Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet and Ellure Concept Sedan heading to LA Auto Show

It’s officially official; Nissan today confirmed it will be rolling out the long-rumored convertible version of the Murano crossover named CrossCabriolet at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. And that’s not the only news coming from Nissan’s LA motorshow front as the Japanese automaker added it will also lift the covers off a new concept sedan model called the Ellure as well as the production version of the all-new 2011 Quest minivan, pictures of which have already been released.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depends on how you see it), Nissan has not yet published any photos of the new Murano CrossCabriolet, which is due to go on sale in the States in early 2011. But here’s what the Japanese maker had to say about the oddball car:

“[The] Murano CrossCabriolet, the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design.”

The Ellure sedan concept is a mystery as the only piece of information we have on the car is a statement from Nissan saying that “it is designed to bring a higher level of progressive and distinctive expression to the segment – adding passion and emotion to traditional sedan efficiency.”

You can expect to read and see more about Nissan’s LA show offerings in the coming weeks.

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Lancia Delta, Global Premiere

Delta, a historical name representing one of the peaks of Lancia’s automotive history but also a mathematical symbol which represents change, difference, evolution.

In this sense, Lancia Delta is one of the first cars in a new Lancia philosophy. A unique and original position, synthesis of two fundamental Lancia brand values, the elegance of style and the audacious innovative nature, which inspires every marketing and communication activity.

This is the first totally new vehicle in the second Lancia centenary, the Delta. Blessed with an unrivalled design faithful to the innovative calling of the brand. For the product features and international development work backing the launch predicted for the middle of 2008, Delta represents a turning point in Lancia’s history and will contribute significantly to the strategic plan.

Perfect stylistic balance for the Lancia of the future.

The first advanced “delta” is represented by the capacity to reconcile the traditional elegance of Lancia with original architectural solutions, which for the first time combine harmoniously the plucky personality of a sport vehicle with the on-board comfort of a saloon.

Designed by the Centro Stile Lancia, the new Delta brings into the future the tradition of the “great” Lancias – such as the Aprilia, Appia, Fulvia, Beta, Prisma, Dedra and the Lybra. Back in the fore-front is the medium sized saloon. Delta is 4,5 metre long, 1,8 metre wide and 1,5 metre high. Measurements, which when coupled to a wheelbase of some 2,7 metres, guarantee an extraordinary habitability for it’s segment.

The nose of Lancia Delta is aggressive and important, emphasised by the volume of the mudguards and characterized by an imposing radiator grill, brand-name symbol. A harmonious convergence of the well sculpted bonnet and the fluid lines of the wheelhouse, while the dynamic aspect of the vehicle is underlined by the broad air intake, witness to the fiery temperament of the Lancia Delta. Rendering the vehicle even more sporty and technological is a set of innovative spotlights, true high-tech engineering jewels, framed by a line of LED’s.

Sidewise, the Lancia Delta shows great dynamism, with a high beltline and trapezoidal rear pillars, a natural support for the nautically inspired “flying bridge” roof. Contributing to the smooth lines of the vehicle are both the chromed moldings – perfectly integrated in the weatherstrips emphasising the “flying bridge” – and the opaque grey chromatic contrast in the lower-part of the door sill, which recalls the roof’s two colours, in clear homage to the Lancia tradition.

The broad glazed roof surface – with a specific diverging development of the uprights towards the rear area – terminates in the spoiler, perfectly integrated with the original wraparound backlight and the modern conception which does away with the perimeter structure. And the same stylistic originality can be found in the rear, where the vertical LED headlamps, an expression of advanced technology, further enhance the elegant Lancia Delta lines.

A fascinating and innovative range, that finds a perfect balance in the interior – quiet, bright, rich in luxurious materials and harmonious colours – guaranteeing unrivalled comfort. As shown by the sound absorbing roof panel which ensures a quiet drive, while the generously dimensioned side windows provide plenty of light, together with he optional extralarge sunroof which takes up 80% of the total surface. An exclusive wide and protective space is born: like the interior of a Lancia car should be. Fully in line with the Lancia tradition, the front area is characterized by soft surfaces and linings in high-quality material. From leather to Alcantara – and a “important” dashboard made with Benova®, an innovative material and noble polyurethane base product which features the same tactile and visual sensations as real leather (the product is registered by Benecke-Kaliko and has up to now been used in top of the line vehicles, such as the Maserati).

