The world’s first two speed supercharger drive system to enter series production will be demonstrated by Antonov, the automotive technology company, at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany this week (Tuesday 9th May to Thursday 11th May 2006).  The following week, the racing driver Peter Kox will demonstrate the technology at the Zandvoort race circuit in the Netherlands.

While this first commercial application from Antonov’s broad range of patented technologies will be demonstrated in two high performance vehicles – a Mercedes-Benz and Ford Mustang – the high volume potential for the device lies in its ability to enable engine downsizing, opening up the application of superchargers to mainstream vehicles.

Following the European events, the Mustang will be shipped to North America to feature in the Hot Rod Power Tour, which is presented by GM’s performance division.

The initial release of the device into the buoyant US tuner market exposes the first production units to a tough performance engine environment and, in many instances, aggressive track racing conditions. Commenting on this strategy Brad Shantry product development manager of Wheel-to-Wheel Powertrain, Antonov’s North American distributor said: “The forced induction market is unquestionably growing. I feel that a centrifugal supercharger with a step-up drive will quickly become the icon product of the performance industry.”

John Moore, chief executive of Antonov, said: “Our tactic of selling to the world’s largest market for tuner products is strategically important, particularly while we are in discussion with vehicle manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers interested in high volume applications.  It shows OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) that we are confident enough to launch the variable drive into the industry’s toughest marketplace to prove this is fully developed and readily available technology.  We have experienced strong interest and have already supplied units to OEM clients for assessment and development trials.”

Ford Mustang GT with Antonov supercharger variable drive

Pininfarina Starts Production Of Colt CZC
7th May, 2006
A little over a year after Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME), and Pininfarina S.p.A. announced their agreement covering the design, development and production of a convertible version of Colt ..... more

Britain Prepares For The Clio Renaultsport 197
7th May, 2006
Fans of the hot hatch faced a period of discontent when the Clio Renaultsport 182 ceased production last year to make way for the all-new Clio Renaultsport ..... more

The 365-Days-a-Year-Cabriolet - VW Eos
6th May, 2006
After more than one million VW convertibles - Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series - the new Eos takes off to a flying start this month in Germany ..... more

DKW Monza Celebrates 50 years at Mille Miglia
5th May, 2006
Audi Tradition’s famed DKW Monza post-war racer will make a return to the race circuit next weekend at Italy’s Mille Miglia, fifty years after it first hit the road ..... more

Ford Australia Announces Major New Projects
5th May, 2006
Ford Australia has announced a new strategic direction for the company, including significant investment in new projects and accompanying facilities, totalling more than $1.8 billion (AUD) over the next decade ..... more

Aston Martin Reveals DBS
4th May, 2006
Details of the new DBS remain top secret, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: “This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car ..... more

Mitsubishi 380 Improves Market Position
4th May, 2006
Mitsubishi Motors has maintained its market share in a tough April car market, while the 380 continued its gradual climb in the large car segment by recording a significant jump in market share from 10% to 12% during the last month ..... more

Car Market Turns Down as Petrol Prices Bite
3rd May, 2006
Record petrol prices appear to be taking a toll on the new motor vehicle market according to official figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries ..... more

Ford Shelby GT500 Rated At 500 Horsepower
3rd May, 2006
The most powerful factory-built Mustang ever just got even more potent. Final certification testing of the Shelby GT500’s 5.4-litre supercharged V-8 shows it will produce 500 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque ..... more

Audi RS 4 Unleashed on Australian Soil
3rd May, 2006
New from the ground up, the RS 4 is the top-of-the-range model in the A4 series, priced at $164,500 ..... more

Volkswagen Beetle Art
3rd May, 2006
Just in case buyers thought the styling of the New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet wasn’t quite distinctive enough… Volkswagen in the UK has announced the introduction of a range of decals ..... more

Evo IX Wins Showroom Class in Targa Tasmania
2nd May, 2006
A Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX has won the showroom car class at Australia's premier tarmac rally, Targa Tasmania ..... more

Six Speed Auto Boost for 407 HDi Models
1st May, 2006
A new high-tech six speed automatic transmission has been added to the latest Peugeot 407 HDi turbo diesel Sedan and Touring models ..... more

Hummer Racing Validate Hummer Capabilities
30th April, 2006
Off-road desert racing is possibly the most grueling form of motor racing in the world. Recognised around the globe by races like the Baja 1000 ..... more

Nissan Reports Record Results for FY05
27th April, 2006
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has announced consolidated net income of 518.1 billion yen (AU $6.03 billion), for the fiscal year ended 31st March, 2006, a new record ..... more

Focus XR5 Turbo Boosts Ford Performance Arsenal
21st April, 2006
Ford has revealed the latest weapon in its high performance arsenal – the Focus XR5 Turbo; engineered in Europe and boasting performance levels that will be the envy of many larger car drivers ..... more

Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run
19th April, 2006
The ‘Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run’ will start from Sydney on Sunday, 23rd April and chart a course that will take in the route from several of the original Ampol Trials ..... more

All-New Suzuki XL7 Makes World Debut
14th April, 2006
Suzuki debuted the all-new Suzuki XL7 at the 2006 New York Motor Show. With the introduction of the new model, Suzuki is moving forward to the next chapter in its ongoing SUV success story ..... more

Bentley Continental GTC
13th April, 2006
The Continental GTC, Bentley Motors new luxury 2+2 convertible, will be unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show this week ..... more

GM to Sell Isuzu Shares
11th April, 2006
General Motors today announced it would sell its 7.9 percent equity stake in Isuzu Motors Ltd.  The commercial partnership between GM and Isuzu will continue ..... more

New Line-Up for Land Rover Discovery 3
10th April, 2006
Land Rover is rationalising the Discovery 3 line-up adding as standard, leather interiors and automatic climate control on all models in the new range ..... more

Morgan 4-seater Returns
4th April, 2006
The new Morgan 4-seater models that made their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006 are now available for sale in Australia ..... more

Holden Unleashes Thunder Ute and Crewman
30th March, 2006
Holden’s ever-popular light commercial range now features special edition “Thunder” models for Ute and Crewman ..... more

Australia's Cadillacs For 2007
15th March, 2006
Cadillac, the luxury car division of America's General Motors Corporation, is expanding the availability of right-hand drive models, hence putting Australia on their 'radar' ..... more

Precious Metal - The Peugeot 407 Coupe
7th March, 2006
Peugeot have announced the pricing structure for the stunning new 407 Coupe, which goes on sale in Australia later this month ..... more