Lexus to Unveil LS460 All-Wheel-Drive in Moscow

Next week’s Moscow International Auto Show (August 26th) is gathering the attention of many automakers this year. The latest firm to announce a global debut in Moscow is Lexus that will reveal a four-wheel-drive version of its LS460 Sedan. Like the LS600h, the LS460 AWD will use a permanent all-wheel drive system based around a Torsen differential that normally distributes 60 percent of the available drive torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. Other than that, the LS460 AWD gets the same 381 HP 4.6-liter V8 engine matted to an 8-speed automatic transismison as the RWD LS460. Sales of the LS460 AWD will commence worldwide this November. -Continued

New Renault Symbol – Thalia Sedan to Debut at Moscow Show

Renault has released the first official photos of the new-generation Thalia sedan that will also be called Symbol in some markets when it goes on sale later this year. The French automaker’s low-cost sedan is based on a stretched version of the Clio hatchback’s platform and it measures 4.26 metres in length and 1.43 metres in height.

While few (if any) of our readers will disagree with us when we say that the Thalia / Symbol is one ugly duckling, Renault’s press release talks about “harmonious styling which is worthy of that of a prestigious saloon” and “a new three-box car that boasts expressive lines and seductive appeal.” Apparently the author either had one too many cognacs or was looking at another car at the time he wrote the press release. -Continued

The new Thalia / Symbol will make its debut at the forthcoming Moscow Auto Show in Russia which opens its doors to the public on August 26. According to Renault, it will be sold in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey and the Maghreb (Northern Africa) countries.

VW Launches Locally-Built Tiguan SUV in Russia

Volkswagen has announced that the Tiguan SUV is available for order in Russia. Like the Passat and Jetta that are sold in Russia, the Tiguan is also produced at VW’s local plant in Kaluga. “The decision to build the Tiguan locally is an indication of the strategic importance of the Russian market for the VW,” said Frank Wittemann, Head of the VW brand in Russia. At market launch, the Tiguan will be offered with a 150 HP 1.4 TSI engine priced at 904,000 ruble ($42,900 or €27,900) and with a 170 HP 2.0 TSI unit that will be available for 1,053,550 ruble ($50,000 or €32,500).

Russian GAZ Starts Chrysler Sebring Based Siber Production

Following the production of a pilot series in spring 2008, the GAZ Group today launched the serial production of its new Volga Siber that is based on the previous-generation Dodge Stratus / Chrysler Sebring sedan. The Russian company's production facilities are capable of manufacturing up to 100,000 cars per year. The Siber will be available from September 1, 2008 in 12 Russian regions through the company's 68 dealers.

GAZ had acquired the rights to use the previous generation Sebring from the former DaimlerChrysler Group in 2006. Compared to its American sibling, the Siber features a redesigned exterior by British studio UltraMotive along with a stiffer suspension and increased ground clearance adapted to Russia's roads and harsh winter conditions. Power will be provided by two Chrysler gasoline engines, a 141Hp 2.0 litre and a 143Hp 2.4 litre unit. -Continued

Interestingly, Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the car plant on the eve of production and took the new sedan on a test drive. "It takes off fast and they've increased the clearance. It will be fine for our roads,” said Putin. Guess there’s no need for any car magazines to test drive the Siber after Putin’s professional assessment…

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be Unveiled at Moscow Show

Mitsubishi will use the Moscow Auto Salon (August 26 - September 7) to perform the public debut of its new Pajero Sport. The SUV model that will carry various names depending on the market (Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia) will not be sold in Central / Western Europe or in North America.

Based on a new ladder frame, the 2009 Pajero Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. The new model will use Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero SUV, which transmits drive torque to all four wheels on all types of surfaces. Buyers can opt for a 5-passenger or a 7-passenger version, both of which feature water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor. -Continued

The new Pajero Sport will be available in selected regions such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.

