AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

ferrari has launch their newst car Ferrari 458 Italia it has 562 horse power with V8 engine 4.5 litre engine power 425kW at 9000rpm and torque 540Nm at 6000rpm the transmition used 7 speed dual clutch auto and has fuel consumption 13,7L/100km this car can run from 0 - 100kph in just 3,4 second with maksimum top speed 325 kph theprized was estimated on $520,000

Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:58:00 +0000

The Mercedes S600 Guard Pullman is the latest and probably the ultimate in VIP protection. Heads of state, the rich and famous (and infamous) are the usual customers for this type of vehicle.

Instead of taking apart a new S600 and retrofitting all the plate armor into the doors, side panel and a couple of inches of polycarbonate glass in place of the standard windows, these are instead installed during production in the factory in Sindelfingen Germany.

The S600 is powered by a v12 byturbo engine which produces 380KW/517 hp-more than enough power to get out of those sticky and dangerous situations. Due to the added weight of the armor plating and the like, the suspension has been reinforced as with the brakes.

For protection, the S600 Guard Pullman has a level IV (B7) rating. This means that its armor is capable of withstanding gunfire anything from 9mm to 5.56 to armor piercing 7.62 X 51 NATO rounds. Other security features include a fire extinguishing system, run-flat tires and a self sealing gas tank.

You may want to special order this one since you might not see this one on the showroom floor at your local Mercedes Benz Dealership!

source http://mercedes.dealerhouston.com/what-is-the-mb-s600-guard.php

The 10 Most Embarrassing Award Winners in Automotive History

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Here and now, in vivid HTML, Car and Driver formally apologizes for naming the Renault Alliance to the 1983 10Best Cars list. For the last 26 years, it’s been gnawing at our collective gut like a shame-induced ulcer. The car was trash. We should have known that back then, and it’s taken us too long to confess our grievous mistake. Let this frank admission be the start of our penance.

It’s not the only blemish on our record, and we’re not the only publication to recognize a few stinkers with its highest honor. The history of automotive journalism has seen flaming piles of poo named “Car of the Year” even as they attract product liability lawsuits by the acre-foot and hunks of crud honored as “All-Stars” at the very moment buyers are seeking reimbursement under lemon laws.

It’s always a risk making judgments based on the initial exposure to a car, and sometimes a vehicle’s ultimate crappiness only reveals itself with the fullness of time. We’re all subject to hype for something that seems new, different, and maybe even better, and in this business, we all feel the crushing pressure to be timely, amusing, and authoritative. Being wrong is always a risk. Still, here are ten award winners for which somebody needs to apologize.

1983 Renault Alliance: Car and Driver 10 Best Cars

“If we were some other magazine,” our ancestors wrote, honoring the Renault Alliance as one of 1983’s 10 Best Cars, “this would be our car of the year.”

The Alliance was misconceived during that period (1982 to 1987) when France’s Renault owned American Motors. The idea was to take the front-drive Renault 9 sedan, redecorate it with American-friendly elements like whitewall tires and a monochrome interior, and assemble the whole shebang in an old Nash factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. While the Alliance rode and handled okay for the time, the standard 1.4-liter engine croaked along with only 60 hp.

The Alliance proved that Wisconsin workers could assemble a Renault with the same indifference to quality that was a hallmark of French automobile industry. By the late ’80s, the sight of rusted Alliances abandoned alongside America’s roads was so common that their resale value had dropped to nearly zero. When Chrysler bought AMC in 1987, its first order of business was the mercy killing of the Alliance.

For the record, that “other magazine,” Motor Trend, did in fact name the Alliance its Car of the Year for 1983. We share the shame.

2002 Ford Thunderbird: Motor Trend Car of the Year

Ford’s re-launch of the Thunderbird as a two-seater in 2002 seemed like such a good idea. The styling was gorgeous, the concept car had earned raves at every car show, and nostalgia for the 1955–1957 two-seat ‘Birds was at a fever pitch.

Unfortunately, Ford went cheap engineering the new T-Bird, grabbing most of the chassis pieces and many interior elements straight out of the lackluster Lincoln LS sedan’s parts bin. The result was an overweight, softly sprung roadster that looked great outside, was agonizingly boring inside, and dreary to drive. And at about $40,000, it was stupidly expensive. If anyone was going to drive this T-Bird, it was platinum-haired women prone to carrying small dogs wherever they go. It turns out there aren’t that many of those women out there.

Only 19,085 Thunderbirds were sold during the 2002 model year and sales dwindled from there. Mercifully, 2005 was the two-seater’s last year of production.

1971 Chevrolet Vega: Motor Trend Car of the Year

The Chevy Vega is on everyone’s short list for Worst Car of All Time. It was so unreliable that it seemed the only time anyone saw a Vega on the road not puking out oily smoke was when it was being towed.

That’s not to say the choice of the Vega as 1971 Car of the Year doesn’t make sense in context. This was the year Ford and Chevy introduced new small cars and compared to Ford’s Pinto, the Vega at least seemed better. The Vega handled more precisely, was available in more body styles, and, with styling cribbed straight off the Camaro, looked more attractive. The Vega’s aluminum engine block even seemed like a technological leap forward.

However, the aluminum block’s unlined cylinder bores scored easily and the (usually misaligned) iron cylinder head let oil pour into them. Every element of the Vega’s chassis was built about as flimsily as possible and the unibody structure’s metal was usually attacked by rust mere moments after being exposed to, well, air. It’s been 38 years since the Vega appeared, and the stink still won’t wash off.

1997 Cadillac Catera: Automobile All-Stars

By the mid ’90s, Cadillac was sick of being kicked around by European competitors like the BMW 3- and 5-series and Mercedes C- and E-classes. No matter how hard Caddy tried, it always seemed that the Germans were cooler. So Cadillac looked at GM’s international portfolio of products, came across the rear-drive Opel Omega MV6 that was then being built in Germany (perfect!), and decided that, with a little bit of redecoration and a name change to Catera, it would make a great Cadillac.

Despite an ad campaign that featured both Cindy Crawford and animated versions of the ducks found on the Cadillac crest, there was just no way to hide that the Catera was a snoozer. The styling was generic and gelatinous, the interior bland, the chassis response lackadaisical, and the 3.0-liter V-6’s 200 hp had to strain against a nearly 3900-pound curb weight. Ads for the Catera said it was the “Caddy that zigs,” but what’s the point of zigging without zagging? About the only thing truly interesting about the Catera was its calamitous reliability record.

1985 Merkur XR4Ti: Car and Driver 10 Best Cars

In 1985, Merkur was such a peculiar name that anyone writing about Ford’s new brand of vehicles imported from Europe had to resort to phonetic spellings. “The Merkur (‘Mare-coor’) XR4Ti is about the slickest thing to ever come out of a Lincoln-Mercury dealer’s showroom,” C/D wrote while enshrining the car as one of that year’s 10Best, “maybe the slickest thing ever to come out of the Ford Motor Company.”

To create the XR4Ti, Ford took Europe’s bulbous three-door, rear-drive Sierra, excised its V-6 engine, and replaced it with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four out of the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and SVO Mustang (albeit without the SVO’s intercooler). The result wasn’t a terrible car, but it sure was odd-looking.

With its biplane rear spoiler and slick contours, the XR4Ti was aerodynamically slippery and looked European. The turbo four’s raucous 170 hp managed somewhat sprightly performance, but no matter how giddy C/D’s editors were back then, buyers found the XR4Ti highly resistible. It was, in sum, peculiar.

1997 Chevrolet Malibu: Motor Trend Car of the Year

There hasn’t been a more generic or uninteresting car made in America than the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. “Chevrolet decided that unlike its crosstown rivals at Ford and Chrysler,” wrote Motor Trend as it assigned the Malibu its highest accolade, “it wasn't interested in pushing the styling envelope with its new sedan.” And push it, General Motors didn’t.

At least the 1997 Malibu drove blandly, too. The front-drive chassis was tuned for banality. The two engines offered were a 2.4-liter DOHC four making 150 hp or a 3.1-liter V-6 rated at just 155 horsepower. And both were lashed to a somnambulant four-speed automatic transaxle.

Moments after the Malibu went on sale, it became a fixture in fleets; it was the perfect car to buy when you’re buying 600. It became such a staple with rental companies that when the next Malibu was ready for launch during the 2004 model year, Chevrolet simply changed the name of the one introduced in 1997 to “Classic” and restricted sales to fleets. The Classic remained in production through the 2005 model year. It was America’s plain brown wrapper.

1990 Lincoln Town Car: Motor Trend Car of the Year

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car was barely more than a re-skinned version of its immediate predecessor, a lame tub designed to wring a couple more years of profits out of decades-old technology. Sure, the 1990 Town Car’s wheelbase grew an entire tenth of an inch—from 117.3 to 117.4 inches—and overall length was up 1.2 inches, but virtually every mechanical element was carryover. That included the float-tuned suspension, the Nimitz-class steering circle, the arthritic 150-hp 4.9-liter V-8, and the slough-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. At least the looks were marginally improved and, if you’re going to pass out drunk on the floor of a car, it’s hard to think of a better machine than a stretched Town Car limo.

The Town Car got better in 1991 when Ford’s then-new 190-hp V-8 replaced the old pushrod engine, but after that it remained technologically stagnant until it was once again superficially redesigned for 1998. It didn’t even try to be new.

1980 Chevrolet Citation: Motor Trend Car of the Year

When GM’s front-drive compact X-cars--the Chevrolet Citation, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Omega, and Pontiac Phoenix—went into production in April 1979, everything seemed foolproof. The X-car was front-drive, the two available engines were old-school pushrod designs, and the interior was Detroit chic with flat seats and plastic door panels. At the time, it seemed like a breakthrough—finally, an American-made Honda Accord.

Things started going terribly wrong as soon as the X-car got into the hands of consumers. While staring down 60 -month payment books, Citation owners were having trim bits fall off in their hands, hearing their transmissions groan and seize, and finding that if they listened closely enough they could hear their cars rust. At times it seemed the suspension in some X-cars wasn’t even bolted in correctly, as the ride motions grew funkier and funkier while the steering developed an oceanic on-center dead spot.

As GM’s first front-drive compacts, the X-cars were significant vehicles: They slaughtered GM’s reputation for a whole generation.

1974 Ford Mustang II: Motor Trend Car of the Year

The Mustang II was a direct response to the energy crises brought on by the OPEC oil embargoes of the early ’ 70s. Looking at the bloated 1973 Mustang, Ford was sure the way to go for ’74 was smaller. So they slapped a new body atop the Pinto to create the Mustang II, and skipped V-8 engines altogether.

Even as the Mustang II went on sale, purists were crying that it represented a betrayal. Instead of the powerful car the Mustang had been, here was a poseur with wheezing four- and six-cylinder engines under the hood. And, except for slightly better fuel economy, there were no compensating virtues.

