Kia is also exhibiting two new ´green-performance´ concept cars at Geneva. Called ´eco_cee´d´ the concept cars are a development of the highly-acclaimed Kia pro_cee´d (first shown at the Frankfurt Show last year) and the hugely popular cee´d five-door hatchback.

With the eco_cee´d models, Kia aims to achieve even better fuel consumption, with fewer emissions – while still delivering a lively, spirited and entertaining drive. Kia Motors has already confirmed that many of the technologies featured on the eco_cee´d concept cars will be progressively transferred to the cee´d family of production models, manufactured from December 2008.

“The rapid transfer of green-performance eco_cee´d concept features into production versions of the cee´d, demonstrates Kia´s vision for the way ahead,” enthuses Mr Paul Willis, COO Kia Motors Europe. “Our new ´eco´ features also confirm Kia´s commitment to creating environmentally friendly production models – without losing sight of customer expectations for fun-to-drive cars.”

The impressive performance, fuel economy and emissions figures of the eco_cee´d cars result from numerous small but significant modifications. Fuel consumption is improved (just 3.9 litres/100km) and C02 emissions reduced – to just 104 g/km (down 17%) for pro_cee´d and 106 g/km (cee´d five-door).

Kia Motors unveiled the all-new Kia Soul – its most significant-ever model – at the 2008 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile pointing clearly at a design-led future for the brand.

The segment-busting Kia Soul defies classification and traditional appeal providing a stylish yet flexible alternative for urban motorists who want the opportunity to go against traditional trends at a time when global economic doom-mongers are urging consolidation and conservatism.

Conceived in the United States but developed in Korea and Europe under the leadership of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer the compact but capacious Kia Soul will arrive in the UK next Spring and is set to offer hard-pressed motorists with a reason to be optimistic.

Building on Kia’s traditional virtues of quality and value the Kia Soul will appeal to anyone with a more rebellious nature who is determined to stand out from the crowd but also wants to watch the domestic budget. Kia Soul has the aggressive and stylish appearance of a much larger 4×4-type vehicle but its 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engine options, developed from the units available in Kia’s cee’d family, will deliver excellent fuel economy and low running-costs.

Paul Philpott, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “Everyone knows that economic times are hard but Kia Soul is the perfect response for those who want to lift their spirits – it’s blend of innovative packaging and individuality will not come at premium prices.

“Soul will come with an excellent comfort and convenience equipment list plus the opportunity for personalisation in a variety of ways – but I am determined it’s list price will be realistic at a time when every household budget is looking to cut back on frivolities and fantasy.

“And Soul shows clearly the way we intend to move forward – with outstanding design and eye-catching appeal coupled with excellent quality and reliability. This car really does mark the start of a new chapter in Kia’s remarkable story,” he added.

Kia Soul customers in Europe will be offered a choice of 126 ps diesel or 126 ps petrol engines, based closely on the 1.6-litre units produced for the successful Kia cee’d model made in Slovakia.

Kia Soul acceleration times to 62mph range from 10.4 to 11.3 seconds and fuel consumption spreads over a 5.1 to 6.6 litres/100 km span, while CO2 figures vary between 137 and 159 g/km for European models.

Kia Soul cars supplied to the majority of countries in Western Europe and all of North America will be fitted with six airbags, four disc brakes and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard.

Every Kia Soul in Europe will be equipped with a factory-fit RDS radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, plus six audio speakers, a 112 watts output, innovative PowerBass technology and a roof-top antenna. An upgraded sound system – complete with ‘Sound Sensitive Mood Lighting’, a 315 watts output, a large dash-top centre speaker, external amplifier and a sub-woofer in the trunk for a total of eight speakers – can be specified.

The new Vantage GT4 builds on the success of its predecessor, the 4.3 litre Vantage N24. The car is an evolution of the N24 with the larger capacity engine being more responsive with increased torque throughout the rev range. The suspension has also been retuned to enhance the handling, including modified front uprights to give increased camber. The 2009 Vantage GT4 also has larger front brake discs with revised cooling.

The Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 regulations and is eligible to compete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

The Vantage GT4 comes with either a manual transmission or sportshift transmission. It is priced from £96,645 and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.

