game controls: When batting, click on one of the 9 squares to swing, timing your hit with the pitch. You can steal a base by clicking the helmet on the mini map and then the next base. While pitching, pay attention to the powerbar and click one of the squares to throw the ball. Click the bases on the mini map to throw the ball there.

Pajamas Look

Game description: Try wearing different and assorted kinds of Pajamas.  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Diego Dinosaur Rescue

Game description: Join Diego and his friends on a journey in the time of the dinosaurs to reunite a lost Maiasaura and her family.
 Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Car Show Girl Dress Up

Game description: Fashion and cars are many times hand in hand and both have special shows to present the new trends.  
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Coffee Shop Dress Up

Game description: coffee shop is a nice place to be fashionable.
 Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

My Sweet 16 Cake 2

Game description: Today is Alice's 16th birthday.The sixteenth birthday cake must be special. It is quite memorable. Here is a chance to design sweet 16 cake for her. Come to magical cake bar to make and decorate a delicious, beautiful and unique birthday cake which makes your friends admire you!
Game controls: use your mouse  .

Dress Up Bride

Game description: The bride is not yet ready for the wedding. Help her dress up by choosing the best gown and the bouquets as well as the earrings and necklaces. Have fun!
Game controls: Mouse - To interact. 

Apple Shooter Champ

Game description: shoot the apple off the head of your girl friend and make sure you don't hit her.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Fishdom H2O

Game description: Play item finding puzzle games to make money and then upgrade your fish tank to make it the best.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Disney Princess Online Coloring

Game description: Paint your Disney Princess Online Coloring Page with your favorite colors.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Beauty Resort

Game description: Work your way up from a small spa to a luxury mountain resort in this multitasking time-management game! Use the mouse to drag-and-drop clients at the desired stations. Full-fill their requests and keep stations clean to serve your clients as quickly as possible and build your spa business. Don't let your clients get too stressed or they'll leave the salon!
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Cream Cheese Fritatta

Game description: In this cooking game you make a rich and tasty breakfast meal. You first must go shopping for all the ingredients needed and then follow the recipe carefully to make a cream cheese frittata.
Game controls: This game is played by mouse only. 

Ben10 vs Predators

Game description: The alien invaders has found the earth accidentally, and they want to rob the rich resources on the earth. They are on average stronger than the humans on earth. For the survival of mankind, you are now playing as Ben 10 to combat the alien invaders to protect our city and plant. Now start your glorious mission!
Game controls: Arrow keys to move. A to launch magic. S to shoot. D to use the knife. 

New Super Chick Sisters

Game description: Play this Mario-like sidescroller game with little chicklettes. Jump on monsters and more.
Game controls: Use arrow keys to move. Space to jump. 

Porsche Pajun to target Merc E-Class and BMW 5 Series

Zuffenhausen eyes high-volume medium-large sedan segment with an all-new contender
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Porsche’s model proliferation appears set to continue, with a report by Germany’s AutoBild magazine suggesting a mid-side contender codenamed Pajun will launch in 2017, taking the fight to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

Earlier reports indicated the mid-sizer would surface in 2016, but it now appears the launch has been pushed back a year.

Details on the E-Class/5 Series rival are sketchy, but it’s believed it will be underpinned by the VW Group’s latest-gen MLB platform, which also forms the basis for the imminent Macan compact SUV.

Euro reports suggest the Pajun will be offered with a range of V6 petrol engines punching out from 235kW to 382kW, supplemented by a diesel with 230kW. However, these figures are speculative and as yet unconfirmed by Porsche.

It’s possible the line-up may also include a hybrid variant, reflecting the strategy of the Cayenne and Panamera.

AutoBild magazine reports pricing will span from €65,000 ($83,500) to €100,000 ($128,500), but you’d probably need to more or less double these figures to arrive at an indicative Australian price range.

As an interesting aside, US website Autoblog points out ‘Pajun’ is the Korean word for a seafood pancake, while in Finnish it means willow. Autoblog goes on to mention Pajun’s Welsh translation is ‘Cajun’ – coincidentally, or not, the codename by which the Macan was initially known.

However, the official explanation for the Pajun name is that it’s short for Panamera Junior.

Its eventual arrival (provided it does come to fruition) will further flesh out Porsche’s model line-up, which already includes the 911, Boxster/Cayman, Cayenne and upcoming Macan.

Also in the pipeline are the 918 Spyder and a spiritual successor to the Porsche 550, which may be twinned with a VW offering based on the BlueSport concept, although excessive cost could rule out a Veedub version of the junior roadster.

The product offensive is in line with Porsche’s stated objective of increasing global annual sales to 200,000 vehicles by 2018 (the brand sold 118,867 cars in 2011).

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

MINI GP model runs 'Ring around rivals

Hot-shoe model expected to come to Australia in very limited numbers — and not for a while
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MINI has formally announced today its GP edition that we reported was on the way less than two weeks ago .

Officially named MINI John Cooper Works GP, the new car has already been timed around the Nordschleife at the Nurburgring in eight minutes and 23 seconds. It achieves that time by virtue of its adjustable race suspension, aerodynamic aids and "race-spec braking system". The GP edition's time around the infamous Nordschleife is fully 19 seconds better than the previous best for a MINI.