Styling cues from earlier ponies—the “C” indent along the flanks, three-section taillights, and the corral shaped front grille—were cartoonish on the misshapen Mustang II. And no other Mustang is quite as despicable as the 1975 Mustang II Ghia notchback coupe with the half-vinyl roof. Ford shoehorned a V-8 into the Mustang II during 1975—a strangled, two-barrel 302-cubic-inch rated at a pathetic 129 hp—and that only further proved how ludicrously fragile the car’s structure was.

Today the Mustang II is the Mustang only the most socially inept enthusiast loves.

1995 Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique: Car and Driver 10 Best Cars

For three years from 1995 to 1997, this magazine tried to convince the rest of the world that the front-drive Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique were worthy of 10Best status. It didn’t work.

“[T]hese replacements for the Tempo and Topaz are very different than Chrysler’s Cirrus,” we wrote in the 1995 10 Best issue. “The Contour is a smaller, tauter car. It has a tighter back seat but more aggressive road manners. In fact, if you didn’t see Ford’s oval logo, you might easily mistake it for a much more expensive European sports sedan.”

Hey, compared to the Tempo and Topaz, a wheelbarrow seemed refined. The problem was, as we should have understood back in ’95, that the Contour and Mystique really were too small for their class. Priced alongside the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Americanized versions of Europe’s cramped Mondeo never stood a chance.

“For the serious driver who wants a compact, affordable sedan,” we wrote to justify selection of the Contour and Mystique to the 1996 10 Best list, “these Ford products deserve a long look.” So buyers gave them a long look and then muttered to themselves, “That thing is just too dinky.”

source

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/846/dishonorable-mention-the-10-most-embarrassing-award-winners-in-automotive-history

WRC 2009 and 2010 Calendars

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:05:00 +0000

2009 and 2010 Calendars

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council confirmed last Friday, December 7th, that the World Rally Championship calendar will use a rotation system in two years' time.

The rotation system allows candidate events to be alternated year-on-year to provide rallies with a chance of appearing on the schedule.

Monte Carlo will be absent from the 2009 calendar and the season will kick off with Rally Ireland. Monte Carlo will not be on the calendar for the first time since 1996 but will return to its original slot in 2010.

There will be only 12 events in 2009 and 2010 rather than 16 rallies this year and 15 events in 2008.

2009 FIA World Rally Championship

Ireland - 01 February
Norway - 15 February
Cyprus - 15 March
Portugal - 05 April
Argentina - 26 April
Italy - 24 May
Greece - 14 June
Poland - 28 June
Finland - 02 August
Australia - 06 September
Spain - 04 October
GB - 25 October

2010 FIA World Rally Championship

Monte Carlo - 24 January
Sweden - 14 February
Mexico - 07 March
Jordan - 11 April
Turkey - 25 April
New Zealand - 16 May
Indonesia - 20 June
Russia - 18 July
Bulgaria - 08 August
Germany - 22 August
Japan - 12 September
France - 10 October

Source
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=55&desc=2009%20and%202010%20Calendars

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer

The motor sport department of Mitsubishi Motors and MMSP both contributed to the development of the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer which complies with the Group T1 regulations of the FIA (motor sport's international governing body: Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) introduced in 2002. The firm's latest cross-country rally car, which has been designed to take onboard the new super production regulations when they come into force in 2010, has benefited extensively from the experience acquired with the Pajero/Montero Evolution.

The development of the turbo-diesel engine began in April 2006 before being grafted into a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for testing purposes in June 2007. Development of the body began in August 2007 and the first Mitsubishi Racing Lancer was completed in June 2008. This car was put through its paces during one-week test sessions in Spain and Morocco, as well as over typical cross-country rally terrain in France. Based on the data collected during these tests, further sessions were organized in Morocco at the end of August/early September plus another two weeks in October prior to the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer's debut on the sixth round of the FIA Cross-Country Baja International Cup, the Baja Portalegre (Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2, 2008).

The Mitsubishi Racing Lancer is based on a new multi-tubular steel frame. The team has taken particular care to minimize weight, while the additional space freed up by the longer wheelbase – a decision based on the regulations due to come into force in 2010 – has enabled the gas tank to be positioned lower in the car and has consequently brought down the centre of gravity. Handling has also been improved thanks to the new location of the spare tyres which ensures enhanced control of the moment of inertia.

Mitsubishi Motors's design department was responsible for the body styling which uses carbon panels based on the design of the Lancer Sportback. The design was finalized after validation of the new car's aerodynamic performance in a wind tunnel.

The powerful 3-litre V6 diesel engine features a two-stage turbocharger which positions a small and large turbine configuration on each side of engine, working with both the small and large turbine according to engine revolution and load.

Peak torque is 66.3kgfm (650Nm), while maximum power currently stands at 280PS (206kW), although this figure is expected to increase as development work continues. The cooling system of the intercooler is positioned at the rear of the car and is fed by the characteristic roof-mounted air scoop.

The V6 engine is fed through a manual Ricardo five-speed sequential gearbox engineered to cope with the high torque delivered by the powerplant. The Mitsubishi Racing Lancer's permanent four-wheel drive transmission features the same self-locking differential as that used for Pajero/Montero Evolution.

Both the front and rear suspension systems feature extensively revised geometry and are both based on a double wishbone layout with coil springs, anti-roll bars and uprated BOS dampers which can be adjusted through a broader range. The car runs on BFGoodrich's new low-energy 245/80-16 cross-country rally tyres and OZ aluminium alloy wheels (16x7JJ). The vented 16-inch brake discs are coupled with six-piston Brembo calipers.

Technical Specifications

LENGTH: 4475mm
OVERALL WIDTH: 1990mm
WHEELBASE: 2900mm
FRONT/ REAR TRACK: 1750mm/1750mm
OVERALL WEIGHT: 1900kg
ENGINE MODEL: 6-cylinder Turbodiesel 24-Valve with dry-sump oil system
FUEL SYSTEM: Common rail high pressure injection
DISPLACEMENT: 3997cc
MAXIMUM OUTPUT: 206kw (280 PS), 650Nm (66.3 kgfm)
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed ‘Ricardo’-type, sequential shift gearbox and mechanical gear selection
4WD system: full time, mechanical centre diff lock
- Front diff: ‘Ricardo’ self-locking differential
- Rear diff: ‘Ricardo’ self-locking differential
SUSPENSION
- Front: Independent, double wishbones, coil spring
- Rear: Independent, double wishbones, coil spring and anti-roll bar system
DAMPERS: ‘BOS’ fully-adjustable damping
WHEEL STROKE: 250 mm front and rear
STEERING: Power-assisted rack and pinion
BRAKES: ‘BREMBO’ Front and rear Ventilated discs with 6-piston calipers
WHEELS: ‘OZ’ aluminium (7JJ x 16)
TYRES: BF Goodrich (245/80 – 16)
OTHERS: Aeronautic steel multi-tubular frame, Honeycomb body floor and carbon fibre body

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:56:00 +0000

General info

Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Lancer Evolution X
Body: Sedan
Year: 2008

Tech specs

2Lt MIVEC Turbocharged engine
286 bhp
286 lb/ft Torque
AWD
6-speed Manual Transmission
0-60mph @ 5.1sec
Top speed-157mph

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X di lengkapi dengan S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) sebuah sistem pengendali kendaraan yang dinamis dan baru dikembangkan, pemakaian tenaga yang hemat dari Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Lancer Evolution X adalah jenis sedan generasi terbaru berperforma 4WD yang memungkinkan suatu kategori pengalaman baru bagi kemudahan akses pengemudi Mitsubishi yang dinamis untuk raihan kontrol kecepatan, keamanan dan keselamatan.

Evo X kini telah dpersenjatai berbagai fitur canggih sehingga pemula sekalipun saat menggebernya dalam kecepatan tinggi lalu menikung tajam, tidak bakal terguling,” jamin Hiroshi Funo, Assistant Manager (Vehicle Evaluation) Function Testing Dept Development Engineering Office dari Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).

Selain beberapa dukungan sistem teknologi fungsional seperti ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Brake System) dan Active Stability Control (ASC), Mistubishi LAncer X dari segi keamanan juga dilengkapi dengan SRS dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS knee airbag for driver, adaptive front lighting system (AFS) dan standar brembo 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes (GSR) sebagai antisipasi performa X-treme nya .

Honda Jazz (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Honda Jazz (2009)

The all-new Honda Jazz is once again set to redefine the B-segment parameters of practicality and interior space. The 5-door hatchback will achieve class leading interior space and combined it with significantly improved fuel economy and 120 g/km CO2 emissions (1.4-litre i-SHIFT and 1.2-litre).

The exterior design is at first glance an evolution rather than a revolution, but this subtle change of appearance is only one small part of the thousands of changes that push the all-new Honda Jazz forward. It retains the concepts of the previous Honda Jazz with its centre fuel tank layout and Magic Seats which gave it world beating interior flexibility. Yet while the best features are retained, including cabin space to rival mid-sized saloons, the new Honda Jazz brings change to every area, raising the bar even further and promising to expand on its success in the supermini segment. The previous generation was given more than fifty awards and has sold over two million around the world since its 2001 launch.

A slightly larger, 'cab forward' style body brings better visibility and means Honda Jazz is even more spacious, benefiting rear legroom and boot space in particular. The Magic Seats now dive down in one easy action and their versatility is now complemented by a new Double-Trunk boot feature in the luggage bay.

There are greater levels of safety equipment including the introduction of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, active front seat head restraints and VSA. Larger wheels, revised suspension and a longer wheelbase/wider track bring greater agility while enhancing ride comfort. And new 90 PS 1.2-litre and 100 PS 1.4-litre i-VTEC engines deliver better performance characteristics while boosting economy to exceptional levels - 5.1 and 5.3 l/100 km combined, respectively. CO2 emissions for both the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines have also been significantly reduced. The 1.2 litre engine now emits just 120g/km (down from 129g/km), while the 1.4 litre produces 123g/km in manual or 120g/km with the i-SHIFT transmission (down from 137g/km)

Greater economy and lower emission from two new engines

New, more powerful petrol engines, capable of outstanding economy, are designed to appeal to customers who might be downsizing as well as those looking to achieve fuel economy comparable to diesel powered models. Their balance between economy and lively performance are unmatched in the class. Adopting Honda's VTEC technology (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), the new 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder engines are connected to either a 5-speed manual transmission or, on 1.4 models, Honda's i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission which includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Offering 90 PS compared to the 78 PS of its predecessor at a slightly higher 6,000 rpm and torque up from 110 to 114 Nm for improved performance, the 1.2-litre engine nevertheless achieves 5.1 l/100km combined, down from 5.5 l/100km, while CO2 emissions are also improved, reduced from 129 to 120 g/km.

