Ford Motor Company Global Auto Shows

Jaguar is adding even more appeal to the XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).

Jaguar’s Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar’s specialist engineering center (which is based next to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.

An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well).

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminum-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio special edition is available to order from the end of March 2007.

At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Ford is unveiling its redesigned flagship Mondeo. On display are 2007 four and five-door models, along with the previously shown wagon version.

“The new Mondeo is particularly important to us, and it’s the most technologically advanced car we’ve ever launched,” said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe. “I am convinced that, like Ford S-MAX, the new Mondeo will not only bring new buyers to Ford showrooms but also delight our loyal customer base across Europe.”

Drawing its inspiration from the Iosis design concept (2005), the 2007 Mondeo is the latest example of Ford’s ongoing product revitalization through its kinetic design philosophy.

“We wanted to create an emotional connection with the new Mondeo that would attract people from an aesthetic point of view even before they appreciate its technology,” said Martin Smith, executive director of Design, Ford of Europe. “Our goal was to make people feel impressed when they see the car, and ultimately want to own one.”

The new “sleek and dynamic” Mondeo embodies “energy in motion” and aims to set the Mondeo apart from other cars, according to Smith.

Hakaze is the third concept vehicle expressing Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language. Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the new Hakaze design concept at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, being held through Sunday, March 18, 2007.

The Mazda Hakaze is a four-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV designed at Mazda’s European Design Centre and aimed at people in their thirties and forties who lead active, adventurous lifestyles.

Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the “Nagare” design language, joining the Mazda Nagare, and Mazda Ryuga, which were revealed earlier this motor show season. Even when standing still, Hakaze seems to be effortlessly cutting through the air.

Outside, the side body panels are textured to give the impression of sand dunes rippled by the wind and the body shape creates a muscular and taut look. The rear part of its roof is removable which gives it a feel similar to a roadster. The interior seat layout is unique, as the rear seats slide forward with their lower cushions under the front seats to produce a spacious luggage compartment.

Ford added to its stable of of Multi Purpose Vehicles (MAVs) at the Geneva International Motor Show with the all-new C-Max. It’s smaller than the S-MAX and Galaxy, giving Ford a broader MAV line-up.

“The cornerstone of our ‘MAX’ strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but to style the vehicles in a way that allows them to stand out in the crowd,” said Stephen Odell, vice president of marketing, sales and service for Ford of Europe.

“We wanted to improve the current model’s strengths even further, and looked closely at the success of S-MAX when developing the new C-MAX,” said Gunnar Herrmann, vehicle line director for medium cars, Ford of Europe. “We’re delighted with the end result.”

The 2007 C-MAX also displays kinetic design, particularly in its revamped front end with Ford’s signature trapezoidal lower grille, new upper grille, head lamps and hood. The interior design is also new and shares with the Mondeo features like ambient lighting.

A new feature for C-MAX is an optional panorama glass roof that covers almost the entire roof area, maximizing light and visibility. Darkly tinted to avoid glare, the glass roof has internal blinds that can be closed to provide shade and privacy along with “Solar Reflect” coating to minimize heat intrusion.

The C-MAX offers several gas and diesel powertrains, and a Flexifuel version, capable of running on any mix from 100 percent gasoline to 85 percent bio-ethanol fuel blend (E85). In selected markets, consumers can opt for an engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas.

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 18, 2007. Also on display at the Mazda stand will be the Mazda Hakaze design concept car and a Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan) armed with Mazda’s high-powered diesel engine.

The all-new Mazda2 is more than just a model freshening of the current Mazda2. In 2002, the Mazda6 heralded the arrival of Mazda’s new generation of vehicles, and now the Mazda2 becomes the first of these to evolve to the next level. Plans to import Mazda2 to North America continue to be considered.