Just 2000 units will be built for global consumption, but at least a handful will come to Australia, according to Scott Croaker, MINI's Product Communications Manager here.

"In relation to the GP," he told motoring.com.au this morning, "we have put our hand up for allocation. It is pretty early on, we don't know how many we're going to get, but it will be very limited numbers.

"Given that there are 2000 for the world, I dare say they'll apportion it to sales volume."

The GP edition won't be a bargain-basement model, so even assuming prospective buyers get in first, they'll need to do some saving in the meantime. Fortunately the GP edition is still some way off from local launch, says Croaker.

"We're expecting for [our] allocation not til the very start of next year, in terms of arrival."

Croaker also advises that with the GP edition still at least six months away, pricing is yet to be discussed within the halls of BMW Australia.

"It would be a premium on what you pay for the standard JCW, but... until we get confirmation of allocation, then we build our spec list and then we look at pricing... it's a little bit early."

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SPY PICS: Next S-class sheds bulge

Mercedes-Benz tones down next S-class limousine as Paris world debut approaches
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Mercedes-Benz is preparing to unveil a significantly toned-down S-Class, as these exclusive spy shots of the eighth-generation German limousine show.

Snapped by motoring.com.au’s intrepid Editor in Chief on a Stuttgart freeway over the weekend, the redesigned S-class will shed the current model’s controversially promiscuous rear wheel-arch bulges in favour of a far more conservative look, which should be officially revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale here late next year.

The move to broaden the big Benz’s appeal is natural, given the next S-class will become Daimler’s flagship model in the absence of uber-luxury brand Maybach, which will cease to exist beyond 2013 following slow sales.

While its direct rivals in BMW-owned Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen’s Bentley brand are going gangbusters, Maybach attracted just 13 buyers during its decade or so on sale in Australia, where it has not sold a car since 2009.

About 3000 Maybach vehicles have been sold globally, but the W220 S-Class-based Maybach 57 and 62 models will be discontinued once the current order bank is exhausted next year.

Meantime, sales of the existing S-Class - a facelifted version of which went on sale here in February 2011 - were down by more than 30 per cent to April this year, but the biggest Mercedes remains the nation’s most popular upper large car priced over $100,000, with 36 sales and a 31.3 per cent share of the segment.

So far this year Porsche’s Panamera is just three sales behind the S-class at 33, followed by Audi’s A8 (31), Bentley and Jaguar XJ (both on 20) an BMW’s 7 Series, which has found just 15 Australian buyers so far this year, while the Lexus LS has racked up eight sales and Rolls-Royce six.

To help lift sales and fill the void vacated by Maybach, the next S-class is expected to grow in size and luxury.

As we reported in November, when the axing of Maybach became official, the new S-Class will be more generously specified and available in up to six model variants, including a new super-luxury model to cater for extra well-heeled buyers.

To give the W222 S-Class, which will also spawn an all-new S-Class Coupe to replace the current CL coupe, its best chance of success in the absence of Maybach, Benz will also ramp up the sales and service experience for customers.

Commensurate with its position at the top of the Mercedes-Benz sedan range, the 2013 model will debut a new line-up of petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains, as well as a host of new safety and driver-aid technologies to be revealed later this year.

They include the ‘@yourCOMAND’ telematics system, which employs blackbox-style technology that allows Mercedes to detect and potentially rectify any mechanical problems in real-time via the internet.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…

Ford Focus ST symposer is music to the ears

They share the engine, but the Focus ST will sound meaner than the Falcon Ecoboost
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The Ford Focus ST will make a lot of noise when it arrives in Australia during the third quarter of 2012, boasting a high-tech version of the 'sound symposer' that was used on its predecessor, the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo.

Powered by the same engine as the Ford Falcon EcoBoost, a 179kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled petrol unit, the European-designed Focus ST will emit a more aggressive sound than its Australian relative thanks to a special ingredient, a sound tube that amplifies the air induction noise.

Used on the Ford Mustang in the past, the special sound tube contains a paddle that vibrates with the intake of air and is attached directly to the intake manifold. The difference with this latest iteration is that it's electronically controlled, so the sound can be increased when driven hard, and reduced when cruising.

The system makes use of an electronically controlled valve that activates based on driver input, such as throttle input, engine speed and gear selection. In lower gears the valve has aggressive mapping, emitting more roar in first and second gears, but relaxing in fifth and sixth, says Christopher Myers, Air Induction System engineer at Ford.

"The turbo gives us great power across the rev range, but it presents a special challenge from a sound perspective as it absorbs much of the beautiful engine music. The symposer helps us bring the throaty sounds that drivers love," he said.

The same throaty sound is not present in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost however, as it's deemed more a premium, refined offering and is not targeted at enthusiasts.

Performance for the upcoming German-sourced hot hatch is claimed to be a brisk 6.5 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, but we reckon that might be on the conservative side, as our own independent testing showed an average 6.9 second run in the Falcon EcoBoost (and even a 6.5 second run with a tail wind).

