Automotive car

2012 Jeep Liberty - Review

2012-01-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

The Jeep Liberty is boxy and rugged. And while we're becoming accustomed to seeing carlike vehicle masquerading in trail clothes, that's not at all the case here: The 2012 Jeep Liberty remains mostly truck. But for families who plan on spending most of the time on pavement—and with the trail-focused Renegade model dropped—the Liberty's appeal is limited because of its poor fuel economy and lack of comfort.

Looking tough and traditional—though a bit slab-sided from some angles—the Jeep Liberty appearance hasn't changed much over the years. A few years ago, Jeep amped up the macho-man appeal and added chunky details to look even more trail-tough. The Liberty's styling inside keeps to that role with a stark and simple look, although there are more hard plastics than in most crossovers this size.
The Liberty's powertrain can move the Liberty quickly enough, but we have no kind words for it. The 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine is torquey enough, but its rather low-revving, raspy, and not altogether smooth character just barely fits in with the Liberty's more rugged character. Because it's a low-revver, relatively speaking, it manages just fine with the somewhat rough-shifting four-speed automatic. But this powertrain's true downfall is gas mileage; at 15/21 mpg with 4WD, the Liberty is no more fuel-efficient than a full-size SUV.

Off-roading remained one of the best reasons for choosing the Liberty over a more easygoing crossover model, yet Jeep has, puzzlingly, dropped the trail-focused Renegade model for 2012. Two 4WD systems remain offered: Selec-Trac II is a full-time system that's also off-road capable but better oriented for snowy roads, while Command Trac is a part-time system intended for trail-running.

At first impression, the 2012 Jeep Liberty feels relatively well laid-out—as well as airy, given the tall greenhouse. Seats feel skimpy, though, and don't offer much support. But there's enough space in back, even for adults on a weekend trip, for instance. And the story is pretty good if you plan to haul cargo and gear: The cargo floor is low, too, and the seats fold neatly.
But there's still plenty to make the Liberty an unappealing choice in today's market, which is brimming with well-designed, family-friendly utility vehicles. The Liberty's on-the-road ride and refinement are probably the biggest turn-offs of this vehicle. There's a fair amount more interior road and wind noise than in more carlike compact crossover vehicles. And as a tall, narrow vehicle with a pitchy ride, the Liberty results in lots of 'head toss' on rough roads, or even choppy freeways, and blemished road surfaces seem to upset the composure of occupants just as much as they seem to upset the Liberty's grip.
Safety features are respectable in the 2012 Liberty, but the federal government hasn't tested it under the new ratings system, and the IIHS gave it a worrisome 'marginal' in side impact and 'acceptable' in rear impact. Base Sport, more luxurious Limited, and new Limited Jet trims are offered. Limited Jet models offer a spiced-up appearance, with big 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome molding, and other black and bright trim throughout, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alarm system. Limited models are dressed up with a a long list of equipment over the sport, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, and a garage-door opener. There are plenty of cool options, such as a music hard drive system, a new Garmin nav system, rain-sensing wipers, and a Sky Slider sunroof, if you don't mind the higher price tag.

For 2012, Jeep has dropped prices on Liberty Jet models by $795, and it's added a Bluetooth hands-free interface (with voice command), a garage-door opener, overhead console, and rear park assist as standard equipment on all models.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept Design by Douglas Hogg

2012-01-23T23:33:00.001-08:00

Price £900,000, Engine microturbine/electric hybrid, Weight 3000 lbs, Aspiration turbine, Torque 1500 lb-ft, HP 450 hp (electric), HP/Weight 6.7 hp per liter, 1/4 mile 10.5 seconds, 0-62 mph 2.7 seconds, Top Speed 220+ mph.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept By Douglas Hogg, Coventry University Graduate, now a designer at Ford Motor Company

HISTORY

Ettore Bugatti was the founder of Bugatti cars and in many ways the ultimate perfectionist. He believed his cars should be the best in the world and constantly strove to make them the fastest, lightest and most luxurious cars possible. "Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive" was one of his guiding mantras. Together with his son Jean, they were a world leading force in premium automobiles. Many believe that Ettore’s engineering genius and Jeans visionary styling reached their collaborative zenith with the 1935 Aerolithe prototype.

The original Aerolithe was unveiled at the 1935 Paris motor show and was the instant star attraction. It looked like nothing else - Its elegant, highly aerodynamic styling and super lightweight construction was years ahead of its time. Such was the reception the Aerolithe received that 1936 a production version was offered as the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, of which three exist today and sell at auction for around $40 million. As for the Aerolithe, it disappeared sometime in the late 1930’s. To this day no one knows for sure its fate.
The 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe – The vanguard of a new wave of intelligent Luxury.

‘Super luxury’ Grand Tourer for 2025, inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s principles of automotive design, the original Aerolithe, and the theme ‘aerodynamic elegance’.

Key themes; Extravagant Graceful Sporting

The new 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe concept represents a return to the brand values and holistic attitude of Ettore Bugatti that made Bugatti cars so great – simplicity, beauty and intelligence. The new Aerolithe takes theme and style inspiration from the lightweight original and re imagines it as a futuristic and exclusive GT car for 15 years in the future - the vanguard of a new wave of intelligent luxury.

The typical buyer of a new Bugatti is the man who has it all. He statistically already owns 8+ cars, A boat and/ or a private jet. He can afford to choose to buy the very best in everything and the Aerolithe was designed to be the best grand tourer money can buy.
The dramatic styling is an exercise in pure surfacing. It references the original with its elegant proportions and split windows, whilst carving out a new design direction for Bugatti utilising clean, unbroken surfacing and advanced aerodynamics. The main bodywork is completely smooth, uncluttered by external mirrors, door handles and clunky spoilers. The lines are inspired by organic forms, science fiction and the original 193 Aerolithe. Up front, the signature Bugatti ‘Horseshoe’ grill in is a direct ram air intake to the turbine engine, whilst the headlights apertures in the front double up as cooling ducts to cool the brakes. At the rear, the boot lid features two jet fighter inspired pop up air brakes to stabilise the car under braking, whilst the rear lights also double up as cooling ducts. Advanced technology integrated so harmoniously into the clean bodyshell that you would never know it was there.

Underbody aerodynamics are a key feature of the Aerolithe and allow it to have such clean styling. Two air channels run the full length of the underbody of the car directing air from the front, around the almond shaped cabin, back to the massive double diffuser at the rear. This generates enough downforce to keep the car firmly glued to the road at speed without the need for any visible rear spoiler.

The Aerospace inspired split canopy doors of the Aerolithe concept are a stand out feature designed primarily to allow easy access to the cabin, but also to generate street theatre when the car pulls up. Each side opens independently of the other, and splits into a top and bottom half. The bottom half of each door tucks under the sill, whilst the top half swings up and forwards taking with it a massive swathe of bodywork and the whole dashboard. The steering column can then raise into the space left by the door, giving an enormous aperture to allow users of all shapes and sizes to easily get in and out.
The polished aluminium centre spine is a key styling and construction feature. It references the riveted central seam line of the original and develops it into a key structural component running throughout the interior and exterior. Beneath the sensuous carbon fibre bodywork is a highly efficient and dynamic mechanical package. The Aerolithe features titanium, magnesium and composite materials throughout to keep the weight down to around 1400kg. The passenger safety cell is bullet proof, with Aluminium Oxynitride windows. Driving a one million pound car you never can be too careful.

Propulsion is provided by an advanced Microturbine battery hybrid drivetrain. Microturbines are an emerging technology that will see great use in the automotive industry in the coming years. They are compact, lightweight and highly efficient. They can run on almost anything that burns –petrol, diesel, kerosene, alcohol, even perfume. In the Aerolithe the Microturbine functions only as a generator with no mechanical link to the wheels. Its only function is to generate electricity to charge the batteries on the move. In general terms, the Aerolithe is an electric car. The Microturbine engine is a range extender for the batteries, giving a theoretical range of up to 800 miles on one tank of fuel with minimal harmful emissions.

2012 TIKT Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 Tripple X

2012-01-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Engine 7 liter V8, Torque 671 lb-ft, HP 758 hp, HP/Liter 108.3 hp per liter.

TIKT Corvette C6 ZR1 : Tripple X - for the road Despite its solid technology even an ex-works Corvette C6 Z06 is no weakling. With 648 PS and 810 Nm it quite unashamedly plays in the super sportscar league - and makes a good impression whilst doing so.

If a high-tech and precision company such as TIKT from XXXX then decides to lend it its support, then one can justifiably look forward to the results.
First of all the performance was improved by using modified cylinder heads, camshafts, strengthened valve springs, modified compressor ratios, a larger throttle valve and a completely modified exhaust. After a fine tuning of the engine's controls a peak of 769 PS and a top torque of 910 Nm was printed out at the performance test station.

In a second step PS and Torque were stabilised by regrinding and finely adjusting the valve seats.

Even greater adjustments were made to the cooling system of Z06, that thanks to numerous special modifications now push up to four times as much cooling fluid through the engine of this super sportscar.
In addition the cooler was encapsulated and installed in combination with a new front skirt. It sounds simple, but because of the targeted air flow to the side a real venturi effect is created. A real advantage for the Corvette's aerodynamics.

So as not to negatively influence the cinematics of the suspension and still simultaneously increase the performance on the tarmac the leaf springs on the rear axle were retained and new wheel mounts made that brought the vehicle around 30 millimetres to the ground without any lowering. Together with a new suspension set-up - comprising new race shocks - the sportscar was brought approximately 50 millimetres closer to the road, on which the powerful engine can now convert its performance into propulsion better than before.
Better grip can be also be had with the very light Zerra Ultralight Evo 2 wheels, that once more reduce the overall and unsprung mass.

In order to keep so much performance in check you not only need a competent driver but also extremely stable brakes that of suitable size are mounted behind the ultra-light allow wheel rims.

Aerodynamic "assistants" in the shape of a rear spoiler were also constructed of equally weight-saving carbon.

All these measures have turned the Corvette into a Triple X ZR, as improvements have been made to it to fit it for all of sports driving spheres: country roads, motorways and racing tracks.

2012 Scion FR-S Race Car

2012-01-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

HP 600 hp

Scion Racing Debuts FR-S Race Car
• FR-S race car will compete in 2012 Formula DRIFT series
• 'First 86' program offers chance to be among the first to own the FR-S
• FR-S will offer brand new connected audio system called BeSpoke

Detroit – January 9, 2012 – Scion today unveiled its Scion Racing/GReddy FR-S race car during a press conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The FR-S will be competing in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series with veteran driver Ken Gushi behind the wheel.
The 600-horsepower FR-S race car is the result of a collaboration between Scion Racing and GReddy, a performance-products company that has been involved with Toyota and racing for over twenty years.

The race car is inspired by the 2013 Scion FR-S, a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will go on sale in the spring of 2012. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family.

2013 Honda Accord Concept

2012-01-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

All-new Accord will feature next-generation powertrain technologies, class-leading fuel economy plus innovative safety and technology features

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
Design and Packaging
The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.
Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy1.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.
In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.
All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

2012 Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

2012-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

Engine 1.4 liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, Aspiration turbocharged, Torque 148 lb-ft, HP 150 hp, HP/Liter 107.1 hp per liter.

Here’s a Concept: Chevrolet Puts Next-Gen Buyers in Charge Two concept coupes designed to inspire ideas and create discussion

Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.

“Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We’re seeking out our newest customers’ opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways.”

According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power.
Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet concepts explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.

Code 130R, the first Chevrolet concept, is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Painted in an all-new red metallic paint with matte anodized gold wheels, Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. With an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, straight body side and Chevy crossflag emblem, Code 130R makes a link to Chevrolet’s performance heritage.

Code 130R’s designers conceived the turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology. By shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.
The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value:
• Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
• Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display
• 40 MPG with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower
• Possible production price range in the low $20,000s

“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.

Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.
“This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station,” said Saucedo. “The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts.”

From Detroit, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses. Chevrolet also will engage customers using the social media tools that young consumers use to talk with one another.
“For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,” said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet Global Marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

2012 Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Engine 1.4 liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, Aspiration turbocharged, Torque 148 lb-ft, HP 150 hp, HP/Liter 107.1 hp per liter.
Here’s a Concept: Chevrolet Puts Next-Gen Buyers in Charge
Two concept coupes designed to inspire ideas and create discussion
Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.

“Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We’re seeking out our newest customers’ opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways.”

According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power.
Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet concepts explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.

Tru 140S, the second Chevrolet concept is a front-wheel-drive, “affordable exotic” four-seat sporty coupe. The three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Shown in an all-new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.

Tru 140S designers want to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars, including direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy.
The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value:
• Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
• Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display
• 40 MPG with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower
• Possible production price range in the low $20,000s

“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.
Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.

“This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station,” said Saucedo. “The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts.”

From Detroit, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses. Chevrolet also will engage customers using the social media tools that young consumers use to talk with one another.
“For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,” said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet Global Marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

2013 Cadillac ATS

2012-01-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Engine 3.6 liter V6, Weight under 3400 lbs, HP 320 hp, HP/Weight under 10.625 lbs per hp, HP/Liter 88.9 hp per liter.

2013 Cadillac ATS Challenges the Status Quo
• All-new, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive architecture with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment – less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg)
• Broad lineup of engines, including two four-cylinders and a V-6 for North America, capitalizes on lightweight structure for performance with efficiency
• Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and entertainment data

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to challenge the world’s best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac’s entry into the world’s most significant luxury car segment goes on sale this summer.

The rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac’s blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers. Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data.

“Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment,” said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. “For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

The Cadillac ATS is a new expression of Cadillac’s Art & Science execution philosophy, built on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment – less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).
Germany’s famed Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe, ATS engineers balanced performance with Cadillac’s trademark refinement. Contributing components and features include:
• Nearly 50/50 weight balance
• Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
• Available all-wheel drive

“More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment,” said Butler. “That is why our approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and focused.”

A broad lineup of engines – including two four-cylinders and a V-6 for North America – delivers strong power to the ATS and capitalizes on the car’s lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and Cadillac’s award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 320 horsepower (238 kW).

At 135hp/L, the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. ATS will offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.
CUE and ATS technologies
The ATS is offered with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and entertainment data. It is designed to be unique for each consumer, from the “simple user” to the fully connected “super user.”

CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience, pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. For example, most of today’s luxury cars have around 20 buttons controlling the radio and entertainment functions. CUE has only four.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, seamlessly integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and a motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. The vibrant LCD screen displays CUE’s home page, which resembles a smart phone’s screen by using large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands. Capacitive technology refers to using electrodes to sense the conductive properties of objects, such as a finger.
In addition to CUE, the ATS is offered with other technologies, including:
• Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition
• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Keyless access and keyless push-button start
• Reconfigurable 5.7-inch instrument panel cluster display
• Full-color reconfigurable heads-up display.

The ATS is offered as a well-equipped standard model and in Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections. A Bose® Cabin Surround audio system is offered on the standard model, as well as Luxury and Performance Collections. It is standard with the Premium Collection. A navigation system is also available with Luxury and Performance Collections and standard with the Premium Collection.

Control and alert’ safety strategy
Safety in the ATS is based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy that employs advanced technologies – including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors – to help prevent crashes.

The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and intervenes to help the driver avert potential crashes. In some cases, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems will act without the driver, such as automatic braking, which will activate based on information indicating potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and Rear Automatic Brakes. This relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.
Optional advanced safety features include:
• Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Intelligent Brake Assist
• Forward Collision Alert
• Brake Pre-Fill Automatic Collision Preparation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
• Adaptive Forward Lighting
• Hill Hold/Start Assist (Standard, manual transmission)

The advanced technology safety features complement the ATS’s roster of other safety features, including eight standard air bags (10 with optional features), safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS.

ATS also features OnStar standard for one year. It can use GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information, controls and OnStar services via the customer’s iPhone or Android smart phone.

About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

2012 Toyota NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept

2012-01-17T09:11:00.001-08:00

Toyota Reveals NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept

'Vision of the Future' Concept Vehicle Features Advanced Powertrain, Human-Machine Interface and Safety Features
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), today revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The NS4 signifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface.

Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015. The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind.

“In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. “NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.”

NS4’s advanced powertrain targets a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.
Sleek, Futuristic Styling
The NS4 concept signals a new styling direction for the Toyota brand aimed at creating an emotional connection with consumers. NS4 styling lines reflect a new take on the aerodynamics of the modified triangle, with a low height and cabin-forward tilt. The distinctive open trapezoid grille is accented by a floating lower spoiler and wing-like daytime running lights wrapping around to a sculpted fender. Rear lamps wrap around the sides of the vehicle to quarter sections layered into blistered fenders, while the rear lamp wings create a sharp edge and the effect of a rear spoiler.

The A-pillars are ultra thin for improved driver visibility while maintaining roof
crush integrity. The roof line profile, lift back design and powered swan-wing doors create greater accessibility and efficient functionality.
Increased Connectivity
Traditional vehicle development cycles average four years, but this is rapidly changing in the digital age. Vehicles have become another communication hub in the connected-consumers lifestyle and automakers must integrate the latest technologies into their product offerings. In fact, connected vehicles are the third-fastest growing technological device, behind smartphones and tablets.

Toyota has formed special alliances with technology leaders such as Microsoft, Intel and Salesforce to explore the creation of seamless vehicle interfaces with emerging technologies. These alliances will help ensure Toyota is at the forefront of this emerging sector of the automotive market.

The NS4 concept’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) provides a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys information quickly while minimizing distractions and maximizing driver awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement also will direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of “learning” driver preferences and habits to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations. This concept represents a truly connected vehicle, offering the latest technology in a responsible and convenient package.
State-of-the-Art Safety Features
The NS4 introduces a next generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. This PCS uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians and other vehicles. In addition, the system emits near-infrared beams to enhance PCS recognition at night. This driver assistance feature helps to avoid collisions with other vehicles, road-side obstructions, and pedestrians by applying the brakes and manipulating steering.

The current generation PCS, available in certain Lexus and Toyota vehicles, is designed to identify certain objects directly in the road ahead. If PCS determines that a collision is imminent, the brake assist system is placed in standby mode, a warning is displayed and a buzzer sounds. If PCS determines that a collision is unavoidable, the system still will alert the driver via a warning light, warning display and buzzer, apply the brakes and automatically retract the driver and front passenger seatbelts.
Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights help prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using a camera mounted behind the front grille and partial shielding inside the headlights, this feature allows drivers to maintain near-high beam illumination to improve nighttime visibility.

The pop-up hood structure automatically raises the rear of the hood to increase the space underneath, helping to reduce pedestrian head injuries caused by a collision with the front of the vehicle, within certain speed ranges. This innovation is the result of testing and verification using both conventional crash-test dummies and Toyota’s Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) virtual model.

Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is designed to detect a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.
Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windshield and front triangle, door, and rear windows to improve driver visibility, gas mileage and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:
• Hydrophobic coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form into semispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination (also used on the roof solar panel)
• Anti-fog film – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability
• High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
• Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality

Inner and outer rear view mirrors have been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a panoramic rearward view. The rearward image is displayed on a dedicated dashboard mounted screen above the navigation screen and provides a wider view than conventional rear view mirrors. The rearward panoramic camera view working in combination with the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system enhances driving visibility.

“The continued success of our conventional hybrid vehicles has laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced technologies,” said Lentz. “NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and convenience of future mobility for people everywhere."

2011 Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

2012-01-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

Engine 4.7 liter V8, Aspiration supercharger, Torque 434 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm, HP 600 hp @ 7300 rpm, HP/Liter 127.7 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 3.9 seconds, Top Speed 190 mph.

The World’s Most Powerful and Fastest Alfa Romeo: 8C Spider with 600-hp Supercharged Engine and a Top Speed of 190 mph
The most powerful and fastest street-legal Alfa Romeo of all time comes from NOVITEC, the world leader in tuning for the automobiles from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia. Power output of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Coupe and Spider, jumps to 600 hp thanks to a high-tech supercharger system. Top speed grows to 190 mph. In addition, the tuner offers a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with 21- and 22-inch diameters and a height-adjustable sport suspension.
The limited-edition sports car is based on the technology of the Maserati GT. For this reason NOVITEC adapted a development by sister company NOVITEC TRIDENTE, which specializes in tuning the models carrying the trident emblem, to the 8C. The high-tech supercharger conversion for the 4.7-liter V8 was modified to fit into the space under the hood of the Alfa Romeo 8C.

The supercharger is driven by a cogged-tooth belt directly from the crankshaft and thus breathes more power into the eight-cylinder four-valve engine even at very low engine speeds. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.37 bar. The mechanical charging system is rounded out by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator, and by custom injectors.
Newly calibrated mapping for injection and ignition ensure a potent and harmonious power delivery and clean emissions.

Performance figures are accordingly impressive: The compressor conversion, which sells for EUR 19,900, boosts power output of the 450-hp stock V8 by 150 hp. The maximum rated power output of 600 hp is available at 7,300 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 434 lb/ft torque at 5,400 rpm.

This elevates driving performance to a level never before attained by a street-legal Alfa Romeo: the sprint from rest to 62 mph is shortened to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 180 mph to 190 mph.

The optionally available NOVITEC stainless-steel sport exhaust system for the Alfa Romeo 8C benefits more than just power yield. The integrated flap system varies the exhaust note depending on engine speed from sporty to racing-like. The exhaust system with its four tailpipes is designed to perfectly fit into the standard cutouts in the rear apron.

While the body of the 8C Coupe or Spider remains untouched, NOVITEC adds some thrilling highlights to the appearance of the two-seater with three-piece NA3 wheels. To further emphasize the wedge-shape design of the 8C, the specialists chose a staggered combination with 21-inch diameter in front and 22 inches on the rear axle. The alloy wheels feature five double spokes and are available in any desired color. In sizes 9×21” and 11.5×22” they fill out the available space in the wheel wells perfectly. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by Formula 1 supplier Pirelli in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22.
The height-adjustable NOVITEC threaded coil-over suspension is precisely calibrated to these king-sized tires. It allows each driver of the Alfa Romeo to select ride-height and damper rates to suit his or her personal taste.

Upon customer request NOVITEC also personalizes the cockpit of the 8C with exclusive appointments made from the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color.

For additional information please contact:
NOVITEC Automobile GmbH
Hochstrasse 8
D-87778 Stetten
Germany
Phone: +49 / (0) 82 61 / 2 13 48
Fax: +49 / (0) 82 61 / 2 16 40
E-mail: info@novitec.net
Internet: www.novitec.com

NOVITEC ROSSO USA
18471 NW Chemeketa Ln Unit C
Portland, OR 97229
Phone: 503-336-0176
E-mail: rosso@novitecrosso.com

Exotica Motorsports
Phone: 360-607-0709
Fax: 360-326-1584
E-mail: info@exotica-motorsports.com
Internet: www.exotica-motorsports.com
About Exotica Motorsports
Exotica Motorsports was founded by Jason Godsil to be the best parts supplier in the marketplace for high-end luxury and exotic sports cars. Exotica Motorsports has spent many years ensuring that we stay true to our roots and only offer the finest parts from the premier tuners from around the world. Combine this with superior customer service and Exotica Motorsports is second to none in the industry. Exotica Motorsports currently represents companies like Novitec, Elite, ASI, Premier 4509, as well as many other premier tuners. If you don’t see it in our website then it probably isn’t good enough.

Fenice Milano Ferrari 360 Modena Su Misura F101

2012-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

0-62 mph 4.5 seconds.

The Ferrari 360 Modena is still one of the most loved by the fans of supercars, with a 'rampant' career that marked an important technical stylistic turn for the sedan rear engine cars of the 'Cavallino', introducing the characteristics later developed with the F430 and F458 Italia.

An in-depth study of the shapes in the wind tunnel determined a thinning of the body lines, in particular in the front, in the underbody and in the slides extractors of the back. The general rounding of the body results in a grater aerodynamic raciness, while the exclusive use of aluminum permitted to realize a frame weighing a total of 1,290 for the whole car, the 28% less of the F355 one, a value that added to the 0,33 Cx permit the Modena to reach a top speed of 295 km/h and to accelerate form 0 to 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds.
Fenice Milano presents today 'Su Misura F101', the renewed version of this masterpiece of technique, including the integration of internal and external aesthetical components made in composite materials (carbon fibre) and fiberglass. The restyling, realized in 2008 from direct request of the client, includes the equipment of new 20'' rims forged in aluminum and partitioned in three pieces, assembled with tires measuring 225/30 in the front and 315/25 in the rear, suspensions with totally adjustable shock absorbers and springs and a stainless steel exhaust system.
Moreover a new ECU combined with a new suction system has been studied to improve considerably the performance of the car. In the passenger compartment the roll bar and the adjustable seats are in carbon, while the dashboard has been integrated with a multimedia navigation center and a satellite alarm.
The 'Su Misura' line was studied by Fenice Milano to satisfy at best the desire of its clients who already possess luxury supercars or who prefer to buy and personalize them according to their personal taste, with customized enhancements. Studying together with the client the best solutions to answer his requests and carrying out special feasibility studies, Fenice Milano offers the chance to take advantage of the experience of its artisans, designers and technicians also to those who would like to realize their own projects, starting from models other than the ones proposed and branded Fenice Milano.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

2012-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Engine 7 liter V8, Weight 3,355 lbs, Torque 470 lb-ft, HP 505 hp, HP/Liter 72.1 hp per liter.

Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible
DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.

“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”

The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.
The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:
• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than:

• Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
• Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
• Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
• Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31
The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

2013 Porsche Boxster

2012-01-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Price $49,500 & $60,900, Engine 2.7 & 3.4 liter flat-six, Aspiration natural, HP 265 hp & 315 hp, HP/Liter 98.1 @ 92.6 hp per liter, 0-60 mph 5.4 & 4.7 seconds.

2013 Porsche Boxster: Lighter, More Muscular, More Distinctive and More Fuel-Efficient
Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a change of generation been so comprehensive. The open-top two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. The new Boxster weighs less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. These new dimensions are coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering system to significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car's driving dynamics. The new Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle.
The new Boxster benefits not only from an increased wheelbase but also shorter overhangs, while the windscreen has been shifted forward. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models.
The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model's new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement - ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp, which is five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds.
To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock.

The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price iwill be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge.
About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 194 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

2012 Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept

2012-01-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

Lexus Unveils Sleek Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe Design Concept at North American International Auto Show

• Design study created at Calty to explore future of Lexus design
• Exterior highlighted by dynamic shapes, intriguing details and expansive use of glass
• Interior features high technology set off by organic shapes and materials

DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012 – Lexus today unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Showcasing the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the LF-LC concept will be at the Lexus display through January 22.

“The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”
Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., sought to advance the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

“Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be.”

The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners.
Framed by a deep aluminum surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3D sculpture form, and functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille show the fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.

Daytime running lights are shaped like an “L” while the vertical fog lamps utilize a fading dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement.

The profile of the LF-LC creates a powerful, dynamic silhouette that is unmistakably that of a serious driver’s car. The lines of the vehicle emphasize direction and motion.

The concept car’s glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture. A rising, kick-up window graphic and polished aluminum trim are unexpected elements. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car.

The dynamic cabin lines are carried through to the rear deck, sculpturally integrating the spindle grille theme to echo the front of the vehicle while creating a unique sense of width. The tail lamps, inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off, use inner lighting to create a remarkable sense of depth. The rear is also fitted with fog lamps, repeating the fading dot matrix pattern of the front fog lamps. Visually, the integrated tail and fog lamps repeat the “L” shape and lead the viewer’s eye down to the powerful Lexus quad exhaust.
The interior of the LF-LC concept vehicle contrasts the cool ambience of advanced technology with soft textures and organic shapes to create a driver-focused synergy of form and function. The cockpit expresses a feeling of both openness and security. The driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console. The effect is to focus the driver zone on the controls and on the road.

Based on Lexus’ commitment to creating an intuitive driving experience, the LF-LC incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate controls without shifting position or altering line-of-sight.

Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display. Inputs come from a touch-screen control board piercing the swept center console. Used to control the audio system, climate controls and navigation, the interface features a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.

Set directly in front of the driver, multi-level meters layer analog and LCD technologies. The bottom layer displays temperature, fuel and the background for the Eco meter. The middle layer is the tachometer mechanical center ring. The topmost layer provides indicators for the tachometer, speedometer and Eco meter.
Surfaces throughout the cabin are presented in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents. The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior. The racing style steering wheel is also a lightweight design and contains integrated controls and start button. Beautiful stitch details emphasize organic movement throughout the interior.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive LF-LC features Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, delivering both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

“This thought-provoking design exercise is a stunning expression of creativity,” said Templin. “Combined with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, this concept promises a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.”

2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro

2012-01-16T02:11:00.000-08:00

Engine 3 liter TFSI V6, Aspiration supercharged, Torque 325 lb-ft, HP 310 hp, HP/Liter 103.3 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 5.9 seconds, Top Speed 155 mph (electronically limited).

The new Audi A6 allroad – the Avant for any kind of road
• Successful model completes the A6 model series
• Advanced powertrain technology with turbocharging and direct fuel injection
• Fuel consumption reduced by as much as 20 percent

The first two generations of the allroad quattro from the years 2000 and 2006 were winners, and Audi hopes to build on this success with the third generation. Universally talented, the new A6 allroad quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant because when the asphalt ends, it just keeps on driving. Performance has improved and fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.
Body and exterior design
The new A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 meters (16.21 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide and 1.47 (4.82 ft) meters tall, making it a few millimeters bigger than the Avant. It follows the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle familiar from the sedan, with aluminum components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms (154 lb) compared with the previous model.

The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a sportily distinctive road stance. It features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces and the roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and tail lights. The xenon plus headlights can be combined with adaptive light, which ensures that the road is always properly illuminated for the situation at hand.

The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimeters (2.36 in) higher than that of the A6 Avant. Setting it apart are, in particular, the trim strips on the side sills, the more widely flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats. Stainless steel covers protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. Audi also offers a full paint finish in combination with the optional aluminum exterior package. The color Java Braun is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

Interior and luggage compartment
The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 meters (9.55 ft). It features a lean, elegant design, exemplarily clear ergonomics and superior workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. MMI comes as standard, as does the onboard computer with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

Visual cues differentiating the A6 allroad quattro include the carpeting and the instrument panel, which are black throughout. Other refined details include the interior color Santos Brown and the optional aluminum inlays. The door sill trims are also made of aluminum and are emblazoned with “allroad.”

The luggage compartment of the new A6 allroad quattro has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft). Latches in the luggage compartment make it easy to fold down the rear seats, increasing luggage capacity to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft). Standard equipment features underscore the practical character of the new model – a rail system with an included load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment as needed, tensioning straps on the left wall and a double loading floor.
Equipment and Audi connect
Audi offers a broad choice of options for the new A6 allroad quattro. The head-up display projects important information onto the windshield. Ambient lighting bathes the interior with subtle LED light, and the widely adjustable deluxe front seats are optionally available with a ventilation and massage function. Additional highlights include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the convenience key, which can stay in the driver’s jacket pocket.

Topping the modular range of infotainment options is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation (MMI touch) and whole-word voice control. Its power-retractable eight-inch monitor displays extremely sharp, high-contrast images. The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System boasts 15 speakers.

The new A6 allroad quattro is also state of the art when it comes to connection technology. The optional Bluetooth car phone online connects it to the Internet via UMTS, and a WLAN hotspot lets the passengers surf and e-mail. Tailored services for the driver, such as the all-new Audi traffic information online or Audi music stream web radio, are delivered right to the car. Attractive services from Google, including Google Earth, Google Street View and voice-activated POI search, are also available.
Driver assistance systems
The Audi assistance and safety systems lend even more confidence to driving. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function always keeps the new A6 allroad quattro at the proper distance from the car ahead. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision. ACC stop & go works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system, which is available in a number of configurations.