The GT4 is based on the latest 4.7 litre V8 Vantage and is hand built by Aston Martin Racing.

The 4.7 litre eight cylinder engine has an engine management system recalibrated for race use. It also has a free flow exhaust system and air filters, and the standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained, helping to prevent oil surge during cornering.

The Vantage GT4 can be supplied with either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

At 1,330 kg the Vantage GT4 is 300 kg lighter than the standard car. This has been achieved through a range of weight reduction measures. The interior trim is removed with the exception of the facia moulding, which is re-trimmed in Alcantara, and the console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings.

The chassis has been fitted with a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage GT4’s safety features are completed with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

The V8 Vantage road car’s suspension has required only minor adjustments for optimal track performance. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor. Cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard fit with high performance Yokohama A048-R tyres. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads.

As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage underframe, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage GT4, including: dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions.

The M430 is the striking new 2009 demo car for Marangoni Car Tyre, the division of the Marangoni Group that manufactures and markets car tyres, all strictly “made in Italy”. It will be exhibited for the first time in the world at the upcoming Essen Motor Show, to be held in Germany from 27 November to 7 December 2008, in hall 5, stand 128, hosted by Oxigin Wheels.

Following the success of the 2008 Marangoni TRC Fiat 500, another Italian show car will be used to confirm Marangoni’s ongoing tuning interests.

Once again Marangoni are the first to exhibit a uniquely designed and tuned example of a newly released Italian car. The project has been completed in a seemingly impossibly timeframe, coming soon after the Italian release of the Alfa Mito on 12 September.

Starting from a 1.4 litre turbo petrol model, the M430 is a complete reworking of the car, with considerable changes to the bodywork, engine, interior, braking system and trim. The tuning project was again handled by the Florence-based TRC Italia, and for this truly sporting interpretation, Marangoni decided to develop a limited series of its ultra high performance Mythos tyres, using a special red compound, in perfect symbiosis with the new look of the vehicle.

Throughout 2008 and 2009 the M430 will be on display at many leading European tuning shows, with a schedule of more than 10 events.

Body and design

It’s not hard to guess the origin of the M430 design, as the name itself explains its source of inspiration.

The front bumper has two wide air grills, designed to direct air flow to the uprated braking system. On the sides are wide vents that highlight the extremely sporting design of the vehicle. At the rear, the original bumper has been removed and replaced with a stunning new carbon fibre diffuser made by MB, featuring evident air extractors, again in 430 style.Carbon fibre was also used to make the rings around the lights and the spoiler on the rear window. Racy skirting completes the vehicle’s body kit, perfectly unifying the two axles. In addition, special LSD hinges have been adopted, with added modifications, meaning the doors now open wing-style, just like on the most prestigious supercars.

Power kit

The extensively tuned engine now delivers 220 HP, a good 65 HP more than the original version, with powerful delivery even at low revs. The power kit designed by Mariani also includes a new bearing-mounted rotary turbine, downpipe complete with metal catalyst, rear stainless steel exhaust with four pipes, and air filtering with special carbon air box.

Interior

The new look of the interior stands out immediately. The seats, roof lining, carpets and uprights have been covered with special open-work fabrics, enhanced by Luna supercar with a tricolore motif that accentuates the Italianness of the design. The gear knob, pedals, footrest and handbrake lever have been made by Isotta with Swarovski stone inserts to create a “regal” yet at the same time sporty feel.

Other features

The M430 has been lowered by around 4 cm using KW threaded strut housings that allow height adjustment. The already powerful standard braking system has been replaced with innovative Tarox B33 10-pot calipers and composite 330×26 diameter brake discs, for absolute yet controllable braking power.

Wheels

The spectacular red Marangoni Mythos tyres, in the 225/35R18 Y size, developed by adding special coloured pigments to the compound, are fitted on Oxigin Crystal black 8×18 wheels. The result is a captivating red-black combination that makes the already stunning M430 look even sportier.

