And now it has admitted...
And now it has admitted it may cut prices to boost visitor numbers. A spokesman said: "We haven"t reached the aggressive targets we set for the the show. However, we have reversed the downward trend of previous years." The SMMT wanted to attract 600,000 visitors to the 13-day car expo.
Hot hatch fans D-light!...
Hot hatch fans D-light! The first Renaultsport diesel model will go on sale early next year in the shape of the Mégane Sports D.
The new car is currently under development by the firm’s performance division, and it’s set to arrive at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show with a 175bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a six-speed manual gearbox. Stiffer springs, aluminium suspension parts and aerodynamic plastic body panels will help to keep weight down. As a result, the Sports D should sprint from 0-60mph in around 7.5 seconds and accelerate on to 140mph. Despite this performance, the newcomer will return about 45mpg and have CO2 emissions of around 160g/km.
While details of the car have not been officially announced, a company insider admitted: “This should put diesel firmly on the mainstream performance car map for less than ÷£20,000. For company drivers dreaming of a Renaultsport Mégane 225, this provides a more cost effective, economical and greener option.”
Meanwhile, Auto Express has also learned that Renault is planning a warm Clio. It will have a GT badge when it arrives towards the end of this year and will use a new 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. The car is set to debut in October.