Audi active lane assist helps the driver to maintain the lane; Audi side assist helps when changing lanes. The night vision assistant with marking of detected persons reduces the stress of driving in the dark. The driver information system with rest recommendation function detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest.

A variety of high-end systems help take the stress out of parking. The park assist system with 360° display takes over the steering; the parking system plus with 360° camera provides good vision in all directions. Four small wide-angle cameras record images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, which can then be displayed from a variety of perspectives on the MMI monitor.
Drivetrain
The new A6 allroad quattro is available with a choice of four powerful and highly cultivated V6 engines – one TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI units. All are three-liter engines with turbocharging and direct injection. They make use of important technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

The 3.0 TFSI, which is boosted by a mechanically driven compressor, produces 228 kW (310 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds on the way to a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). It consumes 8.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.43 US mpg).

The three variants of the 3.0 TDI produce 150 kW (204 hp), 180 kW (245 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp); torque values are 450, 580 and 650 Nm (331.90, 427.79 and 479.42 lb-ft). The entry-level version consumes on average just 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (38.56 US mpg), corresponding to 159 g CO2/km (255.89 g/mile). Audi will soon offer a particularly low-emissions clean diesel version of the 180 kW (245 hp) engine. The twin-turbo 3.0 TDI developing 230 kW (313 hp) is a powerful, great sounding engine. It accelerates the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.6 seconds; the top speed is an electronically regulated 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The most powerful TDI delivers its power to a smooth and fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The three other engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic, a sporty dual-clutch transmission. With their wide ratio spreads, the automatic transmissions are major contributors to the efficiency of the A6 allroad quattro. The driver can operate them manually, including via optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is paired with torque vectoring. During dynamic driving this system brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve, which are under a reduced load, before they can slip. This further enhances traction and handling. The optional sport differential distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.
Chassis
The chassis of the A6 allroad quattro combines sportiness with comfort. The new electromechanical power steering is sensitive and highly efficient. The optional dynamic steering adjusts the steering ratio to the speed driven.

With the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the gas pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode, these systems work as economically as possible; their function can be very freely configured in Individual mode.

The adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping, comes as standard. It lowers the body by 15 millimeters (0.59 in) at high speed and raises it by 35 millimeters (1.38 in) at the push of a button. This allroad mode is suitable for rough terrain. Furthermore, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. An additional ten millimeters (0.39 in) enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to also handle major irregularities in the road surface.

The Audi A6 allroad quattro rolls on 18-inch, five-arm alloy wheels and 235/55-size tires. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional wheels measuring 18, 19 and 20 inches in diameter. The large brakes provide powerful deceleration. The driver can activate a hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages. This limits the speed to between 10 and 20 km/h (6.21 and 12.43 mph), depending on the surface.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro will be available in Germany from spring 2012. The 3.0 TDI developing 150 kW (204 hp) has a list price of €54,600.

2012 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz C63 White Edition

2012-01-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Engine 6.3 liter V8, Aspiration natural, Torque 457 lb-ft, HP 520 hp, HP/Liter 82.5 hp per liter

Mercedes-Benz C63 Exclusive White Edition!
Special editions have been a tradition at Mercedes-Benz specialist KICHERER in Stockach, Germany for many years. Just in time for winter 2011-12, a new limited edition WHITE SERIES is available - limited to just ten vehicles and developed exclusively for the sporting driver, it places pure exhilaration and driving pleasure at the forefront of the driving experience, without foregoing the usual comforts.
Serving as the basis for the special edition is the C63 AMG, a real race machine that is a serious rival for the BMW M3 and others in class. When it comes to performance, KICHERER has treated this powerful saloon to a software optimisation, including the removal of the V-max limit, so that now around 520bhp and a maximum torque of around 457lb ft are tearing at the power train. To make sure all of this performance can be turned into propulsion without losing any of it, a high-performance limited slip differential with variable slip provides for optimal traction. Next to that there’s also high-performance coilovers which are individually adjustable for hardness and which push the limit up significantly. In the wheel-arches of the KICHERER C63 White Edition are a set of in-house 20-inch large RS 1 forged wheels, up front with 245 tyres and at back with 275 tyres. Behind the rims is hiding a high-performance braking system with steel braided hoses from Brembo.
In terms of aerodynamics, KICHERER has treated the front end of the C63 to a new apron with integrated flaps and LED daytime running lights as well as a carbon front grill with piano lacquer finish. A set of side skirts with built in supports in piano black gives the look of a lowering of the vehicle. The back offers, apart from a rear diffusor, also in piano lacquer finish, two giant exhaust tailpipes with a flap-controlled sports exhaust, made of stainless steel.
For the interior, the designers at KICHERER thought of something special for the WHITE EDITION. The seats in the front and in the back are fitted out with exclusive Napa leathers in black and white. In addition to that, the tuners covered the door panels and the upper and lower parts of the dash panel, the centre console and also the ergonomically-moulded sports steering wheel with leather. It’s worth taking a closer look at the perfect white stitching, which effuses elegance as it contrasts with the black leather.

With the WHITE EDITION KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik has again created a limited special edition, which, even when it’s parked in the yard, simply bristles with exclusivity and race readiness.
All further details, as well as price and delivery information are available directly with:
KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Im Eschle 6
78333 Stockach
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 77 71 / 93 70 0
Fax: +49 (0) 77 71 / 93 70 22
www.kicherer.net
E-Mail: info@kicherer.net

2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06

2012-01-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

Engine 7 liter V8, Aspiration natural, HP 505 hp, HP/Liter 72.1 hp per liter.

2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Celebrates Racing Heritage

Z06 Centennial Edition to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach sale
Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette’s trademark sports car technology.

The 2012 Centennial Edition package will be available on all Corvette models – including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 – starting this summer.

The special package was inspired by Chevrolet’s racing-bred foundation, which continues with Corvette’s international racing excellence and production sports car prominence.

“Racing and performance are the roots of Chevrolet, a tradition carried forward today by Corvette,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Centennial Edition not only celebrates our 100 years, it once again pushes Corvette forward for a new generation of sports car fans.”

Chevrolet will auction a Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 9, with the proceeds to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. It will be the 100th 2012 Corvette off the assembly line, with a vehicle identification number ending in “00100.”
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette models.
The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.

Aficionados will note one other small detail: The historic crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with “100” in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.

The exterior color scheme is reinforced inside the car, with the Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter. Microfiber suede accents on Centennial Edition seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests were first used on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC. Pricing will be released this summer prior to the start of availability.

“Louis Chevrolet was a fearless racing pioneer who also designed our first car,” Scheidt said. “Corvette is a natural fit to honor that legacy, while creating a compelling new package for sports car drivers.”

2012 JE Design Audi Q7 S-Line Widebody

2011-12-30T00:08:00.000-08:00

Engine 4.2 liter diesel V8, Aspiration turbocharged, Torque 660 lb-ft, HP 404 hp, HP/Liter 96.2 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 6.1 seconds.

More sport for the Audi Q7 S-Line: JE DESIGN Widebody "ennobles" the sports SUV
• Aggressive body kit for the Audi Q7 S-Line
• 22-inch SUV Select and SCORPIO alloy wheels
• Performance enhancements and sports lowering available
• All components supplied with TÜV certificates
More sport, more individuality, and more overtaking prestige: Car-tuning manufacturer JE DESIGN is offering all Audi Q7 S-Line models of the Facelift generation a significant boost in exclusivity with a multipart bodywork kit and 22-inch alloy wheels.

The JE DESIGN bodywork kit, which includes door trims, merges harmoniously with the Audi Q7's contours and enhances the SUV's design. During assembly, the high-class wheel arches are glued to the bodywork, widening the vehicle by 30 millimeters per side at the front and 40 millimeters per side at the rear. Especially the fender extensions on the rear axle, with their vent holes, lend the Audi Q7 S-Line a very sporty look. Also included are front-spoiler corners, a PDC-suitable (Park Distance Control) rear-apron extension, and two JE DESIGN double-tailpipe covers, all of which are fashioned from highly polished stainless steel in an attractive diamond-shape design. A dynamic roof wing with side covers above the C pillars adds further emphasis to the sporty charisma of the JE DESIGN "Widebody". The complete styling package, including tailpipe covers, is available directly from the tuning manufacturer from 7,438 euros.
22 inches of exclusivity
For an even more exclusive look than with the standard Audi S-Line on international boulevards and streets such as "Fifth Avenue" in New York, "Kensington Palace Gardens" in London, "Avenue Montaigne" in Paris, "Avenue Princess Grace" in Monaco, "Via Suvretta" in St. Moritz, "Maximilian-Straße" in Munich, "Ostozhenka" in Moscow, or "Severn Road" in Hong Kong, the wheel arches beneath the broad fenders are filled out by single-part 10 x 22 inch SUV Select alloy wheel rims. The timeless five-spoke design wheels are available in three different color schemes (matte-black, front silver matte / shadow silver, front polished / graphite matte, polished lip) and are fitted 295/30R22 tires. Alternatively, the new JE DESIGN complete wheel set SCORPIO is also available in 10 x 22 inches. The set offers a completely new interpretation of the popular double-spoke design and is also available in the size 9 x 20 inches in matte-black with polished-silver rim flange. For both 22-inch complete wheel sets, which are available from 5,190 euros, JE DESIGN installs 30-millimeter-thick (front) and 40-millimeter-thick (rear) wheel spacers (409 euros) under the expansive wheel-arch extensions of the widebody kit.
The JE DESIGN wheels look even more formidable with a lowered suspension (1,428 euros). Here, an electronic adjustment of the Audi "adaptive air suspension" lowers the chassis by around 35 millimeters. The functionality of the smooth-adjustment damping system with its five different damping modes ("automatic, "comfort", "dynamic", "lift", and "offroad") is, of course, still present.
Performance enhancement
For the various engines of the Audi Q7 Facelift, JE DESIGN offers numerous performance enhancements. For example, the Q7 4.2 TDI tiptronic's 250 kW (340 PS) standard series power is increased to up to 302 kW (410 PS) thanks to optimized programming of the control electronics; this also increases the maximum torque to 895 newton meters. With its new power, the SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. JE DESIGN offers the new control-system software from 1,499 euros including VAT. This includes a one-year guarantee for the engine, turbocharger, transmission, and drive train, which can be extended by a further year for just 199 euros, provided the Audi Q7 is not older than two years and has less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock. In the company’s own specialist workshop in Leingarten, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, the optimization of the Motronic takes just three to four hours. Alternatively, JE DESIGN will collect the dismounted control unit by courier and will return it to addresses within Germany the following day.

The high-quality JE DESIGN accessories have received many awards in international specialist publications, are supplied with TÜV certificates, and can be entered easily into the vehicle documents. Following the performance enhancement, the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI meets statutory emissions requirements, ruling out any difficulties in the emissions test.

2011 Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

2011-12-29T01:59:00.001-08:00

Engine 1.75 liter, Weight 1874 lbs, Aspiration turbocharged, HP over 200 hp , HP/Weight under 9.4 hp per liter, HP/Liter over 114.3 hp per liter, Top Speed over 155 mph.

World Premiere: the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
At the 81st Geneva International Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept will make its debut, a compact "supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car, according to the brand's values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety.

The new concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions which serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.

On the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept technology and materials derived from the 8C Competizione find a home - carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technology derived from Alfa Romeo models currently on sale: the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.
Quite simply, this vehicle screams Alfa. Its sports car soul creates a unique driving sensation, both on the road and when racing, where its velocity and transverse acceleration become even more demanding.

Born from the experience acquired through the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, the new concept car shares its rear-wheel drive with the exclusive supercars as well as its philosophy based on achieving maximum driving pleasure and the proverbial Alfa Romeo road handling. This is an objective which the 8C Competizione and the 8C Spider pursue mainly through their increased power, while the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept follows the route of limited weight, made possible by extensive use of carbon, which also plays a structural role and guarantees exceptional agility with a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively. The final result is a significant reduction in weight, limited to less than 850 kg, as well as the optimisation of the vehicle's centre of gravity, which gives the advantage of increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.

The name "4C Concept" is suggestive of the sports driving pleasure which only the spectacular "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine which offers over 200 HP can bring. Already featured on a number of models in production, for example the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the engine boasts cutting-edge technical solutions such as direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag.

Located centrally in the rear of the vehicle, the engine in the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept ensures performance which matches or exceeds that of a 3 litre engine whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder engine. Coupled with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, launched only a few months ago on the MiTo and which will soon be available on the Giulietta, the powerful 1750 Turbo petrol engine allows the 4C Concept to reach a top speed of over 250 km/h and to accelerate from 0 to 100km in under 5 seconds. The vehicle integrates its Alfa DNA technology perfectly, a true philosophy which brings together all of the on-board technology, making it enjoyable and customisable for the driver and further accentuating the "competitive" nature of the Concept compared to other vehicles currently on sale.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight/power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). The Concept takes up the Brand's sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.

This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

2011-12-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Engine 1.75 liter TBi inline-4, Aspiration turbocharged, HP 235 hp, HP/Liter 134.3 hp per liter.

Alfa Romeo at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show
The Giulietta is the undisputed star of the booth and of the Alfa Romeo Centenary. With the new car - capable of expressing both great agility over the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday roads – the Brand continues in its custom of presenting all its new products and features in a world preview on the occasion of the Geneva Motor Show.
Indeed, after the Alfa 159 and the Alfa Brera in 2005, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon, the Alfa Spider in 2006 and the Alfa 8C Spider in 2008, now is the time to present the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
The Giulietta is a five-door hatchback, with an evident Alfa Romeo appearance, capable of expressing both great agility over the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday roads. This is thanks to the new "Compact" architecture which, thanks to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, the fine materials used and the manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Giulietta to achieve excellent levels both in terms of on-board comfort as well as its dynamic and safety features (active and passive).
From May this year, the model will be on sale progressively on all the major markets, while visitors of the Geneva Motor Show will be able to admire five different models: two Quadrifoglio Verde versions fitted with the 235 HP 1750 TBi, two Distinctive versions with 170 HP 2.0 JTDM and a Distinctive version fitted with the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol.
The name of the new car is an obvious tribute to the mythical Giulietta which, in the Fifties, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.

Nissan Skyline Coupe

2011-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Nissan Skyline Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Style and Performance

Nissan Skyline celebrated its 50th anniversary today in grand style at an event held at Tokyo’s new Midtown development. Dating back to 1957, the Skyline is a legendary car in the Nissan line-up with a long heritage of style and performance, beloved by motoring fans all over the world.

Taking this opportunity, Nissan also showed the all-new Skyline Coupe today, making its first appearance in Japan. The new Skyline Coupe is scheduled for release this fall in Japan.
Present at the celebrations were the chief engineers that led the product development of each generation Skyline, including Shinichiro Sakurai, chief development engineer of the first Skyline model. The event featured a film presentation that reflected the evolution of the Skyline design, performance and image throughout the different eras of each generation Skyline.

A fashion show entitled “Skyline GT Collection” was held in commemoration of the anniversary, featuring twelve of today’s most popular fashion models, including Yoko Horiuchi. The models were dressed in specifically designed outfits, inspired by each generation Skyline.
Celebrity guests included musician Joe Hisaishi, actor Ken Watanabe, while major league baseball player Ichiro offered his congratulations via a video message. Each of these celebrities share in a common trait with the Skyline i.e. that they were born in Japan but have since gained fame and recognition in the global arena. Mr. Hisaishi’s latest composition, I Will Be, written for the Skyline’s new TV commercial, was performed for the first time by Mai Hisaishi, who is also featured on the commercial.

The Skyline 50th Anniversary exhibition, featuring each generation Skyline model, will be open to the public at Tokyo Midtown Garden from Tuesday, April 24th to Sunday, May 6th. The new Skyline Coupe and the Skyline GT Collection fashion line will be on exhibit at the Midtown Atrium from Wednesday, April 25th through Sunday, May 6th.

