Automotive Intelligence

News of  August 17, 1999

  Page 2 of 4


 


All-New Y2K Bonneville Priced Less Than 1999 Models
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DETROIT, August 16, 1999 - The all-new 2000 Bonneville will be priced less than popularly-equipped 1999 models when the all-new full-size Pontiac rolls into dealer showrooms later this summer.

The all-new 2000 Bonneville, emphasizing "Luxury with Attitude," made its exciting debut at the 1999 Chicago Auto Show in early February.

 

2000 Pontiac Bonneville

2000 Pontiac Bonneville

Photo: GM

For the new millennium, Bonneville presents an advanced new architecture which offers outstanding ride quality, handling, sound isolation, and safety, as well as an impressive array of driver-orientated and performance-enhancing features. The all-new Bonneville has the most adaptive, personalized interior in its competitive set. Over 80 programmable features include driver's seat position, dual climate control settings, radio and equalizer preferences, perimeter lighting, outside rearview mirrors, window lock out and remote keyless verification, just to name a few.

Beneath the hood, Pontiac made significant improvements to the 3800 Series II V6, and Bonneville continues to be one of the world's most powerful sport sedans. The 2000 model features all-new proportions, including the widest overall track in its competitive set; a steeper hood and windshield rake, along with a more aggressive roof line for a wedge-like profile; and wheels pushed out to the corners. Within this cutting-edge design, the car's distinctive Pontiac heritage shines through. The robust Coke-bottle shape, cat's-eye headlamps, integrated wide bodyside sculpting, wide dihedral V-shapes and muscular haunches are all signature Pontiac styling cues.

 

MINI John Cooper LE Announced
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Jointly celebrating Mini's 40th birthday and John Cooper's achievements in the racing arena, a Mini John Cooper LE has been announced.
mini_cooper_sports_le-sm.jpg (69590 Byte)

Photo: Rover

August 5, 1999 - It is forty years since the Cooper team's first Formula 1 World Championship win, as driven by Jack Brabham, and the famous cars have helped many drivers build their careers. Jackie Stewart won the Formula 3 World Championship in a Cooper car in 1964, powered by an 'A' Series engine as used in Mini. The Mini Cooper itself traces its origins to Cooper's mechanics fitting the little car with specially developed engines from their race cars.

Marking its association with Cooper's racing past, the Mini John Cooper LE is finished in Brooklands Green with white bonnet stripes, matching the Cooper works team colours and a red leather interior. The John Cooper LE will only be available in the UK and is limited to a production run of 300. The car will debut at Mini's birthday party at Silverstone on August 21 and 22.

 

BMW is the first DAX-30 company to introduce the 1 Euro par value share
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August, 11, 1999 - The introduction of the Euro means that BMW AG is having to convert its capital to the new currency. BMW AG is making use of this opportunity and - in line with the decisions of the Annual General Meeting on May 18, 1999 - is now set to be the first DAX-30 company to introduce 1 Euro par value shares. These shares will be traded on the stock exchanges from August 23rd.

Thus, BMW is converting the German DM 50 share to the new European minimum par value in one step. The BMW common and preferred shares will therefore become much more attractive for investors. It also means that the BMW Group will be meeting the demands of the international capital markets and also leading the way in the European capital market.

 

Ford Transit - The 115PS Direct Injection Diesel Joins The Range
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BRENTWOOD, August 12, 1999 - Ford's new 115PS direct injection diesel engine with turbocharger and inter-cooling is now available on the Ford Transit, the nation's most popular van for the past 34 years.

This new 115PS engine, built in Dagenham, was developed for the fast growing courier and delivery service industry. These sectors require a vehicle capable of sustaining open road maximum speeds, reduced noise levels, as well as meeting environmental demands with low emissions when operating in towns and cities.
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Ford_Transit_Van_Custo_1996

1996 Ford Transit

Photo: Ford

Available on the Transit 150 short and long wheelbase (SWB & LWB), the 190 LWB as well as the 190 Chassis and Double Cabs, the 230 LWB models and the 15 and 17 seat minibuses, the new 115PS at 4000 rpm, offers outstanding high speed cruise capability. Pulling power is increased from 220 to a maximum of 255 newton metres (nm) at 2,100 revolutions per minute (rpm), but much of this load-lugging power is available from low down in the engine rev range, making it especially well suited for towing trailers. A number of changes have been made to provide the extra power. An inter-cooled turbo unit running at increased boost pressure, from 85/100PS to 115PS, together with revised injectors provides an increased fuel flow rate, whilst the capacity of the engine remains the same as the 85kW unit with a 2.5-litre engine.

Changes have been made to the exhaust manifold material, with the addition of a high silicon cast iron for improved performance and durability. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve has also been increased in size to suit the characteristics of the more powerful engine. Revised software running the electronic engine management system takes full advantage of the performance and flexibility of the new engine, while at the same time offering optimum fuel economy, driveability and low emissions levels. The Transit 115PS engine is fully compliant with the 97EEC Stage Two Light Duty Truck emission requirements and features the latest in diesel catalytic converter technology.

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