Rolls-Royce Press Release
Rolls-Royce has produced a limited edition, named Phantom Silver, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The special model, of which only 25 will be made, pays homage to the one of the most famous automotive names of all time.
First built in 1906, specifically to publicise the then new Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp six-cylinder model, the Silver Ghost established the Rolls-Royce reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The name was coined in 1907 by Rolls-Royce Managing Director, Claude Johnson, by virtue of its silver coachwork and its 'extraordinary stealthiness'. The original Silver Ghost, registered AX-201, competed in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, for which it won the gold medal in its class for hill climbing speed and reliability. The Silver Ghost went on in that year to break the world record for a non-stop motor run, covering a London to Glasgow route 27 times, with mileage totalling 14,371 miles.
More than 6,000 "Silver Ghosts" were built between 1907 and 1925, and sold in every corner of the world. The majority are still in good running order.
In tribute to the specifications of the original, the Phantom Silver is finished in a new Bespoke paint, Metallic Ghost Silver. The 21-inch wheels have chrome centres and on top of the grille sits a hallmarked solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, Rose Leaf or Creme Light leather is accompanied by seat piping and headrests embroidered with the Rolls-Royce interlinked RR badge. Straight grained Santos Palissander wood veneer is used throughout. The same veneer is also used on a specially designed presentation box that houses the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned solid silver Conway Stewart fountain pen.
Rolls-Royce Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, "The Silver Ghost is such a significant model in the history of Rolls-Royce that we felt marking its 100th anniversary was entirely fitting. Its extraordinary reliability, refinement, comfort and virtually silent running were as important to Rolls-Royce in 1907 as they are today."
Source: Rolls-Royce Press Releases
2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Silver
2009 Toyota TRD Aurion
Toyota Press Release
Toyota Australia has adopted a premium sporty design for its upcoming TRD Aurion because a "plastic fantastic" image would not appeal to the target market, the company's head designer said today.
Mr Paul Beranger, corporate manager of Toyota Style Australia, said research showed potential customers are more likely to be attracted by a subtle blend of technically enhanced styling cues.
He said the car's premium design would be complemented by the new engineering package developed by TRD.
"We didn't want to build a car that has a lot of plastic bits on it - or simply throw another body kit on it," Mr Beranger said.
"People who pay for a premium performance car definitely don't want to be followed by every police car on the road.
"There are a lot of people around who want a sophisticated design. They don't necessarily want to be seen driving a 'Batmobile'.
"What we are going to offer is a complete package that will align it more closely to a sophisticated market rather than outright brute performance.
"The challenge is to balance technology, styling and features at a realistic cost.
"We think we've nailed it," he said.
Mr Beranger said the TRD Aurion has an international design with links to TRD's motorsport heritage.
"We are targeting a sophisticated market that offers a higher-quality product. We are not in the V8 market.
"If this car were imported from Japan, it would fit naturally into the Toyota family - rather than having some people wrongly try to position it as an almighty V8-killer."
Mr Beranger said Toyota is the only company manufacturing in Australia that has a Formula One connection.
F1-linked aspects of the TRD Aurion include the integration of the exhaust, the twin rear wings for improved airflow, front lip spoiler, greater airflow through the radiator and aero panels under the car for better downforce and road-holding.
"Components on the car that affect the airflow are designed with aerodynamics in mind rather than simply bolting additional plastic onto the car," he said.
Mr Beranger said the styling of the TRD Aurion would have global appeal.
"That immediately sets us apart from other locally produced cars."
Toyota Australia plans to launch the TRD Aurion in August 2007.
Source: Toyota Press Releases
2008 Toyota Camry
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Toyota Camry has claimed the title of the best-selling Australian-made car.A record number of 111,891 Camry sedans were produced last year at Toyota's Altona plant in Melbourne's west and sold on domestic and export markets.
Camry was the only Australian-built car with annual production exceeding 100,000 vehicles.
Of these, Australian motorists bought more than 26,300 Camry sedans - making it the country's best-selling mid-size car by a margin of more than two-to-one over its nearest rival.
But local sales are just part of the story.
The vast majority of Australian-made Camry sedans - more than 85,500 cars - were exported and sold in more than 20 countries.
Domestic and export sales combined to make Camry the top-selling Australian-made car.Now Toyota is adding to the appeal of the four-cylinder Camry on the local market.
It has released a Camry Ateva L special-edition model, which features more than AUD$2000 of equipment for no extra cost.
Special-edition features include leather seats and door trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, a lip spoiler and badging.
The price remains the same as a standard Ateva at AUD$33,750.
Toyota has also made a running upgrade to the Camry Grande, adding 17-inch alloy wheels as standard with no change to the AUD$39,990.
Camry is the only four-cylinder car produced in Australia.
It has been the country's best-selling mid-size car for the past 14 years.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the Australian-made Camry was popular with motorists locally and overseas due to its style, size, dynamics and value.
Source: Toyota Press Releases