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

Price $38,860, Production 1000, Engine 3.7 liter V6, Aspiration natural, HP 332 hp, HP/Liter 89.7 hp per liter.

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing on the 2010 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition
Limited Production Z® Coupe, Set for Early Spring On-sale, Priced at $38,860 USD

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) has announced pricing for the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, which is scheduled to go on sale in late February 2010. Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Datsun 240Z, the 40th Anniversary Edition starts with the 370Z Touring model equipped with Sport Package and 6-speed manual transmission then adds unique special equipment. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (M.S.R.P.) is $38,860 USD. The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 1,000 units.
Along with the standard 370Z Touring and Sport Package features -- including SynchroRev Match, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential -- the 40th Anniversary Edition adds a unique, premium "40th Graphite" exterior color and special red leather-appointed interior.

Other exclusive 40th Anniversary Edition equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front shock tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats, are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary debossed seatback and floormat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and an interior 40th commemorative plaque of authenticity. Every 40th Anniversary Edition Z also comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

Along with the 40th Anniversary Edition, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe is available in two well-equipped models: 370Z and 370Z Touring and in a special edition NISMO 370Z -- starting at $29,990 (6MT), $34,660 (6MT) and $39,190 respectively. A 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster, with fully automatic cloth convertible top, is also offered, starting at $36,970 (6MT). All prices are USD.
All 2010 Nissan 370Z models are equipped with a standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The engine is rated at 332-horsepower for the 370 Coupe and 370Z Roadster, while the NISMO 370Z Coupe is tuned to produce 350 horsepower. Buyers also have a choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match synchronized downshift rev matching system or a 7-speed automatic transmission (NISMO 370Z and 40th Anniversary Package are available with 6-speed manual transmission only). Crisp handling is once again provided by a 4-wheel independent suspension.

Available technology features for 2010 include the enhanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, 9.3GB HDD Music Box, USB connectivity and iPod connection, XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information and XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately), automatic phonebook download (select phones) and Bluetooth Streaming Audio; Nissan Intelligent Key and a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System.
About Nissan in North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

Nissan NISMO 350Z

2011-12-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

Engine 3.5 liter V6, Weight 3352 lbs, Aspiration natural, Torque 268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm, HP 306 hp @ 6800 rpm, HP/Weight 11 lbs per hp, HP/Liter 87.4 hp per liter.

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Continues Tradition of Performance With Super GT Race-Inspired Styling and Features
Taking Performance One Step Further With the 2007 NISMO 350Z
For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.
NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.

"With the combination of the new VQ35HR engine found on all 2007 350Zs and NISMO performance and design enhancements, the NISMO 350Z represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance machines," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).
"The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment which is not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z," he continued.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.

Special consideration is given during assembly of the NISMO 350Z – structural rigidity is enhanced by additional body welds to the already rigid 350Z body and additional supports have been added front and rear. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and in the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). A special NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the Z’s 306-horsepower V6 engine.
"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bosley. "Every exterior and mechanical improvement made to the NISMO 350Z isn’t just for show, it’s also for performance."

Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White.

Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with unique black cloth seats with red inserts, red stitching throughout the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Zs receive a serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.

The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM – with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500 rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin ram air intake system.
The standard 6-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st through 5th gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Also standard is electronically-controlled vehicle speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

In addition to the new NISMO 350Z, the 2007 350Z Coupe is offered in Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.

2011 Nissan Esflow Concept

2011-12-28T00:32:00.000-08:00

Engine twin electric motors, 0-62 mph under 5 seconds
Putting the spark into electric vehicles

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving.

It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.
At a glance
* ESFLOW - a pure EV sports car concept
* Rear-wheel drive two-seater
* Two electric motors, each driving a rear wheel
* Laminated lithium-ion batteries mounted low for best weight distribution
* Dramatic styling with wraparound windscreen for unobstructed visibility
* 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds
* Over 240kms on one charge

The Car
The ESFLOW is based on existing technology, implemented in innovative ways. An attractive, head turning composite body covers an aluminium chassis, incorporating its own roll cage. The powertrain unit, which employs the same technologies installed in the Nissan LEAF, is tuned to offer a sporty driving experience.

The Powertra
ESFLOW is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.
The Driver
Daniel, an ESFLOW owner, works in tech, but lives for the weekend. On Friday night after work, he gets behind the wheels of his ESFLOW which instantly links with his pocket PDA and determines the fastest route to his girlfriend's home. Finding street side parking is a cinch as the ESFLOW's compact dimensions allow it to slip in to the narrowest of spaces. On Saturday he drives to a popular club to exhibit his DJ skills and his friends are impressed by his cool EV sports car.
On Sunday he drives through the mountains for leisure. ESFLOW's superb weight distribution and unobstructed view ahead enables him to effortlessly nail every apex, every time. His descent from the mountains is more relaxed and he allows the ESFLOW to overrun on the long sweeping curves, turning the potential energy he and the car gained climbing up the gradients back in to electrical energy he can use once he hits the roads around Barcelona.

As his ESFLOW sips energy in its garage Daniel prepares himself for the week ahead, batteries fully recharged.

2011 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept

2011-12-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Engine 5.3 liter V8, Aspiration supercharged

Chevrolet Introduces New ‘COPO’ Camaro Concept evokes the spirit of special-order models for Stock Eliminator competition
The COPO Camaro is back at Chevrolet, as a concept designed to the specifications for NHRA Stock Eliminator drag racing competition.

“The COPO Camaro is a proof of concept for what a Chevrolet Stock Eliminator entry could look like,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “And it is a clear indication that Chevrolet intends to homologate the Camaro for sportsman drag racing.”

The COPO concept vehicle is designed to accommodate more than one engine option, including a naturally aspirated 427 engine (7.0L) – the same displacement as the original COPO Camaros from 1969 – and a supercharged 327 (5.3L) engine. Among the many racing-specific features and equipment is a conversion from the Camaro’s standard independent rear axle to a solid axle, as well as a full chrome moly roll cage.
The basic content for the COPO Camaro Concept includes:
• Provisions for two engine configurations (see below for details)
• Provisions for a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission, a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual
• High-rise cowl-induction hood
• Custom Aeromotive fuel system, with a fuel cell and integral high-pressure fuel pump
• Full, chrome moly roll cage
• Coil-over front suspension with Strange Engineering adjustable struts
• Custom rear suspension, based on NHRA requirements, with Strange Engineering shocks, Panhard bar and stabilizer bar
• Strange Engineering S-9 solid rear axle with aluminum third member, 35-spline spool, 35-spline axles and 4.10 gear set
• Lightweight, COPO-specific racing wheels
29×9-inch rear radial racing slicks and 4.5x28x15-inch front tires
• Manual steering system
• Strange Engineering lightweight racing brakes system with standard line lock.

The interior is all business, with most sound deadening and power accessories deleted. Instead, there is pair of racing bucket seats (and no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges by Auto Meter.
The engines
Intended for NHRA’s various Stock Eliminator classes, the COPO Camaro concept has provisions for two distinct engine packages – each built to conform to class guidelines. The details below outline the core specifications of each engine and their intended classes.

The concept vehicle is powered by a prototype version of the supercharged 327 engine, featuring an LSX cylinder block.

The COPO legacy
Since 1955, NHRA Stock Eliminator has been a straight-line proving ground for the quickest cars to come out of Detroit. Within Stock Eliminator, there are many classes, all defined by the ratio of vehicle shipping weight and the assigned horsepower factor. Because of this tightly monitored set of rules and historically brutal competition, Stock Eliminator is the ultimate test for factory muscle cars.
From the “Fuelie” ’57 Bel Air to the ’62 409 Impala and countless muscle cars that came later, Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, dominant position in this sportsman drag racing category. None of the cars, however, have dominated both the track and muscle car folklore like the legendary COPO Camaros produced in 1969.
From the “Fuelie” ’57 Bel Air to the ’62 409 Impala and countless muscle cars that came later, Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, dominant position in this sportsman drag racing category. None of the cars, however, have dominated both the track and muscle car folklore like the legendary COPO Camaros produced in 1969.In the Sixties, COPO was the acronym for Central Office Production Order, within Chevrolet’s vehicle special-order program. Although normally used for fleet orders of trucks and company-owned cars, it was manipulated by a few performance-minded dealers to order vehicles with larger engines than were available in regular-production models – mostly with the intent of getting them to Stock Eliminator racers.
By pushing Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order special-order program to its limit, a number of dealers were able to get 427-cubic-inch big-block engines installed in a handful of Camaros, when the largest official engine available was a 396. Two versions of the 427 engine were wrangled out of the factory: COPO 9561 was the Corvette-based L-72 edition with an iron cylinder block and COPO 9560 was the racing-designed ZL1 engine with a lighter aluminum cylinder block.

The COPO Camaros opened up the NHRA rulebook to some exciting combinations for Camaro, helping keep Chevrolet at the top of the ultra-competitive form of motorsports. In fact, they were not only competitive in NHRA Stock Eliminator when new, but still hold the national ET and MPH records in several classes.

Racing enthusiasts who are interested in more information can go to www.gmperformanceparts.com to sign up for COPO Camaro concept updates.

The supercharged 6.2L engine produces 638 hp

2011-12-27T05:31:00.000-08:00

Introduced in the 2009 ZR-1 Corvette, the supercharged 6.2L engine produces 638 hp. Now you have the ability to use the same supercharger package with the front accessory drive and build up your own LS or LSX based supercharged engine. The intake bolt pattern and port configuration is the same for the LS3, LSX-LS3, L92, LSA and LS9 cylinder heads. The GM Performance Parts LS9 Supercharger kit includes the cast cover and intercooler, as well as the supercharger intake system and a gasket kit. It is completely assembled with injectors, front pulley and throttle body. Professional installation is suggested. The supercharger kit may require minor modification and calibration. * Note -- This kit installation is recommended with the LS9 front accessory drive kit.

The 2011 Lexus RX 350 Review notes

2011-12-26T03:08:00.001-08:00

Base Price: $40,250

As-Tested Price: $52,775
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 275 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 257 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,343 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/18.4 mpg

The 2011 Lexus RX 350 is the near-luxury crossover to beat, targeted by the likes of the Cadillac SRX and the Lincoln MKX from the United States, the Acura MDX and the Infiniti FX from Japan, and the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz M-class from Europe. C’mon, Mercedes, where’s the X? It can’t be a crossover without an X, right?

Anyway, suffice it to say that the Lexus has a big bull’s-eye on its tailgate right now. Having spent seat time in nearly all of the above-mentioned utes, I can tell you that the RX remains competitive, but just barely. Fortunately for Lexus, a few simple changes will help tremendously.

From a ride-and-handling perspective, the RX 350 handles itself just fine. There are no surprises, nor is there engagement. That’s just how the vast majority of Lexus customers like their cars. Ditto the powertrain: perfectly adequate, nothing to see here, please enjoy the stereo.
Options: Dual-screen rear-seat entertainment with navigation including rear-seat DVD system with wireless headphones, a/v inputs, 120V power outlet and navigation with voice command, XM weather and traffic, backup camera, remote starter ($5,005); luxury package including semianiline leather trim, one-touch open/close moonroof, retractable electrochromic heated outside mirrors, wood and leather steering wheel/shift knob, wide-angle camera, 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, power rear door, illuminated scuff plates, headlamp cleaners ($4,900); comfort package including rain-sensing wipers with mist control, high-intensity headlamps, adaptive front lighting system and driver/passenger heated and ventilated seats ($1,950); 12-speaker audio system with in-dash six-DVD changer ($610); cargo net ($59).

Know More In Mazda 8

2011-12-26T03:02:00.000-08:00

We can only judge this Mazda8 normal appearance! Glance at the Kijang Innova, Previa or Mitubishi Grandis. The question that may arise, why Mazda put a premium segment with prices half a billion rupiahs?

Exterior
To answer, we must look at the exterior and interior details of this MPV. On the exterior, Mazda MPV trying to make it more stylish appearance, or stylish. This is seen from the lower bumper grille design is impressive dynamic with chrome accents, fog lamps with diamond-like design house.

Another technology is installed for xenon headlights (for melee) with autolevelling that can be disabled, type rear sliding side door is equipped with “power door” and remote, LED type rear combination lamps, and exhaust with two holes, rear spoiler with lights Srem (yes familiar!) and sun-roof.

Interior
In the interior, is very obvious with luxurious upholstery and door trim smooth leather-clad. In accordance with the target consumers, second-row seats can pamper and please passengers. This seat is also equipped with a heated body!
As for why the third line – smaller – aimed at children. Nevertheless also for adults with head and leg room is limited.

The doors, sliding side can be opened via the remote or the buttons in the car. It was all very pleasant. Can also be operated via a remote thin, similar to the card. To start the engine, turned the knob on the right side steering wheel.

The sliding door is equipped with a “safe mechanisme Hour”, to prevent limb pinched when the door is closed. Rear side doors can be opened 785 mm, which allows passengers out of the cabin.

The second and third seat can be regulated by a variety of positions, from sitting to relax until bedtime. In addition it also provided plenty of places to put a variety of equipment ranging from gloves, place mimumman and so on. On the ceiling of the front there is also a box for glasses.
Centre Speaker
AC also can also be set individually, between the driver and front passenger, beigut also behind. MPV is also already ielengkapi with center speaker that produces theater effects when used to play DVDs.

Another addition is the monitors outside temperature and jakm which is above the system information. Mirrors can be folded by pressing a button. Moreover, in addition to the rear camera for parking, also for tire repair kit.

So, for those who actually opened the deflated tire or a leak, can do semenara appearance and add wind with gear ang accompanied on this MPV.

For color, the options are disedikan Metropolitan Gray Mica (gray), Crystal White Pearl Mica (White) and Back Sparkling Mica (Black).
Specifications Mazda 8
Dimensions and weight
Long
4860 mm
Width
1850 mm
High
1685 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
The lowest gap
155 kg
Weight
1780 kg
Turning radius
5.7 meters
Machine
Type
4-sli, 16 valve, DOHC
with S-VT, VIS and ETC
Capacity
2260 cc
A comparison of compression
9,7:1
Max power
120 kW (163 PS) @ 6500 rpm
Torque max.
203 Nm (20.7 kg-m) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel system
Electronic injection
Fuel tank capacity
68.5 liters
Transmission
Activematice 5-speed
The size of wheels and rims
215/65SR16
Front and rear brakes
Discs with ABS and EBD plus BA
Passive Safety
6 air bags,
seat belt pretensioners

2012 Nissan GTR

2011-12-26T02:54:00.000-08:00

Specifications: Price $89,950, Engine 3.8 liter V6, Aspiration twin turbocharged, Torque 488 lb-ft, HP 530 hp, HP/Liter 139.5 hp per liter.

2012 Nissan GT-R Features More Horsepower, New “Black Edition,” Revised Fascias and Carbon Fiber Interior Trim
Nissan’s Multi-Dimensional 530-Horsepower Supercar Makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show, Set to Go On Sale in Early 2011

Entering its fourth year of availability in the North American market, the 2012 Nissan GT-R has a new look, new colors, new wheel design and, most important to fans of pure power, more horsepower under the hood. In addition, a new “Black Edition”– with unique seats, interior colors and wheels – joins the GT-R Premium model. The latest iteration of Nissan’s legendary supercar makes its North American debut that the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be available at official “GT-R certified” Nissan dealers across the United States in early 2011.
The 2012 Nissan GT-R’s advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 now produces 530 horsepower (versus the previous 485 horsepower) and 488 lb-ft of torque (versus the previous 434 lb-ft) – a result of modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio, and through reducing intake air resistance by enlarging the inlet pipe diameter. In addition, exhaust air resistance was reduced through use of an enlarged section of exhaust pipe.

GT-R’s already impressive aerodynamics have been improved for 2012 with downforce increased by about 10% and the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.26 (from 0.27). Stability is improved by enlarged fascia and grille openings, which also help reduce air resistance inside the engine compartment. The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools the front brakes is also increased.

