New car models

Opel proclaimed prices for Astra Twin-Top coupe-Cabriole. Basic package named �Edition� appointed at 23 650 euros, while �Cosmo� top package with 2.0 supercharged 200 h/p engine will take one 29 245 euros. The entire line-up of engines includes 4 gasoline power units (ranging from 105 � 200h/p capacity) and one turbo diesel with 150h/p. Regardless to engine modification Astra Twin Top possess such basic features as ABS, EBD, front and side airbags, air conditioner, board computer, CD audio, power and heating mirrors, adjustable steering tube, power memory seats, fog headlights and anti turnover security system. Once desires one can order for additional fee such accessories and additives as bixenon headlights, climate-control, park-tronic control, remote access and various navigational systems.

Ford Company released information that its new Mondeo generation premiere is planned for Paris Auto Show, 2006 though allowing no pictures or any other information. The most likely clue of new Mondeo may serve the concept model Iosys introduced at Frankfurt Auto Show, 2005. Taking into consideration its guise concept and potential scalable range of engines destined for it with active/passive security features forthcoming Mondeo gains all necessary advantages to become the leader in its class and remove VW Passat.

Following SL roadster models restyling Mercedes moved to apply SL class charged versions � SL 55AMG and SL65AMG though the peculiar of their upgrading concerned not so the power of models (power output of SL 55 AMG was increased from 500 to 517 h/p; SL65 AMG with V12 biturbo, 612 h/p engine was left unchanged) as braking system. SL 55AMG now is equipped with front composite carbo-ceramic braking disks assisted by 6-piston rests. Rear brakes were left as they are � steel disks. Top SL 65 AMG gained these new composite brakes both in front and rear; in addition in rear axle of SL 65 was set up self-blocking differential gear aimed at ensure SL 65 better performance. As a fact 100km/h speed jump of SL 55 AMG is 4.7 sec. and SL65 AMG has it 4.2 sec. while top speed of both models is limited at 250km/h. And the most interesting: the prices for SL55AMG and SL 65 AMG in Germany are 133 980 and 206 132 euros relatively.

Next week Chicago will be the place of another after Detroit Auto Show. This international automobile exhibition is traditionally not so scalable as Detroit or Geneva ones but still rather attracting. The list of new models going to be introduced includes array pf pick-ups like new Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Avalanche; Hyundai will show its Entourage van and Accent 3-door hatchback; Toyota will bring in Chicago its new Lexus ES330, Dodge will demonstrate its pick-ups and Mitsubishi will finally introduce by far carefully hidden Gallant Ralliart. Remarkably within Chicago Auto Show of 2005 Mitsubishi was showing the concept version of Gallant Ralliart and now the company seems to be ready and ripened to demonstrate prototype of serial variant. Chicago Auto Saloon will start on February, 8 and will last till February, 22.