Power for the European Focus ST models has been bumped up from 166 to 180kW and torque rises from 320Nm to 360Nm, though the Falcon EcoBoost's 2.0-litre turbo engine has been detuned slightly to output 179kW/353Nm, and the same tune is likely for the go-fast Focus.

Pricing for the new Focus has not been released, but is expected to be slightly higher than the XR5 Turbo's $36,990.

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Audi to bolster A8 resales

New 'Guaranteed future value' program will safeguard A8 owners from plummeting values
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It wasn't as exciting as the R8 Spyder in white, but Audi's 'Guaranteed Future Value' program will be heartily welcomed by those who lust after the new A8 and have been scared off by the depreciation from new.

Audi MD Uwe Hagen officially announced the new program -- effectively a contract with the new-car buyer to buy back the car games at trade-in time for an agreed value. This is a tactic to uphold the car's resale values in a market sector that can be highly vulnerable to declining resale prices, due to low new-car prices in the first instance. It's the price discounting of the new car used to encourage buyers to purchase the car in the first place that exacerbates the slide in the car's retained value when it comes time to on-sell it to another owner.

"Our general opinion is we are able to handle new cars and we are able to handle used cars," explained Hagen. "So we are convinced that the car will stay in this process; we are able to achieve the best price -- so by knowing this... I have an idea what a car, after three years, should have as a value. We secure this value so that there's no risk with the customer. When the customer's going to buy this car, he knows exactly, when he is giving the car back to us that there's not one point he is at risk..."

Accident damage is the only issue that might void the agreement between the vehicle's user and Audi.

"Handling those cars as used cars is a challenge," Hagen continued. "You can't do it everywhere, so we will do it at centralised [dealerships]."

That prompted the Carsales Network to question whether the program was a loss-making exercise for Audi, just to bolster brand image through massaging resale values.

"No, not when you do the whole business in the right way," Hagen insisted.

"You have to address the customers and give the second owner the feeling that the value of the car is good, so that he's prepared to pay his amount of money..."

Conversely then, does this argue against the reportedly common practice of discounting the guts out of high-end luxury sedans sold by German prestige marques?

"If you do this [discount new-car pricing], yeah... then you have a problem."

So will Audi commit to selling the new A8 without discounting the price?

"We [won't] do some business," Hagen answered. "We keep this price stable and we try to convince everyone that we are giving more than just a car and a price."


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MOTORSPORT: BMW back to its touring car roots

BMW is set to take on Mercedes-Benz and Audi in touring car racing from 2012, and Germany's DTM category is to expand into the US -- but no sign that V8 Supercars in Oz are on the agenda
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Munich manufacturer says production racing 'ideal stage'
BMW is to return to the world's premier touring car series, the DTM -- the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, a category run predominantly in Germany but expanding -- now to America.

The DTM comeback is the cornerstone of BMW's strategy to compete in motorsport that has the most relevance to the development of road cars, rather than the much more costly Formula One -- which it quit last year -- or Le Mans-style sportscars.

One of the lures for the manufacturer to re-enter the DTM is that the category, already in six countries, will be "exported" to the US in 2013.

Just how that will work is still vague, but the DTM organisers have forged an alliance with Grand-Am, the road racing arm of NASCAR.

The organisers of Japan's Super GP series also have been in talks with the DTM about unified regulations.

On the Australian front, a BMW spokesman today confirmed the company recently had talks with V8 Supercar's Car of the Future project leader Mark Skaife.

That project is intended to open up Australia's national championship beyond Holden and Ford, although V8 engine eligibility rules for manufacturers that would not run pushrod motors, due by the end of June, still have not been announced.

The local BMW spokesman indicated that, while the talks with Skaife had been cordial, the company would only be interested in competing in Australia under DTM-type regulations.

It would not entertain campaigning cars peculiar to an Australian championship, he said.

It's not clear yet what BMW's new DTM love affair will mean for its 2-litre 320si's in the World Touring Car Championship, in which it finished third in a three-manufacturer contest this year -- behind Chevrolet and SEAT.

A BMW 635 CSi driven by Volker Strycek won the first DTM title in 1984 and Belgian Eric van de Poele and Italian Roberto Ravaglia followed up with titles in M3s in 1987 and '89.

The M3 will be BMW's racing missile again in its return to the high-tech DTM.

The comeback, flagged in April but only confirmed now after 16 years out of the DTM, will see BMW will go head-to-head with German rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

"The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities," said Dr Klaus Draeger, the BMW AG board member with responsibility for development. "With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots.

"The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this."

BMW's long-time motorsport director Dr Mario Theissen has vowed "absolute commitment" to the company's DTM project.

Cars in the series have 4-litre V8 engines housed in purpose-built chassis cloaked under silhouette coupe bodies.

Audi, which dominated the DTM in 2008 and '09, has said that BMW "suits the DTM perfectly".

"With four DTM titles since 2004, Audi is the most successful manufacturer in recent history (of the series) and the first manufacturer to win three titles in a row, (but) with BMW's commitment it will be even tougher from 2012," Audi motorsport head Dr Wolfgang Ullrich said.