The newly refreshed front fascia features aggressive double rectifier fins and new integrated high intensity LED running lights. Additional plated parts are used for the headlight inner panels, enhancing the car’s strong visual presence.
The redesigned rear fascia features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by using a sculpted lower section and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is also enhanced and air resistance reduced by extending the rear diffuser.

In addition, cooling performance for the muffler is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% through use of a new rear fascia outlet and new vents on the lower rear fenders that help remove air from the rear wheel wells. Newly designed larger diameter tailpipe finishers are also adopted. Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors: Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black. Other available colors are Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver.
GT-R’s newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, once again manufactured by RAYS®, help improve suspension response. Knurling inside the wheels is modified to help keep the tires from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking. The wheels also feature a new premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look. The Black Edition features special black six-spoke RAYS® lightweight wheels in place of the Premium model’s 10-spoke design.

Inside, the revisions for 2012 include new carbon fiber trim and upgraded materials. The Black Edition adds custom red-trimmed Recaro® seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner.
“The Nissan GT-R continues to be a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of ‘the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere,’” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the enhancements for 2012, including its 530-horsepower twin turbo V6 and revised styling, the GT-R legend continues to grow. We can’t wait for its arrival in Nissan showrooms, and on the streets, here in the U.S.”

Additional information on the 2012 Nissan GT-R, including on-sale date, will be available in the coming months.

Now entering its fourth year of availability in the North American market, the 2012 Nissan GT-R has a new look, new colors, new wheel design and, most important to fans of pure power, 35 more horsepower under the hood. In addition, a new “Black Edition” – with unique seat design, interior colors and wheels – joins the GT-R Premium model. The starting MSRPs for the 2012 Nissan GT-R are $89,950 USD and $95,100 USD for the Premium and Black Edition respectively.

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206

2011-12-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

We almost don't want to tell you about the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206. Why? Because it's the fastest, best-handling WRX Subaru's STI division has ever produced, but you can't buy it in the U.S. It's yet another special STI limited edition built exclusively for Japanese domestic consumption.

Subaru's tuning department takes its STI "S" series very seriously, something we witnessed at the recent Tokyo Motor Show when it revealed the new S206 with its eye-popping spec sheet. There's more than a decade of history in the top-shelf S series, starting from the radical-looking S201 to the gutsy S204, and the extreme R205. We've driven them all and been suitably impressed with every car. But the S206 takes "S" to a whole new level.
Powering the S206 is a version of Subie's turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer from the WRX STI. Horsepower has been bumped from 305 hp to 316 hp while torque increases from 290 lb-ft to 318 lb-ft. The engine is hand-built, with pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft all meticulously balanced before assembly. The secret to the S206's improved performance comes from the newly fitted low friction, twin-scroll ball-bearing turbo, a remapped ECU, and a low back pressure exhaust system that boosts low- to mid-range torque.
Built off of the outgoing WRX STI platform, the S206's suspension gets specially fitted inverted Bilstein dampers, STI coil springs, and a flexible front strut tower brace, while those 19-inch rims are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports rubber (245/35ZR19), highlighting huge six-piston Brembo calipers with drilled rotors.

As we launch ourselves out of the blocks, the S206 feels at once poised and ready for any right boot extension. And any corner. Switching the VDC to S# for maximum throttle response, and with the updated DCCD (driver controlled center differential) left in normal mode, we gun the boxer engine in first and second to record a stopwatch-timed 0-60 mph sprint of around 4.5 seconds.
Compared to the current WRX STI, the S206 displays beefier torque between 3200 and 4400 rpm -- where you need most for quicker cornering exits. But as Tatsumi says, "this torque curve also makes it easier to putter round town as well." Right, but that's not what we're here for.
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206
BASE PRICE $76,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door, sedan
ENGINE ENGINES 2.0L/316-hp /318-lb-ft, turbocharged, DOHC, flat-4
MOTOR MOTORS N/A
TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSIONS 6-speed, manual
CURB WEIGHT 3285 lb
WHEELBASE 103.3 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 180.3 x 70.7 x 57.9 in
0-60 MPH 4.5 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 24.5 mpg (Japan est)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY N/A
CO2 EMISSIONS N/A
ON SALE IN U.S. Japan domestic market only (unfortunately)

2012 BMW 640i Coupe

2011-12-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

2012 BMW 640i Coupe All the 6-series one needs—even though no one needs a 6-series.

After a one-year hiatus, the 6-series returns redesigned and refreshed. Lower, wider, and longer than before, the 6-series is now more elegant as well. A turbocharged six powers the 640i, while the 650i has a very powerful twin-turbo V-8. All-wheel drive is available for the first time

Specifications BMW 640i Coupe
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
BASE PRICE: $74,475
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979 cc
Power: 315 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.4 in
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 74.6 in Height: 53.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4150 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.5 sec
Top speed: 130 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 21/31 mpg
BMW’s U.S. engine lineup is a model of flexibility and simplicity. The company fits its regular-production models with a naturally aspirated inline-six, a turbocharged inline-six, or a twin-turbocharged V-8. (Starting this year, the naturally aspirated six is being replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder, and there’s also a low-volume 12-pot available only in the $138,000 760Li. But that’s it for complications.) All are smooth and powerful, among the best mills on the market. With those three basic packages, BMW powers the 1-, 3-, 5-, 6-, and 7-series, the X3, X5, and X6, and the Z4. We rarely complain about any pairing of powerplant and vehicle.
What we have in the 640i is a new combination of existing parts, but a combination that is in no way surprising. The BMW 6-series, freshly redesigned for 2012, shares most of its underpinnings with the 5- and 7-series sedans, both of which are available with a turbocharged inline-six. With ever-tighter fuel-economy standards looming, the 640i is as expected as someone ducking when you take a swing at his face.

And the 640i will be a very effective counter to the government’s move to ban horsepower and control fuel consumption. Thanks to the tall gear ratios at the top of its eight-speed automatic transmission, the 640 delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway. That gives this two-ton coupe the highest highway fuel economy of any BMW, aside from the 528i and Z4 sDrive28i, which use the firm’s new four-cylinder. Interestingly, 31 mpg is also 6 mpg better than that of the six-cylinder 740i. The 6’s city figure is 21, compared with 17 for the 7. Thank the 640’s two extra gear ratios—the 740i still has just six—and its newer, single-turbo engine.
As a big coupe, the 6 is a machine for broadcasting its owner’s greatness. Or at least that’s what we’d use it for. If you’re a bigger person than we are, though, and just want to look good, drive around surrounded by BMW’s best interior yet, and do so for as little money as possible, there’s no reason not to do it in a 640i. Except maybe—okay, we’ll say it again—the steering.

New Honda Elysion

2011-12-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

New Honda Elysion Models currently available
Make Honda
Model Elysion
Driving Type 2400cc (official 2354cc) and 3000cc is available in both 2WD and also 4WD
Steering Position Right Hand Drive (on the right side of car)
Transmission Type Available in automatic gear
Fuel Gasoline ( Petrol )
Passenger Capacity 7 persone. Also available in 8 persons capacity
Engine Type K24A . DOHC . 4 Cylinders . 16 Valves
Engine Capacity Available in 2400cc and 3000cc
Number of Doors 5
Price FOB Please inquire
Remarks Shipping cost is not inluded in price.

2012 Audi A1 Quattro

2011-12-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

Production 333, Engine 2 liter inline-4, Aspiration turbocharged, Torque 258 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm, HP 256 hp @ 6000 rpm, HP/Liter 128 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 5.7 seconds, Top Speed 152 mph.

The new head of the compact class: The Audi A1 quattro
Limited-production (333 units) A1 quattro beginning 2012 188 kW (256 hp), quattro drive, 0 – 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds Dynamic look inside and out, thoroughly equipped
Audi is crowning its successful A1 model series with an exclusive top-of-the-line model. The dynamic A1 quattro, limited to just 333 units, moves to the head of the compact class. Its two-liter, turbocharged engine produces 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels. The Audi A1 quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph).
The A1 quattro is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine. The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder engine combines gasoline direct injection with turbocharging in the classic Audi manner. Among its highlights are the adjustable intake cam shaft and the two balance shafts, which ensure smooth operation. Maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is continuously available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and peak power (188 kW/256 hp) is developed at 6,000 rpm.
Every detail of the sporty, sonorous four-cylinder engine has been optimized for high performance and low fuel consumption. Common rail injection, a turbocharger with intercooler and a regulated oil pump are just a few examples. The Audi A1 quattro is expected to consume on average 8.6 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg). Yet it performs like a top-notch sports car: The standard sprint takes just 5.7 seconds, and top speed is 245 km/h (152.24 mph).

The 2.0 TFSI delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a precisely shifting six-speed transmission, bringing Vorsprung durch Technik to the small-car class. The heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles should slip, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL).
The placement of the multi-plate clutch at the rear axle provides for a harmonious distribution of the axle loads, and the chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to the dynamics of the drivetrain. It is much more tautly tuned than that of the production model. The front suspension is a McPherson construction; a four-link axle is used at the rear. The sensitive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering has a sporty, direct 14.8:1 steering ratio.

The Audi A1 quattro rolls on 8.0 J x 18 cast alloy wheels. They are Glacier White, feature an exclusive turbine design and are fitted with 225/35-series tires. The internally vented front brake discs measure 312 millimeters (12.28 in) in diameter and are gripped by black calipers. The ESP stabilization program includes a sport mode and can be switched off entirely for a trip to the race track, for example.
One look is all it takes to see that the Audi A1 quattro is a very special vehicle. It is available only in Glacier White metallic, and its roof is painted high-gloss black. The front bumper is muscular, the frame and grate of the single-frame grille are high-gloss black. The curved bars in the headlights – the wings – are red. The grille, the roof arch and the rear hatch sport quattro badges.

The rear windows are tinted; the roof flows into a large, two-color wing. The color black accentuates the rear hatch and the diffuser. The LED rear lights are tinted; the rear bumper sports a distinctive look. The exhaust system terminates in two polished dual tailpipes on the left and the right, each measuring 100 millimeters (3.94 in) in diameter. The A1 quattro is 3,987 millimeters (13.08 ft) long, 1,740 millimeters (5.71 ft) wide and 1,416 millimeters (4.65 ft) tall, making it somewhat longer than the model on which it is based. Luggage capacity is 210 liters (7.42 cu ft); folding down the rear seats increases this to 860 liters (30.37 cu ft).
Cool, sporty black dominates the interior of the Audi A1 quattro. The seats and the armrests on the doors are covered in Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red seams. The S sport seats up front have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and a quattro badge on the backrest covers. The seats feature multi-way adjustment. The lower section of the center console shines in high-gloss black; the footrest and the pedal caps are made of brushed stainless steel. Red seams frame the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.

The instrument cluster has a number of eye-catching features, including white needles, a red tachometer, the quattro logo and the color display for the driver information system. The multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom, wrapped in leather with contrasting red stitching and sports the car’s serial number. The shift lever knob is made of aluminum. Many control elements have an aluminum-look finish.
The Audi A1 quattro will be available from the second half of 2012 and will be supplied to customers with a full range of equipment. It includes many features taken directly from the luxury class, including xenon plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensor, automatically dimming interior mirror, rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, storage package, convenience key and cruise control.

The infotainment equipment likewise leaves nothing to be desired. It includes a CD changer, a digital radio tuner, the Audi music interface and MMI navigation plus. The Bose sound system drives 14 speakers with 465 watts of power; the woofers in the doors are indirectly lit with light guide LEDs. Audi connect uses the Bluetooth online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated WLAN hotspot.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Fendi

2011-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

Engine 4.7 liter V8, Weight 4365 lbs, Aspiration natural, Torque 361 lb-ft, HP 433 hp, HP/Weight 10.1 hp per liter, HP/Liter 92.1 hp per liter, Top Speed 176 mph.

Modena-Rome 23 August 2011. The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi is born from the union of two iconic brands of the Made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.
The exclusive Maserati GranCabrio Fendi debuts at Frankfurt Auto Show
The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi is born from the union of two iconic brands of the Made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.
A masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi is crafted in the historical Maserati headquarters in Modena, with exclusive materials bespokely created in various colours for this project.
The three-layered body colour named Grigio Fiamma Fendi is a special dark grey with an iridescent golden finish on the surface. The wood trim Pergamena Fendi runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and on the top of the gear lever, all in the iconic FENDI yellow, like the brake callipers and the embroidered yellow trident on the headrests.
Adding a stronger yet elegant character to the GranCabrio is FENDI’s unmistakable double F logo, stitched on the seat, also appearing in the centre of the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the FENDI logo along the rocker panel.
Cuoio Romano, Fendi’s precious leather of its Selleria line, has been used for such details as the instrument cluster cover, for the gear lever and for the profile of the floor mats. It also features in the Limited Edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi represents a perfect marriage between the art of Fatto a Mano (handmade) with the ultimate technology and research of its 4.7-litre V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission, which brings out to life a unique roar, music to the ears of car connoisseurs.
Silvia Venturini Fendi’s specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque with the engraving of the Maserati Trident, Fendi logo and the 5-digit series number (five being an iconic number for Fendi) is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.
A special black car cover with ton-sur-ton double F logo dresses the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS

2011-12-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

More power and upgraded brakes, a body lowered by ten millimetres and the especially sportily tuned chassis with air suspension and PASM are the major technical modifications that make it the Porsche Panamera GTS capable of cutting it on the racing circuit. In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS signals its independence by distinctive design features in the front-end, side and rear area as well as black highlights. The interior as well is rigorously tailored to the sporty personality with sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles, exclusive GTS leather interior and Alcantara surfaces.

The power unit in the new Panamera GTS is a modified 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp (316 kW) at 6,700 rpm, trumping the engine in its Panamera S/4S sister models by 30 hp (22 kW). The maximum torque also increased by comparison, from 500 Nm to 520 Nm. The way in which at the push of a button the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive (PTM) – thanks to the Sport Chrono package featured as standard without interruption to the power flow – is especially dynamic.
This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds, accelerating on to its top speed of 288 km/h. With NEDC fuel consumption of 10.9 l/100 km – only 10.7 l/100 km with low-friction tyres – the Panamera GTS remains as much of an efficiency role model in its milieu as all Porsche models.
The Panamera GTS is being launched in February 2012 with a price tag of 116.716 €.

2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Year of the Dragon Collection

2011-12-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Year of the Dragon Collection
From Rolls-Royce Bespoke.

2012 Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 “Epochal” by Wheelsandmore

2011-12-20T05:03:00.000-08:00

Engine 5.4 liter V8, Aspiration supercharged, Torque 701 lb-ft, HP 727 hp, HP/Liter 134.6 hp per liter

2012 Wheelsandmore Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Epochal
Latest conversion by luxurious german car tuning company Wheelsandmore
As serial 650hp aren´t enough for fastidious customers we proudly present our latest coup, a very rare 722 MC Laren Mercedes with fine and exclusive tuning upgrades.

Installing a handcrafted exhaustsystem with sports catalysts and remote-able flaps, adapted to remapped ecu software and a new pulley is resulting in totally 727 hp and 950 nm. These data won´t need any further description or?

Handling these brute power strictly required a suspension revision. So we decided to contact coilover specialists KW to develop a compression and rebound adjustable, full race approved system for this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722.

Due to their weight-optimized properties the handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels of the type 6Sporz² are significant and additionally effecting the improved acceleration.

Those high-end rims are filling out the carbon fiber body perfectly sizing 9.0 x20″ at the front and 11.5 x 20 inches at the rear axle. Highest quality standards are also elected with the 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Sportmaxx tires from Dunlop.

In the end we didn´t even stop to do an exclusive job to the interior. With nappaleather, carbonparts, a new steering wheel and stepped alcantara and detailed red stitchings the Mercedes Mc Laren SLR 722 has become a more unique individual supercar.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado Realtree Concept

2011-12-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

Engine Diesel, Torque 765 lb-ft, HP 397 hp
Silverado Realtree Concept Debuts at SEMA
2500 HD tailored to be the ultimate hunting pickup
Chevrolet has teamed up with outdoor outfitter Realtree to create the ultimate hunter’s truck – the Silverado Realtree Concept.
The specially equipped 2012 Silverado 2500 HD will be on display at SEMA Show 2011, November 1-4, in Las Vegas.