Furthermore, the central console is particularly attractive, as the “ideal technological plate” seems to “fluctuate” upon the surface below. This ideal overlapping is further emphasised by the original white lighting which spills out of the console and illuminates the buttons of the original three-dimensional form. In addition, all driving controls – console, driving-wheel, climate controls and the “infotainment” application – have been given the same chromatic treatment and are made of the same materials, with a metallic and technological effect which enhances the entire dashboard, to underline their important function.

The unmistakable Lancia class can be seen in the chromed detail on the controls: from the climate control and radio dials, to the door handles and console controls. At the same time, the steering-wheel of the new Delta recalls, in a contemporary key, the historical “four spoke”, and the same applies to the elegant gearshift knob.

Comfort and pleasant well-being also for those who recline on the rear seats. Not only because they are real armchairs which provide excellent comfort, but also due to the rear habitability of the new Lancia Delta (which has a wheelbase of over 2,7 metres) being among the best in the range. The interior becomes a living room, thanks to the sliding rear seat with adjustable back, which further increases the capacity of the already spacious boot. By tilting or backing the seat, total relaxation is on hand, full extention becoming available as on business class seats of intercontinental flights.

Innovative technology for maximum on board comfort

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Pagani Roadster F


he journalists at Autocar are absolutely lucky, abnormally if your job involves active supercars like the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster which we accept to say that it artlessly looks amazing with the top off.

The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster analysis video was attempt in Italy area Jamie Corstorphine has taken the 678 HP supercar for a drive on accessible roads.

The AMG sourced V12 assemblage powering the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster enables 0 to 60 mph sprints done in 3.4 abnormal while top acceleration is about about 217 mph.

Only 5 exemplars Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster will be built, with a amount tag of 1.3 actor Euros for each, afore tax.

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Jaguar XJ

The move started with designer Ian Callum’s arrival from Aston Martin, followed by the current, punchy XK sports car, which made you wonder why banker boys shelled out extra for Aston’s V8 Vantage.

Then we had the exciting XF saloon, with its pulsating red starter button, futuristic silver cylindrical gear selector that rose out of the centre console, funky iPod connectivity, cool blue interior lighting and more aggression on the road than any equivalent mustered by Audi or Mercedes.

And now we have the new XJ, being built at Castle Bromwich, purring on the start line like Jaguars of old, but with more svelte poise and attitude than anything that has carried the badge before it. The German Big Three might as well retreat across the Channel because there’s never been a better reason to buy British.

The residuals experts agree – EurotaxGlass’s predicts that after three years of ownership, the new XJ will have a better residual value than an Audi A8, Mercedes S-class or BMW 7-series, maintaining 40 per cent of its price.

Jason King, head of market intelligence for EurotaxGlass’s, says the XJ “is sure to appeal to a wider and much younger audience, building on the fine work of the XF in helping the Jaguar brand redefine itself and appeal to a younger buyer.

We’re not surprised to see the Jaguar going head to head with the Mercedes S-class, traditionally the industry leader for these retained values. The XJ offers interiors, levels of equipment and overall quality more familiar to buyers of models offered by the other great British luxury car brands, such as Bentley and Aston Martin.”

Ah, that interior design. There’s no doubting it: while from the outside some may argue that the XJ looks simply like a stretched XF (it’s actually far sleeker and sharper, with an aggressive coupé silhouette), inside you delve into a lap of luxury which sets this saloon apart from not just the XF but also its Teutonic rivals.

It might not feel quite so spacious as the Germans, but it’s a lot more stylish and interesting. Jaguar insists “the XJ is a perfect car of choice for every chairman and chief executive in British boardrooms”.

Please. This car is far too elegant for businessmen; let them browse their stocks in the back of a 7-series or A8. The XJ deserves an appreciative audience, a passenger who will stroke the glossy wood and cool metal fillets, and slide gracefully along the cream-leather wrapped seats.

The basic trim level, called Luxury, gives you footwell lighting, door puddle lights, American walnut veneer, soft leather-clad seats and chrome circular air vents.

Step up to Portfolio trim and walnut becomes ebony, with beautiful wood and chrome trays that fold out from the front seat backs for executive laptops and papers – there’s even a pen slot on the tray for your Montblanc.

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