It is a similar story with the new 100 PS, 127 Nm 1.4-litre engine. Compared to the previous i-DSI unit which produced 83 PS and 119 Nm, fuel economy is now 5.3 l/100km for the manual model (down from 5.8 l/100km) and an even better 5.1 l/100km when equipped with the i-SHIFT semi-automated manual transmission (5.9 l/100km for the previous 1.4-litre CVT). CO2 output drops to 124 and 120 g/km, respectively (down from 137 and 139 g/km).

The new SIL (Shift Indicator Light) fitted to manual models, similar to that found on the new Accord, provides a visual prompt of the best gear shift points to maximise economy.

Transmissions

The 1.2 and 1.4-litre models are equipped with an evolution of the previous 5-speed manual transmission with gear ratios optimised for a more sporty driving experience while ensuring good fuel economy.

Key improvements include a revised clutch pedal stroke, carbon-type synchroniser on third gear to minimise shift load, crisper shifting through reduced clutch disc inertia and improved refinement.

Manual transmission-equipped models feature the new SIL (Shift Indicator Light) within the centre of the rev counter, also found on the latest Honda Accord. Providing the driver with a visual prompt of the best gear shift points to maximise economy, it has been demonstrated to provide meaningful fuel economy improvements.

i-SHIFT (6-speed automated manual transmission)

As well as a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.4-litre engine can be teamed up with Honda's latest i-SHIFT transmission. The first time a 6-speed automated manual transmission has been offered in this vehicle class, the gearbox offers better fuel economy than is possible with either a true automatic or a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The unit is a development of the system first fitted to the Honda Civic, with improvements made including; reduced gear change times, smoother shifts and more intelligent automatic mode shift logic.

New cab forward styling and increased dimensions

At 3900 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1525 mm tall, the new Honda Jazz occupies its own unique niche between superminis and compact MPVs, offering the style of the former and the practicality of the latter.

Overall height remains the same, but the length of the new Honda Jazz is up by 55 mm and it is also slightly wider - by 20 mm. A wheelbase increase of 50 mm, and front and rear track increases of 35 mm and 30 mm, respectively, aid handling stability.

Despite those increased dimensions, the turning circle at 9.8 m kerb to kerb is no larger than that of the previous Honda Jazz and together with improved visibility, the new car's around town abilities are even better.

New ACE body structure

Even more efficient safety performance results from the introduction of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that is being progressively rolled out across the Honda range. Its structure, in particular a front polygonal main frame, helps to reduce the negative effect of misalignment between vehicles of different sizes and construction and multiple energy absorbing pathways disperse impact energy to prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on all models are dual front and side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, those in the front with dual-stage pretensioners. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat and for the first time Honda Jazz is equipped with seatbelt reminders for both the front and rear seats. Front seats are also fitted with active headrests to minimise the potential for whiplash injuries.

Two ISOFIX fittings in the left and right rear seats together with tether anchors in the roof ensure correct child seat installation.

Larger, more refined cabin with even better functionality

The ingenious interior layout of the original Honda Jazz, with its compact suspension and centrally-mounted fuel tank liberating more load space, together with the increased external dimensions of the new model, mean interior comfort has been taken to a new level.

Rear seat passengers now have 37 mm greater knee room, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30 mm. The slightly wider body also means shoulder room increases by 44 mm in the front and 43 mm in the rear.

Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.

Magic Seats now one-motion dive-down

Given the popularity of the previous Jazz's innovative 'cinema' style rear seats, it comes as little surprise that Honda chose to offer a similar arrangement in the new car; but while the latest Magic Seats operate on the same principle, they are even more convenient since they have a one-motion, dive-down operation. No longer is there a need to move the front seats forward to collapse the rear seats. Instead, thanks to headrests that are virtually flush with the seatback, the 2:1 split rear seats are able to clear the front seats even when the latter are slid back to their rearmost position.

New Double-Trunk boot feature (1.4-litre models)

The outstanding practicality of the Magic Seats concept is complemented in the new Honda Jazz by a flexible luggage area based on similar principles to the arrangement found in the Honda CR-V. Standard on 1.4 models, which are equipped with a tyre repair kit, the Double-Trunk boot features an underfloor storage area concealed by a double hinged panel - Regular Mode. The 230 mm deep, 64 litre capacity lower compartment is ideal for stashing sports gear or wet items, and once covered, won't soil other luggage.

The floor can be removed altogether or folded up against the rear seats to make full use of the total depth available - ideal for particularly tall objects (Tall Mode). Alternatively, rather than folding the complete panel against the seat backs, its rear half can be folded up to create a load shelf at half height - so creating a double load space - Upper/lower Mode. Heavier items can be stored below, while lighter items can be placed on the upper shelf, and since it incorporates a load net, is perfect for carrying awkwardly shaped items, preventing them from moving around.

Total luggage space available is 399 litres in models with a tyre repair kit, greater than that of some compact MPVs and class-leading in the supermini sector. The previous Honda Jazz had a total of 380 litres (VDA).

Refined cabin environment

High quality, pleasant-to-the touch materials, stylish design and tasteful colours give the cabin a more upmarket feel.

More comfortable front seats with better support, a driver's footrest, a height adjustable driver's seat, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and larger rear seats are just some of the features that contribute to the more cosseting, more relaxed cabin environment. Extra sound insulation and the increased body rigidity also play their part in making the Honda Jazz a pleasant place to be. And for a real sense of spaciousness, the Honda Jazz 1.4 EX is equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for a great aerial view. Heat absorbing glass and a power sun shade ensure a comfortable cabin environment all year round.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:14:00 +0000

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

A new Bugatti will publicly be displayed for the first time at this year's Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance, on August 16th, 2008.

The last preparations are running at full speed. Two more weeks and then Bugatti Automobiles will present their new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport for the very first time to the public.

It will be a roadster with a unique, removable roof. The open-top Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport allows driver and passenger to feel even closer to the car's breathtaking power. Those who consider the wind in their hair and the roar of a thoroughbred racing engine in their ears to be essential to true driving enjoyment will find their perfect motor car in this new Bugatti. Even with the top on the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport does not loose any of its fascination and conveys to the passenger a new exciting panoramic view.

As well as a large number of new equipment features, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport also incorporates innovative structural solutions, designed to ensure the roadster offers the same extremely high levels of performance and passive safety as the coupe version.

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport will be presented to the public in the afternoon of August 16, 2008, at the lawn in front of the Pebble Beach Lodge. The very first build slot for this new car, to be built in Spring 2009, will be auctioned the next day at the renown Gooding auction at the Equestrian Center at Pebble Beach.

Edo Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Edo Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

With the modified Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera edo competition Motorsport has now added a second high-profile Italian racer to its tuning program after the Murciélago LP 640. Like its bigger brother, this sports car with the bull in its logo excels through its highlighted racing genes and more aggressive appearance after being modified at edo competition.

The most remarkable feature is the sensational acceleration. edo competition achieves these figures thanks to the installation of a massive air box, high flow catalytic converters which are a completely new design and a recalibration of the engine electronics. All components together raise the power output to 560 hp (411 kW) at 8,250 rpm. The power increase of 30 hp / 22 kW boosts the top speed by about 6 km/h (4 mph) to 320 km/h (199 mph). Another highlight: The sound volume of the modified exhaust system can be adjusted via remote.

The sporty concept of the edo Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is rounded off with 19" three-piece racing wheels with an artificially-aged cast center-section, hand-polished outer rims and 39 stainless steel screws.

The front wheels are shod in stock-sized or (on request) 245/35 ZR 19 rubber while 305/30 ZR 19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires are used on the rear axle. With this solution edo competition enables its customers to reuse the factory tires on their new wheels.

edo competition treats the masculine stance of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera to an additional testosterone injection by lowering the suspension by a good 15 mm and through the use of corner-weighting. With these upgrades, the Lambo sticks to the road so firmly and unflappably that it would take an earthquake to upset its poise.

Verdict from the July 2008 Autobild comparison test „Edo Gallardo / MTM R8": „The edo Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is the more harmonic and better balanced car. Very quick, great to control and of the finest quality in all aspects"!

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:28:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

With more than 500,000 units produced within three and a half years, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is among the bestsellers in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Now the latest generation of this compact car is showing itself to be more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by a completely revised design, high-grade appointments and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A convenient ECO start-stop function which reduces urban petrol consumption of these BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles by up to nine percent is now available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170, for example. For the three-door A 160 CDI Mercedes-Benz has developed an additional BlueEFFICIENCY package which lowers the fuel consumption of the Coupé by more than eight percent, to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Independent experts have acknowledged these great advances in the environmental field with an internationally valid environmental certificate, which the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the world's first compact car to achieve.

Since its world premiere in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in its class. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and reliability have always been among the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million customers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.

In spring 2008 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé in completely upgraded versions. Viewed from the front, this compact Mercedes-Benz now appears more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Lines: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE with an even more pronounced styling emphasis

Design features at the front end provide more distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While the louvres in the radiator grille of the basic version are painted in dark-grey, they are respectively in metallic atlas grey and high-sheen iridium silver in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and are also visually upgraded by additional chrome strips. Discreet chrome trim strips further reinforce this impression. In the AVANTGARDE line, the front bumper also has a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests greater agility.

When viewed from the side the different lines in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are distinguished by wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven-spoke wheel embellishers as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants. The previous side rubbing strips have been replaced by discreet chrome trim strips, which provide additional visual highlights in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is dominated by a modified bumper and newly designed rear light clusters which extend well into the vehicle flanks. Both these features make the body appear wider and therefore more imposing. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models the rear bumper is embellished with additional, reflector-look trim strips and chrome inserts. The new, ergonomically improved tailgate handle is chrome-plated in both lines, as is the oval exhaust tailpipe.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics

Mercedes designers paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines the seats are upholstered in an attractive combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric, which is available in three colours. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

The luxury seat package with seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar support, seat height adjustment for the driver's seat, a front armrest and a parcel net in the front passenger footwell is standard equipment for ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

Fuel economy: the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 4.5 litres

With fuel consumption figures between 4.9 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, the new-generation A-Class is a model of fuel economy. Thanks to detailed improvements, the fuel consumption of the state-of-the-art direct-injection diesel engines has been reduced by more than eight percent or 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the preceding series. From autumn 2008 Mercedes-Benz will introduce a standard BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI with a manual transmission, with further improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. The sum of these measures achieves a fuel saving of 0.4 litres, which means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC consumption of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. As a result the CO2 emissions of the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé are 119 grams per kilometre.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package also includes an aerodynamically optimised radiator grille. This has a closed-off interior face to reduce the airflow to the engine, though the CDI engine is still cooled effectively at all times. The suspension has also been lowered by ten millimetres to reduce the drag coefficient even further.