Norbert Haug, of Mercedes-Benz, which is leading this year's DTM, called BMW's move "a good decision that confirms how important it was and how right we were to continuously commit to the DTM for more than 20 years -- longer than any other manufacturer".

"We are looking forward to the new and respected competitor from Munich," Haug said.

Although it will be 18 months before BMW's re-entry, next year's DTM calendar already has, apart from six championship rounds in Germany and a demonstration event at the Munich Olympic Stadium, races in Austria, Holland, Britain, Spain and Shanghai in China -- where V8 Supercars went once, in 2005.

But it was the long-term, further "internationalisation of the championship" that BMW's Dr Draeger said appealed to the company.

Grand-Am in the US plans to run a new championship from 2013 in which cars complying with the 2012 DTM regulations will be eligible to race.

"Sprint races are planned as part of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, as well as -- in certain cases -- the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the NASCAR Nationwide Series," BMW said.

Grand-Am president Tom Bledsoe said "the addition of a DTM-style sprint race will increase the attraction for our fans and help grow all Grand-Am series".

The mooted Sprint Cup/Nationwide Series connection surely would only be on road courses, as DTM cars would have to be specially-adapted for America's oval tracks.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site

Hino Hybrid goes back to school

DECA training helps Hino promote the hyrbid message to green-savvy fleet operators

Trucks probably aren't the first vehicles to spring to mind when we talk about hybrids. But with Hino's Hybrid 300 diesel-electric truck proving a strong seller since its introduction in 2007, the technology is proving itself in fleet life, along with a little help from DECA training.

Operators have praised the hybrid truck's cost-saving virtues, but winning over new customers has been quite an ask, especially considering the $10,000-plus premium the environmentally savvy lugger attracts over its conventionally-powered sibling.

With those thoughts in mind, Hino set about educating prospective buyers on the longer-term cost benefits of hybrid trucking with specialist training sessions it developed in conjunction with Driver Education Centres of Australia (DECA). The course outlined how to maximise cost and emission reduction benefits from the truck, and also aided Hino dealership and sales staff on how to best promote the vehicle's advantages to new and potential customers.

"By training our own sales people, Hino Hybrid owners and drivers, we have set out to develop knowledgeable advocates for the Hino Hybrid truck throughout Australia," explained Hino Australia’s marketing manager, Paul Tuffy.

The unique programme was so successful Hino again used DECA to help launch its new 714 six-speed automatic version of the Hino Hybrid recently. DECA developed a driver training program to help drivers maximise the truck's fuel efficiency. The course is offered to drivers of every new Hino Hybrid sold.

"The Hino Hybrid is a very impressive truck and when driven correctly can produce significant fuel savings and lower emissions," said DECA's curriculum developer, Maurie Baker.

"The training concentrates specifically on acceleration and gear changing to obtain peak efficiency and maximum assistance of the electric motor.

"Braking techniques and correct deceleration are also important to maximise recharging of the battery. lt takes a little training and time to get used to the truck, but the potential savings are worth the effort. ln stop-start traffic this truck really comes into its own."

One participant in DECA's training was one of Australia's largest trucking fleet operators TNT Express, the company now boasting a fleet of 30 Hino Hybrid trucks. The company said training was vital as it planned a move towards hybrid trucking.

"We are also committed to ensuring all our drivers are equipped with the most up-to-date and effective training available. The recent delivery of ten new Hino Hybrids was the perfect opportunity to provide a targeted training program to all of our Hybrid truck drivers and this has been provided by DECA," said TNT's national training manager, Paul Walsh.

"lt has provided our drivers with the skills, knowledge and techniques to maximise the potential environmental and economical benefits that these vehicles are capable of delivering."

DECA has 36 years of experience in driver training and is based in modern, purpose-designed facilities throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Bentley eight for Audi Seven

Audi is looking to power up its hyper hatch
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It might have launched its new A7 with just six-cylinder engines, but Audi will turn to high horsepower to give its S7 enough muscle to mix it with the E63 and the M5.

In a move that could spell the end of Audi's 4.2-litre V8 motor, sources insist the hotter version of the big five-door will use the turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 slated for a cheaper version of the new Bentley Continental GT. That means the new Audi could go on sale before the Bentley itself, as the British-built luxury coupe won't offer the V8 turbo before late 2011.

The jointly-developed V8 will have direct fuel injection and produces around 40 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than the current twin-turbo W12 Bentley engine.

It also means the S7 will use the eight-speed automatic transmission developed specifically to sit behind the new, all-alloy V8.

While power and torque figures are yet to be disclosed, expect around 370kW and something close to 650Nm of torque, which would push the S7 to 100km in well under five seconds. Even the current A7 3.0-litre TFSI does the sprint in 5.6 seconds.

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SEMA debut for Gogogear Racing Genesis Coupe

Race-prepped Hyundai set to compete in 2011 US Touring Car Championships
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Hyundai's Genesis Coupe has made quite a splash in the US -- it may even eventually make it to our shores -- and visitors to the upcoming SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas will be able to cop an eyeful of a purposeful race-prepped version.

