MAZDA'S TEASER FOR 6:Mazda has issued a teaser image of its new Mazda6, which will premiere at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Based on a modified version of the platform in the new Ford Mondeo, the upcoming Mazda6 will be some 30mm longer overall and slightly wider than the outgoing version. Production should start in late 2007, with the car arriving here in time for 2008 sales.
PHOENIX PARK RACES:The Phoenix Park motor races will be run this weekend and it's free for spectators. There will be no charge for admission or car parking for this year's event, sponsored by the Hilton Hotel in Kilmainham. Along with a long list of races there will be a paddock display of the new Bugatti Veyron supercar. Events start at 9am on Saturday, and run until Sunday evening.
NARDELLI FOR CHRYSLER: Chrysler has hired former Home Depot boss Bob Nardelli as its new chairman and chief executive. Nardelli was controversially ousted from the second-largest US retailer in January.
He more than doubled sales during his six years as chief executive of Home Depot. However, he was criticised for his imperial management style and poor relationship with shareholders.
ROLLING ANNIVERSARIES: On the centenary of the Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce fans are also celebrating 50 years of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club. To mark both occasions the club is organising a global "Wheels on Road" event next Sunday. It is hoped that there will be 10,000 cars taking part in various events. The Irish event is to be held in Athlone where owners are invited to bring along their cars.
NEW MINI IN NOVEMBER:Mini has confirmed its new Clubman version will go on sale here on Saturday November 10th, with prices starting at €27,150 for the Cooper version, and rising to €32,400 for the Cooper S. A diesel Cooper version will also go on sale, starting at €29,150.
Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, it takes its cues from the Morris Mini Traveller and Clubman estate of the 1960s.
The new Mini Clubman is 24cm longer than the regular hatchback version, signifying 8cm more legroom for rear passengers. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place, and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. It also features van-like split rear doors.
VINTAGE VWs COAST IT:A convoy of up to 20 air-cooled vintage Volkswagens will be threading its way around the Irish coastline from August 16th in an effort to raise money for children's charities in Ireland and Cambodia. The Eireball Run was held for the first time last August and the nine-day event saw 20 Volkswagens ranging from a 1953 Beetle to a 1985 Type 25 camper driving some or all of the route.
This year the event has been extended by a day with the 1,375 mile route taking in stops in Donegal, Achill Island, Connemara; Baltimore, Co Cork; and Arklow.
Further information on the route for Eireball 2007 and details of how to contribute are at www.eireball.com