Mercedes engineers have exploited an additional fuel-saving potential by controlling the onboard power supply of the A 160 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY according to demand, and therefore on an energy-saving basis. A sensor constantly monitors the battery so that the output of the generator can be reduced for certain periods when the battery is well charged. This reduces the work required of the engine, which therefore consumes less fuel. To recharge the battery with optimum energy efficiency, the generator management system utilises the engine's overrun phases to produce electrical energy.

Start-stop function: the engine switches off automatically when idling

In the case of the petrol engines, Mercedes engineers have achieved NEDC fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres with a newly developed ECO start-stop function. From autumn 2008 this system will be available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170 on request. It automatically switches off the engine when the driver shifts the manual transmission to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes. If the conditions for engine switch-off are met, the driver is informed by a special display in the instrument cluster.

Within fractions of a second, and almost noiselessly, the engine is restarted as soon as the clutch is operated or the brake released. This rapid and comfortable engine start is a major advantage of the ECO start-stop function versus other systems of this kind. To this end Mercedes-Benz uses a starter generator which is linked to the crankshaft via the drive belt. As a result the engine starts much more rapidly and quietly than with the conventional starter. During a journey the starter generator feeds electrical power to the onboard network of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Economy: nine percent lower fuel consumption in city traffic

With the ECO start-stop function the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by a further 6.5 percent or so. The A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY (70 kW/95 hp) absolves a measured test journey with a fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 139 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Even greater advantages can be achieved in normal road traffic, as the results of extensive practical trials have confirmed: Mercedes employees tested the system in 175 test cars, covering a total of around 1.2 million kilometres. Roughly half of this enormous mileage was covered in city traffic, where the new ECO start-stop function enabled fuel savings of up to nine percent to be achieved.

Ecology: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the first compact car with an environmental certificate

Practical trials such as this are of immense importance to Mercedes-Benz when it comes to evaluating new technologies. The environmental compatibility of vehicles is not only assessed on the basis of standardised emissions and fuel consumption measurement, but also taking into account the entire vehicle lifecycle - from production and many years of operation to eventual recycling and disposal. An analysis of more than 40,000 individual processes provides an overall picture and enables the development work to be objectively assessed.

This form of environmental audit is the basis of the environmental certificate according to the stringent international ISO standard 14062 (Design For Environment), which Mercedes-Benz is the world's only automobile brand to have received. This certificate also applies to the new-generation A-Class, confirming the considerable advances made in the field of environmental protection. An analysis over a vehicle mileage of 150,000 kilometres shows that CO2 emissions are around seven percent below the figure for the preceding model (W168) of 2004, for example. Nitrogen oxide emissions have been reduced by no less than 13 percent.

Even better results are achieved by the A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY with the ECO start-stop function. Thanks to this new technology, carbon dioxide emissions over the entire lifecycle are reduced by a further five percent, which means that the environmental audit shows a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions by more than twelve percent compared to the preceding model.

Aspects other than favourable fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions are also important for the environmental certificate. For example the recycling concept of a vehicle: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class already meets the EU regulation coming into force from 2015, which prescribes a recycling rate of 95 percent. Plastic components with a total weight of 30.8 kilograms can be produced from high-grade recyclates - twice the figure achieved for the preceding model.

Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic

The adaptive brake light introduces technology from the luxury class into the compact segment, which therefore benefits from a further accident prevention system as a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond quicker and prevent a collision.

Flashing brake lights are the result of extensive practical research covering the braking behaviour of drivers. Mercedes engineers found that the braking responses of drivers are on average 0.2 seconds faster in emergency braking situations if a flashing red warning is given in place of conventional brake lights. The stopping distance can be reduced by around 4.40 metres from a speed of 80 km/h, and even by around 5.50 metres from a speed of 100 km/h. If the A‑Class is brought to a rapid stop from a speed exceeding 70 km/h, the hazard warning system is switched on in addition to the flashing brake lights.

the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sets standards in this market segment where occupant protection is concerned, with two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and for the outer rear seats, belt force limiters, active front head restraints and head/thorax sidebags. Mercedes-Benz has now added to this extensive safety technology with crash-responsive emergency lighting for the interior. This is switched on automatically following an accident of a defined severity, providing the occupants with better orientation and facilitating the work of the emergency services.

Parking assist: ultrasound and electric steering for easier parking

When finding and reversing into a parking space, drivers of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will in future be aided by an active parking assist feature which is available on request for all model variants. Using side-mounted ultrasonic sensors, this system identifies suitable parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing, then informs the driver by means of a display. The sensors are active up to a speed of 35 km/h, and monitor the area to the left and right of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. They measure the length and depth of possible parking spaces, indicating that the search is in progress with a " P " in the instrument cluster.

Once a suitable parking space has been found, an arrow appears in the display to inform the driver on which side of the road the parking space is located. If he engages reverse gear, acknowledges the display message and accelerates, active parking assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the car into the parking space. The driver only needs to accelerate and operate the brakes; the ultrasonic sensors of the PARKTRONIC system assist him in this by keeping him informed about the distance to the vehicle in front of and behind the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Active parking assist uses a total of ten ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers, as well as an electronic control unit which processes the sensor signals and calculates the best possible entry path into the parking space. This information is fed to the electromechanical power steering, whose electric motor performs the necessary steering movements of its own accord. The parking space only needs to be 1.30 metres longer than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for this automatic parking procedure to take place - an indication of the great precision of this technology. Thanks to its very compact dimensions, a parking space with a length of just 5.18 metres or so is sufficient; there is currently no other car able to park automatically in such a small space.

Mercedes engineers have also added a new function to a well-proven support system: the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class now has an automatic hill-holder function which prevents the car from rolling backwards when the driver changes from the brake pedal to the accelerator when moving off on an uphill gradient. In these situations ESP® maintains the brake pressure for a short time, so that the driver can move off smoothly.

Audio: new units offer Bluetooth, a colour display and Europe-wide navigation

Like all the new 2008 Mercedes models, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available with further improved information, communication, navigation and entertainment systems - in other words infotainment. There is a choice of four optional head units:

Audio 5, Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS. From Audio 20 these incorporate a radio with twin tuner, colour display, a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone, a telephone keypad, a CD-player, automatic volume adjustment and a connection for external audio units in the glove compartment. Audio 50 APS is also equipped with a Europe-wide DVD navigation system and a DVD drive, while the top-of-the-range COMAND APS features HDD navigation, a music register, a slot for SD memory cards and voice control. The LINGUATRONIC system operates the telephone, audio and navigation system by convenient whole-word commands. The driver need no longer spell out his wishes, but simply needs to say what he wants when entering a destination, selecting a radio station or accessing an entry in the telephone directory.

Interface: the "iPod" can be operated via the keys on the steering wheel

More scope for mobile musical enjoyment is provided by a newly developed, interactive media interface, which is able to connect an MP3-player, USBstick or other external audio unit with the infotainment system of the car. This means that external audio units can be conveniently operated using the keys on the multifunction steering wheel, while the titles of music tracks are shown in the instrument cluster and on the colour display in the centre console. While the portable audio unit is connected to the car via the media interface, its battery is charged. Connection of an iPod or similar requires a suitable cable which is available from the Mercedes-Benz accessories range.

The award-winning "Logic 7®"surround sound system, which celebrated its world premiere in the S-Class, is also available for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The system has an output of 450 Watts and features twelve loudspeakers (Coupé: ten).

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Coupe (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:27:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent. Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the high-volume B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include the bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive in the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, along with active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.

Since its market premiere in summer 2005, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has evolved into the blueprint for a new species of car which harmonises the benefits of various vehicle concepts: the four-door model boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate, the versatility of a mini MPV and the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz.

The sales figures for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class to date provide clear evidence that the Mercedes-Benz product planners hit the mark with a concept that caters to the motoring needs of today's sophisticated society: since mid-2005, over 350,000 motorists around the world have been won over by the Sports Tourer.

The restyled front end injects the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper - whose design emphasises the large air intake at the bottom - as well as the modified bonnet. This new design idiom makes the front look broad and, as a consequence, especially powerful, symbolising the sporty attributes of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class even more clearly than before. The design at the sides seems more harmonious and elegant than before, because the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants.

The rear styling picks up on the dynamic flow of lines at the front and along the sides. A direct visual link is created by the tail light assemblies, whose upper edges merge seamlessly with the character line along the vehicle's sides. The tail lights sport a new high-brilliance look and draw the gaze to the large tailgate, which now comes with en ergonomically enhanced chrome handle strip.

Interior: high-grade appointments with new upholsteries and trims

High-class appeal, attention to detail and a sense of ample spaciousness - these qualities have always been intrinsic to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The winning blend of forms, colours and materials teams up with the interior's roominess, the pleasant feel of all its surface materials and the expansive window areas to produce a most inviting ambience. This is helped by the high seating position - which, incidentally, improves the driver's all-round view, too - while the relatively high waistline fosters a sense of security without making the occupants feel confined.

The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with a new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions. If the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is ordered with the sports package, the side seat bolsters are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric. The interior door linings likewise feature a new fabric trim.

The centre console continues to be bordered by trim strips on both sides, but they are now made from diagonally brushed aluminium in a smoke grey finish. The same, integrated trim is found again in the vicinity of the gearshift and in the door panelling, giving the interior an added sense of refinement.

Diesel engines: fuel consumption reduced by seven percent

the Mercedes-Benz B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines - two direct-injection diesel units (80 kW/109 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) delivering up to 300 newton metres of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 142 kW/193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.

For the diesel models, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped by as much as seven percent - depending on tyre size - to 5.2 - 5.4 and 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively. The two turbodiesel models, which are particularly smooth-running thanks to a balancer shaft, will therefore be an even less frequent sight at the filling station from now on; the B 180 CDI can clock up over 1000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel (54 litres).

Petrol models: new fuel-saving ECO start/stop function

Depending on the model and engine output, the four petrol variants of the B‑Class return fuel consumption figures of between 6.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the NEDC driving cycle. From autumn 2008, motoring is set to become even more economical with the arrival of the B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring the ECO start/stop function. This newly developed function automatically switches the engine off when the driver shifts to neutral at low speed whilst depressing the brake pedal. If the criteria for stopping the engine are fulfilled, a special display appears in the instrument cluster to inform the driver.

The moment the clutch is pressed or the brake pedal released, the engine springs back to life almost noiselessly and in a fraction of a second. This ability to restart the engine swiftly yet smoothly gives the ECO start/stop function a key edge over other systems of this type. To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz fits a starter-generator which is connected to the crankshaft via the belt drive. This allows the engine to start much faster and far more quietly than with the conventional starter. During the journey, the starter-generator feeds the electrical system on board the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with energy. An intelligent control system ensures that the battery is only charged when needed, and that charging predominantly takes place when the engine is on the overrun to convert braking energy into electrical energy by recuperation.

In practical operation, substantial fuel savings of up to nine percent can be achieved with the ECO start/stop function, particularly when driving in city traffic with frequent stops at traffic lights or in tailbacks.

