Pope Benedict XVI Receives Custom Volvo XC90

No German car for Pope Benedict XVI as the Catholic church leader received a new Volvo XC90 that has been custom tailored for his personal use. During a June 28 ceremony at the Vatican, the Pope was presented with the keys to the SUV. The V8 version vehicle is dark blue with a light interior and Volvo officials say the car, like every Volvo XC90, is designed for safety with features like ROPS (rollover protection system).

Press Release

Volvo Cars presented His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with one of its Sport Utility Vehicles. The keys of the car have been delivered to the Pope in the Vatican, on Wednesday June 28th, with a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

On Wednesday June 28, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has received the keys of the Volvo XC90 that Volvo Car Corporation has presented him with. The delivery of the keys to the Pope has taken place in the Vatican, during a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

To represent Volvo Cars, Gerry Keaney, Vice President Volvo Car Corporation, Marketing Sales and Service, Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia, and Michele Crisci, General Manager Volvo Auto Italia attended. The Volvo XC90 delivered to the Pope – and fitted for His personal use – is a V8 version. It is a dark blue XC90 with light interiors.

"We are absolutely happy and proud of the opportunity we had to give a car to the Pope. Safety has always been a no-compromise must for Volvo; no doubt, our strong commitment to safeguard lives could not get a higher and more touching recognition", said Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia.

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Video: 2007 BMW X3 Facelift

Well, if your still not satisfied with yesterdays pictures (BMW X3 Revealed), take a look at this video clip of the facelifted 2007 BMW X3 and see Bimmer’s new SUV in live action. Via: Jalponik

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It’s Official: Smart vehicles coming to the USA in 2008

This time its true: Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG and head of Mercedes Car Group officially announced today that innovative Smart brand will enter the U.S. market in 2008. The first model coming over at the States will be the successor to the smart fortwo and it will be available in three models.

Like its predecessor, the smart fortwo successor will have all the features that make customers feel safer and more comfortable. As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the smart vehicle will be equipped with unique technology, including the “hard shell” tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems.

The exclusive distribution of smart vehicles has been given to the international automotive retailer UnitedAuto Group, Inc. UnitedAuto will be responsible for awarding potential dealers and developing and maintaining a smart vehicle dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Read more at www.smartusa.com/

Quotes: Dieter Zetsche

“Following the success of the smart fortwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities. The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the smart fortwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York, Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris."

Quotes: Roger Penske (UnitedAuto Chairman)

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years.”

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Official: 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe & Cabriolet

Jag’s brand new wild cat got caught “sneaking” on the web…From the info I’ve gathered, the new XKR wears a 4,2 litre V8. With the help of a compressor (supercharger) the british V8 pumps out 420 Hp & 57,1 kgm of torque.

The XKR will be available as a Coupe and Cabriolet versions. The XKR Coupe is good enough for a 5,2 sec for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint while the Cabriolet needs 5,3 sec. Prices for the two models in Europe are 94.990 Euros for the Coupe and 102.990 for the Cabriolet.

*More information and pictures coming up. Stay tuned.

*Update see new pictures here: 2007 Jaguar XKR

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Amazing Lotus Elise Cup Race

Couldn’t have said it better myself. The title that our friends over Autoblog put on this video clip say’s it all: Mr. Sorpasso (translated Mr Surpass). Just look at Dean Evans pass every single car in this Lotus Elise Cup race in Bathurst Australia. Via: Autoblog

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