Renault Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition

Renault has unveiled the Megane Coupe Monaco GP limited edition, that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Based on the trim level that sounds like a Drum Beat – Dynamique TomTom – the Megane Monaco gets some pretty Arctic White pearlescent paint set off with gloss black alloys and gloss black mirrors, rear diffuser and fog surrounds.

All three models allotment accepted administration treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white acrylic developed accentuated by Etoilé atramentous physique apparatus including the ancillary mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, atramentous headlight masks and “Monaco GP” brand plan on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP analysis adds pearlescent white berth data (console, strip, aperture handles), “Monaco GP” bond on the seats, a numbered bowl and “Monaco GP” careful mats.

There are 5 engine options available: – dCi 110 EDC, dCi 130, dCi 160, Tce 130 and Tce 180. Renault brings the Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP with 2.0 L 16 valve turbo engine making 250 hp, 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver’s seat with Monaco GP stitching, gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gear-knob.





Press Release

MONACO GP LIMITED EDITION EXTENDED TO MÉGANE COUPÉ AND MÉGANE R.S.

• Having played a headlining role in the finest moments at the motorsport mecca that is the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault has developed the Monaco GP limited edition for its coupé models, aimed at fans of elegance, sport and style.

• Launched in 2010 on Laguna Coupé, the luxury signature is now featuring on two new models:
? Mégane Coupé Monaco GP, based on the Dynamique trim level.
? Mégane R.S. Monaco GP, based on Mégane R.S.
• The three models will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
• Launch will begin in March 2011. The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition models will be sold in 14 countries.

• A new version of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP will also be launched from March 2011 in 14 countries.

A shared signature for the Monaco GP limited edition: elegance, sport and style

Sporty, elegant bodywork
The Monaco GP limited edition models are big on personality. On Mégane Coupé, the front end with its sleekly drawn headlights and large air intake expresses a resolutely forward-moving style, while the rear end features a broad shoulder line. The sporting credentials of the line are emphasized by classic styling, rigorous proportions and a harmonious whole.

? The pearlescent white paint developed specially for these models underlines their exclusive air.
? The dynamic and powerful design is accentuated by Etoilé black body components (including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds), black headlight masks and "Monaco GP" badge work on the sides.

Exclusive interiors
Everything inside the two new models expresses build quality, stylish sportiness and a passenger-centric approach. Originality is boosted by:
? Pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles),
? "Monaco GP" stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and "Monaco GP" protective mats.
Athletic and reassuring roadholding
Both models feature the very best in technology for unrivalled efficiency and peace of mind, with a precise course regardless of grip conditions thanks to ESP, together with bi-xenon directional headlights and latest-generation dual-chamber airbags. The chassis was specially designed to bring drivers optimal control and driving thrills, with no detriment to comfort. The Monaco GP models are concentrates of agile handling, dynamism and precision. These qualities are further emphasized on the R.S. version, which is fitted with an independent pivot arm on the front axle for pure motoring pleasure. The vehicle course is precise and reassuring whatever the grip conditions, whether on track or in town.

Two Mégane Coupé versions
The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited editions features all the equipment of the Dynamique trim model plus:
- 17-inch Celsium gloss black rims
- GT/GT line front and rear bumpers
- Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP stitching
- Rear parking assist
- Power-folding side mirrors
Five engines are on offer:
- The dCi 110 EDC provides optimized torque and power levels and the best fuel economy/driving thrills combination on the market. The six speeds of the exceptionally smooth EDC gearbox are controlled automatically or manually. Double clutch and twin mass engine flywheel technology ensure fast and imperceptible gear changes.

- The dCi 130, astonishingly powerful and silent, uses the best in dCi combustion and turbo technology and emits just 130 g/km of CO2.
- The dCi 160 brings drivers a top-level balance of performance and fuel consumption and is impressively silent in operation.
- The Tce 130 benefits from the latest advances in downsizing, enabling a 1.4-liter powerplant to boast the torque of a 2 liter and the power of a 1.8 liter.
- The Tce 180 is exceptionally responsive while offering a gradual increase in available torque, for spritely acceleration from the lowest engine speeds.
Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP limited edition features all the equipment of the R.S. version plus:
- 18-inch Keza gloss black rims
- Leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver's seat enhanced with Monaco GP stitching.
- Gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.
Main options for this version: Bose Sound System, Cup Chassis with limited slip differential, 19-inch diamond-effect STEEV rims.
One engine on offer: 2.0 16V turbo, 250 hp.

A new edition of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP
In response to the success of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition, a new version is set for launch in the spring. It will retain the exclusive pearlescent white body paint but also come in pearlescent black.
Five engines available, depending on the country:
- 2.0T 205 hp.
- 2.0T 170 hp, auto box
- 2.0 dCi 150
- 2.0 dCi 180
- 2.0 dCi 175, auto box
The wealth of equipment and comfort features rivals the car's elegance and sportiness:
In all countries:
o 18-inch Interlagos Chrome Shadow rims
o Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP electropatch
o Rear parking assist
o NFA Live Navigation system
In some countries:
o 4 Control (4RD)
o Bose Sound System
o Leather seats with Monaco GP stitching
o Hands-free card
o Power-folding side mirrors

Mazda MX-5 production hits 900,000 units

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has sold 900,000 units across the world since first being introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, which starts Feb. 11, back in 1989. Since its inception, it has sold 389,000 units in the United States.

The first-generation MX-5 Miata (1990-1997 model years) was equipped with a 1.6-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque. A removable hardtop was optional and initial color choices were red, white and blue. The starting price back then was of $14,000.

A redesigned second-generation model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 (model years 1999-2005 – there was no 1998 model-year car) and the third generation model was introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2005 (model years 2006-present).

The current-generation MX-5 Miata is equipped with an MZR-series 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, producing 167 horsepower (158 for automatic transmission) and delivers 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. The soft-topped Sport model starts at $23,110 with top-level, Power Retractable Hard Top Grand Touring models starting at $28,550.





Press Release

900,000th Mazda MX-5 to Set New Guinness World Record

- MX-5 reaffirms its position as the world's favorite lightweight, open-top, two-seat sports car -


HIROSHIMA, Japan-Total production of Mazda Motor Corporation's MX-5 sports car (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This significant milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989. The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, "Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5's spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people."

Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, "More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was born. During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues and the depletion of the Earth's natural resources has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we are pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, grew from the long years of development work that have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies - to build cars that are fun to drive - is perfectly embodied by the MX-5."

"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units," Kanai continued, "Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand."