Developed by Volkswagen in conjunction with Porsche (Cayenne), the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg was VW’s first entry into the burgeoning sport utility vehicle segment. While the two were developed on the same basic platform, they have quite different outward personalities. The Volkswagen is more mainstream—yet quite upscale, while the Porsche works very diligently to live up to the performance potential associated with its name. Interestingly however, while the Porsche had to live up to its brand name, the Touareg has served to expand the reputation of its brand name. While a Touareg does cost less than a Porsche Cayenne, it is nonetheless an expensive purchase. 43,995. Speaking of which, today’s Volkswagen Touareg is also considerably less capable off road than the original 2004 Volkswagen Touareg was. Some, but not all. Though the model has been in production since 2002, it’s so successful VW has only seen fit to remake it once—thus the Touareg is currently in but its second generation. By the way, the name of the Volkswagen comes from a North African nomadic tribe of people known as the Tuareg. They are the principal inhabitants of the Saharan interior. A very hearty people who roam about a rather inhospitable environment—makes perfect sense to name a sport utility vehicle after them. Over the years, Volkswagen has offered the Touareg with a number of different powerplants. In the United States, the first generation Touareg could be ordered with either a 220-horsepower 3.2-liter V6; a 310-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8; or a 310-horsepower V10 diesel— good for an absolutely stupefying 553 ft-lbs of torque.
Imported car manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are providing the best after-sales service for their clients worldwide by establishing service centers across various cities where their cars are sold. Imported Car Services can be easily found in many countries for BMW Mercedes auto repairs , as well as Mercedes repair, because both car manufacturers are widely known for their high-quality customer treatment. Mercedes and BMW provide genuine spare parts at company-owned service centers, in addition to authorized service centers for imported cars across the globe. Authorized service centers for imported cars (like BMW, Mercedes, Audi etc.) have increased their sales and profits because they are offer excellent repair and maintenance services for all premium cars. With increasing emphasis being laid on customer relationship management (CRM), all major car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes have now set up better delivery mechanisms for genuine spare parts to assure prompt service and repair for their valued customer's cars. Imported car manufacturers have started outsourcing the manufacturing of car parts in most countries; so there is no lack of car parts in any particular country or region.
Having conquered the specialist sports car market over the last five years, Noble Automotive is now launching an all-new model, which will firmly establish it at the quality end of the supercar market. The 2004 British Motor Show will see the Noble M14 unveiled for the first time. Far from being a mere concept, the show car's styling, interior, drivetrain and chassis represent what will reach production when the car goes on sale in October this year. Noble has chosen again to adopt a highly-modified version of Ford's 3.0-litre V6, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, for use in the M14. The unit, which in base form also powers certain Jaguar cars, has proved particularly durable in five years of Noble M12 development and production. Like the GTO-3R and M400 models, the engine employs twin turbochargers, but uses an engine map developed specifically for the M14. In common with the 425bhp M400 model, the M14 will gain forged pistons to ensure durability.
Twin intercoolers now feature in the M14, and are mounted behind each rear wheel arch. The ratios in the M14's six-speed gearbox have been designed to specifically match its power and torque characteristics, complementing the engine's linear delivery. Trimmed in the finest Italian leather (Noble uses the same supplier as Ferrari for the M14) there is no mistaking the M14 cabin's aura of quality and luxury. The padded leather extends throughout the cabin, and is complimented by grey Alcantara roof lining and a gear tunnel and centre console formed in a gunmetal-coloured composite material. The floor and some lower sections of the cabin are trimmed in deep, 80 per cent wool carpet. There are even leather sill pads, incorporating the 'Noble' logo, for drivers to lean against while exiting the car. The stunning and sumptuous seats, which will be standard in all M14s are manufactured specifically for Noble. They feature a carbon fibre frame, for strength and lightness, and are trimmed in the same top-grade leather seen elsewhere in the cabin. Both seats incorporate fore and aft adjustment, as well as reclining backrests and tilt adjustment. As a result, the main dashboard and console area is clutter free.