The black-yellow-and-silver coupe pictured here was prepared by aftermarket tuner Gogogear Racing with an emphasis on "racing reliability and high-end performance capabilities".

"The Genesis Coupe is designed to convey that Hyundai can not only match the best from Asia, Europe and America, but beat them," said Gogogear Racing boss Ali Arsham.

Gogogear Racing plans to showcase the performance capabilities of its modified Genesis Coupe car in the US Touring Car Championships in 2011, which is sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association. The car also has the potential to run at selected events including Time Attack and endurance races.

"With its potent V6 engine and rear-drive chassis, the Genesis Coupe has the ability to beat the current top guns that feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive. It has ample power, terrific handling, and great reliability that become even more potent with the modifications we've planned," said Arsham.

The Gogogear boffins have uprated the Hyundai's engine, chassis, wheel/tyre and braking package to match its intended job description. The 3.8-litre V6 gains an AEM air intake, Magnaflow exhaust system and ARK Performance headers, and these tweaks have yielded outputs of 246kW and 380Nm.

A Moroso accumulator is complemented by Earl's fittings, lines and an oil-cooler to provide adequate engine lubrication under the expected 1.4 Gs of cornering loads. It also scores 'Ground Control' suspension tuning with ARK Performance shocks, springs, coil-overs and QA1 bearings.

The Genesis rides on Konig lightweight wheels shod with BF Goodrich R1 street-legal race tyres, while stopping power comes from StopTech brakes and Hawk racing pads. A lightweight racing clutch is said to facilitate quick shifts through the stock close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The aero package includes an APR rear wing and an ARK Performance body kit, while the car's centre of gravity is lowered by replacing the original steel roof with a carbonfibre panel.

The stripped-out interior features Sparco race seats and seat belts, custom Metric Motorsports roll cage, a SPA Techniques fire suppression system and two-way radio, so the Gogogear Genesis is effectively a turnkey racecar.

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AIMS: Your verdict on Sydney

Yes, it's missing a bit, especially from the top-shelf and the future. But punters say AIMS is still worth a visit for the breadth of makers putting interesting fare on their stands

Motor shows gain most of their profile for the opportunity they give visitors to gasp and drool over cars they may never even see on the road, let alone drive or buy.

Despite such notable absences as BMW, Bentley and Ferrari, this year's Sydney show appeared to fulfil that function more than satisfactorily for many a visitor.

For the blokes, the most obvious and consistent attraction in the show was Benz's striking batmobile, the matt finished 'Night Black' SLS 'Gullwing'. At no point during our evening there was it left alone.

Interestingly, the Nissan stand appeared to hold much attraction for the ladies; the all-electric LEAF drawing a steady stream of young women with cameras while the yet-to-be released Patrol, not due here till 2012, drew loads of attention for an interior one would more expect to find under the company's upmarket Infiniti badge than its own.

"It's very, very nice," said retiree John, down for the show from the Central Coast.

His daughter Robyn, in her thirties, said she was more interested in the usual-suspect small convertibles and sporties with which the show is littered.

On that front, BMW's absence wasn't lost on her demographic, several well-dressed, well-coiffed thirtysomethings passing comment.

"I'm disappointed, too, that Audi haven't put up a TT," said Monica, a smart-conservatively dressed professional in her thirties from Five Dock. "It's part of the reason I came."

Monica's friend Bruno, from Mosman, was surprised at the spread of interesting fare on show from makers he would normally ignore.

"Most years I come here there's a lot I just walk past," he told Carsales Network. "They just don't grab my eye.

"But this year, they've virtually all got something that's worth a look. Peugeot, for instance -- that's not a make I normally take notice of, but that new coupe (the RC-Z) -- that's a stunning car."

Sue and David, a couple in their forties from North Strathfield, are here purely for the fantasy factor.

We caught up with them nearby the Jaguar XF V8, which they declared beautiful. Sue was taken by the Nissan Patrol, too, declaring it "amazing inside".

But motor shows serve more practical purposes, too. They're a great place for prospective buyers to compare competing models side by side and start, especially in eliminating the definite starters and no-goers.

Twentysomething Sam from Roselands was there to meet up with a few mates and cast his eye over the collection of utes.

"I've heard a bit about the Amarok, the BT-50, the Ranger T6 -- a lot around this year in pickups, isn't there?"

But he's also here to scope out SUVs with eye to buying in the near future. "I want to look over the Tiguan, the CX-7 and the facelifted Kluger. And to look over the specs -- I'm a bit worried about the thirst in the CX-7, so I can check that kind of thing out against the others. It's a good place to see them all up close."

By the time Carsales Network encountered Jan, a middle-aged woman from Melbourne's Mulgrave, she and her family had been there for nine hours. They came to Sydney especially for the show?

"Yeah, it's a long way to come, but we never miss a show, and it's pretty easy to fly here now."

They've used past motor shows for practical comparative purposes: "When you're thinking of buying it's a good way to compare without running round all over town from one dealership to the next," said husband Bruce.