Natural-gas drive: a clean and economical alternative

A further new addition to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class range bears the initials "NGT" on the right-hand side of its tailgate. They stand for "Natural Gas Technology" and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp.

In addition to the petrol tank, there are five natural gas reservoirs whose total capacity of 16 kilograms equates to a range of over 300 kilometres. With overall NEDC consumption figures of 7.3 litres of premium petrol and 4.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres, the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is therefore able to attain a total range in excess of 1000 kilometres. The driver determines which power source the engine is run on at the touch of a button using the multifunction steering wheel; an electronic control unit carries out the switch instantaneously without any jolts - even while on the move.

The four-cylinder engine has been modified by Mercedes-Benz to include additional gas injectors on the underside of the intake manifold. A close-coupled pressure governor with an electromagnetic shut-off valve regulates the supply of natural gas and keeps the pressure within the system constant.

The installation of the gas reservoirs, which are located in the rear and underneath the front passenger footwell, reduces the boot capacity of the B‑Class by 128 to 422 litres (as per the VDA measurement method), but there is still sufficient space for carrying a family's luggage.

The lower carbon dioxide emissions and cheaper fuel costs make natural gas an attractive alternative to petrol and diesel, both ecologically and economically speaking. On the NEDC cycle, the CO2 emissions are 17 percent lower than in the petrol-powered B 170 at 135 grams per kilometre. If the 4.9 kilograms (7.5 m³) of natural gas consumed per 100 kilometres by the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is converted into the equivalent quantity of petrol energy, the fuel cost per kilometre is around 50 percent less than when running on petrol.

Environmental Certificate: first ever lifecycle assessment for NGT drive too

Mercedes engineers have, for the first time, compiled an eco balance sheet for the natural-gas drive. It forms one element of the Environmental Certificate awarded to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class by Germany's TÜV Technical Inspection Authority. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive brand in the world to have been granted this certificate, which is based on the stringent international standard ISO 14062 "Design For Environment". It is a confirmation of the Stuttgart-based brand's commitment to all aspects of environmental protection. In contrast to just the standardised measurement of exhaust emissions and fuel consumption on the roller dynamometer, Mercedes engineers analyse the environmental compatibility of vehicles over their entire lifecycle - starting with their manufacture, continuing with their many years of use and finishing with their end-of-life disposal.

In all, over 40,000 individual processes come under scrutiny, whose analysis, computation and evaluation ultimately produce a comprehensive eco profile. This in turn forms the basis for the environmental certificate of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The results of this integrated analysis over a total distance travelled of 150,000 kilometres highlight, for example, a number of clear advantages for the natural-gas drive. The overall CO2 emissions are some 20 percent below the figure for the comparable petrol-engined model. Nitrogen oxide emissions are eleven percent lower, while the experts have calculated a 54 percent difference in carbon monoxide emissions over the entire lifecycle in favour of the natural-gas drive. The greater ecological cost of the manufacturing process for the new B 170 NGT is therefore balanced out after a distance of 17,300 kilometres.

The environmentally driven concept of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is clearly evident from its use of high-quality recycled plastics, for instance, or its components made from natural materials, including flax, cotton, coconut fibre, wood veneer and fibres from the abaca banana.

Occupant protection: extensive safety features enhanced yet further

When it comes to safety, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class sets an example for all other models of these dimensions to follow: in the European NCAP test programme, the Sports Tourer was awarded the highest rating of five stars.

The comprehensive safety specification, comprising two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/thorax sidebags, has now been complemented by the addition of crash-responsive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment. Following an accident of a predetermined severity, the lighting comes on automatically to allow the occupants to get their bearings more easily in the dark and expedite the work of the rescue services.

Active safety: flashing brake lights as a warning to other motorists

Accident prevention is the overriding priority of the Mercedes safety concept - a concept that is geared towards motoring reality. To help them bring critical situations under control safely and with ease, drivers of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class can count on highly effective, standard-fit technology in the form of systems such as ABS, Brake Assist and ESP®. Mercedes engineers have however gone that little bit further by seeking to devise a way of offering other motorists added safety too. The result is a simple but highly effective method of avoiding rear-end collisions: flashing brake lights. This safety technology is included as standard on the 2008 model year B-Class.

During testing, Mercedes engineers were able to ascertain that the braking reaction time of motorists is quickened by an average of 0.2 seconds if they see a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights in an emergency braking situation. This shortens the stopping distance by around 4.40 metres if they are travelling at a speed of 80 km/h, and by a whole 5.50 metres or so when braking from 100 km/h. Brake lights flashing at a high frequency therefore prove to be an effective means of alerting drivers behind to the risk of a rear-end collision.

The flashing brake lights are triggered automatically if the driver initiates emergency braking when travelling at a speed of 50 km/h or more. And if the B‑Class is braked to a stop from a speed of over 70 km/h, the hazard warning lights will come on too.

Assistance systems: automatic parking with ultrasound and electric steering

The Electronic Stability Program has been expanded to include a new, standard function: the automatic hill-start assist. This prevents the Mercedes-Benz B-Class from rolling backwards as the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator pedal when starting off uphill. In such situations, the ESP® briefly maintains the brake pressure to make pulling away easy.

Reverse parking will pose less of a challenge for motorists in future. The new active parking assist (optional) searches for an appropriate spot at the side of the road as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class drives by, than takes care of all the steering manoeuvres as the driver reverses into it. How it works: at speeds below 35 km/h, ultrasonic sensors at the sides of the car scan the zones to the immediate left and right of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, and measure the length and depth of any potential parking spaces. Once a suitable spot has been found, the system flashes up a message in the display to inform the driver. When the driver engages reverse, confirms the display and presses the accelerator, the active parking assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the B‑Class into the space. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake; the PARKTRONIC system's ultrasonic sensors provide further assistance by indicating how much room there is in front of and behind the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

To be able to use the automatic parking feature, the parking spot only has to be 1.30 metres longer than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class - an indication of the technology's tremendous precision.

The newly developed assistance system comprises a total of ten ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumper, as well as an electronic control unit that processes the sensor signals and calculates the best path to take into the parking space. This information is supplied to the electromechanical power steering in the B‑Class, enabling its electric motor to perform the necessary steering movements.

Infotainment: new systems for digital listening pleasure and Europe-wide navigation

It is not just the spacious interior, the high-grade materials and the standard automatic climate control that make the Mercedes-Benz B-Class such a pleasure to travel in: the new generation of infotainment systems has an important role to play too. There are three new options to choose from: Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS. All three units incorporate a radio with dual tuner, colour display, Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, CD player, automatic volume adjustment, plus a connection for external audio devices in the glove compartment.

The Audio 50 APS additionally features a Europe-wide DVD-based navigation system and DVD player, while the top-of-the-range COMAND APS offers even more functions, including the even faster HDD navigation system, the Music Register, a slot for SD memory cards as well as voice control.

To cater for motorists who have their personal music compilations stored on an MP3 player, a USB stick or any other external audio device, Mercedes-Benz has developed an interactive media interface. It can be specified as an option and allows iPod & Co. to be linked up to the Sports Tourer's infotainment system. This has the advantage of allowing the external audio devices to be operated by simply using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, while the track titles are shown in both the instrument cluster and the centre console's colour display.

The sophisticated infotainment systems may be optionally combined with the "Logic7®"surround sound system, which transforms the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class into a concert hall on wheels.

Hamann Porsche 911 Turbo Stallion (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:22:00 +0000

Hamann Porsche 911 Turbo Stallion

Like an Arabian Stallion collecting its attention for a jump. Concentrated and full of dynamic body tension. This is how the silhouette of the super sports car called Stallion presents itself. But the latest development of the premium refiner Hamann MOTORSPORT offers far more than a fascinating new aerodynamics concept. The efficiency boost to 630 hp and the Hamann-sport chassis turn the Stallion into one of the most powerful and fastest sports car in the whole world.

Less roof - more wings

The most striking eye-catcher of the individualised Porsche is the lowered roofline. For this elaborate reconstruction, Hamann reduces the windows and pillars up to 8 centimetres. Thereby, the reduced front surface diminishes the air resistance and therefore the fuel consumption. Moreover, this relieves the motor drastically while pushing for maximum speed. But that´s not all: Hamann equips the Stallion with gull-wing doors allowing the door to swing diagonally outward from the body of the car. This proprietary development does not only have an extravagant design, but also an exceptional stability. The combination between the Hamann front- and rear skirt with the altered heck spoiler profile and the roof spoiler produce additional road grip. Side spoilers between the axles put a finishing tough to the overall appearance.

Sensational performance based on well-engineered technology

The core of the Hamann Stallion is its modified engine. The Hamann motor technicians enhance the 3.6 litres Boxer Biturbo motor from standard 480 hp / 353 kW to 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,300 rpm. The upgrade also includes two larger VNT (variable nozzle turbochargers), a sport air strainer, a stainless steel exhaust system with metal catalytic converters and a new motor management.

These are measures which certainly hit their target. The Hamann Stallion accelerates to 100 km/h in only 3.3 seconds and is therefore six tenth of a second faster than its serial counterpart. The new maximum speed tag is sensational. With its efficiency boost and the reduced air resistance by Hamann-Aerodynamics, the Stallion achieves a maximum speed of 359 km/h.

Wheels and chassis - the combination for best roadholding and exclusive appearance

Hamann developed a sport chassis and a matching wheel-/tyre-combination for the optimal handling of the increased requirements of the Hamann Stallion. The three-part Hamann aluminium wheel named EDITION RACE with its black lacquered star and the titan bolting of the high gloss polished rim flange clearly emphasise the affinity of the Laupheim-based refiner to motor sports.

Due to its forge technology production, it is very light and therefore significantly improves the handling- and driving qualities. The wheel-tyre combination is available in 8,5Jx20 inches with tyres measuring 245/30ZR20 in front and 12,0Jx20 rims with 325/25ZR20 tyres at the back.

Hamann recommends top-level tyres type S1 EVO by its technology partner Hankook.

Lowering the vehicle centre by 20 mm with Hamann sport coils also significantly improves the handling.

Perfect combination between motor sports and lifestyle

Only the most precious materials can be found in the Hamann Stallion interior. The Hamann upholsterers only use selected leather for covering the fittings and sport seats. Aluminium gear shift and aluminium pedals make the cockpit gleam in a noble look and perfectly match with the carbon parts of the interior set. Precisely applied embroideries of the Hamann logo in the floor mats and headrests set further creative accents. All of these features complement one another in a stylish symbioses of motor sports flair and lifestyle

Maserati Quattroporte (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte, the model which established the category of "Luxury Sports Saloons", can be considered something of a Maserati masterpiece. After five years of success, with more than 15,000 cars delivered and 46 international awards, the Maserati Quattroporte is now being presented with a new look and new technical solutions. The history of art is characterised by audacious artists who challenged pre-existing conventions. Similarly the Pininfarina design team, thanks to their unrivalled and skilful hands, created a fresher, more modern look for the Maserati Quattroporte, yet always mindful of the class, glamour and exclusivity which represent its inner essence.

