PAGE 18 · www.autonewseurope.com January 22, 2007

Guide to New Model Development

Audi A1Code-name: AU210Market launch: Summer 2009Platform: Three are under consideration:PQ35 assembled with PQ34 parts;PW35; and A000, a platform that will beused on VW group’s low-cost cars Development notes: Successor to theA2, which Audi stopped making in 2005Technology: Direct-injection diesel andgasoline engines, dual-clutch transmission and possible all-wheel driveWhere built: Brussels, BelgiumProduction target: 60,000 a year in2009; 100,000 a year by 2011

Audi A5Code-name: AU484/PLQ48 Market launch: SummerPlatform: PL/PQ48Development notes: Styling cues sharedwith the Nuvolari and Shooting Brakeconcepts; platform shared with the next-generation A4 and VW’s forthcoming four-door coupeTechnology: Soft-top convertible version due in 2008, eventually replacingthe A4 convertible; transmission choiceswill include a six-speed manual and automatic and a new version of Audi’sdual-clutch transmission; engine movedfurther back to reduce front overhangweight and help with the front-rearweight balanceWhere built: Ingolstadt, GermanyProduction target: 26,000 a year in2007, increasing to 37,000 in 2008

Audi Q5Code-name: AU416Market launch: Spring 2008Platform: PL48Development notes: Platform featureselements from next A4; engines mounted longitudinally to allow for 4.2-liter V-8 Technology: Aluminum chassis and active suspension systems; one-touchMMI entertainment/navigation systemWhere built: Ingolstadt, GermanyProduction target: 80,000 a year in 2009

Alfa Romeo 8C CompetizioneCode-name: 920Market launch: SeptemberPlatform: Evolution of Maserati coupeplatform with shortened wheelbaseTechnology: Carbon fiber body on asteel chassis; first rear-drive Alfa in 12 years; V-8 engine from Maserati wasupgraded from 4.2 liters to 4.7 liters andfrom 400hp to 450hpKey suppliers: Brembo, Bose, MagnetiMarelli, Pirelli, Poltrona FrauWhere built: Maserati’s plant in Modena,Italy (2 units a day)Production target: 500

Alfa Romeo JuniorCode-name: 955Market launch: End of 2008Project leader: Mauro PieralliniPlatform: Evolution of the Small platform, which also underpins the FiatGrande Punto and Linea and Opel/Vauxhall CorsaDevelopment notes: Arrival of theJunior will allow Alfa to stop making athree-door version of the 147 when thecar is replaced in 2009Technology: The car will debut the 1.8-liter, 200hp, turbocharged gasolinedirect-injection engine from Fiat Powertrain Technologies Interesting background: For more thana decade, Alfa discussed whether tomake a entry-level small car; the successof the Mini convinced it to move forwardWhere built: TurinProduction target: Up to 75,000 a year

BMW X6Code-name: E71Market launch: 2008Platform: Same as X5 premium SUVDevelopment notes: The X6 will be afour-door SUV with a coupe-like roofline;heavily based on platform sibling the X5Where built: Spartanburg, South Carolina, USAProduction target: 40,000 a year

BMW Space-Functional ConceptCode-name: F07Launch: 2009Platform: modular large-car platform,based on next-generation 7 seriesDevelopment notes: The car will have anew interior concept similar to a minivan,but it not be as tall as a typical minivan; the program, originally called E62, has beendelayed and tweakedWhere built: Dingolfing, GermanyProduction target: 50,000 a year

Citroen C-CrosserMarket launch: July 2007Project leader: Philippe BacquetPlatform: C-segment (developed by Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler) Design: Adapted from design done byMitsubishi’s Olivier Boulay and AkinoriNakanishi for Mitsubishi OutlanderWhere built: Mizushima, JapanProduction target: 15,000

Fiat 500Code-name: 312Market launch: SeptemberProject leader: Mauro PieralliniPlatform: Mini, which also underpinsFiat PandaDevelopment notes: 500 is more than100mm shorter than the Panda, butkeeps the same 2300mm wheelbase; 500 shares platform, suspension andpowertrain with second-generation Ford KaKey suppliers: Autoliv, AutomotiveLighting, Bosch, Delphi, Denso, JohnsonControls, Magneti Marelli, Pilkington,Plastal, Standard Profil, TRW Where built: Tychy, PolandTechnology: All engines will meet Euro5 emission rules due in September 2009Production target: 120,000 to 180,000a year

Fiat LineaCode-name: 110Market launch: June in Turkey; Brazil,China, India and Russia will follow within24 monthsProject leader: Mauro PieralliniPlatform: Small, which also underpins theGrande Punto and Opel/Vauxhall CorsaDevelopment notes: Lower medium-sizedsedan created from small-car platformKey suppliers: A-Plas, Autoliv, B-Plas,Beycelik, Robert Bosch, Ficosa, Martur,Matay, Magneti Marelli, Tamcam,Tiberyna, Thyssen KruppWhere built: Bursa, TurkeyTechnology: First Fiat with 1.6-litergasoline engine developed and built byChery Automobile in China Production target: More than 200,000worldwide