Based on the Silverado 2500 crew cab, the Silverado Realtree Concept features a custom Champagne Silver Metallic exterior with Realtree graphics. Inside is Dark Cocoa leather seating with camouflage piping and blaze orange stitching, as well as Realtree AP pattern accents throughout the interior.
Off-road capability of the four-wheel-drive Silverado is enhanced with aggressive 35-inch off-road tires on 18-inch wheels and a custom front bumper with an integrated winch.

A Duramax diesel engine with 397 horsepower (296 kW) and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) provides the power for towing and off-road driving, while a custom rear cap securely stores outdoor gear. Power-actuated running boards improve entry and egress.

“This truck is a celebration of the seven-year partnership between Chevrolet and Realtree. It’s only natural to combine the dependable, long-lasting Silverado HD with Realtree, the best gear for the outdoors,” said Tony Truelove, marketing manager for Chevrolet pickups. “Like all great outdoor gear, the Silverado Realtree Concept is designed to get the job done – and look sharp while doing it.”
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high-quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About Realtree
Realtree is the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer, and licensor with over 1,500 licensees utilizing the Realtree camouflage brand. Thousands of outdoor and lifestyle products are available in Realtree camouflage patterns. In addition, Realtree is committed to supporting individuals and groups that work to ensure our outdoor heritage, the conservation of natural places, and the wildlife that resides there. In fact, Realtree is one of the nation's leading contributors to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and others. Realtree promotes its products and relationships widely on television, as well as through Realtree.com and many other outlets.

2012 Hamann Porsche Panamera Cyrano

2011-12-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

HAMANN CYRANO – A fascinating customizing program for Porsche Panamera

The name HAMANN-Motorsport is known all over the world. With the introduction of the new program for Porsche’s Panamera, the tuning company from Laupheim, Germany, commends itself again as the address to be when it comes to sporty accessories and exciting chassis designs for the posh models of the high-end sport cars.

Sporty elegance gives distinction to the HAMANN-CYRANO design: In order to meet the highly visual requirements and aerodynamic demands, the HAMANN engineers revamped the front of the four-seater completely. Larger air intakes in connection with perfectly integrated daytime running lights give the Porsche an even more dynamic look. Moreover, the optimized airflow – generated by the redesigned bonnet – reduces the lift at the front axle even further. Adding 60 mm width to the front and rear fenders makes the GranTurismo look even more imposing and are instrumental for the powerful overall appearance of the HAMANN customization. The HAMANN side skirts were modelled such as to steady the airflow across the sides and let the stylish sports car appear even closer to the tarmac and stretched. In order to reduce the up-lift forces at the rear axle, the HAMANN engineers developed a special diffuser rear apron for the sedan from Zuffenhausen. The apron encases the striking dual tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and makes this car’s rear a real eye catcher.
To bring the mighty appearance of the CYRANO to a full circle, HAMANN added its new 22-inch rims: UNIQUE FORGED “GUNMETAL”. The design of the extremely light wheel combines sportiness and elegance. The recommended front wheel/tyre combination is 9.5Jx22 inches with 265/30 ZR 22 tyres. The rear is fitted with 11.0Jx22 inch rims and 305/25 ZR 22 tyres.

Special eye catchers are the new alu wheels with special suspensions or a lowering module for the air suspension that lowers the Panamera’s center of gravity up to 30 mm. At the same time, the handling of the sports car is notably improved.
The powerful enhancement of the Panamera Turbo will soon be offered by HAMANN as the core part of its customisation program. Included in this upgrade – which is still under development – is a rear sports muffler as well as a new engine management system. The result is a performance increase by 80 hp and a torque that has been enhanced by 120 Nm.

HAMANN completely redesigns the interior of the Panamera and turns it into a Five-Star VIP Lounge. The factory-installed interior has been replaced with the finest leathers. The HAMANN aluminium pedal system shines brilliantly in the footwell and complements perfectly the medical applications of the car’s serial production interior.
Whether it is double clear-coat finish, leather, or Alcantara – what ever your heart’s desire, it is available upon request. From personalized foot mats to complete interior leather finish, everything is made with the highest degree of craftsmanship and precision. Individually designed and integrated into the vehicle by masters of their craft.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com

2011 Honda EV-STER Concept

2011-12-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Honda Exhibits World Premiere of EV-STER the next-generation electric small sports concept

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will exhibit the world premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model, at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to the electromotive mobility. The adoption of carbon materials made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight contributing to the vehicle’s high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. The easy-to-operate twin-lever steering was adopted for the thorough pursuit of the joy of driving. Moreover, the new concept model enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings, to embody the joy of maneuvering to the fullest extent.
Furthermore, the instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which enables the driver to enjoy driving as well as the network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for the internet access. The well-designed layout of the meters and displays enables the driver to concentrate on driving and enjoy the comfortable space.

Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz SLK 2012

2011-12-04T23:30:00.001-08:00

Engine V8
Aspiration twin turbochargers
Torque 664 lb-ft
HP 649 hp
0-62 mph 4.1 seconds

Right hand drive for English aristocratic family: Carlsson CLS CK63 RS and Carlsson SLK

• Complete conversion at Manor house “Gut Wiesenhof” upon client’s request
• Finest Carlsson NAPPA EXCLUSIVE leather interior
• Innovative light alloy wheel design 1/10 up to 20 inches
• V8-Biturbo with up to 649 hp (477 kW) and 900 Nm for the CK63 RS

Automobile manufacturer Carlsson introduces two new vehicle models based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS (type C 218) and the Mercedes Benz SLK (R172). They have been built as right-hand drive models upon the request of an English aristocratic family at Carlsson’s manor house “Gut Wiesenhof” in Merzig, Germany.

The aerodynamics package for the SLK, consisting of front spoiler and rear apron insert (for vehicles with AMG sports package, Code 950) emphasises the sporty lines and ensures additional downforce on the rear axle (front spoiler and rear insert are both available for 737 € including VAT).). The new front spoiler lip RS (available for € 653, also available in real carbon fibre) brings the front look to a full circle. The electro-polished stainless steel grille inserts (534 €) replace the standard plastic honeycomb in the front spoiler. The rear view is dominated by stainless-steel sports rear silencer with two tailpipes on the left and right and in the typical oval-shaped Carlsson design (1.545 €). By optimising the flow, Carlsson sound engineers have developed a sporty, powerful engine sound that effectively emphasizes the character of the SLK. The optional diffuser inserts and the stylish rear spoiler, the contact pressure onto the rear axle is increased even further.

Moreover, Carlsson draws on his many years of experience in the performance enhancement of engines and presents for the first time, the Carlsson C-Tronic for the current four-cylinder CGI engine generation. Additional control equipment ensures that the engine’s performance is increased by 27 – 40 hp. The new C-Tronic mobilizes existing reserves of the unit and by connecting it to the vehicle electronics, guarantees that safety limits are always respected and the engine is exposed to excessive wear. This new generation of additional control equipment was developed during elaborate endurance tests. The automobile manufacturer protects this durability with its three-year factory warranty from the date of installation.

Thanks to the C-Tronic CB20, the SLK 200 CGI which uses a base power of 184 hp (135 kW), now achieves 211 hp (155 kW) or even 224 hp (165 kW) with the C-Tronic CB20S. The C-Tronic CB25 increases the standard 204 hp (150 kW) of the SLK 250 CGI to 231 hp (170 kW). The performance level of the CB25S is even increased to 239 hp (165 kW) (The CB20 and CB25 C-Tronic are available for 1,416 €, and the C-Tronic CB20S and CB25S may be purchased for 2.011 €). The center of gravity may be lowered up to 30 mm, thus increasing the driving dynamics even further, without adversely effecting the driving comfort. Furthermore, the lowering kit (368 €) in conjunction with wheels that measure up to 20 inches, bring the vehicle’s image to a full circle. Complete wheel sets start at a size 18 inches and are available from only 2.300 €.

2012 Toyota Camry Daytona 500 Pace Car, 2011 SEMA Show

2011-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

At the 2011 SEMA Show Toyota exhibit will be the all-new 2012 Camry Pace Car, which will lead the field for the start of the 54th running of the Daytona 500 on February 26. It will be the first time a non-GM, Ford or Chrysler nameplate has paced the “Great American Race.” David Reutimann, Camry Sprint Cup Driver for Michael Waltrip Racing, will be on hand to talk about the Camry Pace Car during a press conference at the SEMA Show in the Toyota exhibit on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

The Camry Pace Car is based on the all-new 2012 Camry SE, which carries a powerful 268 horsepower V6 under the hood. It is specially-equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric tires mounted on BBS RS 8.5 x 19 wheels, a StopTech Big Brake Kit, TRD custom stainless steel exhaust and Tein adjustable suspension. Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar, and an on-board fire extinguisher.

2012 CAMRY PACE CAR FEATURES
Engine: 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder, aluminum alloy block
With aluminum alloy head
Valvetrain: Twin-cam, 4-valve/cylinder with dual VVT-i
Horsepower: 268@6200 rpm
Torque: 248lb-ft@4700 rpm
Wheels: BBS RS 8.5 X 19
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
Brakes: StopTech Big Brake Kit
332x32mm, two-piece floating AeroRotors
ST-40 four-piston calipers
Stainless steel brake lines
Safety Equipment: Roll cage
On-board fire extinguisher
Four-point Simpson racing seat belts
Whelen LFL Liberty LED Lightbar
Exhaust: TRD Custom Stainless Exhaust
Suspension: Tein Adjustable Suspension

Fun-vii Latest Concept Cars from Toyota

2011-11-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

Toyota Fun-vii, exterior and interior appearance can change as people download the application on the smartphone

Towards the opening of the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) to the 42 Japanese manufacturers intensified inform new concept vehicle that will be exhibited. Toyota for example, in addition to some concept cars that have been released previously, including the latest sports car “86″, will also showcase the latest concept car, named Fun-vii.

The interesting thing about this concept vehicle, the information system network (internet) increasingly converges on the cars in the future.

Changed Appearance
According to Toyota Fun-vii is a private vehicle with the ability to change the content displayed on the interior and exterior, as easy as downloading the application from various Internet sites.

For example, the entire body can be used as a demonstration or show information (including advertisements). Even the body color and the desired broadcast content can be edited directly in accordance with selerasa owners. Hence, the entire vehicle to serve as a terminal to display a message or other information.

The entire interior also serves as a visual aid. Interior colors can be changed freely according to the mood or the mood of the owner. Content such as navigation information, is directly forwarded to the interior. In addition, there is also a “navigation keys” that can provide information and guide the driver through a voice command.
Network functions continue to be updated. With this, the software in charge of running the vehicle and the control of the media system is in a situation and current conditions.

Smartphone
Fun-vii also be connected to the vehicle and the infrastructure around it. With this addition makes it possible to detect other vehicles – such as “blind spots” – or connected to your closest friends who happened to pass by driving his car.

Fun-vii operation is not limited only from inside the vehicle, can also be done remotely via a smartphone or other communication devices running.

With such capabilities, Toyota also instill the slogan “Fun to Drive, Again”, there is a Fun-vii. Vehicles that can carry three people, its dimensions: length 4020, width 1745, height 1415, 2750 wheelbase (mm).

BMW 5-Series GT by AC Schnitzer Debuts in Geneva

2011-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

AC Schnitzer has unveiled their tuning program for the BMW 5-Series GT at the Geneva Motor Show. In an effort to make the ‘wagden’ (half wagon, half sedan) look more appealing, Schnitzer added front and rear spoilers, a ventilated hood, aggressive side skirts, a redesigned rear fascia, chrome exhaust tips, and new wheels (available in a number of different styles, in sizes ranging from 19- to 22-inches). Inside, the company installed aluminum pedals, velour footmats, and a new cover for the i-Drive controller.

On the performance side, the engine in the 530d has been tuned to produce 286 HP (213 kW / 289 PS) – an increase of 41 HP (31 kW / 42 PS). Schnitzer also added a twin rear silencer and a specially tuned sports suspension.

H&R Springs Volkswagen Passat Project 2012

2011-11-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

For the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, H&R added its famous Street Performance Coil Over suspension for a lower ride height, then bolted on H&R Sway Bars–28 mm front, 24 mm rear for flatter cornering and better steering response. These sway bars are crafted from a special cold formed and heat-treated 50CrV4 steel alloy, and feature forged, seamless bar ends. Each bar is paired with industry-exclusive sway bar bushings made from a unique urethane/Teflon composite that prevents squeaks, yet requires no grease or other maintenance.

Of course, image is as important as performance, so the Passat was fitted with H&R TRAK+ wheel spacers for wider stance, OZ Ultraleggera HLT 20 x 8 -inch wheels and Michelin 245/35ZR20 Pilot Super Sport tires. Added to the exterior was a Volkswagen Accessory body kit and rear spoiler. Sticky Jewel Graphics add a custom touch without breaking the bank. Inside, a set of Volkswagen accessory floor mats compliment the Passat’s high quality interior.

H&R Springs Volkswagen Passat Project Specifications:

Base Vehicle:
2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 liter
6-speed transmission

Powertrain:
Motul Lubricants

Chassis:
H&R Street Performance Coil Over
H&R Sport Sway Bar — Front 28mm
H&R Sport Sway Bar — Rear 24mm
H&R TRAK+® Wheel Spacers

Wheels & Tires:
Supplied by The Tire Rack
Ultraleggera HLT 20×8” wheels in Silver Finish
Michelin 245/35ZR20 Pilot Super Sport tires

Exterior:
Volkswagen Accessory Body Kit
Volkswagen Accessory Rear Spoiler
Sticky Jewel Graphics

Interior:
Volkswagen Accessory Floor Mats

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

2011-10-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Price €161,750, Engine 3.8 liter boxer-6, Aspiration natural, HP 450 hp,

HP/Liter 118.4 hp per liter

Most successful race car now suitable for wider range of motorsport
It is the most successful race car on earth: The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. With over 2,200 units sold, it is the undisputed number one amongst customer racing teams all over the world. Now, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the front bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the vehicle is now suitable for an even wider range of endurance racing. Moreover, the new fuel tank contributes to a further improvement of the high safety standards.
The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.
The flared wheel arches at the front axle accommodate light alloy rims measuring 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 Michelin race tyres. The light alloy rims at the rear measure 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres. Depending on the type of racing, the new 911 GT3 Cup features different rim specifications. The blade-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear are adjustable in seven positions allowing an extremely precise set-up for each race track. Exclusive to the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup which runs as support to Formula 1 is the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. This is also available for Porsche’s road models. Compared to the composite cast brakes in the Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges, PCCB reduces the weight of the car by around 20 kilograms.
The cockpit of the new 911 GT3 Cup caters for the needs of the driver. The controls for the info display are positioned on the steering wheel which houses six switches. As in the production car, the reach and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be delivered to teams around the world from September and will be run in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 race seasons in selected one-make cup series. The price is 161,750 Euro plus value-added tax of the respective countries.
Currently, the 911 GT3 Cup competes in 19 Porsche brand trophy series worldwide. Moreover, it is run in various GT race series and at long distance events. The 911 GT3 Cup is the basis model of Porsche’s racing vehicle range. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport offers the 911 GT3 R for championships complying with GT3 regulations and the 911 GT3 RSR built according to GT2 rules.

