SMMT News

British International Motor Show news

30 June 2006 #SMMT News

The cars are the stars

This week’s motor show news brief is dedicated to quick round-up of some of the star cars you will see at next month’s British International Motor Show.

It’s by no means a comprehensive list – we’ve only got space for a bite-size selection. But it will give you a flavour of some of the fabulous metal on show at London ExCeL in July.

Jaguar

Global debuts don’t come much more glamorous than a new Jaguar. And the British car maker’s new supercharged XKR sports car will be sure to wow the crowds at this year’s show. Keep your eyes peeled for more details about the car in the next few days.

MINI

MINI fans are in for a treat. As well as a purpose-built hospitality barge for current owners, the Oxford car maker’s stand will feature the UK debut of the MINI GP, the most powerful production MINI ever. Oh, and a MINI concept car and some MINI ‘impostors’ to boot.

Land Rover

Another world debut from a home-grown manufacturer, as one of the worst kept secrets in the motor industry is finally revealed. Get your people down to the Land Rover stand for a first glimpse of the fabulous new Freelander.

Renault

First deliveries of the new Clio Renaultsport 197 take place during press day at motor show. The car will also take pride of place on the Renault stand throughout the event, alongside the world championship leading R26 Formula 1 car.

Saab

Concept cars are an important pointer to investment in the future. Saab will use the show to present the world’s first fossil fuel free hybrid. The Saab 9-3 Convertible BioPower Hybrid Concept Car combines pure bioethanol with electric power on demand.

Nissan

Nissan makes more cars in Britain than any other car maker. And it’s plant is Europe’s most efficient. Small wonder that the stand will be a winner with the international unveil of the Micra C+C+Conran concept, the UK debut of the URGE sports car concept and the 2004 Japanese GT winning Nismo race car.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall was the first manufacturer to reveal a world first for the motor show back in March – the new Corsa. The news has helped take the show back into the premier league and, judging by the press pictures, it is sure to be a big hit with visitors in the market for a cool new motor.

Mitsubishi

Where better to test public reaction to a new car than at our motor show? That’s exactly what Mitsubishi are doing with their new “i” Car. It’s a Japanese minicar with a 660cc engine, low emissions and it was launched in the far east in January 2006.

Rolls-Royce

101EX will be making its official UK debut at the show. It is the second experimental car from Rolls-Royce since 2003. The car has been hand built to explore a potential design direction for a possible future coupé model.

Chrysler

It’s a European premiere for the new Chrysler Sebring in London. This is Chrysler’s first offering in the D-segment and judging by its looks it’ll fly out of showrooms. Keep an eye out for the UK debut of the Dodge Nitro too.

Mercedes

Stuttgart’s finest will be counting down to the launch of Mercedes-Benz world at Brooklands, with a display of what customers can expect after its October opening.

Volvo

Volvo’s stand is crammed full of exciting new models and things for the family. For motoring fans, there are world debuts for a stylish new XC90 variant and the 2007 S60. For kids there are goody bags from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest film and competitions to win cinema tickets.

Bentley

World debuts boost a motor show’s profile. But for most visitors, seeing something for the first time in Britain is just as important. Step forward the Bentley Continental GTC.

Ford

There is a reason why the Focus is Britain’s best selling car. And there’s bound to be plenty of action on the Ford stand as visitors flock to see the Focus flexible fuel vehicle, which can run on bioethanol, as well as a UK first for the Focus coupe-cabriolet.

Alfa

The Alfa spider will be presented for the first time in the UK and will go on sale later in the year. It’s a two-seater convertible, developed by Pininfarina in conjunction with the Alfa Romeo style centre. Stylish? Goes without saying.

Kia

Three models never seen before in the UK will shine on the Kia stand. As well as the all-new Carens MPV and facelifted Sorento 4×4, visitors will find the cee’d concept car (pronounced seed). It has a tough appearance, flowing lines and ‘jewel like’ detail.

Peugeot

The new 207 went on sale in June. Now visitors to the show will have the chance to browse the 907 V12 Supercar concept. This was the pointer to the design direction for Peugeot’s new model.

Lexus

Leaders in hybrid technology, Lexus will host the range of hybrid cars, already making waves on the market. It includes the Lexus GS 450h hybrid, the car of choice for one of the most high profile politicians in the country.

Honda

From concept to reality, the new Civic has re-written the book on small-car design, quality and performance. Built right here in Britain, the Civic will now come in a 3 door variant. It’s a world debut and stand staff can expect to take more than a few orders for the car.

Mazda

Number of world debuts in 2004 – zero. Number of world debuts in 2006 – 13. The British motor show is back with a bang and here’s one of the best examples of new metal. The new MX-5, with power retractable hard top, blasts onto the world stage.

Cadillac and Corvette

We have model debuts, now here’s a couple of ‘brand debuts’ for the show. Presenting Cadillac and Corvette at the British International Motor Show, and featuring models like the BLS, CTS and Corvette C6.

Aston Martin

Concept cars don’t come much sexier than this. The first British showing of the Aston Martin Rapide 4-door will set pulses racing.

TVR

Reports of TVR’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Just take a trip to their stand which will feature the Tuscan S, Tuscan Convertible and Sagaris and see for yourself. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers!

Citroën

Proving once again that British designers lead the world in forward thinking and innovative design, Citroën will present the striking C-AirPlay concept car, a futuristic urban supermini. Its British designer is one Mark Lloyd. A bright future beckons.

BMW

Does it get any better than the M6? Arguably yes. At this year’s motor show, BMW will reveal the new M6 Convertible. Not only is this another world first for the show, it’s also the first BMW ever to make a British Motor Show debut.

Hummer

It’s a Hummer but a little more compact. The midsize H3 is expected in right hand drive during 2007. But fans of the legendary H2 off-roader needn’t be disappointed. That will also be making an appearance at London ExCeL.

SEAT

We started with a world first and we finish news brief with another. The SEAT Leon Cupra will be revealed to the world in London. Still want more? OK, how about the Leon FR and Altea FR, both making UK show debuts.

Phew! What a July scorcher!

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION AT www.britishmotorshow.co.uk

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