Ford MondeoMarket launch: SpringProject Leader: Jens LudmannPlatform: C/D (also used on S-Max andGalaxy)Where built: Genk, BelgiumProduction target: 150,000 a year

Ford CUV (concept shown)Market launch: 2008Platform: C1 (also used on Focus, FocusC-Max, Volvo S40 and V50, Mazda3) Key technology: Will offer front-wheeland four-wheel drive versionsWhere built: Saarlouis, Germany

Hyundai Arnejs (concept shown)Code-name: FDMarket launch: Late 2007 (Korean-builtmodels)Development notes: Developed in Rüsselsheim; engines will come fromHyundai-Kia plant in Zilina, SlovakiaDesigner: Tom BürkleWhere built: Korea (initially); Nosovice,Czech Republic, starting in 2009

Looking for the right nicheIn an industry dominated by large volumes, automakers are increasingly adding niche models to their lineups. Before the end ofthe decade, at least eight European automakers will launch vehicleswith projected volumes of less than 100,000 units.

Audi leads the way with three key niche products – the entry-premiumA1, A5 coupe and Q5 premium SUV. And in the medium SUV class,

Peugeot, Citroen, Renault and Ford of Europe will enter a segmentthat has long been dominated by Asian automakers.

But high-volume launches will still be crucial for at least three otherautomakers in the next two years. The new Mercedes-Benz C class willbe a key launch this year, as will the debut of the Peugeot 308, Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.

Fiat’s Bravo is one of three launches for the carmaker in 2007.“I don’t know how many of our competitors will enjoy such a new

product momentum,” said Fiat brand Vice President Luca De Meo.On this page and Page 19, we provide annual production targets,

plus design and technology details for models due to arrive in Euro-pean showrooms within the next two years.

Fiat Bravo Code-name: 198Market launch: FebruaryProject leader: Gianfranco RomeoPlatform: Compact (modified version ofFiat C-frame first used to underpin theFiat Stilo in 2001)Development notes: Fiat cooperated

with Magna Steyr of Austria to get thecar ready for market in 18 months; no prototypes were built; only offered as5-door hatchback; station wagon arrives in 2010Technology: Blue&Me infotainment system with navigation system in whichmaps are loaded into the car

using a USB connectorKey suppliers: Automotive Lighting,Bosch, Comau, Denso, Johnson Controls,KSS, Lear, Magna Steyr, Magneti Marelli,Meridian, SG Plastic/Gruppo Prima, TRWWhere built: Cassino, Italy Production target: 120,000 to 160,000a year

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January 22, 2007 www.autonewseurope.com · PAGE 19

Guide to New Model Development

Lancia Delta HPE (concept shown)Code-name: 844Market launch: Summer 2008Project leader: Simone RosettaPlatform: Compact (also used by FiatBravo but wheelbase will be stretched100mm to 2700mm)Development notes: To reach breakeven at just 45,000 units, Lancia will usemany parts from the Bravo including thewindshield and the front door frame;right-hand-drive versions will be madeso Lancia can return to UK and Japan forthe first time since 2003Technology: All gasoline and diesel engines will be turbocharged; outputsrange from 120hp to 220hpKey suppliers: Adler Group, AutomotiveLighting, Robert Bosch, Comau, Denso,Johnson Controls, KSS, Lear, MagnetiMarelli, Meridian, SG Plastic/Gruppo Prima, TRWWhere built: Cassino, ItalyProduction target: 70,000 to 80,000 a year

Mercedes C classCode-name: W204Market launch: AprilPlatform: C class/ W204Development notes: Mercedes begantesting C-class prototypes three yearsago and used an extended computersimulation program to ensure higher levels of qualityTechnology: Alternative transmissionswill be offeredWhere built: Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany; East London, South AfricaProduction target: 420,000 a year worldwide in 2008

Mercedes E classCode-name: W212Market launch: April 2008Platform: E class/ W212Development notes: With quality of theE class a recent concern, engineers andsuppliers are already working together tosolve electronic glitchesTechnology: Mercedes will abandonSensotronic Brake Control in favor ofconventional brakes; wet-weather discwiping will be offered as well wheel-selective cornering brake control;lane-departure warning, traffic-signidentification and road-condition sensors will be offeredWhere built: Sindelfingen, GermanyProduction target: 260,000 a year in 2008

Mercedes GLKCode-name: SUT204Market launch: Summer 2008Platform: C class wagon/W204Development notes: Mercedes still considering two different front grilles Technology: All-new platform and a“direct control chassis” that promisesless body roll, quicker response and more direct steeringWhere built: Bremen, GermanyProduction target: 80,000 a year in 2009