But the couple and twentysomething daughter Sheri have all bought new cars in the last couple of years, so while it's useful to stay across the models they might look at later, this time round it's really just for pleasure, she added.

Disappointments? It hasn't escaped public notice just how out of kilter the local show is with overseas counterparts. We found Jennifer, a well dressed woman in her twenties, photographing the black SLS AMG and the pearlescent orange designo C 63 next to it.

"They look fantastic don't they? But I mean, if you go to Paris or Frankfurt everyone's showing their electrics and hybrids off -- that's obviously where the future lies, even if normal [petrol and diesel] engines are going to be around for a long time. There's virtually none of that here.

"The Hyundai [Blue Will]'s amazing looking; so's the CR-Z -- I'd love to take the CR-Z for a spin. Other than that, it's, like, the Mitsubishi [i-MiEV] and the Nissan [LEAF]. That's it."

We found EV enthusiast Michael from Hornsby looking over the Honda Insight. He agreed with Jennifer on where the local show stands in contrast with the bigger international shows.

"I knew that'd be the case -- I just came to see the I-MiEV and the LEAF."

He turned to the Insight: "We've had one of these at work for a while now," he said, explaining the NGO he works for is taking part in Honda's local trial.

"I can tell you it's a nice car, drives well. The battery died at 7000km, so Honda had to fly a new one in, which took a couple of weeks. But that's part of the trialling process, isn't it -- they took the old pack away for research."

For the uninitiated, the car takes a little getting used to, he says. "You know -- it feels a bit odd at first when you take your foot off and it goes into regen. And when the engine stops at the lights. But that starts to feel normal after a while -- once you learn you can rely on it to start when put your foot down, it's fine."

While his private fleet is restricted to stock petrol Mazdas, he's a member of a local electric car club, for which he's procured a Charge Pass card, granting access to trial parking spaces with charge.

And when does he plan to join the revolution? "Not sure at the moment. But I'm keeping an eye on how it's going. Not that I'm coming away from here with much I didn't already know."

Over on the Subaru stand are Alison, a woman in her early thirties with her husband Gaius and their three sub-school age children. Asked if she's contemplating the Forester she's inspecting she says no, they're looking at something bigger.

Just back from living overseas, they're looking for something more family friendly to park next to Gaius's WRX STI.

"A seven-seater, I think," says Alison. "I came over to look over the Tribeca, actually." They've also been looking at a Mercedes R Class and a couple of Land Rovers.

One of which wasn't the Evoque -- only because it's not big enough. Range Rover's super stylish new baby was attracting plenty of attention nonetheless.

"It's gorgeous, isn't it?" said Rowena, taking in the show with boyfriend Mark on the way home to Annandale from work in the city.

"Around 60K for a Range Rover. That's amazing, although I wonder if it goes like a Range Rover off road."

Turning round, we spy Monica and Bruno checking out a Range Rover Sport. Having looked over the Evoque, Bruno's impressed by what it foretells on a broader scale. "Looking at the some brands, like Land Rover, the value -- what you get for your money -- just seems to get better by the year.

Not necessarily the big German names -- they get more expensive." The action seems to be among the up-and-comers, he says.

"The competition's hot. Companies like Land Rover and Peugeot... they just give you so much more for your money than they used to. The fit and finish in the Evoque are outstanding for a $60K car."

The same goes for the RC-Z for around the same kind of money. "Small engine, but it's a beautiful car and great buying, I suspect.

Some cars, it turned out, went some way towards straddling the fence between fantasy and commuter reality.

Renault's spanking new (here, anyway) Megane RS 250 Trophee, upcoming replacement for the highly regarded 225 Cup, was perhaps the only other car to draw the same levels of attention as the black SLS. And at around $50K, it's about a twelfth of the price. Without the polarising bustle-back of its predecessor, we were hard pressed finding someone who didn't find it easy on the eye.

"It's pretty imposing -- much lower than my 225 Cup," Andre, a bloke big enough, you'd think, not to be interested. But no, he said, he fits in it fine.

"Yep, I'd say you'll see me in one next year some time."

Renault spokeswoman Sally Morris said the show is proving well worth the spend for the French maker.

"We have so much that's new -- the 250, the Fluence, the Latitude. We have more new models here than established ones. The timing of the show's terrific for us.

And yes, the 250 has even attracted a handful of money-down orders.

Nice to see it's working for some.

Let us know your thoughts of this year's Australian International Motor Show: editor@carpoint.com.au

Chrysler on track to operating profits

For the Fiat-owned Chrysler Group, the only way is up
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Third quarter results for Chrysler Group LLC show promise of a return to an operating profit for the full year -- ahead of targets set by management and a significant continued increase in performances during the first part of the year.

Current indications are the company, under the guidance of CEO and former Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne, will rake up an operating profit of US$0.7 billion for the full 2010 calendar year, a jump from the US$0 billion to US-$0.2 billion guidance figure issued earlier.

The third quarter result gave Chrysler a US$239 million operating profit for the period, helping lower the US$172 million net loss in the second quarter to a net loss of US$84 million.