2011 AC Schnitzer BMW 550i ACS5 Sport S Saloon Concept

2011-10-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

Engine V8, Aspiration twin turbochargers, HP 540 hp, 0-62 mph 4.5 seconds, Top Speed 199 mph

Superb, powerful and individual: the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon reveals new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure

With the new BMW 5-series saloon and the new BMW 5-series Touring, in 2011 two new 5-series models have been awarded the prestigious iF Award for outstanding product design. Equally prizeworthy is the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon based on the BMW 5-series saloon, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th March.
With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible - for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 - 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed "Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound.
What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners.
The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the current AC Schnitzer range. Together with further accessories already available, such as the AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, the rear spoiler and the rear skirt extension, new elements such as the AC Schnitzer sports wings left and right with Chromline Set and the carbon rear diffusor contribute to the great appearance. The AC Schnitzer loading sill protection film and the BiColor film trim harmoniously complete the sporting elegance of the body conversion. Possible and probable reactions to such a well-equipped vehicle are envious glances, which the proud driver seated behind the AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel with painted spokes can enjoy in the new AC Schnitzer sports mirror.
The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S saloon appears at the Geneva Motor Show with full leather trim in BiColor, painted interior trim strips and racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo, which form part of the overall concept for the interior. The AC Schnitzer range already contains the
AC Schnitzer "Black Line“ aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, velours boot mat and foot mats.

For the BMW 5-series saloon, AC Schnitzer also provides an unusual range of custom wheel/tyre combinations in both 20 and 21 inch diameter. The largest variants are the racing forged rim in BiColor and the new forged alloy wheel in BiColor in sizes 9Jx21“ front and 10Jx21“. Alternatives are the AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor wheel and Type V BiColor forged alloy rim.

The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon - an extraordinary concept vehicle which embodies the state of the art of technical achievement in more than just power. The AC Schnitzer definition of "Performance" will certainly inspire BMW tuning fans throughout the world.

All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 2012

2011-10-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Engine 6.4 liter V8, Aspiration natural, HP 470 hp, HP/Liter 73.4 hp per liter, 0-60 mph high 4-second range, Torque 470 lb-ft, 1/4 mile high 12 second range, Top Speed 175 mph

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® Offers the Ultimate Combination Of World-Class Luxury and Performance
• All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8® with its 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 offers ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in Chrysler’s most powerful, best-handling sedan ever
• Fuel Saver Technology with all-new active valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency by an estimated 25 percent on the highway
• New, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track
• New, two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control
• 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system with innovative GreenEdge® technology is available with 900 watts of power
• Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group
July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The success of the modern Chrysler 300 launched in 2005 can be attributed to its broad appeal. People of all ages, incomes and lifestyles were attracted to the sedan’s dramatic styling, power and performance.
As the king of the E-segment lineup, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® adds high-performance hardware to the elegant proportions and head turning design to provide the ultimate combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. With 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, the 300 SRT8 is targeted at customers that seek heart pounding, adrenaline filled excitement, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort and innovative features to get it.
“The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill in the 300 model lineup in 2012, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling Chrysler brand sedan ever,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. “Engineered and built for those customers who live for the sport of being first, the 300 SRT8 brings a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving.”
2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team builds upon the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan already executed for a world-class luxury experience, to deliver Chrysler’s most powerful and best handling model ever.

Performance numbers include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds, top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

The return of the 300 SRT8 to the Chrysler lineup in 2012 evokes a strong comparison to the original high-performance production car of its time – the 1955 Chrysler 300. Known for simple, strong lines, excellent engineering, high levels of luxury and outstanding performance with the first modern American V-8 engine to produce 300 horsepower, the first Chrysler 300 (C-300) was styled by Virgil Exner, who radically redesigned the entire Chrysler line and created what they called "The Forward Look" in 1955. Without much chrome on the sides, his designs were simple, but strong. Exner is credited with creating the illusion of fast, forward movement.
The Chrysler C-300 won on both the road course and the “flying mile” at Daytona in 1955. In 1956, the Chrysler 300B model won both events again. In fact, the Chrysler 300s dominated NASCAR competition in 1955 and 1956, taking the overall championship in both years. A legendary and luxurious performance car was born. The “letter cars” quickly became the most desirable of the Chrysler lineup and became known as the “Beautiful Brutes.”

2012 Mazda CX-5

2011-10-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Mazda CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the new design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’.

The engine line-up for the European specification CX-5 will include Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine, which will be available in Standard Power and High Power versions. Each engine has a record-breaking compression ratio of 14:1 for ideal efficiency.

Mazda’s engineers focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for a compact SUV and targeted CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engined model.

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC

2011-09-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Irmscher has unveiled a customazation program for the Opel Astra GTC. Under the hood, the Irmscher Opel Astra GTC comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged unit to a total output of 220HP and 274 Nm of torque, from the series 180HP and 230 Nm. As the handle of the power, Irmscher offers a 30 mm suspension lowering and a set of 21-inch wheels.

The Irmscher styling package for all Astra GTCs includes a front apron, new upper and lower grilles, side sills, a larger roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser. As for the interior, the Opel Astra GTC gets a finish in fine leather upholstery and aluminum pedals.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2011-09-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion.

Tech overview Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), with specific features for the Camaro. Built on GM’s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement.
The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the “MG9″ version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation and shift smoothness. ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound.
Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers. New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Supercar F2 ties developed specifically for the ZL1.

MUGEN DEVELOPS HONDA CR-Z MUGEN RR DESIGN CONCEPT

2011-09-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

MUGEN of Japan has built a CR-Z MUGEN RR design concept to demonstrate MUGEN’s capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility. The CR-Z MUGEN RR was produced by M-TEC in Japan for show purposes only and there are currently no plans for further production.

The CR-Z MUGEN RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.
Inside the car, the seats are clad in MUGEN-branded colour-coded leather/Alcantara. The addition of a race-developed information screen has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to “learn” a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.
The design concept was unveiled for its world debut at the beginning of July in the Moving Motor Show area at Goodwood Festival of Speed and complements the high-performance CR-Z MUGEN, which was designed and built by MUGEN EURO based in the UK.

2012 Porsche Cayman R

2011-09-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Porsche Cayman R is powered by a tuned-up 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine developing 330 hp (243 kW). In the standard configuration it transmits its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox that propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds. Or there is the option of the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) that reduces its acceleration time to 4.9 seconds. For even more impressive sprinting performance, the Cayman R can be supplied with one of the optional Sport Chrono packages, taking it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds.

The new Porsche Cayman R coupe is capable of a top speed of 282 km/h (175 mph) with manual gearbox, or 280 km/h (174 mph) with PDK. Its NEDC fuel consumption is 9.7 l/100 km (29.12 mpg imp.) with six-speed gearbox and 9.3 l/100 km (30.37 mpg imp.) with PDK. As for the 911 GT3/GT3 RS and Boxster Spyder, an optional lithium-ion lightweight construction battery is also available. In addition, the top model in the mid-engine coupé is equipped with the lightest 19 inch wheels the entire Porsche range can offer.
The extended silhouette of the bodywork, which has been lowered by 20 millimetres (0.79 in) compared to the Cayman S, combined with the distinctive fixed rear spoiler, the high-quality silver-painted wheels and numerous sporting highlights on both the interior and exterior, ensures an individual appearance. The black-framed headlights, black exterior mirrors and the “PORSCHE” lettering on the side – in contrasting black or silver, depending on the body colour – take design cues from classic Porsche racing cars.
The new Porsche Cayman R will go on sale from February 2011. The price in Germany will be EUR 69,830 inclusive of 19 percent VAT and country-specific equipment items.

BMW i8 Concept – emotional, dynamic and efficient

2011-08-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

The BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle’s sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance.

The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable.
Driving dynamics.
Thanks to the two drive systems, all four wheels of the BMW i8 Concept can be driven at the same time, similarly to an all-wheel-drive vehicle. This solution combines the advantages of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to ensure the optimal dynamic drive configuration as required. Depending on traction conditions and driving situation, intelligent dynamic driving systems ensure maximum energy recuperation without compromising dynamics and stability. This allows very high levels of energy recuperation even in the wet or in snow.

Efficient and dynamic – the BMW i8 Concept
The design of the BMW i8 Concept is as special as the car’s overall concept, embodying the perfect synthesis of technology and aesthetic allure. Its sweeping lines and flat silhouette lend the vehicle a strikingly dynamic appearance even when standing still. A large, transparent greenhouse lends the exterior an extraordinary feeling of lightness and highlights the exceptional efficiency of this vehicle concept. Short front and rear overhangs round off the sporting overall impression. Despite its dynamic appearance, the 2+2-seater can accommodate four people, giving it a high degree of everyday practicality.
As with the BMW i3 Concept, layering again serves as the central design element of the interior and exterior. The individual vehicle components are also clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module clearly setting itself apart from the silver-coloured body components around it. This layering approach lends the BMW i8 Concept an extremely technical and cutting-edge appeal.

BMW i3 Concept – dynamic, urban, emission-free.

2011-08-05T09:14:00.001-07:00

The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.

The BMW i3 is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
All-electric – the BMW i3 Concept.
The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment, developing 125 kW/170 hp, with peak torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Typically of an electric motor, maximum torque is developed from standstill, in contrast to an internal combustion engine where torque increases with engine rpm. This makes the BMW i3 Concept highly agile and provides impressive acceleration. The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds.
At the same time the abundant torque is delivered over a very large rpm range, resulting in very smooth power delivery. The single-speed gearbox provides optimal power transmission to the rear wheels and accelerates the BMW i3 Concept to an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph) without loss of power. The electric drive also allows for deceleration by means of the accelerator pedal. After the driver eases up on the accelerator, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electricity which is then fed back into the battery. Energy recuperation generates a braking effect which makes a significant contribution to vehicle deceleration.

A coasting facility makes this unique “single-pedal control” of acceleration and braking using just the accelerator even more user-friendly. When the driver eases off the pedal, the electric motor’s zero torque control keeps the drive train disconnected as long as the pedal is in this position. The vehicle now coasts without consuming power, driven by its own kinetic energy.
Compact and powerful – the electric motor.
The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept not only offers attractive driveability; its innovative nature is particularly evident in the favourable power-to-size ratio. As a result of continuous development and refinement, the space requirements of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept have been reduced by 40 per cent compared with the motor used in the MINI E. This compact drive unit is mounted over the rear axle, together with the power electronics, transmission and differential, and does not intrude into the interior. The power needed to drive the vehicle and to operate all other vehicle functions is supplied by specially developed lithium-ion battery cells. The BMW i3 Concept’s battery system has undergone detailed optimisation which significantly reduces the extent to which external factors can influence the vehicle’s power. Furthermore, an intelligent heating/cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times, which helps to significantly boost the performance and life expectancy of the cells.

The battery can be fully recharged in six hours at a standard power socket. If a high-speed charger is used, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just one hour.
Range extender increases the driving range.
As the MINI E field tests showed, 90 per cent of the mobility requirements of the pilot users could be met with the range of the MINI E. However, some customers want a longer driving range, or want their vehicle to be as flexible as possible. The BMW i3 Concept therefore offers an optional range extender, the REx, which allows the driving range to be increased. REx, a small, very smooth-running and quiet petrol engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level to ensure that the vehicle can continue to run on electric power.

Chrysler 200 S convertible and sedan

2011-08-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.

Now, with the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude. While the traditional Chrysler models make a style and luxury statement, the S models create a different path through the Chrysler brand, taking style in a whole new direction, with a completely different attitude.

“The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be ‘Imported from Detroit,’ but it's definitely at home on Park Avenue.”

Chrysler 200 S Sedan
With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its “sea of sameness.”

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.

Chrysler 200 S Convertible
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.

Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

THE JAGUAR XKR-S SPECIFICATIONS

2011-08-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
PERFORMANCE (MANUFACTURER'S ESTIMATES) 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Acceleration 0-60mph (seconds) 4.2
Top speed (mph) 186
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban (mpg / ltr/100 km) 14.9 (18.9)
Extra Urban (mpg / ltr/100 km) 33.0 (8.6)
Combined (mpg / ltr/100 km) 23.0 (12.3)
Carbon Dioxide emissions (g/km) 292
Tank capacity (gals / ltr approx.) 15.6 (71.0)
ENGINE & TECHNICAL
ENGINE 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Cylinders/valves per cylinder 8/4
Bore/Stroke (mm) 92.5/93
Capacity (cc) 5,000
Maximum Power (PS / kW) 550 (404)
@ rev/min 6,000-6,500
Maximum torque (Nm/ lb.ft.) 680 (501)
@ rev/min 2,500 - 5,500
Compression ratio:1 9.5:1
Transmission 6-speed automatic
WEIGHT
WEIGHT 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Weight (kg) 1,753
Gross vehicle weight (kg) 2,145
DIMENSIONS
Overall height (mm) 1,312
Wheelbase (mm) 2,752
Overall length (mm) 4,794
Overall width inc mirrors (mm) 2,028
Overall width with
mirrors folded in (mm) 1,892
Internal headroom - Front (mm) 950
Internal headroom - Rear (mm) 767
Ground Clearance (mm) 100
Turning circle (m) 10.9
Boot volume with
roof up (litres VDA) 330
Boot volume with
roof down (litres VDA) n/a

MWDesign BMW Z4 White Flame

2011-08-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

MWDesign Project BMW e89 Z4 “White Flame”

Modern minimalist design is an important influence in the tuning aesthetic at MWDesign Technik. Each vehicle is a unique project that can be expressed through layers of texture with materials, color and specific custom parts.

Our E89 “White Flame” project is a follow up to the highly successful black and lime green “Slingshot” project that was featured in many prestigious publications including Performance BMW magazine. We wanted our next project to be totally different while being clean, complex and exciting at the same time.

A long time friend and client of ours liked our golf club inspired concept of the Slingshot Z4 project and requested that we base his brand new 2011 Alpine White/Coral Red Z4 off the unreleased at the time Taylormade R-11 golf club. The white/red/grey theme couldn’t be more perfect for this integration of design elements between the car and club. Without being too explicit, we tried to translate some of the key design cues and coloration off the club into the car. The white, red and grey theme worked perfectly on the car to capture the essence of the highly technical R-11 driver.
The intermittent color blocked pinstripe theme was run from the nose of the vehicle, closely following the bold character lines of E89 Z4. Our friends at Blitzgear carefully laid two silver pinstripes in a near intersecting style, highlighting the two main character bulges on the side of the car. This had to be carefully planned out as pinstripes often go terribly wrong. Some of the key characteristics of the R-11’s pinstripe were translated onto the rear rollbars of the Z4. They were first painted alpine white to match the body with the striping and red triangle pattern applied afterward.
The red/black sport striping continued onto the large 20×9F / 20×10.5R Forgestar F10 wheels with classically styled stepped lips. A neutral painted silver face, carbon fiber center cap and polished outer lip was selected to match the factory silver and chrome kidney grills. Our long time partners at Toyo Tires sponsored the project vehicle with a set of Toyo T1-R in 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R configurations, perfectly balanced to handle the various weather conditions in Vancouver, BC.

To perfect the stance, we used H&R sport springs, which lower the center of gravity and close the wheel gap to perfection. To enhance the modern look of the vehicle, we contacted our good friends at 3D Design in Japan for the front lip spoiler for the project. The polyurethane construction of the pieces makes for an extremely durable bumper with perfect fitment, two qualities that are very rare in the aftermarket world!
For the rear diffuser section, we opted for the factory M-sport 3.5is piece. This was painted in alpine white to match the body with a contrasting grey lower trim. To up the performance and fill the large new diffuser, we fitted a Milltek 2×100mm Catback Exhaust System and powdercoated the entire system matte silver in a ceramic-like finish. To complete the power upgrades, a Dinan Stage II ECU upgrade to 400hp and OEM BMW Performance big brakes are coming on the next phase.

In building this project E89 Z4, we wanted the car to be a “White Flame” as bold as a magnesium fire. Extremely clean looking, eye-catching yet gone out of your sight in a few seconds.

The Audi A7 Sportback will hit the market with four direct-injection V6 engines

2011-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Engine 3 liter V6, Aspiration supercharger, HP 300 hp @ 5250 - 6500 rpm, HP/Liter 100 hp per liter, Torque 325 lb-ft @ 2900 - 4500 rpm

Elegance on a grand scale – the Audi A7 Sportback

Audi is targeting a new vehicle class with the A7 Sportback. The large, elegant five-door model combines the emotional character of a grand coupe, the comfort and prestige of a sedan and the active practicality of a station wagon. With its lightweight body, the powerful and efficient V6 engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems, it sets standards in many fields of technology. The Audi A7 Sportback will roll into dealerships in the fall, with prices starting at €51,650.