The personality and glamour of the Maserati flagship are now represented by two products: the Maserati Quattroporte and the Maserati Quattroporte S. The former is fitted with the familiar 4.2 litre 400 hp V8 engine, while the latter adopts the new 4.7 litre 430 hp V8 recently introduced on the GranTurismo S, with a different specification. Both cars feature the 6-speed automatic transmission developed in association with ZF.

The main styling changes are to the most recognisable features. First of all the front, where the new grille, with its vertical slats, is reminiscent of the GranTurismo. The front and rear light units are also updated, featuring LEDs. On the side, the under-door moulding is more noticeable, with a line that runs into that of the new bumpers, which have a wider protective band and more pronounced rear styling. The door mirrors are also new, with a more dynamic shape and a more streamlined mounting to the door. The interior has a new centre console and the controls are grouped more closely together for even more convenient operation. The car's range of navigation systems is also fully updated, now comprising the New Maserati Multimedia System. Two new shades of leather, Marrone Corniola (brown) and Sabbia (sand), replacing the beige which was previously in the range, debut on the Maserati Quattroporte S and Maserati Quattroporte respectively.

The new Maserati Quattroporte and Maserati Quattroporte S will be on sale in the UK from October 2008.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:15:00 +0000

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept

The key to affecting the development of tomorrow's mobility lies in our readiness to challenge what is established and in the ability to present new options. In order to meet these objectives, BMW Group Design taps into the potential of the GINA principle (Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions) which promotes innovative thinking by allowing maximum freedom of crea-tivity. GINA produces dramatically different solutions that affect the design and functionality of future cars. The GINA Light Visionary Model is an optical expression of selective, future-oriented concepts which provide an example of the manner and extent of this transformation.

BMW Group Design is not just interested in answering the question of how the car of the future will look but primarily wishes to explore the creative freedom it has to offer. Both of these aspects are affected by the requirements that future cars are expected to meet. All ideas that the GINA Light Visionary Model presents are therefore derived from the needs and demands of customers concerning the aesthetic and functional characteristics of their car and their desire to express individuality and lifestyle. The GINA Light Visionary Model has an almost seamless outer skin, a flexible textile cover that stretches across a moveable substructure. Individual functions are only revealed if and when they are needed.

With this model, BMW Group Design initiates a fundamental discourse about the characteristics that will affect the development of cars in future. It is therefore fundamentally different from concept cars, which reflect what is expected of them by implementing as many elements as possible in a future production model. In contrast, the GINA Light Visionary Model is a vision of future cars and serves as an object of research.

The seamless car body of the GINA Light Visionary Model.

Putting its visions of tomorrow's car into practice, BMW Group Design has developed a two-seater roadster with the unique dynamic proportions that are typical of its brand. The GINA Light Visionary Model takes the sculptural design that has already been established by a number of production cars to a new, unparalleled conclusion. The car's front and sides, including the doors, create one single uninterrupted, seamless whole that converges to form an optical as well as a structural unit.

In order to create this appearance, it was necessary to move beyond all previous conceptions of car body configuration, design and materials. Therefore, the GINA Light Visionary Model has dispensed with the usual body elements found on production vehicles such as front apron, bonnet, side panels, doors, wheel arches, roof, trunk lid and rear deck. Instead, a new structure with a minimum amount of components has taken their place. A special, highly durable and extremely expansion-resistant fabric material stretches across a metal structure.

This new material offers designers a significantly higher level of freedom of design and functionality.

The body consists of only four elements. The largest component extends from the front of the vehicle to the edge of the windscreen and down the sides to the rear edge of the doors. The large side panels start at the front where the rocker panels emerge and run across the rear wheel arches into the rear. The fourth component is the central rear deck element.

An innovation breaks new ground: car with a flexible outer skin

The innovation of a flexible outer skin breaks new ground in automotive engineering. This revolutionary solution opens up new design, production and functionality potential. It has a major impact on the interaction between driver and car and enhances it by offering a variety of entirely new options. Some elements of the substructure are moveable. The driver can move them by means of electro and electro-hydraulic controls. This will also change the shape of the outer skin, which can thus be adapted to suit the current situation, the driver's requirements and can also enhance the car's functional range.

The most striking example of this is the headlight design. In normal position, when the headlights are not active, i.e. when there is no necessity to illuminate the road, they are hidden under the special fabric cover. As soon as the driver turns on the lights, the contour of the front end changes. Activated by the metal structure that lies beneath it, the previously closed fabric cover opens to the right and left of the BMW kidney grille and reveals the BMW double head-lights. The rear and the rocker panels of the GINA Visionary Model can also adapt both the shape and function to the driving situation in hand. Both can change the shape of their outer skin to meet the driver's requirement for particularly dynamic motoring. This concept also takes into account a potential interaction with aerodynamic requirements. The design of the rear element allows for automatic lifting of the rear spoiler when a certain speed is reached, thus creating extra downforce on the rear axle at higher speeds. Due to the fact that the entire rear end, including the spoiler, is covered by a single sheet of material that reaches as far as the rear compartment of the interior, the homogeneous shape of the car's rear will not be affected by changes to the spoiler position. The mechanical system that moves the elements remains concealed.

The turn indicators and the taillights function without changes to the shape of the outer skin. Their position, however, is only revealed upon activation. The emitted light shines through the translucent fabric cover, which is permeable to light but not transparent.

The rocker panels demonstrate the formal versatility of the GINA Light Visionary Model with an equally impressive performance. The air duct can be optimised if required. A corresponding movement of the metal structure results in an adjustment of the rocker panel contour to allow for better airflow. At the same time, an additional protruding rocker panel line emerges. The aerodynamic optimization and the length of the line can be infinitely adapted to the driving situation at hand.

Special fabric cover ensures accurate reproduction of material folds.

The fact that the body surface is designed by means of a flexible fabric cover that stretches across a metal substructure means that the materials used must meet exacting requirements. Industrially produced hybrid fabric made from a stabilizing mesh netting support and an outer layer that is both water-repellent and resistant to high and low temperatures is suitable for this application.

Another essential material property is a maximum level of dimensional stability.

It must remain dimensionally stable irrespective of the temperature and air humidity it is exposed to even after severe and constant expansion. The dimen-sional stability helps retain the cover's surface tension for a long period of time. The movement of individual body elements creates accurately reproducible folds in the material. In its choice of material BMW Group Design was inspired by exterior and interior architecture. The expertise of seat pattern designers working for BMW Group Interior Design was successfully applied in order to cut the fabric webbing to size with maximum precision, determine the strategic position of attachment points and stretch the material. As a result, the surfaces are remarkably well balanced and due to the steady tension that is retained between any two clearly defined points, the lines are extremely accurate.

The special fabric is supported by a metal wire structure. At specific points, the high-strength metal is enhanced by carbon struts with a higher flexibility. They are used predominantly for round, moving contours with a particularly narrow radius.

The use of large fabric areas and the possibility of changing the surface contours by moving individual parts of the metal mesh that lies beneath it create a new relationship between form and function. If additional cooling air is required, the BMW kidney grille at the front of the vehicle can be opened. Because the overall surface of the special fabric covering remains unchanged, the contraction at the front of the vehicle, which is necessary for functional reasons, has to be compensated for by extra tension in other areas. The result is an optically attractive interaction between various body parts that introduces a new dimension to sculptural design. The widening of the kidney grille openings is activated by a movement of the metal mesh in the front area of the side panels. This creates more tension, which becomes visible by the emergence of an additional character line. The development of this new contour tenses the front of the vehicle: the kidney grille opens up.

Innovative body structure introduces new functional dimensions.

The high-precision fit of the material to the metal mesh also allows surface changes without slackening the tension. In this case, opening of the surface by moving the respective steel mesh struts creates precisely defined folds in the material. The GINA Light Visionary Model uses this option to display a function that corresponds to the opening of the hood in conventional vehicles. The material opens at the centre of the engine cover and can be folded to the far right and left along an opening line that is approximately 0.5 meters long, to allow the driver or mechanic access to the service points in the engine.

The filler caps of the engine oil, cooling and wiper water tanks are now open for servicing. Opening and closing is similar to the mechanism on a doctor's traditional medical bag, where clip-lock fasteners are held together in the middle by a rail.

The effect of the accurate surface material draping is even more impressive when the doors are opened. They swing both outwards and upwards. The high number of attachment points for the fabric cover positioned at the front of the car as well as at rear door edges creates a clearly defined and perfectly reproducible bulk of material. The draping is confined to the area between the front door edge and the side panel. Once the doors are closed, the folds in material disappear completely, leaving a perfectly smooth, stretched material surface.

The interior: discourse between driver and vehicle.

In the interior, variability, form and function are united in an inseparable connection. Whenever selected functions are accessed, the driver also changes the appearance of individual car elements. Again, the car's variability is adapted to suit the driver's needs. This creates a close interaction between driver and car in various different situations.

When the car is parked, the steering wheel and the round instruments - rev counter, speedometer and fuel gauge, which are vertically arranged on the centre console, are in idle position. This provides the driver with maximum comfort upon entering the car. Likewise, the seat only assumes its optimised functional position and shape if and when the driver sits down on it.

At that point, the headrest, previously firmly integrated into the seat's backrest, rises up automatically. At the same time, the steering wheel moves towards the driver and the instrument panel moves in the same direction. The information on the best driver-specific position of both steering column and seat is stored in the transducer. The engine is started simply by pushing the start/stop button.

The smooth transition of interior and exterior that is typical of BMW convertibles is reinterpreted by the GINA Light Visionary Model. The fabric that covers the rear deck runs into the interior and stretches across the driver and front passenger seats. The same material is also used for the surface design of the door trim and armrests. The shift lever in the centre console protrudes from tightly stretched textile bellows.

Driver and front seat passenger look out through a steeply inclined windscreen with the inside rear view mirror integrated into its frame. The side view mirrors are connected to the window frame. A narrow vertical dividing bar located at the center of the windscreen harks back to the typical windscreen division of traditional roadsters.

Innovative thinking put into practice: the GINA Light Visionary Model.

With the GINA Light Visionary Model, BMW Group Design focuses on a wide variety of issues that will determine the future conception of mobility.

It demonstrates the results of intense research into design, functionality, material and production. All ideas that have been put into practice in the GINA Light Visionary Model are derived from the same motivation: to challenge conventional and previously pursued solutions. The quest for alternative options has generated a wide variety of different requirements that potential solutions are expected to meet. The main focus is on providing general versatility and catering to customer requirements with sophisticated solutions. In accordance with the GINA principle, every functionality enhancement helps to create an emotional bond between the driver and their car. The new solutions also allow for the option of fast, flexible and cost-efficient production.