Net revenues for the third quarter were US$11 billion, up 5.2 per cent from second-quarter revenues.

A positive cash flow of US$419 million helped strengthen the company’s cash position at the end of September to US$8.3 billion.

According to Marchionne "A year ago, Chrysler Group laid out clear and concise five year financial goals and after three consecutive quarters of better than forecasted results, we are not only living up to our commitments but we are also exceeding our 2010 financial objectives."

Marchionne said the turnaround is product-driven. He says that over a period of 16 months, Chrysler will be launching 16 new or updated models. These will be led by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and will include the return to the US and Canada of the Fiat brand, in the shape of the new 500 model.

Beleaguered Chrysler's bonding with the Italian company Fiat was agreed in June 2009 and got properly under way in July when a new board, with Marchionne as CEO, was formed.

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New Korando

New compact SUV coming to Oz in early 2011 promises a new direction for Ssangyong, with a fresh new style and a powerful four-cylinder turbodiesel
discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Ssangyong Looking to increase its presence in the compact SUV market, Korean car maker Ssangyong has taken the wraps off its new Korando C in the UK.

Showing off a new style courtesy of Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Korando C will be launched in Australia in January 2011, at which time specification and pricing details will be announced.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine outputting very competitive power figures (129kW/360Nm), the new compact crossover will rival compact SUVs such as the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage.

Ssangyong claims the vehicle will deliver fuel economy of "around"  6.0L/100km, while outputting 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

The Ssangyong Kurando C will be packed with the usual safety features, including stability control (ESP), active roll over protection, ABS, six airbags and hill start control.

The car maker is confident the new vehicle will mark a turning point for the company, with Ssangyong Australia's general manager, Jeff Barber, saying the Korando C signals a new direction for Ssangyong.

"From a styling and quality perspective Korando C will redefine the way people view Ssangyong as a brand and will attract buyers who may not have considered the brand before," said Jeff Barber.

"Korando C will be the turning point for Ssangyong delivering mass appeal to the marque with a package that is competitive in the rapidly expanding compact SUV market," added Barber.

Though local specifications are still being finalised, the interior will feature a 486 litre boot with 60:40 split folding rear seats, making it one of the more spacious models in its class. Both cloth and leather trims will be offered, as will as a six-way power adjustable driver's seat and a folding centre armrest.

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Kia adds tech upgrade to new Sorento

Next year's model upgrade sees even more gadgets, leather dash and clever new sunroof alarm for popular mid-size SUV
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Kia's impressive Sorento medium SUV will receive a packet of technological upgrades and a stylish leather-clad instrument cluster with the 2011 Model Year upgrade.

The list of additional equipment includes steering wheel-operated Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and media streaming, and coming/leaving home headlamp illumination delay on all models across the Sorento range.

Sorento SLi and Platinum models will also receive a leather-clad instrument cluster surround as well as auto up and down mirrors and an upgraded in-mirror reversing camera display with guidance lines.

Finally, top of the range Sorento Platinum's panoramic glass sunroof is now alarmed. The system activates automatically when the car is off and the driver's door is opened.

"Kia Motors is constantly working with, and forming strategic partnerships with, technology suppliers who can make the Kia experience more enjoyable for our customers," said Kia Motors Australia COO, Tony Barlow.

"As new technology becomes available and if it passes our stringent quality controls, we make it accessible to our customers as quickly as possible."

2011 Kia Sorento pricing:

- Sorento Si 2.4 petrol 2WD $36,490 (auto only, price unchanged)
- Sorento Si 2.2 diesel 4WD $39,990 (man, price unchanged) / $41,990 (auto, price unchanged)
- Sorento SLi 2.2 diesel 4WD $46,190 (auto only, $200 price increase)
- Sorento Platinum 2.2 diesel 4WD $49,190 (auto only, $200 price increase)

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Young Aussie in world title-winning F1 car

F1 test time for local rising star

Young Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo will be at the wheel of the world championship-winning car at a big Formula One test in Abu Dhabi over the next two days.

Twenty one-year-old Ricciardo, from Perth, heads a field of 22 potential grand prix drivers from 14 countries to be tested at the Yas Marina circuit where German Sebastian Vettel won the F1 world title on Sunday night.

Ricciardo topped the last such test in Spain almost a year ago.

The winner of 24 races in Europe in the past three seasons, he is the official test driver for Red Bull Racing, which has Vettel and Australian Mark Webber contracted again next year.

That pair scored nine GP victories, 15 pole positions and finished first and third in the world championship in the RB6 car Ricciardo will drive tonight and tomorrow.

"There is pressure on me to be fastest," Ricciardo said.

"Everyone knows it’s the fastest car out there nine times out of 10."

Ricciardo will be Red Bull Racing’s sole driver at the test, while smaller sister team Toro Rosso -- the former Minardi -- will trial young Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne.

Ferrari will try four drivers -- three Europeans and a Brazilian.

The test will be the last time Bridgestone tyres will be used in F1, with Italian manufacturer Pirelli the sport’s new supplier from next season.

Ricciardo’s racing program for next year is expected to be finalised soon.