Opel/Vauxhall Agila (spy shot)Market launch: November Platform: M300Development notes: Opel-badgedSuzuki Wagon R+; production transferredfrom Gliwice, Poland, to Esztergom, Hungary, because of GM productionneeds in central Europe for Chevrolet productsTechnology: Considering four-wheel-drive versionWhere built: Esztergom, HungaryProduction target: 80,000 a year in 2010

Opel/Vauxhall VectraCode-name: GM3700Market launch: August 2008Platform: Global Midsize (Epsilon 2)Development notes: Next-generationVectra will share its underpinnings with Saab 9-3Technology: All-wheel-drive capability,six-speed transmissions, active suspension and possibly hybrid technologyWhere built: Rüsselsheim, GermanyProduction target: 150,000 a year in 2010

Peugeot 308Code-name: T7Market launch: Q4 2007Project leader: Jean Christoph GuemardPlatform: PF2 Key technology: New 1.6-liter gasolineengines co-developed with BMW; six-speed automated manual transmissionKey supplier: Magneti MarelliWhere built: Sochaux and Mulhouse,FranceProduction target: 400,000 a year for Europe

Peugeot 4007Market launch: July 2007Project leader: Philippe BacquetPlatform: C-segment developed by Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler Design: Adapted from design done byMitsubishi’s Olivier Boulay and AkinoriNakanishi for Mitsubishi OutlanderWhere built: Mizushima, JapanProduction target: 15,000

Porsche PanameraMarket launch: mid-2009Platform: 970Designer: Michael MauerTechnology: Steel-aluminum body; possible optional hybrid powertrain Where built: Leipzig, GermanyProduction target: More than 20,000 a year

Renault LagunaCode-name: X91Market launch: Q4 2007Project leader: Frederic ArtaudPlatform: Further development of upper-medium platformKey technology: Possible four-wheelsteeringWhere built: Sandouville, FranceProduction target: More than 250,000 a year

Renault Twingo (concept shown)Code-name: X44Market launch: Q2 2007Project leader: Bruno VanelPlatform: Renault-Nissan B Development notes: Delayed sixmonths for a redesign of exterior ordered by Renault CEO Carlos GhosnWhere built: Novo Mesto, SloveniaProduction target: More than 175,000 ayear

Renault Koleos (concept shown)Code-name: H45Market launch: Q1 2008Project leader: Ludovic TroyesPlatform: Mixture of Renault platform 2and platform used for next Nissan X-TrailDevelopment notes: Strong involvementof Renault-Samsung of South KoreaWhere built: Busan, South KoreaProduction target: 60,000 a year

Skoda FabiaCode-name: SK250Market launch: Spring Project leader: Harald LudanekDesigners: Thomas Ingenlath and Jens ManskePlatform: PQ35Development notes: To save costs, carkeeps same platform as current model;launch will start with the hatchback, station wagon will be added laterTechnology: Greater use of plastics in front for pedestrian protection,increasing the car’s total lengthKey suppliers: Alcoa Fujikura, CadenceInnovation, JCIWhere built: Mlada Boleslav

VW GolfCode-name: VW350/351GPMarket launch: May 2008Platform: PQ35GPDesign: Under Martin GünakDevelopment notes: Re-engineering forthree- and five-door models; Golf Plushigh-roof version will not be re-engineered at the same time Technology: Next-generation of dual-clutch transmission; increased use of direct-injection gasoline as well as addition of twin-charged and supercharged enginesWhere built: Wolfsburg and Mosel, Germany; South AfricaProduction target: 525,000 a year by2010

VW Scirocco (concept shown)

Code-name: VW354Market launch: 2008Platform: PQ35Design: Under Robert LesnikDevelopment notes: VW originallyplanned to develop the car based on theGolf, but switched to Eos platform tosave development costsTechnology: Scirocco will offer twoengines: VW’s TSI twincharged inlinefour-cylinder that produces 168hp and the 200hp 2.0-liter T FSIWhere built: Setubal, PortugalProduction target: 100,000 a year in 2009

VW SportVanCode-name: C-StationMarket launch: 2009Design: Under Martin GünakPlatform: PL57Development notes: VW’s aim is toposition a model between Passat upper-medium car and next-generationPhaeton upper-premium model; four-door vehicle aimed to competeagainst Mercedes R class; multifunctionalspace concept van in upper segment;relies on Audi A6 platform and develop-ment cycleTechnology: Longitudinal engine; choiceof 2.0-liter turbo or 3.2-liter V-6 gasolineengines; all-wheel driveProduction target: 50,000 units a year in 2010

VW Tiguan (concept shown)

Code-name: VW456Market launch: AugustDesigner: Under Robert Lesnik

Platform: PQ35Technology: Four-wheel drive; direct-shift gearbox; possible addition of a glasspanoramic roof

Where built: Wolfsburg, Germany (Auto 5000)Production target: 110,000 a year in 2008

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The information for this feature was gathered from automakerpress offices as well as carmaker and supplier sources by Automotive News Europe reporters Luca Ciferri, Lyle Frink, Tony Lewin, Jens Meiners, Jason Stein and Wim Oude Weernink.

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