When the Passat CC was launched in early 2008, it was the first four-door coupé from Volkswagen to go into production. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh new accents beyond the mainstream. In a motor show premiere, Volkswagen is now presenting a new exclusive version: the Passat CC Individual. After the Eos, Passat and Touareg, this is the fourth model under the “Individual” label to go into production. Exterior characteristics: new wheel designs and color worlds. Inner strengths: the finest materials and color tones are coordinated with the exterior paint. And on the new Passat CC Individual it looks like this:

Individualized exterior

The four-door coupé leaves the factory on newly designed 18-inch “Chicago black” type alloy wheels as standard equipment. After its market launch, another 19-inch variant will also be available as an option. As an exclusive in this car class, the Passat CC Individual will be available in the pearl effect car color “Moonlight Blue”. Another identifying exterior feature: the modest Individual logos on the front fenders.

Individualized interior

Inside, the new Passat CC Individual features standard two-tone leather covers for the 6-way power comfort seats (with memory
function). The seat surfaces are designed in a high-end soft leather called “cool leather” (“Nougat” color) with climate seat perforations; this material reflects sun rays very well and so it stays pleasantly cool.

A visually complementary black nappa leather is used for the outer seat surfaces, joined by Nougat color seams. The front center armrest and the primary areas of the door inserts are treated in leather look with “Nougat” color. These colors are also found on the leather steering wheel and gearshift lever: here the black leather elements are sewn with Nougat colored seams. The black fabric floor mats are upgraded with Nougat colored piping as well. Accents in the CC instruments and doors are treated with high-gloss black piano paint.

Also standard on the Passat CC Individual: ambiance lighting in the door and footwell areas as well as an extended chrome package. This package includes special chrome bezels on the inside door handles, chrome caps on window lift and central locking switches, as well as chrome around the mirror adjuster. The door tread plates also sport the “Volkswagen Individual” signature, front and rear; the front signatures are elegantly illuminated in white light. The Passat CC Individual can be ordered starting in early 2009 – the countdown has begun.

Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world’s most exclusive luxury cars.

Large folding roof for passengers in the rear

In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

White paintwork and wheels

This impression is accentuated by the shining white paintwork of the study, an exclusive finish named antigua white. Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch wheels specially designed for the Landaulet study. These are also painted in white with high-sheen spokes, and are accompanied by white indicators in the front and rear light clusters in dark red.

Black for the chauffeur, white for the passengers

In addition, the already luxurious driver’s compartment of the successful Maybach 62 S has been enhanced in a number of important respects. All the interior trim is now surfaced in black piano lacquer, and for the extensive leather appointments Maybach has used particularly exclusive, glossy stromboli black leather.

In contrast Maybach has fitted the passenger compartment almost completely in exquisite seychelleswhite leather. The footwell and roof liner of this high-end luxury landaulet are also in white – the floor is carpeted in white velour and the roof lined with white fabric. A dramatic contrast is provided by inserts and decorative trim in glossy, black piano lacquer or exclusive black granite with numerous gold inclusions.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort

Outstanding comfort is assured by the generous spaciousness of the rear, which the Landaulet study has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats also allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position which travellers normally only encounter in the first-class armchairs of modern passenger jets.

The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass.

Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communications

As in the Maybach 62 S, the rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure. This is where Maybach engineers have grouped everything relating to the entertainment and pleasure of the rear-seat passengers: a DVD-player, six CD-changer, a cooler compartment with its own electric compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses, goblets and champagne bottles safely in position.

Engine and suspension

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) endow the Landaulet with outstanding levels of ride comfort, at the same time demonstrating that even a prestigious vehicle such as this can exhibit extraordinary agility and dynamic performance.

In addition to large, internally ventilated brake discs – with twin callipers at the front – both the study and the Maybach 62 S are equipped with two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems working in tandem. Together with ESP®, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, this provides the Landaulet study with the very latest in effective, high-tech handling control systems.

Innovative technology from the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz

Like all Maybach saloons, the Landaulet also benefits from the unrivalled experience of the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz in the development and production of high-quality cars in the luxury segment. Important innovations from Mercedes-Benz, successfully developed further for the Maybach saloons, are standard equipment in every Maybach and are of course also on board the Landaulet study – examples include the electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control), LINGUATRONIC voice control and the control and display system COMAND APS.