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BMW diesel sales overtake petrol

Year-to-date sales have seen the Bavarian maker's diesel lineup rise to claim 51 per cent of sales for the year so far
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BMW has become the first passenger car brand in Australia to see diesel sales overtake petrol. October year-to-date charts see diesel product taking up 51 per cent of sales.

This places BMW far ahead of the overall market for the proportion of diesel to petrol sales. VFACTS figures for the same period show oilers account for 15.4 per cent of total passenger car sales. That represents considerable growth year on year -- up from 12.7 per cent for the same proportion of 2009.

Diesel has pipped petrol in the 1 Series hatch and outsold it by a sizeable margin throughout the X1, X3 and X5 SUV models. Total sales of the best-selling 3 Series skewed nearly two to one in favour of petrol, but the biggest selling individual 3 model is the oil-powered 320d, which has claimed nearly a third of 3 Series sales -- 1268 of a total 3989 sales. It came in with the second highest registration count across the diesel lineup.

But a breakdown of sales across the company's full range reveals it's in the volume selling X models that most of the diesel action is taking place. In the big-selling X5, the skew is in the order of four to one (2037 diesel/494 petrol). The X5 30d is the most popular of the company's diesel models.

In the X1, sales have skewed well over three to one in favour of diesel (1310/364), while in the X3 it tipped 30 to one (594/19). Oddly, given the shortfall in the X3's contribution to sales overall, the X3 xDrive20d has recorded the third highest registration count outright, accounting for around 90 per cent of X3 sales with 550 units.

Asked about the noticeable lag in X3 sales behind X5 and X1, BMW spokesman Piers Scott attributes it to growth in its market segment since the model was launched eight years ago. "There was no Q5 or XC60 when we launched it. But it's been a funny one, X3: 2009 was its strongest sales year in what's been a pretty lengthy lifecycle -- very unusual given the way sales normally peak in the first couple of years."

He added that 2010 sales weren't helped by running stock dry in preparation to launch the new model before year's end. "But it's been put back a few months."

Scott says the next generation X3, just launched, will come closer to bisecting the gap between the 3 Series Touring-based X1 and hefty X5, helping avoid cannibalisation of X1 sales.

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Chrysler brand renaissance in full swing

Entire line-up to be rejuvenated or replaced by the end of next year
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Chrysler will replace every model in its US range through 2011 with either all-new or significantly improved vehicles.

Under the auspices of an all-new winged logo, the forthcoming revival will see models including the Chrysler 300 large sedan (known as the 300C locally) and Chrysler 200 mid-size (pictured) redefine each segment for the brand.

Other models to undergo a makeover include the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, Dodge Avenger sedan, Dodge Charger and Challenger coupes, Dodge Durango SUV, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey people movers and recently driven family member, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will arrive in Australia from February.

Chrysler says each of the new models will bring 'acclaimed driving dynamics and an even more befitting interior' to their respective segments when the vehicles are released to market next year.

"What the Chrysler Brand will be, and what will make it unique, is that it will give people beautiful shapes, which would otherwise be out of reach. It will always deliver a bit more than the customer expects," said Olivier Francois, Chrysler Brand President & CEO.

"At every turn, Chrysler Brand and its vehicles will deliver what people deserve, not just what they expect. It will take appointments -- design, technology, and engines, to name a few -- that were borne for a few and deliver them to the masses."

Top of that list, the Chrysler 200 medium sedan promises to deliver what Chrysler says is 'an extraordinary level of standard content, at a surprising value'. The Chrysler 200 aims to go head-to-head with market stalwarts including the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

A four-seat convertible version is also poised to follow, eventually replacing the aged Sebring.

The new Chrysler 200 sedan will feature upgrades pertaining to virtually every facet of the vehicle's design including exterior and sheetmetal upgrades, innovative and intuitive technology, thoughtful cabin decor and ergonomics plus an abundance of standard safety features.

Additionally, an all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge face and new Chrysler steering wheel bring a new elegance to the driver's seat which is also upgraded with new cushion material and upholstery choices.

Shifting from its tradition of a softly sprung ride, Chrysler is also committing to a more agile and confident handling experience with every part of the 200's suspension retuned or redesigned for 2011.

A new and improved powertrain lineup will also debut featuring a choice of two petrol engines, including the acclaimed new Pentastar V6. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the new six-cylinder mill is designed to achieve impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures (yet to be confirmed) while also producing an impressive output of 216kW and 353Nm. The 2011 Chrysler 200 will also be offered with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol.

In the US, the Chrysler 200 range will be priced from $19,995 to $24,495.

Unfortunately for the local (Australian) market a right-hand drive variant will not be produced with the current Chrysler 200 series.

Chrysler Australia's Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Dean Bonthorne, told the Carsales Network that  "Chrysler is focused on its reinvention within the domestic [US] market for the time being and will work to re-establish itself completely before looking overseas."

But that doesn't mean we won't see the Chrysler 200 or other models when the situation changes, possibly with the next series update in a couple year's time.

"We'd love to offer the 200 in Australia and, along with other new models, [it] is one we will continue to monitor," concluded Bonthorne.

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