Every innovation demonstrated by the GINA Light Visionary Model also contributes to a clearly optimised resource management. As the quest for sustainability is one of the central issues of the GINA philosophy, new materials and manufacturing processes are expected to consume less resources and energy than previous solutions. Accordingly, the infrastructure used for manufacturing cars that are built in compliance with the GINA principle, has also changed. The manufacturing process requires fewer model-specific tools, and more highly-qualified skilled specialists. In all the areas referred to above, the GINA Light Visionary Model has provided inspiration for more intense research into ideas conceived as a result of maximum creative freedom.

Emotional appeal of roadster models and visionary prospect of future cars.

The solutions conceived as part of this philosophy are not considered sepa-rately, but have been pooled in an integrating vision - a vision that is expressed in the context of an outstanding, fascinating car. The basic features of a roadster with its eight-cylinder combustion engine below a stretched front that applies motive power to the rear wheels in order to move the car along the road defines this context. The synthesis of elementary visions and sheer driving pleasure expressed by the appearance of the GINA Light Visionary Model has a particularly striking emotional impact. Only the particular appearance of a fascinating car with its authentic design that creates a natural aesthetic look can bring to light the significance of the presented innovations.

The GINA Light Visionary Model builds a bridge between vision and reality by presenting a number of features with a striking similarity with those found on production vehicles. The Roadster rests on 20" alloy wheels in a cross-spoke design with a matt silver finish. The car body is comprised of an exceptionally light aluminum space frame. Two double tailpipes for the rear exhaust system, a third brake light integrated into the height-adjustable rear spoiler, an air splitter at the front and a rear-end diffuser in a carbon design also meet the standards of a production vehicle.

Nevertheless, the GINA Light Visionary Model retains its character as an object of research. It demonstrates the innovative force of BMW Group Design and its ability to challenge what is established, to find new solutions and to interpret these in the context of the car of the future at a high aesthetic level. This car is the logical continuation of the GINA principle in action. The GINA principle has already led to a variety of innovative concepts and has production vehicles in ways that are completely new and unprecedented by any other car manufacturer.

BMW Group Design uses concept cars such as the BMW concept car CS1 of 2002 as a step on the way towards putting a particular vision into practice. The CS1 was the first to present features such as the basic principle of the innovative control system - the BMW iDrive. Independently from all other innovative features shown by this concept car, the iDrive has become a series production feature.

Similarly, the GINA principle gave rise to an innovative manufacturing method that allows the manufacturers to decorate outer skin components that have been preformed by conventional methods with indi-vidually configured, high-precision contour lines prior to their reintegration into the manufacturing process. The Rapid Manufacturing method utilized for this process was first used during the production of hoods for the BMW Z4 M Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Coupé. In these models, the finished hood has received two distinctive contour lines prior to painting. These are not produced by a pressing tool but embossed into the metal with pin-point precision by a robot-guided steel pin.

Both examples illustrate the challenging route from a vision to a concept and to final series production that is not always straight and direct. With the GINA Light Visionary Model, BMW Group Design shows where this route begins. Not all innovations shown by the GINA Light Visionary Model will pro-ceed to the next stages. In its entirety, however, the visionary look into the future shows the extent to which the BMW Group employs creative potential in its endeavor to respond to the challenges of tomorrow's mobility.

Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:11:00 +0000

Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept

Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept is the perfect antidote to all those wild concept cars that look great on the show stand but never turn a wheel. It is a unique machine that has been developed from the start to deliver no-holds-barred maximum driving pleasure, an unforgettable, fun experience.

Making its public debut at the British International Motor Show in London, Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept is a one-off model, a "shopping supercar" that takes Aygo's essential qualities to the limit. Owing more to the spirit of Group B rallying rather than D1 drifting, this is a car that is all about the joy of driving: with no electronic handling aids, no power steering and no ABS, it is like a kart with doors and a roof.

Recognisably an Aygo, it clearly packs more muscle with its custom-made body, 17-inch alloys and beefy Goodyear 225/45 rubber. There is even a direct link to Toyota's sporting heritage as Aygo Crazy's carbon fibre rear wing is a part taken directly from the 200mph race cars in the American Champ Car series.

Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept is fettled with the Toyota 1.8 VVT-i unit that powered the final generation Celica and MR2 Roadster, rear-mounted and driving the rear wheels through the Roadster's five-speed manual gearbox. The addition of a Toyota Motorsport turbo conversion kit boosts power output to 200DIN hp and torque to 240Nm.

Compare the performance to the 68 DIN bhp and 93Nm mustered by the standard road-going Aygo and you gain some idea of just what a different kind of machine this is.

To cope with the greater engine performance, a bespoke cooling system has been designed, with a huge, front-mounted aluminium radiator - ideal for those endless, tyre smoking, crowd pleasing donuts.

Weighing in at just 1,050kg, Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept is capable of 127mph (est), but speed is not its defining quality: this is a machine that exists to be responsive and alive to the driver's commands, to put smiles on the faces of those inside and outside the car.

The suspension is from the MR2 Roadster, with MacPherson struts front and rear. Adjustable Tein dampers sharpen dynamic performance and the front and rear track are one inch wider than on a standard Aygo.

The cabin, finished by specialist coachtrimmers O'Rourke, features purpose-built sports seats with four-point safety harnesses and a full roll cage.

With its bold Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept decals and T2 4YGO (turbocharged, two-seat Aygo) number plate, Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept will be hitting the show circuit - and the open road - this summer, proving that while this Aygo may be crazy, it's a memorable madness.

PERFORMANCE

* Max speed: 127 mph (est)
* 0-62 mph: 5.75 s
* Max. power: 200 hp @ 6,700 rpm
* Max. torque: 240 Nm @ 3,400 rpm

Maserati GranTurismo S (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:50:00 +0000

Maserati GranTurismo S

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the Maserati GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

Alfa Romeo Mi.To (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:48:00 +0000

Alfa Romeo Mi.To

An up-to-date and innovative car, a name redolent of history. The name Mi.To has great evocative resonance for Alfa Romeo, since it was chosen as a sign of a deep-seated link between the past and future of the brand: between Milan, the city of design that brought the car's style into being, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production. A decision that highlights the brand's strong desire to consolidate its Milanese roots.

The Alfa Romeo Mi.To is the first car to be built since the 8C Competizione, Alfa Romeo's icon of style and technology, from which it borrows certain characteristic traits: the particular shape of the unframed side windows, the three-lobed motif that distinguishes the front bumper, the shape of the headlights and the LED tail lights. The headlights and tail lights represent a distinctive personalised feature: a frame featuring different forms of material processing and colours to create an ultra-stylish eye-liner effect that underscores the car's style and aggression.

The highly personal dashboard and seats ensure that the interior represents the ultimate expression of Italian style, welcoming yet sporty, with top-quality materials and the closest attention to detail.

The greatest thought has also gone into defining the dimensions, which add up to a compact and dynamic shape: the Alfa Romeo Mi.To is 4.06 metres long, 1.44 metres high and 1.72 metres wide.

Style, design, and more: performance and technology must always be top-of-the-range in an Alfa Romeo. As all the brand's models, the Alfa Romeo Mi.To is able to appeal to the most demanding customers with its exciting driveability, determined partly to the Alfa DNA system. This control acts on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox, allowing three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation or the customer's wishes: supersporting (Dynamic), town driving (Normal), maximum safety even in difficult grip conditions (All-Weather). Mi.To is the first car in its segment to offer such innovative technological content.

Great performances are guaranteed by a range of 4 engines, all Turbo (petrol and diesel), that currently range from 90 hp up to 155 hp, with the range due to be extended by even higher power ratings.

Performance and handling have been developed and optimised to offer maximum driving satisfaction in complete safety. The Alfa Romeo Mi.To offers true Alfa Romeo sporting ride, featuring contractive suspensions - standard on all specifications and engines - that considerably reduce roll and maximum active, passive and preventive safety: VDC stability system as standard and a vehicle structure that is already designed to obtain the top EuroNCAP rating in the future.

The Alfa Romeo Mi.To will be introduced to the international press during June and will then be gradually introduced from July in all the major markets.

Subaru Exiga (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:42:00 +0000

Subaru Exiga

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the Subaru Exiga has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru's latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru's strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride - all realized by Subaru's Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3).

Seven passengers

Despite a body size that's convenient for maneuvering, the Subaru Exiga comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.

Panorama

A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle's low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.

Touring

In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the Subaru Exiga blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.

Exterior design

The Subaru Exiga exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant styling.

Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.

Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.

Each of the four Exiga model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually designed spokes.

Eight exterior colors are available.

* Overall length: 4,740mm
* Overall width: 1,775mm
* Overall height: 1,660mm
* Wheelbase: 2,750mm

Interior design

Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.

Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness and elegance, are available as interior colors.

The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide comfort.

The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter, outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.

Powertrain

2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)

The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS) promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through adoption of the regular gasoline engine.

With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine's intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.

Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.

By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.

The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.

* Max. power: 109 kW (148PS) @ 6,000 rpm
* Max. torque: 191 Nm @ 3,200 rpm

2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)

A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.

The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the Subaru Exiga. Optimization of its A/R and compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.

Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.

Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a minimum to improve cooling efficiency.

The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.

* Max. power: 165kW (225PS) @ 5,600 rpm
* Max. torque: 326 Nm @ 4,400 rpm

Drivetrain and Chassis

Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all 2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel economy improved.

5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting down in manual mode.

The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.

The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.

Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.

The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.

A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.

All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tie-rod design appropriately maximize braking control.

Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage.

Body Construction and Safety

The Subaru Exiga uses an advanced form of Subaru's proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.

A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle stability.

The Subaru Exiga, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash-worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-impact crashes.

By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.

The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.

Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer's options.

All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.

A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal collisions.

Volkswagen Scirocco (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:40:00 +0000

Volkswagen Scirocco

The countdown is running for the new era Scirocco: the third generation of the sports car will already be arriving on the market in August. Volkswagen is staging the comeback of a legend with the debut of the two-door car - Volkswagen Scirocco generations I and II wrote history as the most successful Volkswagen coupé of all time with about 800,000 units sold.

Cult status. In particular, it is the original Volkswagen Scirocco presented in 1974 that has long held cult status. Because, in contrast to many of its competitors of that time, the Volkswagen Scirocco - designed by Giorgio Giugiaro - was an affordable car with everyday utility, and front-wheel drive also made it a safe sports car for use every day of the year.

Volkswagen Scirocco unites passion and logic

Fascination. The new Volkswagen Scirocco is extending this tradition. It offers pure driving pleasure, a new powerful design, high-end technologies such as DCC adaptive chassis control and the new 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Plus: exclusive use of efficient turbo engines with up to 147 kW / 200 PS power, space for four adults despite its sporty lines, an extremely high level of safety and the everyday utility that is typical of every Volkswagen. This mix of passion and logic costs far less than one might guess based on the car's key data.