At a glance

Design and body
Elegant coupe design with four doors and a large, wide-opening luggage compartment hatch that opens and closes electrically (standard)
4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long; variable luggage compartment with up to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) of capacity
LED headlights optional; bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights standard
Lightweight body, large percentage of aluminum and high-strength steels

Interior and controls
-- Elegant, modern lines, a craftsman’s level of workmanship, elegant colors and materials, novel layered wood inserts
-- Start-stop button standard
-- Front seats optionally with ventilation and massage function
-- MMI radio operating system standard; head-up display available as an option
-- Optional MMI navigation plus system with touchpad and large 8-inch display, Internet services from Google, Audi music interface and Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound
System
-- Optional ambient lighting package with LED technology in the roof module, in the center console ringed with lights and the illuminated door sill trims
-- Advanced safety and assistance systems such as Audi pre sense, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi active lane assist, night vision assistant, speed limit display and park assist system
-- Highly efficient, fuel-saving climate control system

Engines
-- Four V6 engines – two powerful and highly efficient gasoline and TDI units each with power ranging from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp)
-- All engines with thermal management, start-stop system and energy recovery
-- 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic (front-wheel drive) with just 139 g CO2/km (223.70 g/mile

Drivetrain
-- Front-wheel drive with multitronic; quattro all-wheel drive combined with seven-speed S tronic
-- quattro with crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring
-- quattro with sport differential for the active distribution of power at the rear axle available as an option

Chassis
-- Sophisticated chassis construction, aluminum control arms
-- Newly developed, high-efficiency electromechanical power steering
-- Audi drive select assistance system comes standard
-- Optionally available adaptive air suspension with controlled damping
18-inch to 20-inch wheels, powerful brakes

Engines

The Audi A7 Sportback will hit the market with four direct-injection V6 engines: two gasoline units and two diesels. Ranging from 150 to 220 kW (204 to 300 hp), the engines propel the large five-door coupe smoothly and powerfully, with astonishing efficiency. The 3.0 TDI multitronic with front-wheel drive and 150 kW (204 hp) consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 139 g per km (223.70 g/mile). No competitor in this class can boast figures this low. All engines use Audi’s innovative thermal management system, a recuperation system and a start-stop system.

Audi has thoroughly revised the two gasoline engines, the 2.8 FSI and the 3.0 TFSI, with respect to internal friction and thermal management. The engines quickly come up to operating temperature following a cold start. A separate heat exchanger is used to also bring the transmission up to temperature. The 2.8 FSI has an additional efficiency technology on board – the Audi valvelift system varies the stroke of the intake valves as needed. This enables the engine to breathe with significantly reduced throttle losses in many partial-load ranges, boosting torque and reducing fuel consumption.

The 2.8 FSI produces 150 kW (204 hp) and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The torque is available from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Audi pairs this engine with the S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The A7 Sportback 2.8 FSI quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). It consumes just 8.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.40 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 187 grams of CO2/km (300.95 g/mile).

With the top gasoline engine, the 3.0 TFSI, a supercharger compresses the intake air for improved efficiency and performance. The three-liter V6 produces 220 kW (300 hp) between 5,250 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. The supercharged engine, which in Europe is mated to the S tronic and the quattro powertrain, gives the five-door coupe the performance of a sports car.

The standard sprint takes just 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Standard fuel consumption is just 8.2 liters per 100 km (28.68 US mpg), corresponding to 190 grams CO2 per km (305.78 g/mile).
The 3.0 TDI is available in two versions. The more powerful version of the big diesel, which has been completely redesigned, produces 180 kW (245 hp) between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. The S tronic and quattro all-wheel drive are also standard here. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Efficiency is impressive: just 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 158 grams of CO2/km (254.28 g/mile).

The second version of the 3.0 TDI, which will follow somewhat later, does even better in this discipline. It produces 150 kW (204 hp) between 3,750 and 4,500 rpm. With front-wheel drive and the stepless multitronic automatic transmission, it really flaunts its efficiency: 139 grams CO2 per km (223.70 g/mile) and an average fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.38 US mpg) are groundbreaking figures. With the new Efficiency TDI, the front-wheel drive A7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 234 km/h (145.40 mph).

With the 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), the timing of the cam shafts, the turbocharger and the common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar have been designed specifically for low fuel consumption. With front-wheel drive, the V6 diesel produces 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. The power is continuously available between 1,250 and 3,500 rpm. With quattro all-wheel drive, it is 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque that is available between 1,250 and 3,500 rpm.

The Mazda RX-8 Engine 1.3 liter twin-rotor rotary

2011-07-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

The Mazda RX-8 Engine 1.3 liter twin-rotor rotary, Aspiration natural, HP 232 hp, HP/Liter 178.5 hp per liter

The Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.
Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast. Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission to provide car lovers with a vehicle thats fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own, said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations RX-8 vehicle line manager. The 2009 RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest.

To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the 2009 RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. The enhancements made to RX-8s exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement, remarked Nakazawa.
PACKAGING INNOVATIONS ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE RX-8 R3
To cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast, the 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 harkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.

On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
Three other trim levels are also offered including: a Sport trim, a Touring trim (adds HID headlights, fog lamps, auto dimming mirror with Homelink and 6-disc auto changer on top of the Sport trim features and DSC; add 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension and larger front disc brakes to these items for A/T cars, and Bose audio system, moonroof, SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as the package option), and a Grand Touring trim (on top of the Touring trim features, adds automatic air conditioner, Bluetooth

hands-free phone system, Bose audio system auto headlight, rain sensing wiper, power-adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support and memory function, leather seating surfaces heated front seats and heated outside mirrors and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system. A DVD-driven satellite-navigation unit is available as a stand-alone option and uses a single DVD for mapping the entire United States and portions of Canada. Additionally, a moon roof and SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as an package option.)
All Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Also, all models receive a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG KICHERER stainless steel damper sport exhaust system with dynamic pressure regulation

2011-07-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Engine 6.3 liter V8, Aspiration natural, HP 621 hp, HP/Liter 98.6 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 3.5 seconds, Torque 516 lb-ft, Top Speed 199 mph.

PRESS RELEASE KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG - SLS 63 Supersport GT

Super model!

Beautiful women and beautiful cars – a combination that belongs inevitably together. With both breath-taking super models, the KICHERER SLS 63 Supersport GT and a former playmate, the perfect opportunity arose for star photographer Frank Luger to let off steam while photographing. The result can be described as a true masterpiece – a perfect symbiosis of eroticism and technical refinement.

Angry and aggressive!

After the SLR became anything but a brilliant success as super sports car, the designers and technicians of Mercedes Benz were able to create a true masterpiece with the current SLS 63 AMG. And as often as we see the SLS on Germany´s streets in the meantime, the super sports car of AMG seems to sell like hot cakes. Exactly for this reason, specialist KICHERER also upgrades and presents a comprehensive finishing programme. The new show vehicle with the classy name "Supersport GT" is more than just spectacular, particularly thanks to its matt black paint and its vicious shark mouth.
As usual, KICHERER focuses inside and outside on the almost wasteful use of the exclusive carbon fire material. The exterior package for the SLS consists of a hand-made front grill unit with big vertical fins, which let the front of the sports car appear extremely aggressive. Furthermore, a set of carbon fins are available for the mudguard and the cowl. The full foliation of the entire body in matt black is a real eye-catcher.
630 PS & 700 Nm!
Technically, KICHERER equips the SLS significantly as well since the performance increases from 571 to 630 HS thanks to the optimisation of the engine management. At the same time, the maximum torque increases from 650 to 700 Nm, resulting in a significantly improved driving performance. Thus, the SLS Supersport GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of regulated 320 km/h. The exclusive damper sport exhaust system with the dynamic pressure regulation made of stainless steel and the hand-made exhaust pipe blend set presents itself conducive in its performance.

Technical Facts

Type of vehicle: Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG
Engine: about 630 PS (464 kW), 700 Nm torque, KICHERER stainless steel damper sport exhaust system with dynamic pressure regulation, KICHERER Supersport GT exhaust pipe blend set (hand-made)
0-100 km/h: about 3.5 sec.
Vmax: 320 km/h (regulated)
Tyre/tyres: KICHERER RS-1 forged wheel, one part, front in 10Jx20, back in 11,5Jx21
Chassis: KICHERER lift-up adjustable suspension kit, lifting & lowering +/- 30 mm
Body: Carbon front spoiler lip, KICHERER Supersport GT front grill unit (hand-made), carbon fin set (cowl & mudguard), black edition vehicle full foliation
Interior: Carbon package (trim parts, doors, centre console, tray lid, door entrances, entire back of seat shells)

2011Official Honda Brio Roll

2011-07-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

Honda is now Thailand has finally been launched Brio compact car in the city of Bangkok. Using the machine i-VTEC 4-cylinder capacity of 1200 cc, Brio has a power of 90 hp at 6,000 rpm maximum engine speed and torque of 110 nm at 4800 rpm. In addition to environmentally friendly, this car is also claimed to be fuel efficient. From the results of tests have been conducted by Honda, Brio can drink a liter of fuel for a distance of 20 km.

As quoted from burnyourfuel Saturday (03/19/2011) Brio is available in two versions, namely the type of S and V. Both types are also tersedai adalam 5-speed manual transmission, while the type V specifically provided CVT automatic transmission options.
With the long dimension of 3.610mm, 1.680mm width, and height and wheelbase 2.345mm 1.485mm, Brio claimed to have relieved enough cabin space with a large luggage space. But it remains easy to be invited to a narrow parking place.
Brio's a manual transmission priced at 399,900 baht, or approximately USD 115.9 million and an automatic transmission appreciated Brio 469,500 baht, or about USD 136 million.
The Brio V variants, priced at 508,900 baht, or approximately USD 147.9 million. Although the price is cheap, but the factor of security and safety remain unnoticed.
Proven Honda still use the feature braking Antilock Brake System (ABS), dual airbags, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), even the Electronic Power Steering (EPS).

ABT Beetle – in any case a cool Beetle

2011-07-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

Engine 1.4 liter 4-cylinder

Aspiration turbocharged
HP 230-240 hp
HP/Liter 164.3-171.4 hp per liter

ABT Sportsline is currently working flat out on the Kempten version of the new VW Beetle. Plenty of heart and soul is also put into the development of the components, as Hans-Jürgen Abt underlines. After all the General Manager of the world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen group still raves about his first “bug” from Wolfsburg: “We implanted a 90 HP engine from a VW Bus into the Beetle, and gave it a pert bodywork, front spoiler lip and a rear spoiler. The car was real fun to drive, particularly on the windy roads here in Bavaria.”

The new Beetle should also be an agile fun car, so a real Speedle. Like its successful predecessor which was built over 50 years ago, it also has to be completely reliable. A Beetle runs and runs and runs – that was how it was and how it has to be in the future. “With regards to performance improvements we can only look at combining maximum enjoyment with maximum reliability and everyday usability in balanced ABT POWER packages”, explains Hans-Jürgen Abt. As a result the engines of the ABT Beetle are currently undergoing extensive testing, which is why the exact performance data will only be supplied later.
These levels are realistic, based on the experience of the Development Department at ABT: with the 1.2 TSI the series standard 105 HP (77 kW) will be increased to around 140 HP (103 kW), while with the 1.4 TSI (series standard: 160 HP/118 kW) around 210 HP (154 kW) can be expected. “The two-litre turbo VW offers 200 HP or 147 kW, and we expect that the ABT version will provide 230/240 HP”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The diesel versions of the Beetle will be economically-conscious Speedles: the 1.6 litre diesel engine will provide 125 HP (92 kW) instead of 105 HP (77 kW), and the 2.0 TDI will have 170 HP or 125 kW (series standard: 140 HP/103 kW). The ABT Performance Springs will ensure that the cool Beetle is fun to drive not just on windy Bavarian roads.Ty

2012 The Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance

2011-07-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the R8 GT Spyder’s weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). That’s 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms (12.13 lb).

Visual modifications accentuate the styling of the R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb) of weight.
Prodigious power: the drivetrain
The performance offered by the new top-of-the-line model in the R8 family is formidable. The 5.2-liter V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 412 kW (560 hp). Each unit of horsepower has only 2.93 kilograms (6.46 lb) to move. The R8 GT Spyder catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). In every situation, the engine impresses with its thrust and bite – and that unmistakable sound of an Audi ten-cylinder.
The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Kelleners Sport KS1-S

2011-07-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

The BMW 1-Series M Coupé (Type E82), the Kelleners Sport KS1-S high-revving inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers boosts the output of the KS Power SW 35M by a good 20 percent. Instead of the standard 340 hp (250 kW), the Kelleners Sport KS1-S produces max. 410 hp (301 kW) while max torque jumps from 450 to 550 Nm. The result is a decline in weight to power ratio from 4.4 to 3.8 kg per hp. And emphasising all this power are special Kelleners Sport rear silencers. With four 83 mm tail pipes, the stainless-steel system is optimised for unrestricted flow and distinguishes the car from the series model with a significantly more exciting exhaust sound.
The aerodynamic components of Kelleners Sport are designed to minimise wind resistance and ensure maximum down-force at high speeds. The MS front spoiler lip and the three-part MS grill insert made of electro polished stainless steel underscore the aerodynamic qualities of the car and create a supplementary visual impact. Naturally, this does not affect the BMW air curtains, which improve the aerodynamics by channelling the air stream around the front wheels. Visually, the improved agility is accentuated by decorative strips on the bonnet, roof and side sills.

The Kelleners Sport light-alloy wheels also contribute to the sporting characteristics and image. The extremely light, one-piece wheels reduce the unsprung weight and thus ensure dynamic handling. At the front, the 9×20-inch wheels are fitted with 245/30 high-performance tyres while the rear axle comes with 10×20-inch wheels and 265/30 tyres.

With their 15 elegant spokes, the “Hamburg” wheels are available in the following finishes: polished graphite-silver, polished platinum-silver and matt black. The ‘Berlin’ wheel with slender double spokes is available in platinum silver polished, matt black polished and matt black.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT GT 4dr SUV (3.0L V6 AWD 6-speed Automatic)

2011-07-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

MSRP from $27,795
GT 4dr SUV (3.0L V6 AWD 6-speed Automatic)
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is more like a sport-utility than a boring old crossover, and that's a good thing. Agile handling; useful rear tailgate/liftgate design; roomy cargo area; lengthy warranty.

GT
* 3.0L V6 engine
* Automatic transmission
* Up to 19 cty/25 hwy mpg
* All-wheel drive
* Bluetooth
* MP3 Player
* Side/Curtain Airbags
* Stability Control
* Third row seats
* Traction Control
* Navigation System (Optional)
* Satellite radio (Optional)

Mechanical
Engine & Performance
* Base engine size: 3.0 L
* Cam type: Single overhead cam (SOHC)
* Cylinders: V6
* Valves: 24
* Valve timing: Variable
* Torque: 215 ft-lbs. @ 3750 rpm
* Horsepower: 230 hp @ 6250 rpm
* Turning circle: 34.8 ft.
* Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain
* Drive type: all wheel drive
* Mechanical center differential
* Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
* Center limited slip differential
* Transmission hill holder

Safety
Safety & Security
* 4-wheel ABS
* Front and rear head airbags
* Dual front side-mounted airbags
* Child seat anchors
* Remote anti-theft alarm system
* Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
* Rear door child safety locks
* Daytime running lights
* Engine immobilizer
* Front fog/driving lights
* Auto delay off headlamps
* Dusk sensing headlamps
* Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
* 2 front headrests
* 3 rear headrests
* Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
* Rear center 3-point belt
* Front seatbelt pretensioners
* Turn signal mirrors
* Stability control
* Traction control
* Electronic brakeforce distribution
* Front height adjustable headrests
* Rear height adjustable headrests
* Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
* Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
* Self-leveling headlights
* Tire pressure monitoring

Warranty
* Basic: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
* Drivetrain: 10 yr./ 100000 mi.
* Rust: 7 yr./ 60000 mi.