Mazda Kazamai Crossover Concept Coming to Moscow Show

Mazda has revealed the first official images of an all-new compact crossover vehicle called the Kazamai which will debut at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on Tuesday 26 August. According to Mazda, the Kazamai which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese gives us a good indication of where the company is going with a possible future compact crossover. The concept features a four-wheel drive powertrain that consists of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission. -Continued

If you’re wondering why Mazda chose the Moscow Show over the forthcoming Paris Salon in October to perform the worldwide premiere of the Kazamai, Russia is already Europe’s largest auto market surpassing even Germany and compact SUV / Crossovers are the country’s the second-largest segment, representing about 13% of all new car sales.

250,000th Russian Built Ford Focus Rolls off Production Line

Ford’s 250,000th Russian-built Focus rolled off the production line this week at the company’s plant in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg. The commemorative model was a silver 1.8 litre Focus Ghia Wagon that will be delivered to a customer in Moscow. The Focus that is built in Russia in four body styles (3d, 5d, sedan and wagon) has been Russia's best-selling foreign car for the past five consecutive full years. -Continued

"We were the very first foreign manufacturer to open our own production facility in Russia and when the first locally-built Focus was built at Vsevolozhsk in 2002, the plant had an annual production capacity of 25,000 cars," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In order to keep pace with demand from customers in Russia, that figure has risen today to 75,000, and it will rise again to 125,000 in 2009, when the Ford Mondeo will also be produced at the plant," he added.

Gold Plated Porsche 911 Cabriolet in Russia

So what happens when you don't get enough street cred - even with a Porsche 911 (996) Cabriolet? Well, you could go and buy a more expensive car like a Porsche Carrera GT for example, or you could opt for the Midas touch. Just like the owner of this Porsche 911 Cabriolet in Russia who meticulously covered his entire car with gold plates -more than 40 pounds or 18kg of gold to be exact. An atrocity to say the least. -More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl

Renault Alpine Concept: C'est Magnifique!

Despite the French title, the scale model you see pictured above is actually the work of a Russian designer named Arseny Kostromin who’s a graduate of the Moscow State Technical University (MAMI). Kostromin’s proposal for a modern successor to the iconic Renault Alpine A110 really caught our attention thanks to its simple design and most importantly, because it pays tribute to the original concept without going retro-haywire. Maybe Renault should give this guy a chance for its long rumored Alpine sportscar. -Image gallery after the jump

Via: WFC , Source: Cardesign

Marble Stone Audi S5

Looks like this Russia lad was in a hurry to turn his Audi S5 into an instant classic by applying a film imitating a marble stone. Well, either that or someone was quite handy with photoshop as you never know these days… -More pics after the jump

Source: Autojunk.nl , Via: Germancarzone

Opinionated Russian Jeep Owner

As you’re probably already aware, Americans and Europeans aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure from rising gas prices. However, just like any part of the world, there are some people in Russia who honestly wouldn’t care. Take the owner of this previous generation gas guzzling Jeep Grand Cherokee for example who decided to share his thoughts about fuel economy.

Via: Russianfun

Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroen Set Up Joint Venture in Russia

With Russia set to become Europe’s largest single car market in 2009 overtaking Germany, it comes to no surprise that automakers are getting into all sorts of agreements to build new assembly lines. Today, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroën announced that they signed a joint venture agreement to produce vehicles for all 3 brands (Peugeot, Citroën and Mitsubishi) in Russia. -Continued

The new assembly plant will be located on the site of Kaluga, 180 km South-West of Moscow and it will produce mid-range SUVs for Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroën brands as well as medium size Peugeot and Citroën vehicles. with an overall installed capacity of 160,000 vehicles. The foundation stone of the plant that will have an overall annual capacity of 160,000 vehicles will be laid on June 10th 2008 in Kaluga with production set to commence in 2011.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Russian Lada Niva

Truth is, it gets pretty darn cold in Russia but to dress your entire vehicle in Astroturf is kinda far fetched. On the other hand, if you think about it, the owner of this texturized Lada Niva will never have to worry about the color fading or having his vehicle accidentally scratched or dented while parked on the road. -More pics after the jump





Via: Englishrussia