New paths. Although the third generation of the Volkswagen Scirocco follows exactly the same positioning as the first one, Volkswagen very intentionally avoided retro elements. In this regard too, the Volkswagen Scirocco of the year 2008 is a conceptually counterpart to the original version: because in the mid-1970s the successor to the Karmann Ghia also set out on new paths, both technically and visually.

Front end design of a new era

High-sheen black headlamp housing. The third Scirocco is the first Volkswagen to sport the front end design of a new era. Especially characteristic here are the chrome lamp bodies and high-sheen black interior surfaces of the headlamp housings that are joined by the radiator grille cross bar that is also painted in high-sheen black.

Flawless sports car fundamentals. The Volkswagen design team created a wagon-coupé based on flawless sports car fundamentals. This resulted in a side profile that had the potential to imbue this new Volkswagen too with a status that goes beyond class distinctions. Thanks to its long sweeping roofline and near-vertical rear window, it also frees up space for variability and up to 755 liters of cargo capacity.

Crisp dimensions. Other benchmark figures of the new sports car also speak a clear language. With its short overhangs, the Volkswagen Scirocco efficiently utilizes its 2,578 millimeter wheelbase to offer ample space. The Volkswagen is 1,404 millimeters tall, exactly 4,256 millimeters long and its width measures 1,810 millimeters.

Four turbo engines at market introduction

A lot of power for just a little fuel. One challenge in creating an affordable sports car involves the engines. On the one hand, they must absolutely be agile, yet it is also essential that they be economical and widely affordable. There are two approaches to resolving this apparent conflict Both of them have three letters: TDI and TSI - turbocharged diesel and gasoline direct injection engines.

One TDI and three TSIs. At the market introduction Volkswagen will offer the Volkswagen Scirocco with two TSI engines (118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS). Shortly thereafter, a TDI (common rail turbo-diesel, 103 kW / 140 PS) and another TSI (90 kW / 122 PS) will be added to the engine lineup. Decisive here is the fact that even the 122-PS base engine offers a maximum of torque at extremely low engine speeds (200 Newton-meter starting at 1,500 rpm). Its average fuel consumption of 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers shows considerable restraint.

5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel consumption. The combination of maximum torque and minimum consumption is a common theme running through the entire engine lineup. In the case of the latest TSI with 160 PS, 240 Newton-meter torque contrasts with just 6.5 liters super unleaded per 100 kilometers. And even on the 200-PS TSI with its considerable 280 Newton-meter of torque, fuel consumption is just 7.7 liters. As would be expected, the TDI also makes a brilliant showing here: 320 Newton-meter of powerful torque while being satisfied with just 5.4 liters of fuel. Incidentally, all engines up to 160 PS already satisfy the future Euro-5 emissions standard.

Two crisply shifting dual clutch transmissions

6-speed and 7-speed DSG. Standard equipment on the Volkswagen Scirocco is the smoothly and precisely shifting 6-speed transmission. The DSG dual clutch transmission is offered as an option on the three engines starting at 140 PS. A 6-speed DSG is used with the TDI and the powerful 200 PS TSI. The 160-PS TSI distributes its power over an even broader range of gears with the 7-speed DSG.

Optional sport chassis with three level settings

Clever Chassis. Ideally tailored to the Volkswagen Scirocco is the new DCC adaptive chassis control system. Not only is the damper characteristic controlled here, but also tuning of the electro-mechanical power steering. Adaptive chassis control offers the three programs "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". Significant here is the fact that adaptive chassis control improves the driving characteristics of the Volkswagen Scirocco full-time. That is, the suspension is continually adapted to the roadway and driving situation. The system also reacts to accelerator, brake and steering inputs. It is able to resolve the conflict in goals between a tight sport suspension and a comfortable one.

Standard features

Full program. The new VW Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in terms of price. And yet its standard features place it on the same level as far more expensive coupés. Always on board are 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel, parking brake handle and shifting lever grip, sport seats, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering and of course a sport chassis. On the top 200 PS model, standard equipment also includes chrome tailpipes, a "Titanium black" roof liner and a sound generator.

Panorama vent sunroof

Transparent roof. Supplying vast amounts of light to the interior is an optional large panorama vent sunroof that extends from the A-pillars to the B-pillars. At the press of the button the transparent roof opens up to 39 millimeters. When the sun is intense, a sunshade can be driven into place. But that is not likely to be necessary very often, since the glass of the panorama vent sunroof only transmits 8.2 percent of the UV radiation, 2.8 percent of the infrared radiation (heat) and 6.9 percent of the visible light.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:43:00 +0000

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer sports sedan and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:37:00 +0000

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:33:00 +0000

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

Following the highly successful introduction of the Bentley Continental GT Speed coupe in 2007, Bentley - almost half of new Continental GTs now sold are Speed versions - Bentley now offers the 600bhp (610PS) W12 powertrain in the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed to deliver a more powerful and engaging Bentley driving experience.

The Speed engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 200mph (322km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability.

The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model.

New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels available in both bright silver or darkened tungsten carry bespoke Pirelli PZero performance tyres introduced on the GT Speed model, which provide the car with superb grip and feedback.

The Speed's sporting performance is complemented by a highly capable chassis. Tauter handling and greater steering response with sharper turn-in and improved driver feedback is achieved through a retuned Servotronic steering system, direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings.

Improved agility and body control is also achieved through uprated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car's high-speed dynamics, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed's self-levelling air suspension sits 10mm lower.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models, provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed offers a new 'Dynamic Mode' that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.

Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering, comments: "The new Flying Spur advances its Bentley performance credentials while delivering outstanding refinement and comfort through our unique application of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. With 600 bhp and a sports-tuned chassis, the Flying Spur Speed redefines customer expectations of a large, four-door luxury saloon. The performance, handling and agility set new benchmarks."

ENGINE

* Type: 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
* Installation: Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
* Construction: Alloy heads and block
* Bore/stroke: 84 x 90.2mm
* Capacit:y 5998cc
* Compression ratio: 9.0:1
* Valve gear: Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
* Power: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
* Torque: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
* Fuel: 98 (95) RON

PERFORMANCE

* Top speed: 200mph (322km/h)
* 0-60mph (0-100km/h): 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
* 0-100mph (0-160km/h): 10.5 seconds (10.4 seconds)
* 50-70mph (80-120km/h): 2.4 seconds (3.1 seconds)

Pagani Zonda Cinque (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:25:00 +0000

Pagani Zonda Cinque

A project born to satisfy the request of the Pagani dealer for Hong Kong "SPS", an incredibile car which will be produced only in 5 (five) limited pieces, already all sold and will be street legal. It will be the first Pagani car to be equipped with sequential gearbox manageable both with paddles behind the steering and with the traditional gear stick on central tunnel. Besides, it will be the first Zonda to use the new Pagani invention, the carbon-titanium, a special fiber purposely created for the Zonda Cinque, which will be eventually used on the new generation models. This monster has 678 hp, 780 Nm torque, forged monolock titanium wheels, bolts and nuts will fully be done in titanium and boast the Pagani logo.

The interiors are refined and at the same time reveal the sporting attitude of this car. Racing leather seats developed by Toora, 4-points seatbelts and molibden steel roll-bars with carbon fiber coating.

The Zonda Cinque total weight will be 20 Kg lighter then the F model, will have new Pirelli tyres, with special compounds for the car.

Suspensions and springs will be in ergal and titanium developed with the latest technology from Öhlins, in accordance with the Pagani specifications. Four different settings, 10 adjustments each, to separate high and low frequencies, both in compression and extention.

The body is equipped with a longer front spoiler, new designed rear wing, central air intake on monocock, extra air intakes for rear brakes. Flat bottom and new rear air extractors will improve the downforce up to 750 Kg at 300km.

Technical Specifications:

Mercedes Benz AMG engine, 678 hp,
ECU, Traction control , ABS by Bosch
Inconel/titanium exhaust system coated with ceramic
Suspensions in magnesium and titanium
Cima sequential gearbox (6 speed), robotized by Automac enginnering
APP monolitic wheels forged in aluminium and magnesium. Size: front 9x19 - rear 12,5x20
Pirelli PZero tyres. Size: front 255/35/19 rear 335/30/20
Toora Racing Seats in carbon fiber, with leather cover
Carbon Fiber steering wheel
Brembo brakes in carbo-ceramic self ventilated with hydraulic servo brake, Size: front 380x34 mm, monolitic 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm, monolitic 4 piston caliper.
Dry weight 1210 Kg
Weight distribution in driving condition: 47% front, 53% rear
Acceleration: 0-100 Km in 3.4 sec., 0-200 in 9.6 sec.
Braking: 100-0 km in 2.1 sec., 200-0 km 4.3 sec.
Maximum side acceleration: 1,45 G (with road tyres, NO CUP)

The Zonda Cinque will be a piece of art able to speed over 350 Km/h. A special colour livery will distinguish this unique, exclusive, 1ML Euro + tax model. Only five pieces for five wealthy Pagani lovers.

Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG (2009)

noreply@blogger.com (Betz) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:17:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

Following its most recent makeover, the G55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

The inclusion of some of the latest technology has made this classic from the AMG stable fit for the future. Thanks to the integration of a new engine control unit, the performance of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine has been nudged up from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle's effortless performance, with the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The upgraded Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG also features improvements in the areas of safety and comfort. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, now boasts a new and more powerful control unit, incorporating a transverse acceleration control to allow more precise recognition of dynamic driving situations and thus provide even better vehicle stability. In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG now comes with a hill-start assist. A sensor recognises whenever the off-roader comes to a halt on an ascending gradient. The system instantly memorises the braking pressure applied and maintains this for a short instant, giving drivers sufficient time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward. The big advantage of this technology is that in most cases it eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

Discreet but effective design modifications

The new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.

Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

New COMAND APS and designo leather upholstery fitted as standard

The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG also underscores its exclusive character with designo leather upholstery, which is standard and now features a new silver-coloured designo emblem on the front backrests. The seats are colour-coordinated with the designo decorative wood trim as well as the wood/leather steering wheel and the redesigned wood/leather selector lever bearing a G 55 logo. Also new is the interior roof lining made of anthracite Alcantara. Helping to enhance passenger comfort, particularly in the summer months, are the new climatised seats, which are available for the first time with this model.

Drivers of the new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG will also benefit from the latest generation of telematics equipment developed by Mercedes. The standard equipment COMAND APS system boasts a high-definition 6.5-inch colour display, rapid HDD navigation with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone systems, a 4 GB memory for music files, and a slot for SD memory cards. Also available as an option is a DVDchanger and a universal interface for plugging in USB sticks, iPods, or other external audio devices.

The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase station wagon with five doors. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of 121,618 euros (incl. 19 percent sales tax).